60+ Ways to Add Literary Charm to Your Wedding
Bookworm brides, you'll want to see this! We're not ashamed to admit we have a nerdy side, and we think book- and library-inspired details would make any engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding that much more of a page-turner. So if you're a bookworm like us, dive into these ideas for adding literary charm to your big-day celebrations.
Chapter by Chapter
Have each table be a different chapter with a decorative index showing the seat assignments.
Soft Focus
A blend of cotton and book pages make for a dreamy and unusual bouquet alternative.
Romantic Reading
Add flowers and candles to a book centerpiece for a romantic setting.
Plan of Attack
Use a Penguin book style for your ceremony programs.
Archway
Books make for an unexpected archway for either the ceremony or reception.
Cutting Corners
Enlist an artist's help to carve out letters from old books.
Framed
Use old books as creative frames for pics of you and your love or of couples in the two families.
Bookmarked
Use faux book covers as table numbers named after famous authors.
Guest Book
Use library cards for guests to write notes.
Filed
Use vintage library filing cards for your guests' seating assignments.
Take a Break
Give your guests something to read during the downtime between the ceremony and the reception.
Well-Read
Use Penguin books to inspire booklets for your guests with details about the couple.
Grand Entrance
Have the party in an actual library to really wow your friends and family.
Check Out
Use vintage library card files to hold cards from guests.
Set the Scene
Use vintage crates to hold piles of books as decor for a backyard soiree.
A Rose Is a Rose
Incorporate paper flowers made from book pages in the floral centerpieces.
Retro Reads
Hardcover books with retro lettering make for perfect table signs for a 1920s-themed wedding.
Pick a Card
Purchase vintage library cards from Etsy or eBay for seating assignments.
Page by Number
Stack pretty books as easy centerpieces with the table numbers on top.
Sweet Topper
Make fans out of book pages to decorate your dessert table.
Favorite Reads
Use you and your man's favorite books for personalized table decor.
Sweet Detail
Use book pages for paper roses to decorate your cake.
Cone-y
Book pages make fun cones to hold candy or other goodies at the party.
Flowering Words
Have someone crafty make a paper-flower bouquet for the bride-to-be.
Dewey Details
A vintage library card filing cabinet is the perfect party decoration.
Stacked
Books as centerpieces do double duty — they're pretty and your guests can always read if there's downtime in between the ceremony and the reception.
Shelved
If the party is small, have it in a bookstore for a sweet book-filled setting.
Skip to My Loo
Don't forget about the bathrooms at your wedding — add some minimal decor with some personalized books.
Take a Bow
Use a cluster of books tied with a ribbon for centerpiece decor.
Need a Lift
Stack books on your dessert table to give your sweet treats some height.
Hand Picked
Collect used books at a flea market or swap meet for a cheap and personalized favor idea. Give books hand-picked for each guest.
It's a Sign
Paint a phrase or you and your fiancé's names on hanging used books for a sign that makes a statement.
On a Roll
Wrap book pages around the napkins with the names of the guests.
Spined Seating
Write the names of your guests on book spines for clever and decorative seating assignments.
Paint by Number
Have pretty book illustrations up as reception decor.
Page Turner
Scattered book pages make a gorgeous cascading table runner.
Color Coded
Group vintage books by color for a fun twist.
Get Crafty
Book pages can be crafted into all sorts of garlands and decor.
Lawbreakers
Take a cue from these lawyer lovebirds who decorated the reception with law school textbooks and incorporate books from your own romantic past into your big day.
Go Green
These DIY succulent vases are made from old books!
Stamp of Approval
Use a cute book icon on your good like these book-stamped coasters.
Have a Heart
Use book pages to create pretty hearts for centerpieces that show the love.
Type It Up
A vintage typewriter makes great decor, but it also can be used as a guestbook.
Piece of Cake
Use a book display to show what flavor the cupcakes are.
Page by Page
Use actual book pages to print your invitations on.
By Candlelight
Get in touch with your crafty side by decoupaging book pages onto candles.
Wedding's Afoot
Use the books for visual interest when taking the standard bridal shoe pics.
Show Off the Dress
Use books as a backdrop for your gorgeous white dress.
The Sweet Kiss
Spice up your engagement photo shoot with props like books.
Showing the Rings
Place the rings on books to make them stand out in photos.
The Ring Within Pages
Placing the ring in the spine of the book leads to some gorgeous photos.
By the Books
Books make a great backdrop for a photo shoot.
Book Backdrop
Choose some books with brightly colored spines to create a colorful backdrop as a contrast to the white dress.
Library Reception
Libraries can make for a great venue for a wedding reception.
Book Love
Book art is very common; you can fold each page of a book a certain way to create 3D shapes.
Book of Love
Why have basic invitations when you can send your friends a book-themed wedding invitation?
Romantic Library Shot
Libraries can also be a cool location for a wedding photo shoot.
Quirky Charm
While books may not be considered typical wedding decor, they can add a quirky charm to the atmosphere.
Childhood Favorites
Seamlessly integrate your favorite childhood novels like Harry Potter into your wedding.
The Accessories Shot
Highlight your ring and boutonnière by placing them on a book that is resting on a piece of cloth. All the layers add to the gorgeous aesthetic of the photo.
The Veil
Hang your veil by a bookshelf.