Photo booths aren’t exactly new — the first photo booth made its debut at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris — but their ability to make magic is as strong as ever.
That could be one of the reasons why photo booths, for years now, have been a popular feature at weddings and special events.
With that popularity in mind, we have created a guide for you with insights and tips for providing photo booths at weddings, corporate gatherings, and other celebrations.
What is a wedding photo booth?
The photo booth business has evolved quite a bit since the 19th century. The booths used at weddings (and special events) are equipped with digital cameras and a printer so guests can get all the digital images they take then and there.
Are photo booths still popular in 2023?
Yes! According to Global Market Insights, the photo booth market surpassed $580 million in 2022. Not only is the photo booth industry thriving now, it is expected to grow at least 8% during the next decade.
Granted, this forecast includes every aspect of the photo booth business, from photo booth software to the use of a photo booth for restaurants. The information is primarily for those in the industry, including those wondering if they should buy a wedding photo booth (or more). But, they do paint a positive picture of photo booth rentals at weddings and special events, too.
From our perspective, demand is going strong for photo booth rentals at The Bell Tower on 34th.
Are photo booths a good idea for weddings?
Like most wedding elements, the decision to offer photo booths depends on a couple's personalities, preferences, and overall vision for their wedding reception.
We can share some of the pros and cons of photo booths to help you make an informed decision.
Wedding Booth Benefits
Wedding photo booths provide guests with a fun and interactive experience, and many couples say they find photo booths worth the investment. For one thing, the booths are a great way to break the ice and engage guests at a wedding reception. People chat while they wait in line to take photos and show one another their prints. And, if you provide fun props, your wedding guests can get a little silly and relax.
A photo booth can also support your wedding theme and infuse a sense of whimsy and creativity into your reception. If you have a Texas wedding theme, for example, you can provide such custom props as cowboy hats, a chalkboard sign that says “Howdy,” and bluebonnet backdrops. For a 1970s disco theme, you can provide platform shoes, a disco ball, and signs with 70s sayings. The creative possibilities are endless.
Photo booths allow you to give your guests unique keepsakes, bringing joy to them long after your special day. Guests will leave your wedding with unique photos: images that have special meaning to them. You also can send guests home with prints of the bride and groom.
Also, these booths are a highly effective way to create lasting memories of your wedding day. Booths allow guests to capture relaxed, silly, and intimate moments that your wedding photographer could miss.
Photo Booth Downsides
Depending on your budget, you may not want the additional costs of a photo booth rental—and any extras associated with it. If you line up a photo booth company to provide your photo booth setup, there could be charges to cover their transportation and miles, and you'll need to provide them with a meal. You might also pay extra web-hosting fees for the photos available for digital download, along with charges for custom backdrops, professional lighting specialized photo booth props, or other add-ons.
In most cases, long lines form for photo booths. Depending on your guest count, and the size of your wedding venue, that could be a concern.
And, in some cases, the appeal of the photo booths can be considered a downside—sort of. Sometimes guests get so enamored with taking photos at the booth that it can be challenging to get them out on the dance floor.
What about corporate events?
If you're an event organizer, your budget, event size, and event goals will be factors when you weigh the benefits of photo booth rental.
Generally, though, photo booths can contribute to the success of corporate events. As with weddings, the booths encourage mingling and networking. They contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere, help capture memories, and provide organizers with a way to send guests home with special souvenirs.
Do photo booths save photos?
Many photo booths store images in a folder on their hard drive. That means that you get all the photos your guests took as your unofficial wedding photographers.
Many photo booth rental services provide customers with an online gallery or a USB with the images.
How would we get a photo booth?
You have several options for lining up a photo booth.
You can arrange a rental from a photo booth company. Typically, photo booth companies handle your photo booth setup and run the booth. Photo booth rental services also provide technical support during your event (and after if you opt for digital downloads).
We’d also like to mention that The Bell Tower on 34th has its own photo booth rental service, which means you don't have to worry about arranging for a vendor to come to you.
How much does a photo booth cost?
Generally, the cost of renting a photo booth for a wedding or event will be based on your rental time, your location, and the type of booth you want to rent. The average rental is about $650 to $700.
What types of photo booths can be rented?
Here are some of the options available today.
Traditional Photo Booth
Guests go inside a simple booth—giving them a bit of privacy—and pose for the camera.
Open-Air Photo Booths
This popular option is essentially a station where guests can take photos of themselves—minus the booth. A camera is set up on a tripod or table. One plus to an open-air photo booth is it allows for custom backdrops.
Mirror Photo Booth
This booth appears to be a full-length mirror, but it’s actually a touch screen that can be used as a selfie station.
Slow-Motion Video Photo Booth
This option lets guests create short clips in slow motion for a dramatic or comedic effect.
Green Screen Photo Booth
Do you think your guests would enjoy photos set in a far-off locale—or a fictional setting? A green screen photo booth will make it happen.
Talk with your photo booth service about the options they offer, pricing details, and good fits for your particular event and location.
360-Degree Photo Booth
This allows your event or wedding guests to see themselves from all sides during their photo session. Guests tend to love these booths, but they do take up a lot of space.
GIF Booth
Some photo booth companies allow guests to make animated GIFs that can be shared on social media. This option always is an event and wedding reception hit.
We need wedding photo booth ideas.
Here are a few suggestions you can start with for your event or wedding reception
Be Creative with Backdrops.
If you go with an open-air photo booth, you can set up a photo booth wall with a backdrop that complements the overall vibe of your event or supports your theme.
A few backdrop ideas include:
A beautiful quilt
Balloons
Greenery
Colorful art
Offer Creative Photo Booth Props.
Masks are popular photo booth props, but you don’t have to stop there.
Additional fun props can include wigs, mustache and beard props (you can find printable versions online), crowns and tiaras, giant sunglasses, or costumes (Harry Potter/Hogwarts robes are popular).
Invite Guests to Add their Own Creative Touches.
Offer your guests chalkboard signs, and let them take it from there. You also can encourage them to bring props with special meaning—possibly an enlarged photo of a pet or loved one—to pose with. Include a notice on your event website.