How to Encourage Guests to Leave Messages in Your Audio Guestbook

Planning a special event, whether it’s a wedding, birthday celebration, or family reunion, can be an exciting whirlwind of emotions, details, and anticipation. But as the day unfolds, one thing becomes clear: you want to capture the memories. Photos are wonderful, but there’s something uniquely special about hearing the voices of your loved ones as they share their well-wishes, funny stories, and treasured memories. This is where an audio guestbook, like the one from Phone Memories, comes in.

The idea is simple: instead of signing a traditional guestbook, guests leave voice messages. These heartfelt and candid recordings become a keepsake you can revisit time and time again. But if you want those messages to be truly meaningful, a little encouragement can go a long way. Here’s how you can inspire your guests to leave thoughtful, memorable messages in your audio guestbook.

Make the First Step Easy with a Personal Introduction

The best way to help people feel at ease with leaving a message is to set the tone from the very beginning. Some guests might feel a bit awkward about leaving a message, especially in the middle of a busy, social event. That’s why it’s important to introduce the guestbook in a warm and inviting way.

Consider recording a brief personal welcome message yourself, something that explains why you’ve chosen to have an audio guestbook and how much their messages will mean to you. Something like: “Hi there! Thanks for leaving a message on our audio guestbook. We’d love to hear your memories, wishes, or funny stories. Your voices will be part of this special day for years to come, and we can’t wait to listen back!”

A message like this not only makes guests feel more comfortable but also reinforces the significance of the guestbook. It helps them see that their contribution matters, making them more likely to participate.

Choose a Spot That Feels Inviting

Where you place the audio guestbook can have a big impact on how many people use it. You want to choose a spot where guests can feel comfortable approaching, without it being too intrusive or isolated. If it’s too far from the action, guests might forget about it; if it’s right in the middle of the crowd, some might be hesitant to speak into a microphone.

Consider putting the guestbook near areas where guests tend to linger, such as by the entrance, near the drinks and snacks, or in a quiet corner where they can take a moment to reflect. This is also important as in order to get the best quality voice recordings it’s recommended you leave your Audo guestbook in an area that isn’t too noisy. Adding a small sign or note near the guestbook to encourage participation can also be helpful, such as: “Leave us a message! We’d love to hear your thoughts and memories from today.”

The goal is to make the guestbook feel accessible and welcoming without it feeling like a chore. If you’d like to add a bit of flair, we also offer our acrylic sign as well as our stunning neon sign for a more personalised display to catch guests’ attention and encourage them in a fun, stylish way.

Help Break the Ice with Prompts

Let’s face it, some people won’t always know what to say. While some guests will happily step up to the Audio Guestbook, others might feel uncertain about what to leave in their message. To make it easier for everyone, offering a few prompts can help get the creative juices flowing.

You can display these prompts in a simple way, such as on a card next to the guestbook or on a screen if your setup allows. Here are some ideas: “What’s your favourite memory with [the couple]?” or “What’s one piece of advice you’d give for a happy marriage?” Alternatively, try something more fun like, “What’s the funniest thing you’ve experienced with [the guest of honour]?”

These prompts will help guide your guests and remind them that their message doesn’t have to be formal or polished, just genuine and from the heart. Adding a sense of fun and playfulness for the guests to get involved with.

Make It a Fun, Interactive Experience

An audio guestbook should feel like a lively and enjoyable part of the celebration, not just a box to tick. If guests think it’s a fun and lighthearted activity, they’ll be more likely to engage with it. Consider adding some props or accessories nearby, such as silly hats, glasses, or even a chalkboard where they can jot down a quick note before recording their message.

Encouraging guests to have a bit of fun with the experience can help them feel more relaxed. For example, if you’re hosting a wedding, ask guests to leave a “wedding toast” message or share a funny anecdote about the couple. This makes the experience feel less like an obligation and more like an enjoyable part of the event.

Offer Examples to Inspire Creativity

To get the best messages, sometimes a little inspiration is all that’s needed. You can display a few examples of the kinds of messages you’re hoping to receive. This shows guests what you’re looking for without being too prescriptive. For instance, you might share a message like: “I’ll never forget the time we went on that road trip and got completely lost. It was such an adventure, and I’m so glad you were there!” Or something like: “I’m so happy to see you both together, wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness.”

Providing examples helps guests feel more confident about what to say, giving them ideas while still allowing them to express themselves authentically.

Show Appreciation for Every Message

Once guests have left their messages, don’t forget to thank them. A simple “thank you” message near the guestbook or a personal thank-you to each guest who participates will go a long way. Make sure they know how much you appreciate them taking the time to leave a message. The more guests feel valued, the more likely they’ll want to contribute again later in the evening.

Showing appreciation makes the experience feel more meaningful, and it encourages others who might be on the fence to step up and leave a message as well.

Incorporate the Audio Guestbook Into Your Event’s Story

The more your guests feel connected to the audio guestbook, the more likely they are to leave meaningful messages. Consider sharing with them why you’ve chosen to include the guestbook at your event. Explain how excited you are to hear their voices long after the day has passed, and how these recordings will become a cherished part of your memory.

For example, during your reception, you might say: “We’ve set up an audio guestbook so everyone can leave us a message to listen to for years to come. Whether it’s a funny story, a special memory, or just a well-wish, we’ll treasure your messages forever.”

The more you tie the guestbook into the larger story of your event, the more likely your guests will feel moved to contribute thoughtfully.

Let Your Guests Know Before the Event

To get your guests excited about the audio guestbook, be sure to mention it in advance. Include a note in your invitations, on your event website, or through your social media channels. Something like: “We’ve set up an audio guestbook so you can leave us a special voice message, tell us your favourite memory, offer your well wishes, or just leave a fun message!”

This gives your guests a heads-up and ensures they’re ready to participate when they arrive. By giving them a little time to think about what they want to say, you increase the chances that they’ll engage with the guestbook during the event.

Don’t Forget a “Last Call”

As the event draws to a close, make sure to remind guests that the audio guestbook is still open. A “last call” announcement about 30 minutes before the event ends will give any guests who haven’t yet left a message the chance to do so before the night wraps up.

An audio guestbook is a wonderful way to capture the voices and memories of your special day, creating a keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come. By making the experience fun, easy, and meaningful, while offering a little encouragement and inspiration, you’ll help your guests leave messages that truly reflect the joy, love, and warmth of the occasion. Whether it’s a funny moment, a heartfelt wish, or a sweet memory, each message will become part of your story. And years from now, when you press play, you’ll hear the voices of those who were there with you, bringing all those precious moments right back to life.

Contact Us

If you’re ready to make your event unforgettable, get in touch and book your audio guestbook today! It’s a simple, fun, and unique way to create lasting memories that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to keep up to date. We can’t wait to help you capture the magic of your special day!