written by Renee Tantillo of
Renee Breanne Design + Co.
photography by 5th Photography
“A wonderful guest book alternative is one that is practical, beautiful, and something you can treasure forever.”
While the traditional guest book will never go out of style, this is a notable area to infuse some personality into your big day. Whether you love interior design or are a travel guru, an alternative guest book unique to you and your story can provide so much meaning on your big day! A wonderful guest book alternative is one that is practical, beautiful, and something you can treasure forever. Continue reading for unique guest book ideas that document the presence of those who celebrated your wedding day.
“I’m a big fan of thoughtful details in weddings. Making guests feel special by asking them to personalize a note or leave a special memory in a book in lieu of signing a traditional guest book is something that elevates the guest experience at a wedding. They feel as valued as guests and the couple in return gets a beautiful memento. It’s a meaningful way to infuse personality and create lasting memories that will endure well beyond the wedding day.”
— Steph of 5th Photography
01 / Your Favorite Coffee Table Book
Are you a lover of bird watching, national parks, or interior design? Use your passion as inspiration for a guest book that you will want to leave out on your coffee table. It will serve as a conversation piece when guests visit, or you can curl up with your significant other and flip through the pages together for an intimate night in.
02 / Travel Postcards
Many of my couples list travel as the number one thing they love to do together. Travel connects us and gives us so many experiences to help grow and strengthen that bond. Use your personal collection of postcards, or purchase some with your favorite travel destinations, for guests to sign and stick in a vintage mailbox. You can choose to read them all at once or save for your anniversary! This is another option that you can display in your home by hanging the gorgeous mailbox as part of your interior decor.
03 / Birthday Calendar
Never forget a loved one’s birthday again with this genius guest book alternative. Have your guests sign their names on their birthdays! Find a calendar that suits the aesthetic of your wedding or home. After your wedding day, you can hang this precious keepsake on a wall in your home.
04 / Message in a Bottle
There are so many fun options with a Message in a Bottle guest book alternative! Have your guests share a favorite memory or a date night idea for the newlyweds to open once a month. Or get creative by having multiple bottles with anniversary dates on them to open on each milestone celebration. This is a super simple idea that you can execute yourself; all you need is a pretty glass bottle and small slips of paper!
05 / Your Engagement Journal
Already full of meaningful memories, adding messages from your closest friends and family is the perfect way to complete your Engagement Journal. Plus, your guests can enjoy reading about your personal journey leading up to your wedding day.
About Renee
I spend my days being both a soccer mom and a female entrepreneur. My main goal in all areas of life is to create a warm inviting atmosphere for those around me. Both my roles as a mom and an event planner ground me as well as challenge my strengths.
My journey started nearly 10 years ago when a friend told me that I should join her as a wedding planner for a very successful company. With an education in interior design and a passion for the details, I went for it and never turned back! I quickly fell in love with dreaming up immaculate events, big and small.
Fast forward several years later, my love for design and passion for executing a vision is what started Renee Breanne Design + Co. I firmly believe that a curated event is born from this drive. My ultimate goal is to share that passion with all couples getting married as well as the amazing group of vendors in the event industry.
Renee Breanne Design
reneebreannedesign.com | @reneebreannedesign
5th Photography
5thphotography.com | @5thfineart
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