Hear us out: Modern couples are trading traditional pen-and-paper guestbooks for something a little more unexpected these days. In their place? Retro rotary phones, sleek vintage handsets, and audio guestbooks that capture something a handwritten message simply isn't able to do: the unfiltered sound of their favorite people.

Another nostalgic detail finding new life in modern weddings, audio guestbooks are transforming how couples capture memories from their big day. Instead of scribbling a line in a book while holding a glass of prosecco, guests simply pick up a vintage telephone receiver, listen to a custom greeting from the newlyweds, and leave a voice message after the beep.

The result isn't just a record of who showed up; it's a once-in-a-lifetime auditory time capsule. It’s your best friend's tearful 'love you' recorded during cocktail hour, your college roommates' hilariously loud 11:00pm rap duet, and, most precious of all, the tender voice of a grandparent sharing wisdom you'll be able to play back as the decades go by.

If you’ve been spotting these aesthetic little phones all over Instagram and wondering if they’re worth the hype, you’re in the right place! With expert insight from leading wedding pros, here's everything you need to know about why audio guestbooks are taking over the wedding world — and how to pull one off for your own big day if it matches your vibe.

Meet the Experts

Emily Reno, owner of Elopement Las Vegas

Keith Willard, owner & lead planner of Keith Willard Events

McKenna Shano, owner & lead designer at McKenna Katherine Weddings

Eleonora Gobbo, wedding planner at Peach Perfect Weddings

Mary Angelini, wedding videographer at Key Moment Films

What Exactly Is an Audio Guestbook & How Does It Work?

So, how does an audio guest book work? Essentially, it’s a voicemail system dressed up for the occasion! Couples rent or purchase a vintage or vintage-inspired telephone and set it up somewhere guests can easily access during the wedding. Pick up the receiver, listen to a personalized greeting from the newlyweds, wait for the beep, and leave a message.

The custom voicemail-like greeting is one of the easiest ways for couples to make the experience their own. "The couple sets the tone with their message, and then their guests respond in their own voices," says Emily Reno, owner of Elopement Las Vegas. Whether the greeting is sweet, funny, sentimental, or delivered with an inside joke, it gives guests an immediate invitation to participate.

From there, guests can share a favorite memory, offer marriage advice, send their congratulations, or simply tell the couple how much they mean to them. Once the wedding is over, those messages are delivered as digital audio files, with some rental services in the U.S. and UK also offering keepsake options such as USB drives or custom vinyl records.

At the end of the day, the audio guestbook's technology is pretty simple: phone, greeting, beep, message. The magic is what guests choose to say once they pick up the receiver!

Why Hearing Personal Messages From Your Guests Hits Differently

Wedding planner Keith Willard, owner of Keith Willard Events, sees the appeal as more than nostalgia: "There is inflection and intention in someone's voice. You can feel the words rather than simply read them. It is the way someone says, “I love you,” that contains so much more than the words themselves."

A written message might tell you that your grandmother was proud of you, but an audio recording lets you hear that pride in her voice. That's the real draw of an audio guestbook and why we think this type of guest book is here to stay. It preserves more than what someone wanted to say; it captures all the little vocal quirks that make a loved one's voice unmistakably theirs.

So Many Alternative Wedding Guest Books To Choose From: If you love the idea of a non-traditional guest book, we also have a roundup of creative alternative guest book ideas that would complement your audio guest book well!

What Does an Audio Guestbook Cost? Know What You're Paying For

There's no single, straightfoward answer to how much an audio guest book costs, and that's worth knowing before you start shopping. Prices can vary considerably depending on whether you rent or buy the phone, where you’re getting married, how long you need it, and what's included with the service.

Rather than comparing the headline price alone, look at what you're actually getting for it. A rental might include the phone, shipping, recording service, and delivery of your finished audio files, while the one-off purchase or digital option may work differently. Also check whether there are additional fees for longer rentals, extra recording time, keepsake formats (e.g., vinyl record, USB drive, personalization, or international shipping).

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need the fanciest setup to get the experience. Before booking or buying, decide what matters most to you: the look of the phone, the quality and accessibility of the recordings, how much customization you want, or having a physical keepsake to hold onto afterward. Then compare packages based on those priorities rather than assuming the most expensive option will give you the best memories.

EDITOR'S ADVICE: Go with what's in your preferred color/style, within your budget, and fits your lifestyle. Do you have space to store or display your rotary phone afterwards in your home or would you prefer to just have a custom vinyl record or USB drive delivered by a professional company? Thinking about the post-wedding details can help you decide what's right for your special day.

How to Get the Best Audio Guest Book Messages: Setup & Signage Tips

The best audio guestbook messages don't necessarily come from the guests who have the most to say. They come from guests who feel comfortable enough to say it because anxiety over saying the perfect thing is real! A little thought about phone placement and signage can make all the difference and help encourage your loved ones who aren't first in line to record.

First, put the phone somewhere guests can easily find it but where they don't feel like an audience is waiting behind them. A quieter corner of the cocktail area, lounge, or reception space can give more hesitant guests the privacy they need, while still keeping the phone close enough to feel like part of the celebration. And don't tuck it away so well that nobody knows it's there! A simple sign explaining what to do can go a long way. (And you can even DIY your own wedding guestbook sign so it fits your aesthetic!)

“Keep it simple and make it feel personal rather than overly instructional,” says McKenna Shano, owner and lead designer of McKenna Katherine Weddings. She recommends clear wording such as, “Pick up the phone, listen for our message, then leave yours after the tone.” A quick announcement from the DJ or band during cocktail hour or the reception can also give participation a helpful boost.

Once guests know how to use it, give them a little inspiration for what to say. Instead of simply asking for “a message for the newlyweds,” try short prompts written on cards that encourage a story, a laugh, or a little wisdom for those who need more guidance:

✦ Share your favorite memory of us.
✦ What's your best advice for a happy marriage?
✦ Tell us something that will make us laugh in 10 years.
✦ What should we remember about this day?
✦ Tell us something you love about us.

Wedding planner Eleonora Gobbo of Peach Perfect Weddings suggests tailoring prompts to the people you're hoping will participate. For example, grandparents might be asked for their biggest relationship lesson, while friends could be challenged to share a favorite story or a joke. You can even tell guests that you'll listen to the messages again on your first anniversary; it's a small reminder that what they say today is intended to become part of your memories for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Audio Guestbooks

What if guests are too shy to leave a message?

That's where good placement and simple prompts can help. Give guests a little privacy rather than putting the phone in the middle of a crowded room, and offer a few ideas for what they could say. A DJ or band announcement can also remind guests about the audio guestbook without putting anyone on the spot. And remember: not every message needs to be a five-minute emotional monologue! A quick "We love you!" is still a really lovely memory to have.

Can older guests figure out how to use an audio guestbook?

Absolutely! In fact, a vintage telephone may feel more familiar to some older guests than a QR code or smartphone-based guestbook. Keep the instructions simple and visible like something as straightforward as “Pick up, listen, wait for the beep, and leave your message” is usually all they need.

Mary Angelini, wedding videographer at Key Moment Films, also recommends placing an audio guestbook where guests would traditionally expect to find a guestbook. That familiar location can make the experience feel intuitive rather than like a new piece of wedding technology they need to figure out.

How long do audio guestbooks keep the recordings?

This varies by provider, so check the terms before booking or purchasing. Find out how and when you'll receive your recordings, how long they're stored, and whether you'll be able to download and keep your own copies. Once you receive the files, make at least one backup somewhere safe like on an external hard drive or Dropbox. Like your wedding photos, your wedding audio memories shouldn't depend on a single download link that will eventually expire. Back 'em up on your own preferred device or cloud service!

Can you have a traditional guestbook and an audio guestbook?

Yes! It's your wedding day and you can literally do whatever you want! An audio guestbook doesn't have to replace your traditional guestbook. If you love the idea of having handwritten messages and hearing your loved ones' voices, there's no reason you can't offer both. Think of them as two different ways of remembering the same day.

A Memory You Can Replay Forever

There’s a reason audio guestbooks have gone from quirky wedding novelty to a genuinely meaningful keepsake. Long after the flowers have faded and the last slice of cake has disappeared, you can still hear the people you love exactly as they sounded on one of the happiest days of your life.

Maybe it’s your grandmother’s advice, your best friend’s ridiculous story, or a late-night message that makes absolutely no sense until you remember what time it was recorded. Those little imperfections are part of the magic we love about weddings. An audio guestbook doesn't just preserve what your guests wanted to say; it preserves how they said it.

And if you already love the idea of a traditional guestbook, you don't have to choose! A handwritten note gives you something tangible to hold onto, and an audio recording gives you something you can hear again. Together, they tell a really beautiful, fuller story of the people who were there to celebrate with you.

So, are audio guestbooks worth the hype? If hearing your favorite people’s voices years from now sounds like the kind of wedding keepsake you’d treasure, this trend might just be one you definitely don't want to hang up on.

Editor's Note: Some above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we may get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.

Natural textures have become a defining feature of modern wedding styling, with rattan accents, woven details, and organic materials bringing warmth and effortless charm to reception tables. And we are obsessed! While real cane webbing is unmatched for larger decor pieces like signage and backdrops, it can be difficult to work with for smaller paper goods such as wedding menus and place cards.

That's where papercrafting comes in! By combining textured cardstock with intricate Cricut cutwork, you can recreate the woven look of rattan without the bulk, fraying, or expense of natural cane webbing. The result is a menu that's lightweight, super easy to customize, and perfectly suited to batch making for weddings.

Whether you're planning a relaxed garden celebration, a coastal soirée, or an elevated boho reception, this DIY wedding menu tutorial brings the rattan look to your wedding table using nothing more than paper, glue, and a little Cricut magic.

Why Choose Faux Rattan Cardstock Over Real Cane Webbing for Your DIY Wedding Menu?

If you’ve been browsing social media for modern boho or tropical wedding inspiration, chances are you’ve fallen in love with textured cane webbing and woven rattan wedding signage. They add incredible warmth, natural texture, and an understated organic luxury to any place setting. It's a firm favorite around here – as seen in our previous pom pom napkins DIY styling!

However, working with real rattan cane webbing (especially for DIY beginners and large wedding guest lists) can come with a few major drawbacks: high material costs, tedious prep work (like sometimes having to soak rigid wood fibers in warm water), and the hassle of securing rattan with heavy adhesives.

By using your Cricut machine and textured cardstock to create a faux rattan lattice effect instead, you achieve the earthy chic vibe and a high-end look at a fraction of the cost, time, and stress. The best bonus? Paper menus are recyclable after the big day, making this a stylish, low-waste choice for eco-conscious couples!

How to Make Rattan Inspired Wedding Menus with Your Cricut

Skill Level: Beginner

Supplies Needed for These Cardstock Rattan Menus

• Cricut cutting machine
• Fine-point blade
• Caramel-brown textured cardstock (at least 80lb / 216gsm with a solid core)
• White smooth cardstock compatible with your printer (at least 80lb / 216gsm – ours is 140lb / 300gsm)
• Home inkjet printer
• LightGrip cutting mat
• Brayer (optional, but recommended)
• Toothpick
• XL scraper tool
• Quick-drying craft glue in precision tip bottle
• Our Rattan Wedding Menu Cricut Design Space project (bookmark or make it right now!)

DESIGN NOTES: For our project template, we used Design Space-sourced images designed by Cricut Contributing Artists which means you will need a Cricut Access subscription or purchase the images as à la carte to make as is. You can also swap out and use your own computer's images and fonts as you wish. You can also find the script "Menu" heading in our SVG shop (just upload into Design Space and use the Contour feature to remove 'bar' from the image!).

Base Material Setting for Cutting Textured Cardstock

Find your paperweight (listed as lbs or gsm) on your cardstock packaging; this is important as your Cricut needs to know how deep the blade will cut.

For our rattan cardstock, we found the best results with both Medium Cardstock - Intricate Cuts. And for our menu layer, Poster Board.

Compatible Cricut Machines

• Joy Xtra
• Explore family
• Maker family

EDITOR'S NOTE: Our assembled rattan menus are 6" (15.2cm) circles at its widest. For Explore and Maker machines, you can get 2 rattan circles on 1 sheet of 12x12 cardstock. For Joy Xtra machines, you can cut 1 rattan circle at a time for your sized cutting mat. For our printed menu layer, you can get 2 menu circles on 1 sheet of U.S. Letter or A4 cardstock.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Rattan Cardstock Wedding Menus

1Prep your project. Set out all of your materials and prep your computer, laptop, or mobile phone with Cricut Design Space. If you haven't calibrated your Cricut in a while, now's a good time to do so since this project uses Print Then Cut. If using our pre-made Design Space project, all you need to do is click Customize, and double-click on the text box to edit with your menu items!

2Edit and/or resize as needed. Adjust the menu size if desired. Our finished menus measure 6 inches (15.2 cm) which were designed to go on an average 10" wedding dinner plate. Chat with your caterer or dishware rentals company for measurements if you want a precise or more custom fit for your menus. Click Make when ready.

3Setup your on-screen mat. On the Prepare screen, Duplicate your menu pieces as needed to make enough menus for each guest. If you're batch making, return to the Canvas screen and hide the layer you're not cutting yet. This allows you to cut all of one layer before moving onto the next. See below for important batch making tip.

WEDDING BATCH MAKING PRO TIP: We recommend batch making each menu layer separately instead of switching back and forth between Print Then Cut and normal cutting. First, make all of your rattan cardstock layers as these take the longest to cut due to their intricacy. Then, on another day, print all of your menu cards before cutting them all at once.

Did you know you can print everything and then come back another day to cut? Yes, you can! Design Space gives you the option to choose "Already Printed" and skip straight to the cutting – it's a lifesaver for batch making! When you batch make, you save time, some sanity, and possibly money!

4Cut your menu pieces.

➤ For Rattan Layer: If you're making your rattan layers first like we did, place the cardstock on your LightGrip mat. Using a brayer, make sure the cardstock is firmly adhered to your cutting mat as any looseness can affect your cut. Select your Base Material so your machine knows how deep the blade needs to cut – ours cut best on Medium Cardstock - Intricate Cuts.

➤ For Menu Layer: Click Continue and Send to Printer. Turn off "Bleed" unless you have created a full-color menu. For white menus like ours, it's not needed. We recommend printing a test copy on plain printer paper first to check your printer alignment before using your final cardstock. Once you're happy that everything's printing as it should, then use your more expensive cardstock. Once printed, place on a LightGrip mat and select your Base Material so your machine knows how deep the blade needs to cut – ours cut best on Heavy Watercolor Paper (140lb / 300gsm).

5Peel and repeat. Once cut, peel the machine mat away from your cardstock. You may need to use a toothpick to poke through any rattan bits that didn't stay on your mat. Next, for the rattan cardstock, use your XL scraper tool to remove all of the tiny paper bits by scraping outwards to the edge of your mat. Once clean, repeat the above steps to make the numbers of menus you need for your wedding day!

6Assemble. Once you have everything you need cut and ready, create your assembly line of paper goods. Using your precision tip bottle of craft glue, apply tiny dots of craft glue to the rattan cardstock, beginning in the center and working outward. Use just enough glue to securely attach the menu card (as seen in the photos). Once all of the glue has been applied, place your menu card on top and smooth it down. Allow to dry. Repeat until you've finished assembling them all! Store flat until the big day.

TOP TIP: As a guide, place a spare menu card underneath your rattan so you know where you need to place your dots of glue. Stay within the circle, and you won't have any sticky backs!

How to Troubleshoot Cricut Cardstock Cuts (And Stop Paper Ripping!)

If your Cricut is tearing your cardstock, dragging through the paper, or failing to make clean cuts on your intricate faux rattan layer, try these quick fixes:

• Secure Your Cardstock to the Mat: If your paper shifts or lifts even a fraction of an inch during the cut, the blade will catch and drag. Use a brayer tool to firmly roll your cardstock onto your LightGrip mat. If your mat is well-loved and has lost its stick, swap it for a fresh one as sticky mats are crucial for intricate wedding paper crafts!
• Change Your Design Space Cut Settings: Paper weight and fiber density vary greatly. In Cricut Design Space, search for and select the "Medium Cardstock - Intricate Cuts" setting if cutting your rattan layer. This setting automatically adjusts the blade pressure and performs double passes for delicate lattice and rattan patterns.
• Clean or Replace Your Fine-Point Blade: Paper dulls blades faster than vinyl. Before replacing a dull blade, also check for tiny paper fibers stuck inside the metal housing unit.
• Remove Cardstock Without Curling: When your cut is finished, turn your mat upside down on a flat surface and gently peel the mat away from the cardstock rather than pulling the paper off the mat. This prevents your intricate rattan menu from tearing or curling up! See our reel above for an in-action video.

Faux Rattan Wedding Menus Made Simple

Even if you're new to Cricut crafting, this faux rattan menu project shows how a few simple materials and thoughtful design can create wedding details you'll be excited to share with your guests. By recreating the woven look with cardstock, you can add warmth and texture to each place setting while creating something that's uniquely yours.

TUTORIAL CREDITS
Photography and Video: Chelsea Barton

Editor's Note: Some above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.