Reel4LifeHow to make a wedding video guest book
Updated
In short: ask guests to record before the wedding instead of at it, start four to six weeks out, give each guest a different question, include the people who can't travel, and play a five to eight minute film at the reception.
A video guest book gathers messages for the couple on video: wishes, advice, and the stories about them that guests have been saving up. Recorded before the day, it becomes a film to play at the reception and something the couple will watch again on every anniversary.
Before the wedding, or at it?
A camera or booth at the reception catches the mood of the night, but it also catches loud music, queues and guests put on the spot. Asking guests to record at home beforehand gets considered messages, includes people who can't attend, and means the film can be shown on the day. The two work well together.
1. Decide who is organising
Usually a member of the wedding party, a parent or a sibling, so it can be a surprise for the couple. Couples can also organise their own.
2. Invite guests four to six weeks out
Use the guest list, and add the people who were invited but can't come. Set the deadline a few days before the wedding. Most messages arrive in the last few days, so send a reminder.
3. Give each guest a different question
Without a question, every message is "congratulations, we love you both". With one, you get stories:
- How do you know Sam and Alex? Tell us how you met.
- When did you first hear about them as a couple, and what did you think?
- When did you know they were meant to be?
- What are they like together that nobody else quite is?
- What's your best advice for a long and happy life together?
- What's the secret to a good marriage, in one sentence?
- Raise a glass: give us your toast to Sam and Alex.
There are more in questions to ask for a tribute.
4. Ask for photos as well
Photos of the couple together over the years, and each of them growing up, fill the gaps between messages and make a photo book afterwards. Ask for original files so they print sharply.
5. Keep messages short
Under two minutes each. Guests who don't want to be on camera can leave a voice note or write a few lines.
6. Play it at the reception
After the speeches or during dessert works well. Ask the venue what screen and sound they have, and test the file on it beforehand. Five to eight minutes holds a room; give the couple a longer version to keep.
Doing it with Reel4Life
Reel4Life sends the invites (by email or one link for the group chat), offers each guest three questions chosen for how they know the couple, collects videos, voice notes, photos and stories from the app or any web browser with no account, and makes the film and a photo book. It's free to make and preview; the full HD film and book are A$14.99 (about US$10) for the event. Guests never pay. Wedding video messages.
Questions
What is a video guest book?
A collection of short video messages from wedding guests, in place of or alongside a signed book. Guests record wishes, advice and stories for the couple, and the messages are edited into a film.
When should guests record their messages?
Before the wedding is easiest: four to six weeks out, closing a few days before, so the film is ready for the reception. Guests record at home, when they have time to think of something worth saying.
Can guests who can't attend take part?
Yes. That is one of the best reasons to do it before the day: relatives overseas or guests who can't travel record from wherever they are.
What should guests say?
A specific story or piece of advice beats "congratulations". Give each guest a different question, such as how they met the couple, when they knew the two were meant to be, or their best advice for a long life together.
How long should the film be?
Five to eight minutes for the reception. A longer version can be given to the couple afterwards.
Let everyone help
Reel4Life gathers the videos, voice notes, photos and stories for you, then makes the film and a photo book. Free to make and preview.