One of the biggest misconceptions of a classic wedding is that everything has to be traditional. That’s not the case! It’s true that the details you select should convey a similar tone and feel of your overall theme, but you’re never stuck to old-fashioned ideas when it comes to classic styling.

For instance, a traditional guest book is a popular choice for this theme. However, a guest book alternative such as a date jar guest book is another fun way to get your guests to interact and leave their favorite date ideas (here are 50 Fun Date Ideas to get you started!) Today we’re showing you what you need to make this unique guest book alternative and we’ll answer the following: what a date jar is, how it works, and how easy it is to flawlessly set yours up. Enjoy!

Guest Book with Date Ideas

First, what is a date jar guest book?

What Is It?

A date jar guest book is a unique guest book alternative where guests write down date night ideas for the newlyweds. Since taking your new spouse on dates shouldn’t go out the window after getting married, fun and creative date ideas are always a great way to keep the romance alive.

How Does It Work?

Guests write down a favorite date idea (place to go, thing to do, hot spot to check out in town) and then sign their name along with it, so you know who wrote it. They then put their date idea into the vessel you’ve selected (typically a jar).

What Do You Need to Set It Up?

For a date jar guest book, you’ll need the following:

1. A vessel to hold the date ideas

– a jar

This is called a date jar, but mason jars are not the only way to store the date ideas. In fact, a mason jar is best suited for a rustic wedding. If you’re choosing a jar, make sure it’s large enough (like this huge jar we spotted).

Other options include:

– a large hurricane or glass vase
– a wooden box
– a drop box, like this:

– a glass cookie jar with lid (bonus: you can use it again after the wedding!)

2. An object for guests to write their date ideas and name on

Some options include:

– wood hearts, like these

Wood hearts are especially perfect in a drop box with your engagement photo:

– wood popsicle sticks (this size which makes it easy to write on)

– paper guest book cards, like these:

– simple paper tags like these work well, too

PRO TIP: For the object you select, make sure it’s large enough for guests to write their date idea and their name, but small enough for all of them to fit inside the vessel you select.

– markers

You’ll also definitely want a pack of these markers. They have an ultra fine-point tip, they are permanent, and they won’t smudge (they dry instantly). I swear by them for all of my projects!

3. A sign

A sign will instruct guests what to do. Plus, a sign will make your guest book area stand out, which means more people will stop by to sign it.

Here is a date jar sign perfect for a traditional / classic wedding:

This is a great option for a rustic wedding:

After the wedding…

Place your date jar in your home and grab one at random when you need a fun new idea for a date night.

What do you think of the Date Jar Guest Book?

Tell us in the comments section below. Also, I’m sure we missed a few tips — add yours if you have any! Questions welcome, too. :)

Happy Planning!

xo
-E.