How to Choose the Best Photo Booth Hire for Your Party (Expert Tips That Actually Matter)
- Simon
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you're planning a party and want something that guests will actually use and remember, hiring a photo booth is one of the best decisions you can make.
But not all photo booth rentals are created equal.
After working with countless events—from private parties to large charity functions—I’ve seen exactly what works, what doesn’t, and what people wish they knew before booking.
Here’s how to choose the best photo booth hire for your party—without wasting money or missing out.
1. Choose the Right Type of Photo Booth
Not all booths deliver the same experience.
The two most popular options I recommend for parties are:
Enclosed booths – great for privacy and encouraging guests to loosen up
Inflatable booths – eye-catching, modern, and create a real “feature” at your event
Inflatable booths in particular can elevate the look of a venue and naturally draw people in—but they do require more space (more on that below).
2. Don’t Overlook Space Requirements (This Catches People Out)
One of the most common mistakes I see is people not checking space properly.
Here’s a simple rule to follow:
Allow at least 3 metres of floor space
For inflatable booths, you’ll also need around 3 metres of height clearance
I’ve had clients book larger booths without realising they wouldn’t fit. In one charity event, we had to get creative and set up inside a storage area near the main hall.
It worked—but only because we kept the booth close to the action. If it had been placed in a separate room, far fewer guests would have used it.
👉 Key takeaway: Always confirm space with your venue before booking.
3. Factor in Setup Time (Not Just Event Time)
Another thing people forget is setup time.
Booths generally don't travel in one piece so you will need to factor in extra time to get the booth into the venue and ready to go. You don't want us setting up in the middle of an important moment (eg best man speech) and ruining the vibe.
Make sure you:
Ask how long setup takes
Ensure access to the venue early enough
Confirm power availability
The space is cleared ready to go
A smooth setup = a smooth start to your event.
4. Pay Attention to Print Quality (It Matters More Than You Think)
This is where the difference between a cheap booth and a premium one becomes obvious.
A quality photo booth should offer:
Custom-designed prints (tailored to your event)
Instant printing
High-resolution images
Professional-grade printers
Cheaper booths are often:
Built around iPads
Use basic lighting
Produce lower-quality prints or have online viewing access only
I’ve also seen cases where prints weren’t included—or guests had to pay extra to access their photos later.
👉 Always check what’s included upfront.
5. Props Can Make or Break the Experience
Props aren’t just extras—they drive engagement.
From experience:
Hats → always popular
Signs → create the funniest photos
Wigs → surprisingly underused
The biggest mistake? Going too niche with themes.
Themed props can be fun for certain shots, but:
Not every guest will be into the same theme as the host.
That’s why a mix of general, universally fun props works best.
6. Ask the Right Questions Before Booking
Before you commit, make sure you fully understand what you’re getting.
At minimum, ask:
What’s included in the package?
Are prints unlimited?
Is there an attendant?
How much space and setup time is needed?
Are there any hidden costs?
The goal is simple: no surprises on the day.
7. Real Example: Why Booth Placement Matters
At a recent charity event, a client wanted an inflatable booth—but the venue was already at full capacity.
We had two options:
Place the booth in a back room (out of sight)
Use a storage space near the main hall
We chose the second option.
Because the booth stayed close to the party:
More guests used it
It became part of the atmosphere
It helped create a much more lively, social vibe
👉 Visibility directly impacts usage.
8. Book Early (Especially During Peak Seasons)
If you know you want a photo booth—book it early.
Typical timelines:
Standard events: within 3 months is usually fine
Weddings & Christmas parties: book 6–12 months in advance
That said, last-minute bookings do happen—I’ve even had bookings for the following weekend!
But if you want the best options, earlier is always better.
9. Understand the Difference Between Cheap and Premium Booths
Not all “deals” are good value.
Cheap booths often:
Use basic iPad setups
Have poor lighting
Charge extra for prints or digital access
Premium booths typically:
Use professional cameras and lighting
Include everything upfront
Deliver studio-quality results
Offer a smoother, more reliable experience
Think of it this way:
A premium photo booth is like having a mini photo studio at your event!
10. Keep the Booth at the Heart of the Party for the biggest success.
If you want your photo booth to be a hit, placement is everything.
The closer it is to the action:
The more people notice it
The more people use it
The more it encourages others to join in
Photo booths thrive on energy—and energy comes from people.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Photo Booth Rental
If you remember just a few things, make it these:
Check your space (especially for inflatable booths)
Don’t compromise on print quality
Ask exactly what’s included
Keep the booth visible and central
Book early when possible
Get these right, and your photo booth won’t just be an add-on—it’ll be one of the highlights of your entire event.
Related Guides
Coming soon!
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