Photo booths are the life of the party! Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, corporate event, or holiday bash, these interactive setups add a fun and memorable touch to your gathering.
From heartfelt snapshots to goofy group pics, photo booths create memories that last long after the event is over. Renting one should be an easy and exciting process, but it’s surprisingly easy to miss crucial details and make costly mistakes. To make sure your experience is seamless, we’ve put together a list of the top eight messy mistakes to avoid when renting a photo booth.
Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Photo Booth
Renting a photo booth should be a hassle-free way to elevate your event, but there are a few common pitfalls that can dampen the experience. From overlooking key details to underestimating booth features, these mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress or disappointment. Read on to ensure your photo booth rental is smooth, successful, and brimming with unforgettable moments!
1. Choosing the Wrong Location for Setup
The excitement of a photo booth comes from its ability to draw in guests, but placing it in the wrong spot could leave it overlooked and underused. It’s tempting to tuck the booth into a corner or a less-trafficked area to save space, but this could mean your guests might not even notice it.
What to do instead:
Place the photo booth in a high-traffic area that’s easily visible and accessible. Near the dance floor, bar, or main seating area is a great spot! The idea is to make it part of the action.
2. Ignoring Booth Size and Space Requirements
Cramped setups can feel awkward for guests and lead to long lines or unused rentals. Photo booths aren’t one-size-fits-all, and they require ample setup space depending on the booth type and props.
What to do instead:
Always confirm the space requirements with the photo booth provider. For example, at PDX Photo Lounge, we recommend a 10'x10' area for optimal setup. Make sure the location is spacious enough so guests can comfortably line up, pose, and have fun without feeling squished.
3. Not Checking the Quality of Equipment
What’s the point of a photo booth if the pictures come out blurry or dull? Low-quality equipment can ruin the entire experience, leaving you with disappointing photos that fail to capture the vibe of your event.
What to do instead:
Ask the rental company about their equipment beforehand. PDX Photo Lounge, for example, uses professional cameras, high-quality lighting, and commercial-grade printers for crisper, vibrant photos that print instantly. Don’t hesitate to request sample photos to ensure the quality meets your expectations.
4. Skipping Customization Options
One of the best things about photo booths is the opportunity to tailor them to your event. Forgetting to personalize the backdrop, props, or photo strips means missing out on a unique element that makes the experience extra-special for your guests.
What to do instead:
Pick a provider like PDX Photo Lounge, which offers customizable backdrops, themed props, and personalized photo templates. Personal touches such as your event name, wedding hashtag, or a company logo on the photo strips make them timeless keepsakes.
5. Leaving the Booth Unattended
Neglecting to have a professional attendant at your photo booth might save a few bucks, but it’s a recipe for chaos. No one wants to grapple with technical issues or confused guests looking for help.
What to do instead:
Hire a company that provides attendants as part of the package. PDX Photo Lounge offers friendly, experienced staff who handle everything from setting up the booth to helping guests strike the perfect pose. We ensure the booth runs smoothly, so you don’t have to lift a finger!
6. Neglecting the Props Selection
Props are the secret sauce of photo booth fun! Limiting or skipping out on diverse and engaging props can result in dull, repetitive photos that fail to spark laughter or creativity.
What to do instead:
Go all out with props! Choose a vendor that offers a vibrant range of high-quality props, like quirky hats, funky sunglasses, and themed items. PDX Photo Lounge even offers custom prop add-ons tailored to your event’s theme, making it easy to add a personal flair.
7. Missing the Opportunity for Social Sharing
Today’s events are just as much about online connections as in-person ones. If you’re not leveraging your photo booth for instant social sharing, you’re missing the chance to boost your event’s impact and keep the party alive online.
What to do instead:
Select a photo booth with instant sharing capabilities. The Touch Booth from PDX Photo Lounge allows guests to email, text, or scan a QR code to share their photos instantly. Bonus tip? Use a custom hashtag, and guests can help create a collective online gallery of your event!
8. Forgetting to Promote the Photo Booth
What’s the use of a photo booth if no one knows it’s there? Failing to promote the booth or make it a central attraction can leave it underutilized, even during a bustling event.
What to do instead:
Hype it up! Announce the booth to your guests before and during the event using signage, event announcements, or even a DJ shoutout. Highlight the booth's unique features and props to encourage everyone to take part.
Why You Should Rent with PDX Photo Lounge
If you’re searching for a stress-free, customizable, and high-quality photo booth rental for your next event, PDX Photo Lounge has you covered. From weddings to corporate events and everything in between, our Touch Booth delivers an unforgettable experience with:
Stunning visuals: Thanks to professional-grade cameras and lighting, every shot pops.
Customization galore: Match your theme with personalized backdrops, props, and photo strip designs.
Modern tech: Enjoy instant printing and easy social sharing via text, email, or QR codes.
Friendly staff: Our delightful attendants ensure a seamless and fun time for all.
Flexible options: Whether you want a sleek self-service setup or require extra hours, PDX Photo Lounge provides packages to suit your needs.
Make Your Event Picture-Perfect
Planning an event? Understanding these common mistakes to avoid when renting a photo booth can help you elevate your party with a booth that leaves guests smiling from ear to ear. A little extra thought and preparation ensure your photo booth isn’t just a side attraction but one of the night’s biggest highlights.
Need help finding the perfect setup? Reach out to PDX Photo Lounge today for top-tier instant printing photo booth rentals that fit your vision to a tee. Contact us today to learn more and book your booth now!