Are Wedding Guest Books a "new" Thing?

Maybe it’s a cultural thing that isn’t a tradition in where they came up in. But I’ve always seen guestbooks are weddings and funerals. Always. I do like the newer alternatives, but I still want to have a record of who came and celebrated with me. I’m planning do use a journaling Bible and have guests highlight their favorite verse and sign. It’ll be our family Bible to use for years and years rather than a book that sits on the shelf gathering dust.

Guest books are ancient. Ask your parents and grandparents. What has gone out of style is the guestbook attendant who makes sure everyone signs who comes in, as some people skip signing them altogether. But they have been around for decades (and reused for other events such as housewarmings, baby showers, etc).