Top 5 Ways to Encourage Your Guests to Leave Memorable Audio Messages
Photo by Sophie Nielson
You’ve booked the phone (yay!), set it up in the most Instagrammable little corner of your venue, and recorded the perfect greeting. You’re officially winning at the audio guest book game.
But now you’ve got one little problem…
What if no one actually leaves a message?!
Fear not. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday bash, or a beautifully bonkers baby shower, we’re here to help you make sure your audio guest book gets the love (and hilarious voice notes) it deserves.
Here are our top 5 tried-and-tested ways to get even the shyest guests to pick up the receiver and leave you something magical, memorable, and worth replaying every anniversary.
1. Set the Scene – Visually & Emotionally
First impressions matter, right? If you want people to stop, pick up the phone, and speak their truth, it’s got to look like a moment worth having.
So dress that phone up! I’m talking:
A cute side table or colourful plinth
Some poppin floral arrangements
A clear sign that says what it is (and what you want them to do)
Pro tip: Use playful language on your sign like:
“Don’t just sign it – say it!”
“Pick up the phone and leave a love note”
“Leave us a memory, tell us a joke, sing us a song, or pray for us… it’s up to you!”
And make sure your phone is somewhere guests will see it – not shoved in a dark hallway or next to the coat rack. Centre stage, please!
2. Use Prompt Cards
You know that thing where someone asks, “Say something!” and your brain just… stops? Yep. That’s what happens to guests when they pick up the receiver without a clue.
So help them out with prompt cards. These are little cue cards or signs placed nearby with fun ideas to get them talking.
They’re super easy to DIY or you can print them to match your event stationery. Pop a few on the table next to the phone and let the magic happen.
3. Pick Your Moment (Timing Is Everything)
Spoiler alert: People don’t leave messages during the canapés. You’ll get way more engagement if you plan your audio guest book time strategically. Here are the golden moments:
Post-ceremony: Everyone’s buzzing and full of emotion.
During cocktail hour: Drinks flowing, people mingling – it’s golden.
Right after speeches: Everyone’s nostalgic and warmed up.
Later in the night: Slightly tipsy confessions, heartfelt chaos.
Bonus tip: Ask your MC or DJ to give it a shoutout. Even better, assign a “Phone Hype Friend” – someone who nudges people toward the phone when it’s quiet. Trust me, every event has one.
4. Make It Fun + Accessible for Everyone
The best way to get messages you actually want to hear? Make the experience fun and easy.
Choose a phone that invites interaction – Big Mouth, Acid Smiley, Cheese Burger? Yes, please.
Make sure there’s enough space for groups to leave messages together (those are often the funniest!)
Have someone demo it early in the night – once one person does it, others will follow.
And don’t forget your older guests! A retro phone is super intuitive for them – far easier than an app or tablet. Let them know it’s there, and you’ll often get the most adorable recordings.
5. Add a Personal Touch to Show It Matters
People are more likely to leave a message when they feel like it really means something.
So add a little sign, note, or chalkboard message from you and your partner (or the birthday girl/boy, or parents-to-be) that says something like:
“These messages mean the world to us. We can’t wait to listen back and relive the day through your voices – so please don’t be shy!”
You can also say something sweet in your recorded greeting (check out our full blog on that here!) to help nudge guests out of their shells.
The more personal it feels, the more people will want to contribute.
Bonus: Turn it Into a Game
Want to crank up the engagement? Add a playful twist:
“Best message of the night gets a prize!”
“Wildcard prompt: Tell us a secret – we won’t tell!”
Anything that adds a sense of fun or challenge gets people involved. Especially the competitive ones. You know who you are.
Because let’s be real – you’re not here for a boring old “Congrats, love ya” scrawl in a dusty guest book. You wanna hear your best mate belting out your first dance song, or your gran giggling through a story, even your drunk uncle leaving deeply unqualified life advice at 11:49pm.
And that? That’s the good stuff.
So dress it up, prompt them right, and time it well – and your audio guest book will be one of the most treasured parts of your celebration.
Ready to book your audio guest book? Get your dream phone, your custom greeting, and all the voice note magic you can handle.