A great alternative to the traditional guest book the new trend is to have your guests sign a plate or platter.  They have plates and platters signed to appropriately fit the number of guests you have invited.  While investigating what seems to be a very popular trend I came across several options the most popular uses a ceramic plate or platter that you have guests sign in ceramic marker and you bake right in your own oven to seal the signatures in for time eternal, so that they can withstand the normal use of a plate or platter.   The option I really love is to use a silver or silver plated plate or platter and have your guest sign with a pen that actually allows them to sign thier signatures like an engraving type of pen.  I saw a nice example of the engravelable tray at www.idoengraveables.com they have many options to fit both your home style and budget.  This would be something great to register for.   The DIY bride can try to make thier own ceramic plate and get the markers for the guests and they will be all set.