Guest book
To create a guest book for an event, the easiest way is to set up an online guest book, share the link a few weeks ahead, then put a QR code at the venue so every guest can write from their phone. Messages, photos, videos and voice notes all land in one place, can be projected during the party and printed afterwards. Here are the steps, and what Filomy makes easier at each one.
- 1 month before
Set up the guest book and decide what to collect
What makes it complicated
A paper book only gathers words written on the day, and only from the guests who are there.
With Filomy
The online guest book collects messages, photos, videos and voice notes by link, QR code or WhatsApp, with no app or account.
Online guest book → - 1 month before
Put everything behind one link
What makes it complicated
One link for the invitation, another for the guest book, a third for the kitty: guests lose track.
With Filomy
The Event Box brings invitations and RSVP, poll, kitty, guest book and photo wall together in a mini-site shared by link or QR code, for a one-time payment of €49.90.
Event Box (mini-site) → - 3 weeks before
Ask loved ones to contribute in advance
What makes it complicated
Friends who live far away or can't make it send their videos by email, text or messaging app, and someone has to gather it all.
With Filomy
A single link sent on WhatsApp is enough: everyone adds their message, photo, video or voice note, with no app or account.
Online guest book → - 1 week before
Get the QR code ready for the venue
What makes it complicated
On the day, a paper guest book struggles to make it round the tables and many guests never sign it.
With Filomy
Filomy generates a print-ready QR poster (A4 PDF): placed on the tables or by the entrance, it opens the online guest book, with no app or account.
Online guest book → - On the day
Collect messages during the party
What makes it complicated
Photos from the evening stay on guests' phones, and an awkward message can slip in.
With Filomy
Guests add messages, photos, videos and voice notes live, and you can moderate them before they appear.
Online guest book → - On the day
Show the messages as a slideshow
What makes it complicated
Building a slideshow means collecting files beforehand and spending evenings putting it together.
With Filomy
The guest book's slideshow view displays guests' contributions, ready to project during the party.
Online guest book → - After the event
Print the guest book
What makes it complicated
In the weeks that follow, you chase photos one by one and some never arrive.
With Filomy
All contributions are gathered in one place: export them as an A4 PDF (messages and photos, font of your choice, optional export to Canva) to print as cards or a book, and download contributors' contact details as a CSV.
Online guest book → - After the event
Keep a message for later
What makes it complicated
Once the party is over, the words written that day get read once, then put away.
With Filomy
The time capsule delivers a message written today in 1, 5 or 10 years, for free.
Time capsule →
Lea's 30th birthday guest book, 45 guests
Thomas is throwing a party for his partner Lea's 30th, on a Saturday evening in a hired hall in Nantes, with 45 guests including 8 friends who live abroad. He wants to surprise her with a guest book filled before the party, added to on the night and projected during the evening.
The countdown plan
- Day -28
- Create the online guest book with moderation on, and post the first message yourself to set the tone.
- Day -26
- Send the link on WhatsApp to the 8 friends abroad and close family, with a deadline of day -5.
- Day -21
- Share the link with the other guests, in a group Lea isn't part of.
- Day -14
- Check the contributions so far and personally nudge the people who matter most to Lea.
- Day -7
- Download the QR poster (A4 PDF) generated by Filomy and print 7 copies: one for the entrance, 6 for the tables, with a clear prompt: "Leave Lea a message".
- Day -5
- Read through the messages, hide duplicates and check that the videos play properly.
- Day -1
- Test the slideshow on the venue's projector, with sound for videos and voice notes.
- On the day, 10 pm
- Start the slideshow after the cake, then leave it running while guests add their photos.
- Day +10
- Export the guest book as an A4 PDF (messages and photos), have it printed as a book and give it to Lea.
The checklist
- The guest book link
- The guest list with WhatsApp numbers
- Around ten photos of Lea through the years, to add yourself
- The QR poster (A4 PDF) printed: one for the entrance, 6 for the tables
- A projector or large screen, and a speaker
- An HDMI cable or adapter for the laptop
- A friend to start the slideshow at the right moment
- A €39.90 budget if contributions go over 50
Ready-to-send message — WhatsApp message asking guests to contribute
Hi! For Lea's 30th on 14 March, I'm putting together a surprise guest book for her. Leave her a few words, a photo of the two of you, a video or a voice note here: [guest book link] No app to install and no account needed. Ideally before 9 March, and not a word to Lea! We'll show everything during the party. Thanks, Thomas
All these steps gathered on a single mini-site, shared by link or QR code.
Discover the boxFrequently asked questions
How do I make a wedding guest book?
Set up an online guest book and put a QR code on each table. Guests leave messages, photos, videos and voice notes with no app or account, you project the slideshow during the evening and print everything afterwards.
How does a QR code guest book work?
Guests scan the QR code with their phone camera, which opens the guest book page. They write a message or add a photo, video or voice note, without installing an app or creating an account.
What should I write in a guest book?
A specific memory you share with the person being celebrated, then a wish for what comes next. Two or three sentences are plenty: "I remember when…", "Thank you for…", "I hope…", with a photo of the two of you if you have one.
Is the online guest book free?
Yes, up to 50 contributions. Beyond that, it is unlimited with a box or a one-time unlock of €39.90.
How do I download and print guest book messages?
From the organiser space, export the guest book as an A4 PDF: messages and photos from approved contributions, font of your choice, with optional export to Canva for layout. You can also download contributors' contact details as a CSV to thank them.