What to Include in a Wedding Card Book: A Buying Guide for Custom Guest Books

Quick answer

A wedding card book should include every card you receive—from engagement parties to the big day—plus a few meaningful extras like photos and notes. Prioritize cards with personal messages, and choose a size that fits your collection comfortably. Plum Print's Card Book Gift Box makes it easy to collect and digitize cards, and the Baby Card Book offers a similar format for other milestones.

Wedding cards are more than just well-wishes—they're keepsakes that capture the love and support of your family and friends. A wedding card book turns those cards into a beautiful, bound collection you can revisit for years. But what should you actually include, and how do you choose the right custom guest book for your needs?

This buying guide walks you through the decision rules, from what to keep and what to skip to sizing and material choices. You'll also learn how Plum Print's card book options can simplify the process, whether you're collecting cards from a wedding shower or the ceremony itself.

What to Include in a Wedding Card Book

Start with the cards that carry personal messages. Handwritten notes from guests, relatives, and friends are the heart of a wedding card book. Include every card that has a signature, a personal anecdote, or a heartfelt wish. Cards that are blank or contain only a pre-printed sentiment may be less meaningful, but you can still include them if they hold sentimental value.

Beyond the cards themselves, consider adding a few supporting items: a copy of your wedding invitation, a photo of you and your partner, or a thank-you note you sent after the event. These extras provide context and make the book feel more complete. If you received cards from multiple events—engagement party, bridal shower, wedding—group them in chronological order or by event type to tell a clear story.

• Include cards with personal messages, signatures, or unique artwork.
• Add a wedding invitation or a favorite photo to set the scene.
• Group cards by event or date to create a natural narrative.

What to Skip and Why

Not every piece of paper needs to go in your wedding card book. Skip duplicate cards that are identical, envelopes with no message, and cards that are damaged beyond repair. If a card is torn or stained, it may not digitize well, and including it could distract from the overall look of the book.

You should also skip cards that are too large or oddly shaped, unless you're willing to have them folded or trimmed. Plum Print's digitizing process handles standard card sizes well, but oversized or three-dimensional cards may not fit neatly in a bound book. If you have a few special oversized cards, consider displaying them separately and keeping only the standard-size ones in your book.

• Leave out blank envelopes and cards with no personal touch.
• Skip damaged cards that won't digitize cleanly.
• Consider excluding oversized cards that would require folding or trimming.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Wedding Card Book

The size of your wedding card book should match the number of cards you have. A standard card is about 4 by 6 inches, so a book that opens flat at 8 by 6 inches can display one card per page, while a larger book can show two cards side by side. If you have fewer than 20 cards, a compact book works well; for larger collections, a bigger format prevents the book from feeling cramped.

Think about how you'll use the book. If you plan to display it on a coffee table, a larger size makes a statement. If you want to tuck it on a bookshelf, a smaller size is more practical. Plum Print's card books are priced per card, which means the size of your book naturally adjusts to your collection—you only pay for what you include.

• Count your cards before choosing a book size.
• For fewer than 20 cards, a compact book is ideal.
• For 20+ cards, a larger format displays them more comfortably.

Decision Rules for Your Wedding Card Book

• Include: Cards with personal messages, signatures, or unique designs. Also include your wedding invitation and a favorite photo to add context. If a card makes you smile or tear up, keep it.
• Skip: Blank envelopes, duplicate cards with no personal touch, and damaged cards that won't digitize well. Quality over quantity—your book should feel curated, not cluttered.
• Size: Match the book size to your card count. For under 20 cards, a compact book works; for larger collections, choose a bigger format. Let your collection dictate the size, not the other way around.

Plum Print Products That Help You Build a Wedding Card Book

• Card Book Gift Box: Card Book Gift Boxes have everything you need to get started. Recipients fill the box with their holiday cards, wedding cards, baby shower cards—you name it! Plum Print professionally digitizes the materials and designs a book for their approval. This is the easiest way to collect cards from multiple guests or events. You can send the box to a family member or friend who is holding onto cards, and Plum Print handles the rest.
• Baby Card Book: Reminisce on the excitement welcoming a new baby with a high-quality keepsake book! Each book is priced per card. A bonus: your deposit is credited back on your final invoice. A gift option sends a collection box to any recipient for $199, which covers the first 20 cards of their book. While designed for baby cards, this product shows Plum Print's flexible card book format. The per-card pricing and gift option are useful if you're creating a wedding card book for a couple who lives far away.

Who Should Choose a Wedding Card Book

Best for

• Couples who want a tangible keepsake of every well-wish and message from their wedding.
• Those who prefer a professional, bound book over a loose box of cards.

Not for

• Couples who want to display cards individually in frames or shadow boxes.
• Those who have very few cards (under 10) and prefer a simple photo album.

A wedding card book is a meaningful way to preserve the love and good wishes from your special day. Focus on including cards with personal messages, skip the clutter, and choose a size that fits your collection. With Plum Print's card book options, you can turn a pile of cards into a beautiful keepsake you'll treasure for years.