Photo booth hire has become an increasingly popular addition to various events, from weddings and birthday parties to corporate gatherings. As you consider incorporating this fun and memorable element into your event, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “How much does it cost?” The answer, as with many event-related services, is not straightforward. A photo booth’s cost can vary significantly based on several factors.
Factors affecting photo booth hire costs
Duration of hire
The primary factor influencing photo booth hire costs is the duration for which you need the service. Most companies offer packages based on usage hours. Typically, you might find options like this:
- 2-hour hire
- 3-hour hire
- 4-hour hire
- Full-day hire (often up to 8 hours)
As you might expect, the longer the hire period, the higher the cost. Many companies offer better rates for longer hire periods, so the per-hour cost decreases for extended bookings.
Type of photo booth
The style and capabilities of the photo booth itself play a significant role in the cost. Options might include:
- Traditional enclosed booth
- Open-air booth
- Mirror booth
- 360-degree video booth
- Green screen booth
More technologically advanced or unique booths generally command higher prices. For instance, a basic enclosed booth might be cheaper than a state-of-the-art 360-degree video booth or a mirror booth with augmented reality features.
Features and add-ons
Most photo booth hire londoncompanies offer additional features and add-ons that enhance the experience but also increase the cost. These might include:
- Props and costumes
- Custom backdrops
- Green screen technology
- GIF or Boomerang creation
- Social media sharing capabilities
- Guest book services
- USB of all images
- Personalized photo strip design
While some of these might be included in standard packages, others may be charged as extras. It’s important to clarify what’s included in the base price and what incurs additional fees.
Event type and date
The nature of your event and its date also impact photo booth hire costs. Peak seasons (such as summer wedding season) and popular dates often come with premium pricing. Similarly, weekend hire is typically more expensive than weekday hire. Corporate events also see different pricing structures than private events, especially if they require specialized branding or features.
Location and travel
The location of your event can affect cost in two ways:
- Travel fees – If your event is far from the hire company’s base, you may incur additional travel charges.
- Regional pricing – Prices vary significantly between different geographical areas. For example, photo booth hire in a major city is likely to be more expensive than in a small town.
Hidden costs to watch out for
When budgeting for photo booth hire, be aware that there might be hidden costs to consider:
- Setup and breakdown fees – Some companies charge extra for setting up and dismantling the booth.
- Overtime charges – If your event runs longer than expected, you might incur substantial overtime fees.
- Customization costs – While basic customization might be included, extensive personalization of backdrops or photo strip designs could incur additional charges.
- Printing costs – Some companies charge extra for unlimited prints or beyond a certain number.
- Travel – If your venue is far from the hire company’s base, you may need to pay extra for travel.
- Insurance – Some venues require hired services to have their insurance. Check if this is included or extra.
Photo booth hire costs vary widely based on numerous factors, from the duration of hire and the type of booth to the features included and the location of your event. While basic hire options cost a few hundred dollars, more extensive packages with premium features run into four figures.
