10 Photo Booth Tips to Rock Your Next Event

You don't need us to tell you that photo booth rentals are all the rage for weddings, class reunions, school dances, corporate parties, and other formal events. But you might need us to share a few photo booth tips to get the most out of your event.

No problem! When it comes to photo booths, we've seen (and done) it all, and we want to make sure that all of our clients walk away from their event saying, "That was the best night ever!"

So without further ado, here are 10 photo booth tips to help you ROCK your next event!

#1: Rent, Don't DIY

Setting up a DIY photo booth might seem like a great way to save a few bucks on an already-pricey event, but the money you save is rarely worth the extra hassle. When you do the photo booth yourself, you'll be responsible for everything: setup, troubleshooting, breakdown, and making sure the printer has enough paper.

With a professional photo booth rental, you get an attendant to take care of all that for you, plus tidy the props table, organize the line, and encourage guests to step in the booth. Plus, there's no easy way to DIY a full 360 slow-motion gif.

If your formal event is worth planning at all, it's worth doing it right.

#2: Know What You Want

Photo booths have come a long way since the 1980's. There are a plethora of different styles, features, and colors that will either add or take away from your experience.

Take some time to think about exactly what you want out of your photo booth experience. Are you dead set on the classy vibes of a Magic Mirror booth? Is it important that your guests record video messages at your event? Do you prefer a cozy, private photo shoot or an Open Air model that can fit eight people? Maybe it's all about the backdrop (green screens are all the rage).

Taking the time to research your options now will make sure you get the perfect photo booth for your event.

#3: Be Wary of "Cheap"

If that low price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

This is one of our most important photo booth tips, because the company that you use has a huge effect on your photo booth experience.

A super-low price could indicate a newer (i.e. less experienced) company, poor quality cameras, a lack of insurance, or a bargain-basement package with nothing else included.

Steer clear of any company that seems to charge way less than the competition. And as you collect quotes, make sure you ask what is included with every rental so you can compare apples to apples.

#4:  Consider Your Timeline

Most photo booths are rented for a period of four hours, but rather than starting your rental period at the beginning of your event, think about your timeline first.

If you're planning a wedding, for example, have the official rental period coincide with the start of your cocktail hour or after dinner rather than the start of the ceremony. You won't have to pay for an unused hour or add-on an additional hour just to keep the party going.

However, if you know your reception is going to go late, consider paying for some additional time. Most rental companies have an additional charge for any hour past the official rental period. The extra cost might be less than you thought (and well worth it).

#5: Look For Digital + Physical Images

Digital and physical photos both have their advantages, but when you choose one over the other, you miss out on a lot!

With a digital image, you're free to email, tweet, pin, and 'gram to your heart's content. You even have the option to create gifs and video clips. And with a physical photo strip, you won't have to scroll through a million selfies in your camera roll to find it.

Look for a photo booth rental company (like us!) that offers both digital and physical images so you get the best of both worlds.

#6: Get the Scrapbook

Even a professional photographer can't be everywhere at once, so it's always nice to have a photo booth to capture extra images. But how do you get to enjoy all those snapshots if the guests are taking them home?

Compile them into your guestbook! Most photo booth rental companies offer a scrapbook as an add-on to their packages. You'll get a copy of every photo taken and guests can sign it with their best wishes. It's a great way to see for yourself what a great time your guests had.

#7: Consider Venue Layout

Where your photo booth is located within your event space can have a huge effect on your selfie experience.

If you want guests to record video messages, make sure your photo booth is kept a good distance away from the dance floor, so the music doesn't interfere it. That being said, keep the booth close enough to the action that it won't be neglected all night.

Of course, you can always add one of our neon signs to make it stand out!

#8: Give Great Favors

Photo booth strips make the best wedding favors, but for a little something extra, include a photo booth frame as well. (The traditional 2x6" photo booth strip can be a little difficult to frame.)

See if your photo booth company offers picture frames as an add-on to their regular package (we do). Your guests will love it!

#9: Don't Forget to Use the Booth!

You'd be surprised how many newlyweds and event hosts forget to use the photo booth at their own event. Don't let this happen to you!

Schedule some time for a photo booth visit in your timeline or task someone with the goal of pulling you into the booth. If you can, hop in the photo booth first thing in the evening before you forget about it.

#10: Use Props Responsibly

Yes, it's hard to choose between a boa, a fake mustache, and that giant sombrero, but resist the urge to pile all of the props on at once. You want to make sure everyone knows it's you in the picture!

But showing restraint doesn't have to ruin your fun. With Photobooth Rocks, you can return to the booth as many times as you want, so just hop in again with a different prop, pose, or friend.

Conclusion

Having a photo booth at your next event is a great investment, since it acts as a fun activity, souvenir, and extra photographer. And with these photo booth tips, you'll be sure to get your money's worth!

Of course, the best way to get the most out of your photo booth experience is to hire Photobooth Rocks. Our mission is to ensure that you and your guests have the best. Night. EVER! And we'll do whatever we have to do to make that happen!

Check out our different booth styles, meet the team, and let's get started planning your event. Once you meet us, you'll soon agree that "Photobooth ROCKS!"