Planning an event in London? Whether it’s a wedding, birthday bash, corporate function, or just a fun get-together, a photo booth can be a fantastic way to add some entertainment and create lasting memories for your guests. But before you jump in and book the first booth you see, it’s important to consider the cost.
So, how much does it really cost to hire a photo booth in London? The answer, like most things in life, is it depends! In this blog, we’ll break down the different factors that affect photo booth rental prices in London and give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Factors Affecting Photo Booth Hire Costs:
- Type of Photo Booth:
There’s a surprising variety of photo booths available for hire in London. Here are a few of the most common types and their typical price ranges:
- Classic Photo Booth: This is the most recognisable style, often enclosed with funky curtains and offering a single pose area. Prices typically start around £200 for a few hours and can go up to £400 for longer rentals.
- Open-Air Photo Booth: These booths offer more flexibility, allowing for larger groups and more dynamic poses. Expect prices to be similar to classic booths, ranging from £250 to £500 depending on features.
- Magic Mirror Booth: This interactive booth uses a touch screen interface for guests to add messages, animations, and digital props to their photos. Prices tend to be slightly higher, starting around £300 and going up to £700 for premium packages.
- Selfie Pod: A great space-saving option, selfie pods offer a stand with a high-quality camera and remote trigger for guests to capture their own selfies. These are often the most affordable option, with rentals starting around £150.
- Rental Duration:
The longer you need the photo booth for, the more it will cost. Most companies offer packages with set rental times, such as 2, 3, or 4 hours. You can often negotiate an hourly rate for extending the rental period, though this can add up quickly.
- Number of Guests: Some companies may adjust their pricing based on the expected number of guests. This is because booths with higher capacity may require more powerful equipment or a larger attendant presence.
- Features and Add-Ons: The more bells and whistles you want, the more you’ll pay. This could include things like:
- Customised props: Add a touch of silliness with hats, boas, and funny glasses.
- Green screen technology: Transport your guests to exotic locations or fantastical scenes.
- Instant prints: Guests can walk away with a physical copy of their photo booth memories.
- Online gallery: Share digital copies of all the photos taken throughout the event.
- Social media integration: Allow guests to instantly share their photos on social media platforms.
- Location: Central London locations may command a slight premium compared to renting a booth in the outskirts.
Getting the Best Deal on Your Photo Booth Rental:
- Shop around and compare prices: Don’t settle for the first quote you get. Get in touch with several photo booth companies in London and compare their packages and pricing structures.
- Consider the off-season: Prices may be lower for events held outside of peak wedding season (typically spring and summer).
- Be flexible with dates and times: If you’re flexible with the date and time of your event, you may be able to negotiate a better rate.
- Bundle packages: Some companies offer discounts when you bundle the photo booth rental with other services like DJ hire or event lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Photo Booth Hire in London:
Q: What if I need the photo booth for less than the standard rental time offered in packages?
A: Some companies may offer shorter rental periods at a pro-rata rate. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s often more cost-effective to book the shortest package available, even if you don’t need the full time.
Q: Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
A: While most reputable companies will be upfront about their pricing, it’s always a good idea to check if there are any hidden fees. This could include delivery and set-up charges, overtime fees for attendants if your event runs longer, or additional costs for consumables like photo paper and props.
Q: What about staffing? Will someone be there to operate the photo booth?
A: Most photo booth rental companies will include an attendant who will set up the booth, ensure it runs smoothly throughout the event, and assist guests with any technical difficulties.
Q: Can we customise the photo booth experience?
A: Absolutely! Many companies allow you to personalise your photo booth rental with a variety of options. This could include:
- Customised backdrops: Choose a backdrop that matches your event theme or venue.
- Photo booth branding: Add your company logo or event hashtag to the photo prints.
- Props selection: Work with the company to curate a selection of props that suit your event style.
Q: How far in advance should I book a photo booth?
A: Popular photo booth companies in London can get booked up well in advance, especially for weekends and peak wedding season. It’s best to start your search at least 2-3 months before your event date.
Conclusion:
Hiring a photo booth for your London event is a fantastic way to add entertainment value and create lasting memories for your guests. But why not take it a step further? Consider a video360booth! This innovative technology allows guests to capture immersive, 360-degree videos of themselves having a blast at your event. It’s a truly unique and interactive experience that will leave your guests with unforgettable memories. By understanding the factors that affect pricing and following our tips, you can find a rental option that fits your budget and adds a touch of fun and excitement to your special occasion. So ditch the traditional guest book and give your guests a cutting-edge experience they’ll be raving about!