How After The Tone Works: Your Complete Audio Guest Book Guide
Updated October 2026 | Reviewed by Jacob Yackley, Co-founder
After The Tone makes it simple to collect the voices, stories, and well-wishes you never want to forget. Your vintage audio guest book phone arrives before your event, guests pick it up and leave messages after the tone, and you return it to us so our team can hand-edit the recordings for you.
This is the official guide to using your After The Tone audio guest book, from delivery and setup through your event, return, and voicemail delivery. We’ll walk you through where to place the phone, how to test it, how to encourage more guests to participate, and what happens after the celebration.
How After The Tone Works
- Receive and test your phone. Your phone arrives 7 to 15 days before your event. Open the box, confirm everything is included, charge the phone, and record a few test messages.
- Set it up where guests will see it. Place the phone somewhere visible and easy to reach, add clear signage, and ask your DJ, MC, or event team to remind guests to participate.
- Let guests leave their messages. The phone is wireless and records for up to 12 hours on a full charge. Guests simply pick it up and speak after the prompt.
- Return the phone and receive your recordings. Pack the phone in its original box, use the included prepaid return label, and drop it at UPS within 72 hours of your event. After we receive it, our team hand-edits and delivers your voicemail files within 24 hours. Custom vinyl takes 1 to 2 weeks after audio approval.
Already have your phone and need technical instructions? Visit the After The Tone instructions page.
How to Set Up Your Audio Guest Book
First things first: Setting up your vintage phone guestbook is a breeze. Just follow these crucial steps to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. You'll be amazed at how simple it is to make your audio guestbook a standout feature of your event. We’ve made sure that the process is straightforward so you can focus on enjoying your party!
a. Phone Arrival
Your phone will arrive 7 to 15 days before your event date. Not sure of your date? No problem — you can change it anytime in your online account. If you need the phone by a specific day, just reach out via phone, chat, or email. When receiving the box, please open it and make sure nothing is missing.
b. Choose an Eye-Catching Placement Area
When choosing where to place your audio guestbook, you must consider your venue, guest count, event flow, and programming. Find a location where guests will quickly notice your vintage phone (like the pretty in pink Floyd) without disrupting the flow of your celebration. Place it somewhere accessible but distinct so they’re naturally drawn to it. If you’re having an indoor event, position your voicemail guestbook near the entrance or the main party area so everyone can see it when they arrive. If your festivities are outside, ensure your setup protects your phone from unexpected weather!
c. Set Up a Visually Appealing Welcome Table
Consider placing your vintage phone on a welcome table if you’re using it as a wedding guestbook. Not only will it encourage your guests to leave a message upon arrival, but the table can be a one-stop spot for programs, seating information, favors, and anything else associated with your party. To ensure you don’t forget anything, check out our post on 6 Things That Should Be On Every Wedding Welcome Table, along with this bride’s audio guestbook tips!
d. Don’t Forget Custom Signage
You don’t want your partygoers to think your vintage phone is simply a fun part of your fantastic decor! Make it clear what the audio guestbook is and how to use it to avoid any confusion. The best way to provide clarity is by adding custom signage to your After The Tone Audio Guestbook table. Make it fun! Use language that encourages guests to leave a personal or quirky message, which could lead to some entertaining and unique memories.
e. Do a Test Run
While we stand behind the quality of our phone guestbooks, we understand the importance of avoiding any potential technical difficulties during your event. That's why we recommend conducting a test run to make sure the phone is fully functional. Record a few test messages before the big day to help you catch any potential technical issues early on so you have peace of mind throughout your event.
After The Tone’s phones boast an impressive 12-hour battery life on a single charge, making them perfect for multi-event weekends. Whether it's a rehearsal dinner, the big day, or brunch afterward, the included charging cord ensures you're ready for every moment.
We’ve made the setup process simple by offering:
- A step-by-step video and PDF guide, available online and included in the box for easy reference
- A QR code on the bottom of the phone for instant access to setup resources
- An option to schedule a walkthrough call with one of our trained team members to answer any questions you may have about setup or your phone
Remember, if you encounter a same-day issue, our emergency text line is staffed seven days a week to provide real-time assistance.
How to Get More Meaningful Audio Guest Book Messages
An audio guestbook can be one of the most memorable keepsakes from your event. Guests can share personal stories, well-wishes, and funny anecdotes, all preserved in their voices, which you can listen back to for years to come. Encouraging your loved ones to leave messages, guiding them on what to say, and providing gentle reminders throughout the event can help ensure you get a collection of heartfelt and memorable recordings. Here’s how to get the most out of your After The Tone Audio Guestbook.
Highlight Your Guestbook Through Announcements
Ask your DJ or MC to remind guests to leave a message in the audio guestbook! A quick shoutout like, “Don’t forget to leave a voicemail at the audio guestbook for the couple!” can encourage more folks to participate. If you're the host, consider hopping on the microphone to encourage guests to share a message. Who better than you to make the request?
Encourage Use in Your Event Program or Signage
If you have a printed program or signage, a small mention can remind guests about the guestbook’s location and encourage them to participate before your event ends.
Go Mobile
All of our audio guestbook phones are wireless, making it easy for you to bring your phone around to your guests' tables, which is especially useful if some guests aren’t actively visiting the guestbook area or have mobility issues. Going mobile can help capture messages from everyone, even those who might not seek out the phone on their own. Our phones are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries, which allow them to record for 12 hours. We also provide a charging cord if you want to use the phone for multiple days during your rental period!
Use It for Any Event
Audio guestbooks aren’t just for weddings! They’re a fun addition to birthday parties, retirement gatherings, baby showers, celebrations of life, graduations, corporate team building events, and more. Let your guests know this is a unique way to record the day’s special moments, no matter the occasion.
Help Your Guests With What to Say
Sometimes, guests need a little inspiration! Provide some prompts, either on signage or a small card by the phone, to help them get started. For example, “Share your favorite memory with us!” “What’s your best piece of advice?” or “Leave a funny story or a warm wish!”
How Returns and Voicemail Delivery Work
Your event may be over, but the memories will last with you for a lifetime! Here’s how to get your messages back so you can start reliving the moment asap.
The Return Process
To return your vintage phone, all you have to do is pack it up in the box it was initially shipped in — be sure to include the foam to protect the phone during travel. We include a prepaid shipping label to apply to the outside of the box. Once packed, just drop the package off at your local UPS. Please return the phone within 72 hours of your event.
Turnaround Time
After we receive your phone, our team carefully edits your recordings and delivers the digital voicemail files within 24 hours. If your order includes a custom vinyl record, vinyl takes 1 to 2 weeks to complete and ship after you approve the audio. Timelines can run slightly longer during peak wedding season, but we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Remembering Your Memories
Not only can you relive your memories with your audio messages, but your future children, grandchildren, and loved ones can share in the moment, even if they weren’t in attendance! An audio guestbook is also a wonderful way to preserve the memory and spirit of those no longer with you. Choose a special occasion, such as an anniversary or birthday, to listen to your voicemails or simply play them back whenever the mood strikes you — there’s never a wrong time to relive some of life’s best milestone moments!
Ready for the Next Step?
Whether you’re still choosing a phone or already preparing for your event, the official After The Tone team is here to help.