The 5 Biggest Mistakes Couples Make When Hiring an Audio Guest Book for Their Wedding… And How To Avoid Them!
This bride wishes she'd read this blog when she hired an audio guest book for her wedding!
Audio guest books are becoming a trendy and heartfelt addition to weddings, allowing couples to capture spoken memories from their guests.
Not familiar with the concept? I’ll fill you in.
Instead of the traditional handwritten notes, guests leave personalised audio messages filled with laughter, love, and even some unexpected surprises! However, while audio guest books like the ones from ‘I just called to say…’ can add a touch or personality to your wedding, they can also lead to disappointment if not properly planned.
To help you avoid any pitfalls, here are the 5 biggest mistakes couples make when hiring an audio guest book for their wedding… and how to avoid them.
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1. Not Understanding the Equipment
One of the most common mistakes couples make is not familiarising themselves with the audio guest book equipment before the big day. Some services provide vintage-style telephones where guests leave voice messages, while others use more modern recording devices.
Why it’s a mistake:
Without a proper trial, you may not know what to do on the day, and this is a stress you don’t need!
How to avoid it:
Make sure you have a solid understanding of how the equipment works. Fortunately, ‘I just called to say…’ audio guest books are ridiculously easy to use, just plug in and play, and we also provide clear instructions for your guests.
2. Choosing the Wrong Location
The placement of your audio guest book is EVERYTHING! Couples sometimes put the audio guest book in an area that's too loud, like next to the dancefloor!
Why it’s a mistake:
If you place it near the DJ booth, a dance floor, or in the middle of noisy conversation areas, background noise could ruin the recordings.
How to avoid it:
Select a quiet, easily accessible location that guests can visit without being rushed. This could be near the entrance or exit, but not too far from the action. Add signage or fun decorations to make it noticeable and inviting. And mention it in your speeches, so everyone knows where the audio guest book is located and that you would LOVE to receive a message from them.
3. Not Setting Clear Instructions for Guests
Many couples make the mistake of assuming their guests will intuitively know what an audio guest book is and how to leave a message. Without clear instructions, guests may feel confused or shy, resulting in fewer recorded messages than you’d hoped for.
Why it’s a mistake:
Remember, a lot of people will be seeing an audio guest book for the first time! If guests are unsure of what to do, they might leave short or generic messages, or worse, not leave one at all. Others may not know how long to speak for, potentially recording messages that are too short, too long, or cut off.
How to avoid it:
Provide simple, fun instructions near the guest book. When you book an ‘I just called to say…’ audio guest book, we provide these for you.
### 4. **Underestimating the Number of Guests Using It**
Another mistake couples make is assuming all guests will leave a message, or not preparing for large crowds using the audio guest book at the same time. While many will be eager to leave you a message, not everyone will get the chance if things get too busy.
**Why it’s a mistake:**
A line can quickly form, and in a busy wedding atmosphere, guests might lose patience and decide not to wait. Also, if the device has limited storage capacity or battery life, it could run out before everyone has had a chance to leave their message.
**How to avoid it:**
Consider the size of your guest list and ask your vendor how long the recording time is, as well as the device’s battery life or storage limits. If you’re having a large wedding, think about renting additional recording devices or planning specific times during the evening for guests to leave messages, like during the cocktail hour or between meal courses.
5. Not Reviewing the Audio Guest Book Vendor’s Portfolio or Reviews
This is one of the biggest and most easily avoidable mistakes. Many couples get so excited about the concept of an audio guest book that they fail to thoroughly vet the vendor before hiring.
Why it’s a mistake:
Not all audio guest book providers are created equal, and there a lot of cheap options that are cheap for a reason. Without checking reviews or listening to samples, you risk ending up with poor-quality audio, malfunctioning equipment, or unresponsive customer service. This can lead to major frustrations and a less-than-ideal experience on your wedding day.
How to avoid it:
Always ask for reviews, samples of previous weddings they’ve serviced, and testimonials from past clients. This will give you a better sense of the vendor’s reliability and the audio quality you can expect. Also, read contracts carefully to understand what's included in the service—such as setup, takedown, and technical support.
Final Thoughts…
An audio guest book can be one of the most memorable parts of your wedding, capturing voices, emotions, and spontaneous moments in a way that a traditional guest book cannot. By avoiding these common mistakes—understanding the equipment, choosing the right location, giving guests clear instructions, planning for usage, and vetting your vendor—you can ensure that your audio guest book is a smashing success and a treasure you'll cherish for years to come.
Planning ahead and taking these steps will guarantee that you get the heartfelt and hilarious recordings you’ll want to listen to again and again!
Check out our alternative audio guest book range and book the one that suits your personality the most!