Photobooths are a fun way to capture memories with your guests and give them a personalized keepsake from your event. However, choosing the perfect photo booth company can be daunting, given the abundance of options available. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with a detailed guide on how to hire the ideal photo booth company. Our guide includes expert advice from Melissa, the owner of Emjay Flash Galaxy, who has shared a few questions to ask before finalizing your decision.
First Things First
Regardless of what vendor you are looking to hire, it is important to make basic planning decisions, such as booking your venue, estimating your total guest count, and determining your budget for the vendor in question. These are all important details that could affect your decisions.
If you want to have a photo booth at your event, check with your venue coordinator or wedding planner to see if it’s allowed and feasible in your event space. Also, find out how much space is available for the photo booth and whether it’s located near a power source. To make sure that the photo booth fits perfectly where you want it, it’s a good idea to get a floor plan and measurements of your venue.
Choose the Type of Photo Booth
Before contacting a photo booth company, it’s important to decide what type of photo booth you wish to have at your reception. There are so many types of booths to pick from when choosing a company for your big day. It’s really just a matter of personal preference. Here are just a few of the different types.
- 360 Degree
- Selfie Booth
- Digital Social Booth
- Traditional
- Air Stream
- Inflatable
- Open Air
- And so many more!
Find a Photo Booth Rental Company
Once you have determined the type of photo booth that suits your needs, you can start researching photo booth companies in your wedding location area. Happily Connected is a valuable wedding planning resource that features wedding vendors in the Nashville/Middle Tennessee area. Also, check with your wedding planner and other vendors to see if they have any recommendations. Don’t forget to tap into your social network as well! Ask your family members and friends for their suggestions, as they may have experience working with different photo booth rental companies and can give you honest feedback.
After creating a list of potential companies, narrow it down to a couple you are most interested in working with. Review their websites, read reviews, check their availability, and get quotes to narrow the list. After you have narrowed down the list, contact them to discuss your requirements and see what they can offer you. This way, you can choose the best photo booth rental company that fits your needs and budget.
Ask Questions
Now that you have decided who you want to contact, it’s time to get in touch and check their availability for your event date. Once you have confirmed their availability, ask questions. Here is a list of questions that can help you determine whether they are the right fit for your event.
- Is my date available?
- Have you been to my venue before?
- Are you available on weekdays, and do you offer a lower rate for events held Monday through Friday?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have references?
- Do you offer an onsite attendant during the event in case something happens?
- What happens if the attendant can’t make it to our event due to an emergency or if there is an equipment issue? Do you have a backup plan?
- What is included in your packages?
- How many hours of live photo booth coverage do you provide?
- What is your pricing structure/packages?
- When are payments due?
- Do you include set up and tear down in the rental time, or should I rent extra hours to cover this?
- Is there a travel fee?
- Are there any additional charges we should know about (travel fees, overtime, etc.)?
- What is your cancellation policy? What’s the latest date I can make changes to my order?
- What are your power requirements?
- Do I need to provide anything for you (i.e., table, extension cords, etc.)?
- What types of photo booths do you have available?
- What type of booth do you recommend for my event/venue/guest count?
- How much space does each type of photo booth need?
- Is your booth Wi-Fi enabled?
- Are backgrounds included, or is this an additional charge?
- What backdrops do you have available, and what do they look like?
- Are photo props included?
- What props do you have, and what do they look like?
- How many people can fit in each of your photo booths?
- Could you please show me some examples of photos the photo booths took to ensure they are high quality?
- Can you customize the printouts? Is there an extra cost?
- What size are the photos?
- Does your selfie booth offer onsite prints or digital downloads?
- How do guests receive their pics (text message, online gallery, printed photos, photo strip, etc.)?
- Will I receive a copy of everyone’s photos and videos taken during my event?
Emjay Flash Galaxy; Photo Credit: Rebecca Vaughan Photography
Read and Sign the Contract
We cannot stress enough how important it is to get a contract when hiring event professionals for your wedding, and YES, that includes hiring a photo booth! So once you have chosen a photo booth company, ask for a contract. Read and re-read the contract just like with any other service provider. When going through the contract, clarify the number of hours the photo booth will be present, the deposit and payment schedule, the services provided by the photo booth company, attendant information, and any other relevant details. After reviewing the contract and ensuring everything is accurate, sign it and request the photo booth professional sign it as well. Be sure to get a copy of the fully signed contract for your records.
Happy Planning!