Photo Booth Add-Ons: Which Ones Are Worth It?

Print-format upgrades

A different print shape changes both the photograph and the artwork. Strips are compact and familiar. Postcards provide more design room. Polaroid-style formats suit a wider image and a simple event treatment.

Choose the format before approving artwork. A design built for a strip cannot simply be squeezed into another ratio without affecting faces, logos or legibility.

Guest-book station

A guest book adds value when someone is responsible for the station. Place it beside the print collection point with suitable pens and an attachment method that will not damage the pages.

Start the first page before guests arrive. An empty book can make people uncertain about what to write or where to place the photograph.

Backdrop upgrade

A backdrop is worth considering when the venue wall is visually distracting, the event has a clear design palette or the photographs need a consistent background. Check material, width, lighting and floor space rather than choosing from a thumbnail alone.

The backdrop ideas guide provides a practical comparison.

Curated props

A smaller set of durable props usually works better than a crowded table. Choose pieces that are easy to recognise and hold. For a corporate event, make sure wording and symbols fit the audience. For weddings and birthdays, avoid props that will date the photographs quickly.

Props should be cleaned, organised and returned to the table easily. They should never become a trip hazard around the booth.

Additional operating time

Extra time is useful when the programme has multiple guest peaks or the booth must cover both an early reception and a later party. It is poor value when the experience will sit unused during dinner or speeches.

Map the operating window to the run sheet. Ask whether setup and breakdown occur outside the booked hours.

Choose add-ons by purpose

Check current inclusions on the Selfie Cube pricing page before assuming an item is an upgrade.

Photo booth add-ons: practical final checks

Rank every add-on against one of three jobs: helping guests take part, improving the keepsake or supporting an event objective. An attendant and a clear setup often help participation. Better print stock or a guest book improves the keepsake. Custom overlays, data capture or branded sharing can support a campaign. If an item does none of these clearly, it is probably optional.

Consider the workload that comes with each extra. A guest book needs a suitable table, pens that work on the chosen paper and someone to encourage guests to add a message. A large prop collection needs space and regular tidying. Social sharing may depend on venue connectivity. The supplier should explain what is required rather than presenting every extra as effortless.

When comparing packages, ask for the core service and optional items to be shown separately. This makes it easier to remove a low-priority extra without weakening the whole booking. It also prevents a visually impressive bundle from hiding a short operating period or an unsuitable print allowance.

Approve extras in the same order guests encounter them

Review the backdrop and approach first, then the taking experience, then the print or sharing result. This order reveals conflicts. A large prop table may obstruct the queue, a guest book may need to sit near the printer, and branded sharing may require connectivity that is weak in the proposed position.

Ask for a revised written total after choosing extras. It should show any once-off artwork fee, additional operating time, travel or staffing change. Knowing the complete cost before the event is more useful than receiving a long menu of low individual prices.

Choose photo booth add-ons only after the core setup, operating time and guest experience are properly covered. Approve the selected photo booth add-ons in the final written total.

Digital sharing and lead capture can involve personal information. The Information Regulator’s guidance notes are a useful official reference when planning those extras.