Photobooth Logistics: Sizing Up The Fun

Wedding photo booths are a fun addition to any wedding and can be a great alternative form of entertainment for guests who aren't into dancing. They can also be a great way to capture candid memories of your guests and serve as wedding favours.

There are many types of photo booths to choose from, including open-air photo booths, old-school photo booths, slow-motion video booths, GIF-maker booths, flip-book booths, 360-degree booths, green screen booths, selfie mirrors, and campers.

When deciding on a photo booth, consider the size of your guest list and the amount of space the photo booth will require. Photo booths can range in price, but on average, they cost around $650, with prices starting at about $425 and going up to $1,000.

To make the most of your photo booth, consider including festive props, such as items that are significant to the couple or their interests. You can also encourage guests to use the photo booth by placing it in a high-traffic area and providing signage.

Overall, a photo booth can be a fun and memorable addition to your wedding that your guests are sure to enjoy.

DIY vs. Professional Photo Booths

There are a few things to consider when deciding between a DIY or professional photo booth for your wedding. While a professional photo booth can provide a high-quality experience with various features and options, it may be more expensive and require more planning. On the other hand, a DIY photo booth can be a more casual, lower-cost option that allows for creativity and personalisation. Here is a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of each choice:

DIY Photo Booths:

• Cost-effective: Creating your own photo booth can save money, especially if you are on a tight budget. It may also be a good option for destination weddings or intimate receptions, as it can be easily set up with an app and a tablet.
• Creativity and personalisation: With a DIY photo booth, you have the freedom to customise it according to your preferences and wedding theme. You can choose the backdrop, props, lighting, and other decorative elements to match your style.
• Simplicity: While setting up a DIY photo booth requires some planning, it can be a relatively simple process. You can purchase or rent a backdrop, use a wall at your venue, or create your own backdrop with curtains, flowers, balloons, or other creative ideas.
• Flexibility: A DIY photo booth allows you to choose the location that best suits your event. You can set it up in a corner of the dance floor, an unused coat closet, or even outdoors, as long as there is enough natural light.
• Interactive fun: DIY photo booths can be a fun activity for your guests, encouraging them to interact and be creative. They can use their smartphones to take photos and instantly share them on social media or contribute to a designated hashtag.

Professional Photo Booths:

• High-quality experience: Professional photo booth companies offer a range of options, including traditional enclosed booths, open-air machines, and portrait booths with attendants. They provide high-quality photos, often with custom logos or frames, and can offer digital galleries and instant printing.
• Variety of features: Professional photo booths often include fun features such as digital props, GIFs, videos, and green screens. They may also provide themed props, backdrops, and filters to enhance the experience.
• Convenience: Renting a photo booth from a local vendor or online can save you time and effort in setting up and managing the booth during your wedding. Some companies also provide an attendant to ensure smooth operation and troubleshoot any technical issues.
• Built-in entertainment: Photo booths are a great way to keep your guests entertained during the cocktail hour or while you are busy taking breathtaking photos. They add to the fun factor and provide memorable favours for your guests to take home.
• Authentic pictures: While your wedding photographer focuses on capturing formal poses and main events, a photo booth captures authentic, candid moments of your guests. It ensures you get pictures of every guest and provides an extra set of wedding photos to cherish.

Whether you choose a DIY or professional photo booth, it is sure to be a hit at your wedding. Consider your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and the overall experience you want to create for your guests when making your decision.

Photo Booth Costs

Photo booths are a popular addition to a wedding and can provide entertainment for your guests as well as a fun memento of the day. The cost of renting a photo booth varies depending on the type of photo booth, the location, the day of the week, and the time of year.

The average cost of renting a photo booth in the US is $425 to $1,000, with a three-hour package starting at around $551. Hourly rates range from $100 to $300+, with the average falling between $125 and $200 per hour. The more hours you book, the lower the cost per hour, and you can also save money by booking on a weekday.

You can also add on extra features such as a green screen, a dedicated photographer, or social media integration, which will increase the cost.

Some companies offer packages that include a set number of hours, an attendant, props, and custom backdrops. For example, a three-hour package might cost $499, while a five-hour package could be $649.

It's important to read reviews, check for licenses and insurance, and get everything in writing to ensure you're getting a reputable company and there are no surprises on your wedding day.

Photo Booth Timing

The best time to start a photo booth at a wedding is a topic of debate. Some recommend scheduling the last three hours of a wedding reception, skipping the cocktail hour, dinner hour, toasts and first dance. However, others suggest opening the photo booth during the cocktail hour to keep guests entertained while the bridal party is busy taking formal photos. This is also a great time for family photos, especially for guests with children.

It is important to note that weddings rarely run on schedule, so it is advisable to err on the side of caution when timing your photo booth. Communicate with your photo booth supplier to get their input on the best timing, as they will have experience with wedding schedules.

• First Dance: It is recommended to never start the photo booth before the first dance. This ensures that you don't miss capturing this special moment and that your guests are already on the dance floor, ready to use the photo booth afterward.
• Guest Engagement: You want to time the photo booth when guests are most likely to use it. For example, guests might not want to leave the dance floor, so having the photo booth open during this time could be a good idea.
• Special Events: There are often special events during wedding receptions, such as toasts, bouquet tosses, and special dances. You may want the photo booth open during these events to capture the fun, or you may want guests focused on what's happening on the dance floor.
• Dinner: During dinner, guests will likely be eating at different times, so having the photo booth open can provide entertainment for those who are finished or waiting for their turn at the buffet.
• Idle Time: Photo booths may be closed during events like toasts and the first dance, so be sure to clarify with your supplier if you will be charged for this idle time.

Overall, the timing of your wedding photo booth depends on your specific schedule and preferences. Be sure to communicate with your photo booth supplier and consider the flow of your wedding reception to choose the best time for your guests to enjoy this fun activity.

Photo Booth Location

The location of your photo booth is important. You want to place it somewhere that is easily accessible and visible to your guests. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a location:

• High-Traffic Area: Place your photo booth in an area of your wedding venue that sees a lot of foot traffic, such as near the bar or dance floor. This will ensure that your guests see it and are more likely to use it. However, make sure it is not blocking the traffic flow.
• Open Space: Leave some open space around the photo booth. If a line starts to form, it will be more inviting if it is easily accessible and guests don't have to fight their way through tables or a crowd.
• Away from the Head Table: Keep the photo booth away from the head table, especially if it is in a ballroom or traditional event space. This will help avoid any distractions for you and your wedding party during the reception.
• Near an Open Wall: Set up the backdrop of the photo booth in front of an open wall so that it can be easily accessed from both sides. This will create a natural flow for guests to enter and exit the photo booth area.
• Well-Lit Area: Choose a location with good lighting, either natural light or artificial lighting. This will ensure that the photos turn out well and your guests look their best.
• Near the Action: While you don't want the photo booth to be the main focus and distract from the wedding festivities, you also don't want it to be hidden away in a back room or closet. Place it in an area where guests will be able to easily find it and where there is already some activity happening.
• Avoid the Entrance: While you want the photo booth to be easily accessible, placing it at the entrance of the venue may cause guests to forget about it once they are more relaxed and in the mood for photos later in the evening.
• Signage: Consider putting up signs or hanging signage to direct guests to the photo booth, especially if it is in a location that may be less obvious. This will ensure that everyone knows where to find it.
• Near Other Activities: Think about placing the photo booth near other activities or attractions at your wedding, such as a game area or dessert table. This will create a natural flow of guests moving between different areas and give them something to do while they wait for their turn at the photo booth.

Remember, the key to a successful photo booth is to make it inviting and accessible. You want your guests to have fun and create memorable photos, so choose a location that will encourage them to let loose and strike a pose!

Photo Booth Backdrops

The right backdrop is essential for your wedding photo booth. It's going to be in every photo and should be beautiful and eye-catching.

You can hire a rental company to create a custom backdrop for you, or use a green screen to add any background you want. You can also buy backdrops online. There are over 1,500 stock photo booth backdrops to choose from, or you can create your own custom design.

• Fun, removable wallpaper
• Hanging fresh flowers (or a flower wall)
• A custom neon sign
• For an outdoor wedding, use the natural beauty of greenery as a backdrop
• Put together four wooden pallets and decorate them with flowers for a rustic but elegant backdrop
• Reclaimed wood

If you're looking for something more complex, try a 3D backdrop, a backdrop with mirrors, or a backdrop with lights. You can also use a step-and-repeat backdrop, which is a popular choice for red carpets. This type of backdrop allows guests to step up, pose for their photo, and then move along so others can take their turn.

Frequently asked questions