Audio Guestbook vs Video Guestbook: Which One Should You Choose?
Both use a phone. Both capture voices. But the experience and what you take home are very different. Here's an honest breakdown.
TL;DR: An audio guestbook records voice messages only. A video guestbook records voice, facial expressions, and body language on camera. Audio guestbooks are simpler and more affordable, typically starting around AED 900-1,500. Video guestbooks cost more (AED 3,000-4,000 in Dubai) but deliver a richer emotional keepsake. If you want to hear your loved ones' voices, audio works. If you want to see their faces and feel like you're in the room with them again, video is worth the investment.
How they work
An audio guestbook is a vintage rotary phone (or replica) where guests pick up the handset, hear a greeting, and leave a voicemail-style message. The recordings are delivered as audio files after the event.
A video guestbook is a dedicated installation with a camera and phone handset. Guests pick up the phone and speak while being filmed. The output is a collection of video messages showing their face, voice, and emotion.
The key difference
Audio captures what people say. Video captures how they say it. The trembling voice of a grandmother. The eyes of a best friend trying not to cry. The laughter that no audio file can fully convey. These are the moments that make a video guestbook feel like reliving the day, not just remembering it.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Audio Guestbook | Video Guestbook |
|---|---|---|
| What it captures | Voice only | Voice + face + body language + emotion |
| Guest comfort | High. Feels like leaving a voicemail | High. Phone handset makes it feel natural, not like being filmed |
| Emotional replay value | Good. Hearing voices is meaningful | Exceptional. Seeing faces elevates the experience |
| Installation | Small. A phone on a table | Sculptural. A 2.2m statement piece |
| Visual impact at event | Minimal | Becomes a conversation piece and focal point |
| Output format | Audio files (MP3/WAV) | Video files + optional compiled Keepsake Film |
| Price range (Dubai) | AED 900 - 1,500 | AED 3,000 - 4,000 |
| Best for | Budget-conscious events, casual celebrations | Weddings, milestone events where emotion matters most |
When to choose an audio guestbook
If your budget is tight and you still want something more personal than a written guestbook, audio is a solid choice. It's also great for very casual events where guests might feel awkward on camera. The simplicity of picking up a phone and leaving a voicemail is hard to beat for ease of use.
When to choose a video guestbook
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and you want to look back at it with full emotion, go with video. Weddings, milestone birthdays, and farewell celebrations are moments where seeing someone's face matters as much as hearing their words. The extra investment pays for itself every time you rewatch.
Common concern: will guests feel awkward on video?
This is the most common question. The answer: the phone handset changes everything. When guests pick up a phone, they naturally start talking. They're not standing in front of a camera trying to perform. They're having a conversation. Most guests forget they're being filmed within seconds. If you opt for a host, they guide guests naturally, making even shy people feel comfortable.