What to Say on Your Audio Guest Book
Audio guest books are fast becoming the must-have alternative to traditional written ones. They don’t just capture words—they capture voices, laughter, emotion, and personality, creating a beautiful audio keepsake you’ll treasure for years.
Your recorded greeting sets the tone for the messages your guests leave, so it’s worth getting right. In this guide, we’ll help you create a warm, personal and inviting message, with plenty of creative ideas and helpful tips along the way.
What Is an Audio Guest Book?
An audio guest book is a modern, memorable way to collect messages from your event. Instead of pen and paper, guests pick up a vintage-style phone and leave a voice message after hearing your pre-recorded greeting.
These charming devices are often styled like retro rotary telephones, adding a touch of nostalgia to your event décor. After the event, the recordings are edited and delivered to you as digital files—or even pressed onto vinyl!
What makes them so special? It’s all in the sound of the voices. You’ll hear the joy in people’s laughter, the heartfelt emotion in a grandparent’s voice, and even cheeky giggles from little ones. Years from now, you’ll not only remember what people said—but exactly how they said it.
How Does an Audio Guest Book Work?
It’s super simple:
- You’ll receive your audio guest book before the big day.
- You record a personalised greeting message.
- At the event, guests pick up the phone, hear your greeting, and leave a message after the beep.
- After the event, you’ll receive all the edited recordings as digital files (or on vinyl if you fancy something extra special).
Most devices don’t need phone lines or Wi-Fi, so they’re easy to set up anywhere—whether you’re in a countryside barn or city hotel.
How to Craft the Perfect Audio Guest Book Greeting
Your greeting is the first thing guests will hear—it should sound natural, friendly and clear, with just the right mix of instructions and warmth. Here’s what to include:
What Makes a Great Greeting?
A good audio guest book message includes:
- A warm welcome – Mention your names and what you’re celebrating.
- Clear instructions – Let guests know what to do.
- Encouragement – Reassure them that anything heartfelt, funny or silly is welcome.
- A thank you – Let them know how much you appreciate them being part of the day.
- A little prompt – Help them out with ideas of what to say.
Keep it short and sweet—20 to 30 seconds is perfect. Too long, and guests might tune out before it’s their turn to speak.
7 Audio Guest Book Greeting Examples
Need a bit of inspiration? Try one of these examples, or tweak to match your own vibe:
Weddings
- “Hi, it’s Sarah and James! Thanks so much for being part of our wedding day. After the beep, leave us a message—share a memory, some marriage advice, or just send your love. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!”
- “Hello! You’ve reached Alice and Tom’s wedding guest book. Please leave us a fun or heartfelt message after the tone—maybe your best memory with us, some words of wisdom, or even a song! We love you!”
- “Hi there! If you’re listening to this, you’re clearly someone special. Drop us a message after the tone—tell us your favourite story about us, or your best tip for a long and happy marriage.”
Birthdays & Anniversaries
- “Hey, you’ve reached Emma’s 40th birthday guest book! Thanks for coming to celebrate. Leave me a message—maybe a memory we’ve shared, some advice for the next decade, or just your love and laughter.”
- “Hi! It’s John and Mary. We’re so glad you could be here for our 25th anniversary. After the beep, please leave a message with your well wishes, a funny story, or some advice for the next 25 years!”
Other Occasions
- “Welcome to the Johnson family reunion guest book! Let us know your name, how you’re related, and a favourite family memory. These messages will become part of our family history!”
- “Hi there, and welcome to our new home! Leave your name, a memory, or a wish for us as we start this new chapter. We’re so happy you’re here to celebrate with us.”
Tips for Recording Your Greeting
Tech Tips
- Record somewhere quiet – background noise can ruin the vibe
- Speak clearly and at a relaxed pace
- Stay around 15cm from the mic for clean audio
- Test your message before saving it
Delivery Tips
- Be yourself – people want to hear you, not a script
- Smile as you speak – it actually comes through in your voice
- Keep it short – 20 to 30 seconds is the sweet spot
- Inject some humour – especially if it suits your personality
Not Sure What to Ask Guests to Say?
Some guests may freeze up when the phone beeps, so your greeting should help them out. Here are a few prompts you could include:
- Share your favourite memory with us
- Leave a bit of advice for the future
- Tell a funny or heartwarming story
- Say what our friendship or relationship means to you
- Sing us a tune, read a poem, or be totally silly
- Leave a message for our future selves
Setting Up Your Audio Guest Book
Where to Put It
Choose a quiet but visible spot—away from loud music, but somewhere guests can easily find it. Think:
- Near the entrance or reception desk
- In a quieter corner with comfy lighting
- On a solid table with enough room for guests to gather
Don’t Forget the Signage
Let guests know what to do with a simple sign. You could include:
- A short explanation: “Leave us a message we’ll treasure forever!”
- Instructions: “Pick up the phone, wait for the beep, and speak your heart.”
- Prompts: “Share a memory, sing a song, give advice… anything goes!”
- A reminder to keep messages short and sweet—under 2 minutes is ideal
Many guest book hire companies offer stylish signage as part of their packages.
What to Expect on the Day
Here’s a quick guide to help plan your time:
- Prep time: 15–20 minutes to record your greeting
- Setup time: 5–10 minutes at the venue
- Message length: 30–90 seconds each
- Delivery time: 24 hours after your audio guest book is sent back
Final Thoughts
Your audio guest book greeting sets the stage for a treasure trove of voice messages from your nearest and dearest. With just a bit of thought and personality, you’ll inspire guests to leave you messages full of love, humour, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re tying the knot, blowing out birthday candles, or hosting a big celebration, this is one keepsake you’ll never regret. It’s not just a recording—it’s a time capsule of emotion, frozen in sound.
