Shout Outs

Shout Outs - having somebody that can't make the reception record a message to be played at the reception.

So, how many people do it?

I am considering this.

I just hooked up with Freedom Voice to get an 800 number. They also give me a nice range of mailboxes and the messages left are sent via e-mail in MP3 format.

This is extremely cool.

You can set up voice forms inside of mailboxes; that is, you can prompt the caller for information, they press a button, you ask for more information, and so on. I already have one mailbox set up this way to collect name, addrsss, e-mail, event type, event date, and such.

As to the shout outs, I was thinking of making it an add on of maybe $50. I'd give the couple a sheet with the information on how to get in because it would be a mailbox not on the menu. They would have a code number that the person would be prompted for. I'll use that to identify which wedding it goes with. Then they'll be asked for their name and lastly, their message. I'll screen them all to ensure no inapproprtiate comments are made. I'll then put them together with a decent music bed.

Cam:

Actually, it souldn't be that hard a sell.

Here's the approach I am thinking of using:

"Do you have any friends or relatives that you know will not be able to make it but would like to have a message read?" If they say yes, then "Well, why not have them read the message themselves? They call our 800 number, get into a special mailbox, give the code for your wedding, and record their message. We then put it together with an appropriate music background and play it at the reception during the meal."

Suppose the bride has a brother in Iraq. Now he can send a message for the reception.

Cool?

Tom,
I think this is a really cool idea. Great way to think outside of the box.

Why thank you Carolyn.

I try not to put a box around my thinking. It is too limiting.

I have my first guinea pig client hooked. I gave it to them for free and told them they were the guinea pig. They are cool with it and excited about using it.

Two other services that have grown out of this are:

1. Bride/Groom message to each other. They call in when the other is not around. The system prompts them for the wedding date and wheather they're the bride or groom. Yeah, I know, I should be able to tell, LOL, but I do alternative weddings as well and you definitely need the identifucation there. Anyway, I take the message they record and play it back during the first dance.

2. Father/Daughter or Mother/Son message. Same concept.

This is so cool.