We all know the notebook left on a table by the entrance: three pages filled early in the evening, then nobody. With a QR code guestbook, every guest leaves their message from their phone, wherever they are in the room, and even if they couldn't make it. Here's how to set it up in a few minutes.

What is a QR code guestbook?

It's a digital guestbook you open by scanning a QR code. You display it on a sign, a table or a card; your guests scan it with their phone's camera and land straight on a page where they can write a message, add a photo, record a voice message or a short video. No app, no account to create.

Why does it work better than a paper notebook? Everyone takes part, not just the people who walk past the table. Those who couldn't come can write using the same link. Messages take whatever form each guest prefers: a note, a photo of the moment, grandma's voice, a video from friends. And nothing gets lost: no champagne-stained pages, no notebook left behind at the venue.

For a detailed comparison of both formats, read digital or paper guestbook: which one to choose.

Create and print your QR code guestbook in 4 steps

1. Create the space (2 minutes). Go to Filomy and create a Memory Space: the name of the event, the date, that's it. The share link and the QR code are generated automatically when you create it.

2. Personalise it. Pick a title that makes people want to join in (“Camille & Hugo's guestbook”, “Sarah's 40th”) and a cover photo. Also decide whether messages will be visible to everyone or only to you, and whether you want to approve them before they appear.

3. Get the QR code. Download the image from your space. Before printing it, scan it yourself to check it opens the right page.

4. Print it and place it in the right spot. A QR code needs to stay readable: at least 3 to 4 cm wide on a card or menu, much larger on a sign read from a distance. Keep a white margin around it and good contrast, and avoid very glossy paper under spotlights.

Where should you put it? Wherever guests have a quiet moment: on every table (table stand or place card), at the entrance, at the bar, on the menu, and even beforehand on the invitation to collect messages from those who can't attend. After the event, slip it into your thank-you card for anyone who didn't have time to write.

For a gîte, a B&B or a holiday rental, the QR code belongs in the welcome booklet, on the fridge door or inside the front door: where guests will see it while they pack their bags.

Want to go further with QR codes at events? Read our article Event QR code: collecting your guests' messages.

8 ready-to-use sign texts

A QR code alone doesn't tell guests what you expect from them. A short, warm and clear line next to it makes all the difference. A few ideas to use as they are or adapt:

• “Scan me and leave a note for the newlyweds!”
• “A selfie, a wish, a story: our guestbook is in your phone.”
• “50 years deserve a party… and a few words! Scan to leave your message.”
• “No pen? No problem. Point, scan, write.”
• “Tell us your favourite memory with us in 30 seconds.”
• “Enjoyed your stay? Leave a note for the next guests (and for us).”
• “Your advice for the newlyweds? Write it, say it or film it: anything goes.”
• “Thanks for coming! One last word before you go? Scan here.”

Need inspiration for the messages themselves? Share our message templates with your less inspired guests.

Ideas for every occasion

Wedding. One QR code on each table and one on the seating plan. Print it on the invitation too, so guests who can't attend can send their wishes. Videos from the evening and voice messages from the grandparents become a keepsake you'll come back to long afterwards.

Birthday (30th, 40th, 50th, 60th…). Open the guestbook a few days before the party: relatives who live far away can write ahead of time, and on the day you display the QR code next to the cake. For a surprise party, keep messages visible only to you until the big moment.

Seminar, company party, trade show, retirement send-off. A QR code on the badge, the screen in the room or the stand lets you collect first impressions, team photos or farewell notes for a colleague. Approving messages before they go live keeps you in control of what is shown.

Gîte, B&B, holiday rental. The digital guestbook replaces the worn notebook by the door: guests share a photo of the view, a hiking tip, a note for the hosts. Messages can stay private or be visible to future guests.

Christening, first communion, graduation: the idea is the same. Discover everything you can do with the Filomy digital guestbook.

Tips to get everyone involved

Bring it up at the right moment. The drinks reception, the wait between courses or coffee time are perfect lulls. Don't rely only on the dance floor.

Mention it in the speech. One sentence is enough: “There's a QR code on your tables, we're counting on you to leave us a note!”. Guests act on it straight away.

Get others to spread the word. The best man and maid of honour, the host or the DJ can remind people once or twice during the evening, and share the link in the guests' WhatsApp group.

Ask a short, fun question. “Your best memory with us?”, “One piece of advice for the next 10 years?”, “Describe the evening in three words”. A specific question unlocks far more messages than a blank page.

After the event: view, download, keep

The next day, open your space: all the messages, photos, voice notes and videos are gathered in one place. You can still share the link with anyone who didn't have time to write.

To keep these memories on your side, download the PDF export of the contributions. And if you'd like something to put on a shelf, a printed keepsake is also available as an option.

Frequently asked questions