The 20 seconds that set the tone
When a guest picks up, the first thing they hear is you. Your voice, your thank you, the way you invite them to speak. A slightly shy message, and they hesitate. A warm one, and they go for it without thinking.
The good news is that there is nothing complicated about it. You don’t need a perfect script: a few ingredients are enough.
What a good welcome message includes
- Who is speaking: your first names, so the guest knows straight away they are talking to you.
- A thank you: for being there, for travelling, for sharing the day with you.
- An idea of what to say: a wish, a memory, a piece of advice, a joke… It avoids the famous “erm…”.
- The instruction: speak after the beep, then hang up.
Aim for 20 to 30 seconds. Any longer and your guests will be tapping their feet waiting for the beep.
1. Keep your tone simple and welcoming
No need for a perfect speech! Imagine you are talking to your friends. A warm, spontaneous tone makes people want to pick up the receiver straight away.
Example:
“Thank you for being here today! Leave us a little note, a memory, a joke… anything you like!”
2. Put your guests at ease
Some guests have never used an audio guestbook. Give them one simple instruction:
Example:
“Wait for the beep and speak freely, your message will be recorded.”
A small reassuring reminder that avoids hesitation and silences.
3. Add a personal touch
Your voice, your laughter, your bond: that is what will make this keepsake unique. Speak naturally, as if you were already reliving the day.
Example:
“We can’t wait to listen to your messages and laugh (or cry) discovering them after the party!”
4. End on a positive note
Finish with a sentence that makes people smile, or a little touch of humour.
Example:
“Over to you! Make us dream, laugh or cry, but above all, speak from the heart.”
Four messages ready to record
Use them as they are or borrow from them: just change the names.
“Hello, it’s Emma and James! Thank you for being here today, it means so much to us. Leave us a little note, a memory, a wish… whatever comes to mind. Speak after the beep, and hang up when you’re done. Lots of love!”
“You have reached the answering machine of Emma and James. We can’t take your call right now: we are probably on the dance floor. Leave us your best message, your worst joke or your advice for the next twenty years. After the beep, it’s your turn!”
“If you are hearing this message, it means you are part of our story. Thank you for being here. In a few years we will listen to your voices again, so tell us what is in your heart. Speak after the beep.”
“Hello, bonjour! Thank you for being here, merci d’être là. Leave us a message after the beep, laissez-nous un message après le bip. We can’t wait to listen, on a hâte de vous écouter!”
How to record it well
- A quiet place: a room without echo, windows closed, TV off.
- The phone close to your mouth: about ten centimetres, as for a voice message.
- Smile: people really can hear it.
- Two voices: one sentence each often sounds more natural than one person reading everything.
- Several takes: record three or four and keep the one that sounds like you.
A special idea or a question about your message? Write to us and we will talk it through.
Voice Memories tip
Before the event, listen to your message once or twice. If you smile while listening, you have found the perfect tone!
And after the party?
All your guests’ messages come back to you cleaned and remastered, as digital files, and if you wish on a USB stick engraved with your names or on a vinyl record. To put the phone in the right place on the day, our tips are here: where to put your audio guestbook.
Don’t have your phone yet? See if your date is free.