Who doesn’t love a wedding? If you’re here, you’ve been lucky enough to be invited as a guest to someone’s special day. That means, at some point, you’re likely to find yourself standing in front of the guest book, pen in hand, wondering what to write. Don’t worry — we’ve all been there!

Whether you’re a seasoned wedding attendee or a first-timer, knowing what to write in a wedding guest book can sometimes feel like a daunting task. In this guide, we’re going to break down the art of crafting the perfect wedding guest book message, from heartfelt sentiments to light-hearted jokes. So, if you’re ready to leave your mark and make the happy couple smile every time they flip through their guest book, let’s dive in and discover how to write a message that will be cherished for years to come!

What is a wedding guest book message?

A wedding guest book message is a special, funny, or heartfelt message written by wedding guests in a guest book. There’s no blueprint for wedding guest book messages, so feel free to express your genuine thoughts and emotions.

Whether you choose to share a favourite memory, offer words of wisdom, or simply convey your congratulations, your message will serve as a treasured keepsake for the newlyweds.

What to write in a wedding guest book

If you’re struggling with what to write in a wedding guest book, keep reading! We’ve included some example messages and top tips for nailing the tone.

What to write for a funny wedding guest book message

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Injecting a touch of humour into your wedding guest book message is always appreciated, especially if the couple shares your fun-loving spirit.

Try using the following examples as inspiration for your message:

Cheers to a lifetime of binge-watching Netflix together! May your marriage be as strong as your Wi-Fi.
Congrats on finding your lobster! Hoping your marriage will be as heartwarming as Ross and Rachel’s, but with fewer ‘breaks’ and more ‘I got off the planes.’
Congratulations on tying the knot! Remember, there’s no problem that can’t be solved by a good cup of tea. Here’s to strong, milky, and no sugar forever.

Top tips

There’s a line between funny and offensive. Keep the jokes light-hearted and clean. After all, the newlyweds’ families or colleagues may flick through the book during the evening!
Balance humour and sincerity. While the goal is to make the couple laugh, don’t forget also to convey your genuine congratulations and well-wishes. Follow up any jokes with a sincere message to ensure your message is warm and well received.
Keep it short. No one wants your rendition of War and Peace in their guest book. Keep it short, and keep it sweet.

What to write in a wedding guest book from parents

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A guest book message from parents should be sweet and sincere, reflecting the love and pride you feel towards your baby on their special day.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, try using the following messages:

Our hearts are overflowing with pride on your special day. Seeing the love you share fills us with immense happiness. May your journey together be blessed with endless love, laughter, and beautiful memories.
What a day! Seeing you two up there, so in love, it just warms our hearts. We’re over the moon to welcome [spouse’s name] into our family. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few family game nights.
We’re bursting with pride and joy watching you two tie the knot. Your love is contagious, and we’re thrilled to be a part of your journey. Wishing you endless adventures, cosy nights in, and all the happiness in the world.

Top tips

Share the love. Even if you aren’t a lovey-dovey family, a wedding is the time to tell your child just how proud you are of them for making this commitment.
Be supportive. Let your child know you’re always there for them, no matter what. Offer words of encouragement and reassurance as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Offer your advice. Offer some words of wisdom to your child that you believe will be valuable for their married life together. Whether about communication, compromise, or navigating challenges, sharing your insights can be incredibly meaningful for your child and their partner.

Heartfelt and classic guest book messages

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Whether you’re a friend, colleague, or distant family member, you can’t go wrong with a heartfelt congratulations message.

Try using the following examples for a classic wedding guest book message:

Today marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure the two of you will share. May it be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. A huge congratulations, once again.
You did it! What an incredible day. Thank you so much for asking us to be a part of it.
We couldn’t be prouder of you both for taking this next step in life. Here’s to late-night pizza runs, spontaneous road trips, and a lifetime of true love.

Top tips

Personalise your message. Try including a specific detail or memory from the time you’ve known the happy couple. Bonus points if the memory relates to both of them!
Keep it timeless. Consider avoiding any jokes or references to current affairs. It’s unlikely anyone will remember what was in the news today in 10 years.
Write from the heart. Ultimately, the most important tip is to write from the heart. Let your genuine love and affection for the couple guide your words, and your message will surely be appreciated and cherished.

Words of wisdom or marriage advice

Sharing your words of wisdom or pearls of advice is a great way to show support to the newlyweds as they embark on this new adventure together. Here are some phrases or ideas to consider:

Always remember the love that brought you together today. Through thick and thin, may your bond grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations again on your beautiful day.
Congratulations on tying the knot. Remember — never stop prioritising your relationship. Life can get busy and hectic, but it’s important to make time for each other.
Marriage is about finding balance and making decisions together as a couple. Listen to each other, and remember that you’re a team. It’s you vs. the problem, not you vs. them.

Top tips

Share from your own experiences. You don’t have to be an expert on love or marriage to give valuable advice. Draw from your own experiences in relationships, whether it’s lessons learned from your own dating history, observations of successful couples around you, or insights gained from challenges you’ve faced.
Keep it positive. While it’s important to offer practical advice, focus on delivering your message in a positive way. No one wants to hear about the negative side of marriage on their big day! Emphasise the strength of love, the need to overcome challenges together, and the joy that comes from building a life with someone.
Be encouraging. Offer words of encouragement and support to the newlyweds as they embark on this exciting journey together. Let them know that you believe in their love and their ability to overcome any obstacles that may come their way.

Creative wedding guest book messages

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Creative wedding guest book messages are a great way to add a special touch to your guest book entry and make it stand out. Draw on inspiration from the couple’s favourite films, song lyrics, or shared hobbies.

Here are some ideas to help spark your creativity:

Wishing you a ‘hakuna matata’ kind of love — no worries, just bliss! Congrats!
Congratulations on taking centre stage in the great production of love. Time for your grand finale — the reception! Break a leg, lovebirds!
May your marriage be filled with passion, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Congratulations on becoming a real-life Noah and Allie!

Top tips

Don’t over-egg the pudding. While it’s important to ensure the couple understands your reference, there’s no need to go over the top. Subtle references are often more effective and appreciated.
Don’t overthink it. Try not to get so caught up in trying to be creative that you forget to write a message at all. Trust your instincts and write from the heart.
Have fun with it. Enjoy the process of writing your creative guest book message! Put on your thinking cap and have fun crafting a heartfelt and memorable message for the newlyweds.

Quotes or poems about love

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If you’re stuck for words, using a short quote or poem is a great way to convey your well-wishes to the newlyweds. The best love quotes or love poems to use are the ones that are meaningful to you or the couple. However, if the poem you like is too long or you’re struggling to come up with something on the spot, try using one of our favourite quotes:

“Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou
“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it, but you can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks

Top tips

Prepare your quote ahead of time. If you know you want to use a quote in a wedding guest book, it’s a good idea to prepare it ahead of time. Save it in a note on your phone or keep it on a scrap of paper in your pocket so you can reference it during the reception.
Be mindful of the space. Consider the size of the space available in the guest book when picking your quote or poem. Opt for shorter quotes or select a few of the most meaningful lines to ensure they fit neatly in the guest book.
Consider the theme of the wedding. If the couple is having a themed wedding, consider matching your quote to that theme. For example, an Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding could mean you use a quote from the film or classic books.

The bottom line on wedding guest book messages

Coming up with a unique and creative wedding guest book message can be tricky. However, with a little thought and a dash of inspiration, you can craft a message that perfectly captures the spirit of the occasion, your appreciation for being invited, and your congratulations. Plus, it’s your opportunity to give the happy couple some friendly advice as they start on this incredible journey.

Remember to personalise your message, draw from your own experiences, and above all, let your sincerity shine through. If you’re really struggling with what to write, you can always fall back on a handy quote or poem. Keep that in your back pocket (literally!) for when inspiration escapes you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you write in a wedding guest book?

So long as your message is sincere and heartfelt, you can write whatever you’d like in a wedding guest book. Try writing a message of congratulations, a piece of heartfelt advice, a special quote, or even a short poem if you’re lost for words.

What do you write on the first page of a guest book?

The first page of a wedding guest book should be filled in by the newlyweds. It should include a welcome message for all guests in attendance, a brief explanation of the purpose of the guest book, and guidelines for messages (if any).