| You've seen them in movies, at Vegas Casinos, | | | | out what's available and decide which features you |
| Disneyland, anywhere there is fun happening! Now, on | | | | like best. Ask what special features come with the |
| the most fun day of your life, you too can have | | | | booth; Props, Green Screen, Speaking Booth, Video, |
| your own photo booth. Yes, photo booths are a hot | | | | Scrapbooking, Etc. Also ask how many photos it |
| item at finer weddings today. This trend is growing | | | | takes, whether it prints single or duplicate, are props |
| as brides look for ways to make their wedding | | | | sanitized (there are health concerns with reused |
| reception special and fun for all. | | | | props) and ask how the photos are delivered (DVD |
| Part 1 - WHY A PHOTO BOOTH? | | | | or online). Be sure and see examples of photos taken |
| For over 100 years the traditional four-shot photo | | | | in the booth. |
| strip has captured and preserved unique memories | | | | - PACKAGES & PRICE - There will be many |
| like no other photographic product. In addition to | | | | similarities from company-to-company but each will |
| capturing memories, its real value is as a form of | | | | include different extras for the price. Some will up-sell |
| entertainment. | | | | from a menu of options, some are all-inclusive. In my |
| Not everyone likes to dance at a wedding reception; | | | | opinion, best practice is that there should be no extra |
| goofing off in a photo booth provides just enough | | | | charge to receive the digital photos from the event. |
| privacy to allow people to loosen up and play without | | | | A key feature of renting a photo booth should be |
| feeling self-conscious. What's more, its appeal is cross | | | | that the photos are included. At the very least, know |
| generational; everyone enjoys it! If the booth has a | | | | ahead of time what you will be getting. The prices |
| gimmick like props, green screen or the booth speaks | | | | range anywhere from $700 to $2000, but a quality |
| to them, visitors are much more likely to let their | | | | 4-hour booth rental usually begins around $1200. |
| guard down. This makes for more spontaneous | | | | When choosing, factor in booth design, special |
| pictures. There is just something about getting | | | | features and number of hours included. Don't assume |
| shoulder-to-shoulder behind a curtain which creates a | | | | it's the same number of hours for each company. |
| sense of camaraderie and fun, where people feel | | | | Part 3 - HOW TO USE A PHOTO BOOTH FOR A |
| they can let go a little and enjoy a shared | | | | WEDDING? |
| experience. | | | | Place the photo booth in an area of the reception |
| As the photo strip prints out, everyone loves seeing | | | | where it will not interfere with other events like the |
| themselves. Most companies include the name and | | | | cake cutting or dancing. It should be easily accessible, |
| date of the couple at the top of each photo strip so | | | | but out of the way of the action and service staff. |
| each goes home with a keepsake of the wedding. In | | | | As is true with a wedding DJ, 4 hours of photo |
| many ways this replaces the need for cameras on | | | | booth entertainment is usually just right. I recommend |
| the tables and usually provides much better and | | | | starting the booth during the cocktail hour. This gives |
| more interesting pictures. The Bride and Groom | | | | people something fun to do and they become aware |
| typically get a collection of all photos taken by way | | | | of the booth which will draw them back throughout |
| of a photos disc, photo book or through online | | | | the evening. Unlike the dance floor, the photo booth |
| access. Not only does this offer them a look at how | | | | will attract guests throughout the dinner hour. After |
| much fun their guests were having, but it captures | | | | dinner there is usually a surge at the booth, so |
| those rare moments when family and friends, who | | | | starting your 4 hours at cocktail hour gets the most |
| are not often together, intermingle through the fun | | | | out of your photo booth. |
| of the photo booth. | | | | Generally in the last hour of a reception more interest |
| Part 2 - HOW TO SHOP FOR A PHOTO BOOTH? | | | | in focused on the DJ and the dance floor. If traffic to |
| First understand that not all booths are created equal. | | | | the booth is slow, a simple announcement from the |
| There is a large range in pricing, which is usually (but | | | | DJ will usually get things going. Not all booths look like |
| not always), an indicator of quality. A select few are | | | | a typical photo booth so guests might not be clear |
| full-time businesses, but for most this is a side | | | | what it is. Once invited, it's usually a big hit! |
| business. While this means that there is a photo | | | | SUMMARY |
| booth for every budget, to avoid being disappointed | | | | Photo booths are fun, they make people laugh and |
| it is important that you define which features YOU | | | | provide everyone with valuable memories! Informed |
| feel are most valuable and that you compare several | | | | shopping requires a little buyer knowledge and some |
| companies and ask plenty of questions. Here are | | | | comparison. If you are working with a planner, be |
| some differences to ask about: | | | | sure and let her know your interest in a photo booth |
| - APPEARANCE - There are booths, boxes, tents, | | | | and get her opinion as to which companies she is |
| pipe & drapes, kiosks and even a "pod"! Some | | | | comfortable recommending. |
| photographers will set up a photo station where they | | | | Rest assured that whether your focus is on quality |
| take portraits and call it a photo booth. Be sure you | | | | of photos, appearance of the booth, entertaining |
| see what the booth will look like; if none is featured | | | | features, price or a combination thereof, there is a |
| on the website, there is probably a good reason. | | | | solution out there which is just right for you. Be |
| While the rate might be better for your budget, be | | | | informed about what you are buying and be sure |
| aware of what is going to show up at your reception | | | | that you are comfortable with the professionals |
| first! What you don't want is a surprise. Most brides | | | | you've chosen to hire, and you'll have a great |
| spend months creating their perfect reception and | | | | experience with your photo booth! For years to |
| don't want it spoiled by an unsightly product. | | | | come, you and your guests will treasure your special |
| - FUNCTION - Each company will have their own | | | | day each time they run across their photo strips. |
| special features to make their booth stand out. Find | | | | Rent a photo booth today! |