20 Creative Ways to Use Books as Bookish Wedding Decor for Your Big Day

Since I’m not on socials, no one probably knows about this, but I attended the most gorgeous wedding ever last week. 

It was literally the most beautiful thing— nd that’s not just because one of my closest friends was the bride (even though she was absolutely stunning).

Now, I’ve talked about this before – especially in my other post about how to make bridal flowers – but most of my friends are book lovers, just like me. 

And all of us have sort of made this silent promise to include as much bookish decor as possible in our wedding decorations. And honestly? So far, so good. 

This particular wedding I attended is the latest example of that promise in action, and it was just as gorgeous as I knew it would be while we were making all the arrangements.

If you love books and have been thinking about how to incorporate some bookish touches into your wedding decor, you definitely need to check out this post.

I was completely in heaven just being surrounded by so many little details that reflected reading, stories, and the love of books, and being with other people who could appreciate that bookish decor too.

1. Book Stack Centerpieces

One of the first things that caught my eye at my friend’s wedding was the table centerpieces. 

Instead of the typical flower vases alone, she added small stacks of vintage books right under the floral arrangements. It was charming without being too much.

What made it special, though, was that every table had a unique theme:

1. On some tables, the books were classic love stories like Pride and Prejudice.

2. Others had her favorite fantasy books.

3. One table even featured her childhood favorites.

How to Do This:

1. Step 1: Choose books that mean something to you. It can be books you both love as a couple or books from your childhood.

2. Step 2: Stack 2 to 4 books per centerpiece to avoid cluttering the table.

3. Step 3: Top the stack with a small floral arrangement, a candle, or even a framed quote.

Item List:

1. Hardcover books (mix of vintage and new)

2. Small flower vases

3. Candles or tea lights

4. Framed quotes (optional)

My friend actually spray-painted the edges of some of the books with soft gold to match her wedding palette. It looked stunning and tied everything together.

2. Custom Book Page Table Runners

Now, this one felt like a little secret detail that you might miss unless you look closely, but once you notice it, you’re enchanted.

She created table runners using pages from old books. 

Before you panic, no beloved books were harmed – she sourced damaged books from thrift stores and gently removed the pages.

How to Create Book Page Table Runners:

1. Step 1: Collect pages from damaged books. Mix different fonts and sizes for texture.

2. Step 2: Glue the pages edge to edge using a glue stick or double-sided tape to create a continuous strip.

3. Step 3: Use clear adhesive spray over the top for durability.

4. Step 4: Lay the runner directly down the center of each table.

Item List:

1. Book pages (from thrifted, damaged books)

2. Glue stick or double-sided tape

3. Clear adhesive spray

It gave the tables a soft, vintage charm without being too literal. And, guests kept commenting on the quotes they found mid-conversation.

If you don’t want to make long runners, try shorter placemat-sized ones under each centerpiece instead.

3. Bookshelf Wedding Backdrop

At the reception, my friend had set up a cozy photo corner framed by bookshelves. The idea was simple but made a big statement.

How to Set Up a Bookshelf Backdrop:

1. Step 1: Rent or borrow simple wooden bookshelves.

2. Step 2: Fill them with books that reflect your personality as a couple. Use hardcovers for a tidier look.

3. Step 3: Add small framed photos, candles, and faux flowers between the books.

4. Step 4: Place the shelves behind a loveseat or a chair for a photo corner.

Item List:

1. Sturdy wooden bookshelves

2. Books (color-coordinate if desired)

3. Faux flowers or greenery

4. Small framed photos

5. Candles or fairy lights

I spent so much time in this photo corner.

It was cozy and felt like you’d stepped into someone’s personal library. People loved taking selfies here.

You can personalize each shelf – for instance, one for her favorite books, one for his favorites, and another for books we’ve read together.

4. Book-Inspired Signage

Instead of standard wedding signs, my friend used book pages as sign backgrounds. For instance:

1. The Welcome to Our Wedding sign was printed over pages from her favorite romance novel.

2. The bar menu was displayed on a giant page printout.

This small detail added so much character.

How You Can Create Book-Themed Signs:

1. Step 1: Scan pages from an old book (ensure the text isn’t too distracting)

2. Step 2: Use a design tool (like Canva) to overlay your message onto the scanned page background.

3. Step 3: Print on large poster paper or canvas.

Item List:

1. Scanned book pages (digitized)

2. Design tool (Canva, Adobe Spark)

3. Poster-size prints or canvas prints

4. Easels to display signs

My friend even created a Love Story Timeline with key dates in her relationship, displayed across pages from Jane Eyre. It felt intimate and meaningful.

5. Mini Book Wedding Favors

This was probably the sweetest thing of all: each guest got a mini book as their wedding favor. 

Some were miniature versions of classics, while others were little notebooks designed to look like vintage books.

How to Offer Mini Book Favors:

1. Option 1: Order miniature versions of classics (they’re often available as keychains or small collectibles).

2. Option 2: Give guests small notebooks with covers that look like books – practical but still thematic.

3. Option 3: For a DIY route, create tiny books with favorite quotes inside, tied with a ribbon.

Item List:

1. Miniature book keychains OR small notebooks

2. Tags with guest names (optional)

3. Ribbon or twine for tying

Everyone felt like they were taking home a piece of the day. The favors doubled as cute keepsakes and place cards since the tags had each guest’s name.

You can set the favors on each plate or create a favor station where guests can pick their favorite.

6. Library Card Escort Cards

This is probably the most genius idea I’ve seen and one I need to steal if I ever help plan another wedding.

Instead of standard escort cards (the ones telling guests where to sit), my friend used vintage-style library cards.

How It Worked:

1. Each guest’s name was typed at the top.

2. The table number was listed where the due date would usually be.

3. All cards were displayed in a wooden card catalog drawer near the reception entrance.

Steps to Create Library Card Escort Cards:

1. Step 1: Order blank library cards (or print your own using a template).

2. Step 2: Type or write each guest’s name and table number.

3. Step 3: Arrange the cards alphabetically in small wooden boxes or drawers.

Item List:

1. Blank library cards (or printable templates)

2. Vintage card catalog drawer (or small wooden box)

3. Calligraphy pen or printer

This was super interactive – guests enjoyed flipping through the cards to find their names, just like searching for a book. 

And, it fit the theme without screaming book decor.

You could add a quote or short thank-you note on each card for a personal touch.

What I learned from my friend’s wedding is that books don’t have to be shoved into every corner to create a literary feel. 

Instead, select meaningful touches and tie them to your story as a couple.

I hope sharing what I saw at my friend’s wedding inspires you to bring your favorite stories into your big day.

If you try any of these ideas, let me know.

And remember: whether it’s a small book stack or a whole bookshelf backdrop, your wedding can be as bookish as you dream.