Are you planning an event and thinking of hiring a photo booth rental company? A photo booth rental can bring a unique flair to your celebration, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or corporate gathering. With countless companies offering these services, how do you pick the right one?
We understand your goal: providing guests with an unforgettable experience without unnecessary stress. That’s why knowing the right questions to ask and the features to prioritize matters.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through 11 practical tips to ensure the photo booth you rent checks all the boxes for quality, cost, and fun.
Why a Photo Booth Is Worth Adding to Your Event
A photo booth brings out the playful side of everyone—kids, teens, and even grandparents. It’s an activity that unites your guests, making every moment special.
From goofy props to creative backdrops, a photo booth rental adds that interactive element your event needs. Plus, guests leave with instant souvenirs they’ll cherish.
When you hire the right company, you’re ensuring a smooth, fun experience for all.
1. Know What Photo Booth You Want
Picking the right photo booth can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Hosting a trendy event? A glam photo booth brings smoothing skin filter. Want something interactive? A 360 photo booth might be your star.
Keeping it classic? You’ll love a vintage-inspired. For a sleek and playful twist, consider a mirror or mini booth. Think about your event’s tone and what will get your guests excited.
2. Check The Availability
Before you book a photo booth company, ask about their availability for your date. Some dates fill up months in advance, especially during wedding and holiday seasons! Confirm their schedule early to avoid disappointment.
Ask, “Is my event date open?” or “How far in advance should I book?” These questions help secure the service you need without last-minute stress. Planning ahead ensures you have the perfect photo booth ready to rent for your big day.
3. Check Its Reputation
A company’s reputation can tell you a lot about what to expect. Have they worked with big brands or organized events similar to yours? This is a sign they understand diverse needs and can handle the job well. If they’ve received awards for service excellence, it’s even better. You want someone who’s consistently trusted to deliver memorable experiences.
4. Read Reviews
What do past clients say about the company? Read the company’s reviews on trusted platforms like Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, or The Knot. Look for 4.0 to 5.0 ratings and read testimonials about their service, photo quality, and how they handle issues.
A few negative reviews aren’t deal-breakers if the company resolves them professionally. Asking for a client reference can also help you get a clearer picture of their reliability. After all, real feedback helps you choose a rental company that delivers on its promises.
5. Ask About What It Offers
Before booking, don’t forget about the features included. Does the booth come with fun unique props, custom templates, or creative backdrops to match your theme? Professional attendants are a must to keep things running smoothly.
Ensure the setup offers unlimited instant prints, high-resolution images, and digital sharing options like an online gallery or social media uploads. Fun extras, like GIFs or boomerangs, can also make your event stand out. Be clear about what’s included to avoid surprises!
6. You Should Understand Their Pricing
Take a moment to understand their pricing structure. Does the cost include setup and teardown? Are prints unlimited, or is there a cap? Some companies offer packages with digital copies, while others charge extra for premium features.
Ask for a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what’s included. Clear communication upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re paying for services that matter to your event.
7. Confirm If It Fits Your Budget
You don’t need to overspend to rent a fantastic photo booth, but you also don’t want to compromise quality.
Ask the company to break down their pricing—are setup, teardown, and props included? Hidden fees, like overtime charges or travel costs, can add up quickly!
A budget-friendly option doesn’t mean sacrificing service, so make sure the quote matches your needs and expectations.
8. Test How It Works
How does the booth operate? Is it easy to use? Before hiring, ask the company to show you how it works. Look at sample prints and try out the features—this way, you’ll avoid technical headaches during your event. Plus, you’ll feel confident everything runs without a hitch!
9. Check If It Matches Your Theme
Your theme sets the tone for your event—why shouldn’t the photo booth match? Ask the rental company if they offer personalization options for backdrops, photo templates, or props.
For example, can they incorporate your logo or custom designs? A well-matched booth doesn’t just enhance photos; it ensures every detail complements your vision.
10. Know How It Handles Problems
No event is perfect, but you don’t want a glitch ruining the fun. Check if the company provides an onsite attendant who can troubleshoot technical issues or assist guests.
Ask them about their response time for unexpected problems. Will they have spare props, a backup photo booth, or extra supplies ready to go? Clear answers here mean fewer worries for you.
11. See What You Get After
You’ve wrapped up your event, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Make sure you’re getting everything promised: digital copies, high-resolution prints, or even an online gallery for guests to view and download their favorites.
Some companies go the extra mile with extras like USBs or personalized photo books. Ask how long the files will stay online and confirm if there’s a backup option. Knowing the deliverables ensures you’ll have every moment captured, just as planned!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes during the photo booth rental process can turn your fun event into a stressful situation. Let’s make sure you avoid them!
- Booking too late and losing availability.
- Ignoring the importance of customer support.
- Choosing based on price alone.
- Overlooking additional or hidden costs.
- Forgetting to ask about setup and takedown time.
- Not asking about the customizations.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before you commit to renting a photo booth, asking the right questions can save you time, money, and potential headaches.
- What’s included in the photo booth rental package?
- How much time is needed for setup and takedown?
- Are props, backdrops, and prints part of the package?
- Can the booth be customized to match my theme?
- What happens if there are technical issues during the event?
- Are there additional charges for overtime?
- How many hours are included in the rental package?
- Do you offer any special packages for weddings, parties, or corporate events?
- What type of photo booths do you have (e.g., classic, glam booth, 360)?
- Are the digital copies high-resolution, and how are they delivered?
- Do you offer social media sharing or live streaming options?
- Is there an attendant to assist during the event?
- What happens if there’s a last-minute cancellation?
- Is the setup area required indoors, or can it be outdoors with cover?
- What are your payment terms, and do you require a deposit?
Questions to Ask After The Event
Your event may be over, but there are still important details to wrap up with the photo booth rental company. Asking the right questions ensures you get the most value and lasting memories from their service.
- Will I receive digital copies of all the photos taken?
- How long will it take to deliver the final photos or prints?
- Is there an option for additional edits or touch-ups?
- Can I request extra copies of prints or enlargements?
- Will you provide a breakdown of the event usage or analytics?
- Will you provide a summary of any additional charges?
- Will you share a digital gallery or download link for all the photos?
- Can we retain access to an online gallery after the event?
- Are the photos watermarked or fully clean for use?
- Do you store a backup of the photos, and for how long?
- Can we request a highlight reel with the best shots?
- What format will the photos and videos be delivered in (JPEG, PNG, MP4)?
- What’s the process if we notice a missing or damaged file?
Bottom Line
Your event deserves the best, and that means choosing a photo booth rental company you can rely on. With careful planning and the tips shared in this blog, you’ll confidently select a service that aligns with your needs, budget, and style. A great photo booth isn’t just a feature—it’s a centerpiece of fun and lasting memories.
Stay Golden Photo Booth is highly rated for its professional and customizable rentals. Serving Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, we’re here to make your event unforgettable. Call 626-241-7778 to book your perfect booth today!
