How to Get Your Wedding Guests to Leave Great Audio Guest Book Messages
An audio guest book is one of the most personal ways to capture memories from your wedding day. Instead of guests simply signing their names in a traditional guest book, they can pick up the phone and leave a message in their own voice.
But how do you encourage your guests to actually use it?
The good news is that a little preparation can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to make sure your wedding guests leave plenty of memorable audio messages.
Put Your Audio Guest Book Somewhere Guests Will See It
Location is one of the most important things.
If your audio guest book is hidden away in a quiet corner, many guests may never realise it's there. Place it somewhere guests naturally walk past, such as near the reception entrance, bar, lounge area or dance floor.
You want it to be visible without getting in the way of your wedding celebrations.
Use a Sign With Simple Instructions
Your guests shouldn't have to wonder what the phone is for.
A small sign can explain exactly what to do:
"Pick up the phone and leave us a message!"
You could also add:
"Tell us a story, give us some marriage advice or just say hello. We can't wait to hear it!"
Keeping the instructions casual makes the experience feel fun rather than formal.
Give Guests Ideas About What to Say
Some people will immediately pick up the phone and start talking. Others might freeze when they're asked to leave a message.
Give them a few prompts.
For example:
- What's your favourite memory of us?
- What's your best marriage advice?
- Tell us something we don't know.
- What should we remember about today?
- What do you wish for us in the future?
- Tell us something funny!
- Leave us a message for our first anniversary.
Prompts can help guests relax and often lead to much more interesting messages.
Don't Make It Too Formal
The best audio guest book messages are often spontaneous.
Your guests don't need to prepare a speech. In fact, some of the funniest and most meaningful recordings happen when people simply pick up the phone and say whatever comes to mind.
Let your guests know there are no rules.
They can be funny, emotional, sentimental or completely ridiculous.
Encourage Your Wedding Party to Go First
If you're worried that guests might be hesitant, ask a few close friends or members of your wedding party to leave messages early in the evening.
Once people see others using the phone, they're much more likely to give it a try themselves.
You may even find that your guest book becomes more popular as the night goes on.
Keep It Available Throughout the Reception
There's no need to rush your guests.
Leave the audio guest book available throughout the wedding reception so people can use it whenever they feel like it.
Some guests may leave a message early in the evening, while others might want to wait until later when the atmosphere is more relaxed.
This also gives you the chance to capture a wider range of messages throughout the night.
Let People Be Themselves
One of the best things about an audio guest book is that it captures your guests exactly as they were on your wedding day.
You might receive a beautiful message from your parents.
Your best friend might tell an embarrassing story.
Your grandparents might offer some heartfelt advice.
Someone else might simply burst into song.
Don't worry about making every message perfect. The imperfections are often what make the recordings so special.
Why Audio Messages Are So Special
A photograph can show you who was there.
A written guest book can tell you what someone wrote.
An audio guest book lets you hear their voice.
Years from now, hearing the laugh of a close friend or the voice of a family member can bring back memories of your wedding day in a way that few other keepsakes can.
That's why an audio guest book isn't just another wedding activity. It's something you'll be able to enjoy long after the decorations have been packed away.
Hiring an Audio Guest Book in Australia
Phone Bliss makes it easy to add an audio guest book to your wedding anywhere in Australia.
Your guest book is delivered directly to you before your event, ready for your guests to use. After your wedding, simply send it back using the prepaid return postage provided.
With a little encouragement and the right setup, your guests can create a collection of messages you'll treasure for years.
Looking for audio guest book hire in Australia? Phone Bliss makes it simple to capture the voices, stories and personalities of the people you love.