Short answer: a good audio guest book greeting is under 15 seconds and does three things: says who you are, thanks guests for coming, and tells them to talk after the tone and hang up to save. Pick a script below, swap in your names, and record it somewhere quiet.
Ten greeting scripts in five styles
Each one runs about 10 to 15 seconds read at a normal pace. Change the names and the details; keep the instructions.
Classic and elegant
For a formal wedding, or when grandparents will be first in line.
- “Hello, and thank you for celebrating with us today. We would love to hear your wishes, your advice or a favourite memory. Please leave your message after the tone, and hang up when you are finished.”
- “Thank you for being part of our wedding day. After the tone, share a few words for us to keep forever. When you are done, simply hang up.”
Warm and personal
Sounds like the two of you on a good day.
- “Hi, it’s Alex and Jordan! We are so glad you are here. Tell us a story, give us some advice, or just say hi. Talk after the beep, and hang up to save it.”
- “Hey, it’s us. Today would not be the same without you. Leave us a message we can play back on our first anniversary. Wait for the tone, then go for it.”
Fun and playful
For couples who want the uncle who sings.
- “You have reached the newlyweds. We are busy on the dance floor right now. Leave your best advice, your worst joke or your finest singing after the tone.”
- “Congratulations, you found the phone! Confess something, toast us, or tell us which guest danced the worst. Beep, talk, hang up. Easy.”
Short and simple
Gets guests talking in under eight seconds.
- “Hi! Leave us a message after the tone. Thank you for coming!”
- “Thanks for celebrating with us. Talk after the beep, then hang up.”
Energetic, party vibe
For a late-night reception where the phone sits near the bar.
- “Welcome to the party line! Shout us out, sing the chorus, tell us what you really think of the speeches. Tone first, then let it rip.”
- “It is late, the music is loud and we want to hear you. Leave us a message after the tone. Then get back on the dance floor.”
How to record it
- Pick a quiet room with soft furniture. A closet full of clothes is a surprisingly good studio.
- Hold your phone about a hand-width from your mouth and record with the voice memo app.
- Smile while you talk. It sounds warmer.
- Do three takes, pick the best, and send it to us as an MP3 or voice memo.
Prefer not to? We record it for you. It is part of the audio guest book, which comes with the Complete package (see pricing).
Get more messages on the night
- Put the phone near the bar or the card table, away from the speakers.
- Ask the DJ to mention it once after dinner.
- Keep the sign to three steps: pick up, wait for the tone, leave a message.
Still deciding between guest books? Compare them in wedding guest book ideas and alternatives.
Quick answers
How long should the greeting be?
Ten to fifteen seconds. Guests are holding a drink and a handset; a long greeting loses them before the tone.
Should we record it ourselves?
If you can. Hearing your voices gets guests talking. Record on your phone in a quiet room and send us the file, or we will record it for you.
What if a guest doesn’t know what to say?
Put two or three prompts on the sign beside the phone: a favourite memory, a piece of advice, a message for your first anniversary.
Still have a question? See the photo booth FAQ, or browse booths for birthdays, proms and parties.