Adding a photo booth to an event, whether large or small, can be extreme fun for the guests and create forever memories. The problem is, however, getting the right photo booth rental company because they have mushroomed all over the place. Here's a guide in selecting the best photo booth rental company to make sure your event goes great.
1. Establish the Needs for Your Event
Determine what you require in a style, budget, and purpose from your photo booth rental company before you even start looking for one. Ask yourself these questions
What kind of function are you hosting? It could be a wedding, birthday party, corporate function, etc.
How many people do you intend to invite?
Would you want an enclosed traditional photo booth or a standalone setup?
What functionality does it have? Props, backdrops, filters, social media sharing, etc.?
What is your budget?
Knowing what you need on both of these fronts will really help you narrow the field of photo booth companies to suit your needs and parameters.
2. Research The Company's Repute
Searching online and reading reviews and testimonials nowadays is the most basic move to be able to find a credible photo booth rental company. Check the company's website and social media channels, also its ratings on Google, Yelp, or The Knot.
Watch out for:
Professional customer service
Reliability (Were they on time? Was the setup smooth?)
Quality of equipment (Were the photos clear? Was the setup professional?)
Level of satisfaction of previous clients
A company that has excellent reviews and happy customers most likely is a good choice. Those that continuously have complaints or issues is a red flag.
3. Evaluate their style and options of photo booths
Not all photo booths are created equal. While enclosed and private ones do still have a nostalgic appeal, open-air booths are becoming more in demand as they can be more versatile and can accommodate more people in one shot. Others offer mirror booths, 360-degree booths, or even GIF booths.
Here are some styles you need to consider when looking for a photo booth rental company:.
Enclosed Booth: This has more privacy experience, and guests will go inside then close the curtain and take pictures. Suitable for a more intimate small events
Open-Air Booth: The guests can pose in front of a backdrop or green screen. Suitable for large groups and more open venue
Mirror Booth: This is high-tech and interactive; image in full-length mirror for the client to view before taking the picture. Suitable for upscale or trendy events.
GIF Booth: Animates short loops instead of static images. This tends to be ideal for corporate functions or more high-energy parties for younger crowds.
Choose a photo booth style that best reflects your event's atmosphere
4. Judge the quality of the photos and personalise
High-quality photos one of the major things to look for in a rental photo booth company quality of photos check some samples so you see beforehand what the photos of the past work are made of in case theirs does not meet your standards Bad lighting grainy images and slow printers can really make the experience a disaster for your guests
Look for this
High-Resolution Cameras: Their camera must have enough high-quality output, producing vivid images as if shot by a professional.
Lighting: Ensure that the photo booth is fully equipped with adequate lighting, as some photo booths end up providing very dark and washed-out photos.
Printing: How fast are the printers, and what quality do they produce? Some companies print so quickly that the attendee may be able to obtain his/her photos in just a few minutes of taking them.
Customization: Is it possible to have the name of your event, date, or specific logo printed on the photo strip? Many photo booth companies offer customized prints and even provide digital templates that match the theme of your event.
5. Props and Backdrops Ask about the props and backdrops
Props are half the fun when you have a photo booth. From goofy hats to funny glasses, adding a variety of props really takes the experience of the guest to the next level. Be sure to ask a photo booth rental company about their prop selection. You will find some companies that will provide more generic props, while others will offer more customized or themed sets.
Apart from props, also consider what the company offers in the provision of backdrops. Popular ones are those with;
Backdrops with solid color patterns
Green screen to utilize digital ones
Branded backdrops where your company logos can be printed out for corporate events
Event-themed backdrops for wedding, holiday themed among others. Be sure that the company will provide you with backdrops that will complement the theme and the aesthetic appeal of your event.
6. The Company Should have Professional and Friendly Attendants
While some photo booths can simply be used with minimal care of themselves, a really big bonus is when the company supplying the photo booth hires an attendant to take care of helping guests in using the booth and running things a little amiss. A good and engaging attendant will add a lot to the whole event experience by:
Assisting visitors in making use of props
Helping them to make use of the booth
Making sure the photos print out right
Having an easy fix for any technical problems
As you consider the companies you can rent a photo booth through, be sure to ask what attendant services are provided with your rental. An attendant can help ensure that things really go much more smoothly than they otherwise might.
7. Compare Rental Packages and Pricing
Every photo booth rental is unique in their pricing. Draw up a comparison of what's included in each package and see what each company has to offer. Some companies charge by the hour, while others offer flat-rate packages for the entire event. Know what you're paying for.
Think of these:
Duration of Rental: For how long are you going to be renting the photo booth? Are they charging you extra if you exceed the proposed hours?
Prints, Props, Backdrops Included in Price Are prints, props, backdrops, and custom included in the price? Do they offer digital copies of the photos?
Travel Fee This is a fee some charge if their location and yours fall outside of a certain geographic region. Be sure to inquire about a travel fee if your venue falls very far from a major city.
Dismantling and Reassembling Does the company dismantle and set up the booth? And is that included in the price?
Get a clear break down of costs so there are no hidden extras on the day of your event.
8. Does It Have Social Media and Sharing Capabilities?
Most people would want to share pictures of the event with their friends in real time. Some photo booth rental companies offer the choice of instant sending over email or SMS, and some directly share on social media sites.
If this is the lifeblood of your decision, know the company provides:
Sharing on Social Media: Guest ability to upload their photos directly to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Digital Copies: Instant digital copies of the pictures sent via text or email.
Online Gallery: Some companies share an online gallery right after the event with guests to download pictures.
9. Ask About Availability and Flexibility
Once you have narrowed it down to a few companies that fit your needs, it is time to inquire about their availability. Some popular photo booth rental companies get booked up quickly during peak wedding season or holidays, so be sure to reach out well in advance.
Also ask them if the company is flexible with the event date or timing. Will they be able to accommodate last-minute changes or is it locked?
10. Sign a Clear Contract
After you have settled on the best photo booth rental company, make sure all is in writing. What this does is protect you and the company by outlining specifically what services will be provided by the company, the date and time of the event, how much money to expect in terms of cost, and every other thing you need to know.
Carefully go through the contract before signing it, and don't even think of hesitating to ask further clarification on any points.
Conclusion
Choosing the right photo booth rental company for your event requires you to be diligent and detailed in the research and trying to find out what you want. Using criteria such as booth style, photo quality, props, pricing, and customer service, will enable guests to have a good time and keep some wonderful memories for life. With the right photo booth company, the event will be a success, and your guests will go home with fantastic keepsakes.