50 Audio Guestbook Message Examples Your Guests Can Use

A good audio guestbook message is short, personal and starts with the speaker’s name: “Hi, it’s Aunty Rose…” followed by one memory, one wish and a warm sign-off. You don’t need a speech. Thirty seconds of something true beats three minutes of something rehearsed.

Below are 50 original message examples your guests can borrow or adapt, grouped by who is speaking. Couples: share this page with your guests before the wedding, or use the prompts near the end on your sign. Guests: pick one, change the names, and make it yours.

How long should an audio guestbook message be?

There’s no time limit on our phones and no cap on the number of messages. Across Ghost Booth Events weddings, the average message runs 45 to 90 seconds. That’s long enough for a memory and a wish, and short enough that the next guest isn’t waiting long.

A few guidelines that work:

• 15 to 30 seconds is perfect for a quick congratulations or a group of friends shouting together.
• 45 to 90 seconds is the sweet spot for a personal message.
• Two minutes or more is lovely from parents and grandparents. Multigenerational guest lists tend to leave the longest, most personal recordings.

The four-part formula for any message

1. Who you are. “Hi Mia and Josh, it’s Tom, Josh’s cousin.”
2. One memory or observation. Something specific: a moment from tonight, a trip, the day you met one of them.
3. One wish or piece of advice. Keep it to one. Lists get lost.
4. Sign-off. “Love you both. Congratulations!” Then hang up to save the message.

In the examples below, swap [Name] and [Partner] for the couple’s names.

Messages from parents

1. “Hi, it’s Mum. I’ve watched you grow up in every way possible, and today I watched you walk towards someone who makes you completely yourself. [Partner], thank you for loving our [Name] the way you do. Welcome to the family, properly now. I love you both.”

2. “It’s Dad. I’m not good at speeches, which is why I’m talking to a phone. I just want you to know I’m proud of you. Not because of today, but because of the person you were long before it. Look after each other.”

3. “Hi darling, it’s Mum. When you’re listening to this, I hope you’re somewhere quiet with a cup of tea, still a bit tired from the party. Remember tonight: everyone in that room came for you. That’s what a full life looks like.”

4. “[Name], it’s your father. My one piece of advice: never stop asking each other questions. Not the big ones, the small ones. How was your day. What are you reading. What do you want for dinner. That’s where marriage lives.”

5. “Hello you two, it’s Mum and Dad. We’re standing here together, which is a good sign after 34 years. If we can offer anything, it’s this: laugh at the same things, apologise quickly, and always kiss goodnight.”

6. “[Partner], it’s [Name]’s mum. The first time [Name] brought you home, I knew. You cleared the table without being asked. Since then you’ve given me a hundred more reasons. Welcome to the family. We’re loud. You’ll get used to it.”

7. “Hi sweetheart, it’s Dad. I remember teaching you to ride a bike and running alongside you, scared to let go. I let go today. You didn’t need me holding on. I’ll still run alongside if you ever need me.”

8. “It’s Mum. I cried at the ceremony, I cried at the speeches and I’m probably going to cry now. They’re happy tears. I hope your home is full of them too, and of laughter, and of family dinners that run far too late.”

9. “Hi both, it’s [Partner]’s dad. I don’t say it enough, so I’m saying it into this phone so you can play it back whenever you need to: I’m proud of you and I love you. Now go and dance.”

Messages from grandparents

10. “Hello my darlings, it’s Nonna. I was married for 52 years and I can tell you, the secret is good food and short arguments. I’m so happy I’m here to see this day. Ti voglio bene.”

11. “It’s Grandpa. I remember holding you the day you were born, and you fit in one hand. Look at you now, married. Be patient with each other. Be kind on the bad days. The good days look after themselves.”

12. “Hello [Name], it’s Nana. I don’t know how this phone works, so I hope you can hear me. You looked beautiful today. Your grandfather would have loved this. He’s here in spirit, telling everyone at the bar how proud he is.”

13. “Hi, it’s Grandma and Grandad. We wanted to tell you that a marriage is like our garden. You don’t plant it once and walk away. You water it every day, even when you’re tired. Congratulations, our darlings.”

14. “It’s Baba. I have watched you both dancing tonight and I haven’t stopped smiling. When you have hard times, come for dinner. When you have good times, also come for dinner. Love you.”

15. “Hello [Partner], it’s [Name]’s grandmother. I want you to know that [Name] has always had a big heart, even as a little one. Look after it. And [Name], look after [Partner]’s. That’s all marriage is, really.”

16. “It’s Pop. Short message, I’m wanted on the dance floor. Proud of you, love you, and make sure you visit more often now you’ve got someone to drive.”

17. “Hello both, it’s Oma. I hope one day you play this message to your own grandchildren and tell them about tonight. Tell them the music was too loud and Oma danced anyway.”

Messages from friends

18. “Hey, it’s Jess. I have known you since we were in Year 7 with matching bad fringes, and I’ve never seen you as happy as you were walking back down that aisle. I love you. Also, I’m stealing a centrepiece.”

19. “[Name], [Partner], it’s Ben. I was there the night you two met, and for the record, I said it would never last. I’ve never been happier to be wrong. Congratulations, legends.”

20. “Hi guys, it’s Priya. Tonight was perfect, from the vows to whatever the groomsmen are doing on the dance floor right now. Here’s to many more nights like this one, just with less formal shoes.”

21. “It’s Sarah. I’ve seen you through break-ups, bad flatmates and that one terrible haircut. And now I’ve seen you get married. You chose so well. I’m so proud to be your friend.”

22. “Hey, it’s the uni crew! [Group shouts hello.] We wanted to say congratulations, we love you, and we’ll see you at the after-party. No excuses.”

23. “Hi lovelies, it’s Hannah. Remember that road trip where we got lost for four hours and you two sang the whole way? That’s when I knew. Whatever road you take now, I hope you keep singing.”

24. “[Name], it’s Chris. You’ve been my best mate for twenty years, and [Partner], you’re now stuck with me too. Sorry. Congratulations to you both. Best wedding I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot.”

25. “Hi, it’s Ella. I just want to say that the way you two look at each other is the way everyone hopes to be looked at. Never lose that. Okay, I’m crying. Bye!”

26. “Hey it’s Marcus. Marriage advice from someone who’s been married three years: always let the other person have the last chip. Congrats, guys. Massive love.”

Messages from colleagues

27. “Hi [Name], it’s Lauren from work. Thank you for inviting us to share your day. You bring so much calm to the office, and it’s lovely to see you surrounded by people who love you. Congratulations to you both.”

28. “Hi, it’s Daniel from the team. We all agree this was a much better use of a Saturday than the end-of-year planning day. Congratulations, and enjoy the honeymoon. We’ll hold the fort.”

29. “Hello [Name] and [Partner], it’s Michelle, [Name]’s manager. I’ve worked with [Name] for five years and never once seen them this happy. Wishing you both a wonderful marriage.”

30. “It’s the marketing team! [Group cheers.] Congratulations! Please don’t check your emails for at least two weeks. That’s an order.”

31. “Hi, it’s Raj. [Name], you’re the person who remembers everyone’s birthday at work, so it’s only fair we all showed up to celebrate you. Thank you for having us. Congratulations.”

32. “Hey [Name], it’s Kate from the office. I’ve heard so much about [Partner] at lunch over the years, it’s lovely to finally put a face to the stories. They were all true. Congratulations!”

33. “Hi both, it’s Andrew. Beautiful ceremony, great food, and the best dance floor I’ve seen in years. Wishing you every happiness. See you back at work, eventually.”

34. “Hello [Name], it’s Grace. Thank you for including us. Watching you today reminded me that the people who are kind at work are kind everywhere. [Partner], you’re a lucky one.”

Messages from kids

35. “Hi! It’s Lily. I’m seven. I liked the cake and the dancing. I love you. Bye!”

36. “Hello Aunty [Name] and Uncle [Partner], it’s Noah. You looked really fancy. Can I come for a sleepover soon? Congratulations!”

37. “It’s Ava. I was the flower girl and I did a good job. I hope you’re happy forever and ever and you get a puppy.”

38. “Hi, it’s Jack. My favourite part was when you kissed and everyone cheered really loud. And the chips. Happy wedding!”

39. “Hi cousin [Name]! It’s Mia. You’re my favourite cousin. Don’t tell the others. Love you, bye!”

40. “It’s Leo. Mum said I have to say something nice. You’re nice. The party is nice. I’m going back to dance now.”

41. “Hello, it’s Isla and Zara. [Giggling.] We love you! We danced to every song! Congratulations!”

42. “Hi Uncle [Partner], it’s Ethan. I’m glad you’re in our family now. Can you teach me that dance move later?”

Funny messages

43. “Hi, it’s Tom. This is a public service announcement. [Name], [Partner] has seen you hangry. They married you anyway. That’s love. Congratulations.”

44. “Hello, you’ve reached the voicemail of your oldest friend. I’m currently busy eating your dessert. Please leave a marriage after the tone. Love you both.”

45. “Hi guys, it’s Josh. I’d like to formally lodge a complaint that the bar ran out of my favourite beer. That is my only complaint. Everything else was perfect. Congrats!”

46. “It’s Aunty Rose. I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and I’ve rated them all. This one is a ten. The groom’s dancing is a four. Love you!”

47. “Hey, it’s Sam. Congratulations on finding the one person who will put up with your snoring. Hold on to them. They clearly have excellent earplugs.”

48. “[Name], it’s your brother. Mum says I have to be nice on this message, so: you look great, your partner is great, the wedding is great. There. Done. Love you, I guess.”

49. “Hi, it’s the table at the back! [Cheering.] We can’t hear the speeches but we know they were beautiful! Congratulations!”

50. “Hello, it’s Dave. I’ve been practising this message for twenty minutes in the queue and now I’ve forgotten all of it. So: congratulations, I love you, great party. Bye.”

A beige phone on a personalised round placemat, styled beside framed black-and-white portraits and a matching wishing well.

Prompts couples can put on the sign

Many guests freeze when the beep sounds. A prompt or two on your sign, or on a small card beside the phone, gives them somewhere to start. Pick two or three; more than that clutters the sign.

• Tell us who you are and how you know us.
• Share your favourite memory of us.
• What’s your best piece of marriage advice?
• Tell us your prediction for us in ten years.
• What was your favourite moment from today?
• Describe tonight in three words.
• Sing us a few lines of a love song (we dare you).
• Tell us a story we’ve never heard.
• What should we never forget?
• Leave a message for our future kids.
• Give us a toast we can play back on our anniversary.
• Tell us a joke. A bad one is fine.

For full sign layouts, step-by-step instructions that match how the phone works, and greeting scripts you can record, see our guide to audio guestbook sign wording. If you’d like the prompts on a custom acrylic sign or placemat that matches the rest of your wedding signage, we can design it as part of the suite, and our wedding signage ideas show where the phone fits among everything else.

Our standard sign keeps it to four steps: pick up the phone, record your message, hang up to save your message, head back to the party.

Tips for guests leaving a message

• Say your name first. It’s the single most useful thing you can do for the couple.
• Wait for the beep. You’ll hear a short greeting first, then the beep. Talk after it.
• Hold the handset close to your mouth. Receptions are loud. Turn away from the speakers if you can.
• Hang up to save. The recording saves when you put the handset down.
• Go in a group. Two or three friends on one message is fun, and it’s easier for shy guests.
• Don’t overthink it. Couples love the stumbles and laughs as much as the polished ones.

Tips for couples

• Place the phone somewhere slightly quieter. A side table near the entrance or just outside the main room works well. The phone runs from a single power point, with no Wi-Fi needed.
• Ask your MC to mention it. A quick reminder after dinner helps guests remember it’s there.
• Record a warm greeting. Your greeting is pre-loaded, in your voice or ours, so guests hear you before they speak. Our sign wording guide includes greeting scripts.
• Share examples beforehand. Send this page to the wedding party so they can lead by example early in the night.

For more on getting the most messages, see our audio guestbook tips, and if you’re still deciding, our Melbourne audio guestbook hire guide covers how it all works.

Hiring an audio guestbook in Melbourne

Ghost Booth Events audio guestbook hire starts from $350. It includes a vintage-style phone in your choice of white, black, beige, baby blue, red or pink, a personalised greeting, a “leave a message” sign beside the phone, unlimited message length and unlimited messages, and an online gallery of every recording. It’s discounted when bundled with a photo booth, and delivery and collection are included with any photo booth or content booking. We’ve recorded more than 5,000 messages since launching audio guestbooks in Melbourne in 2022.

Want a phone at your wedding? Check your date with us and we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.

Audio guestbook message questions