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10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Photo Booth

Photo booth companies can look identical online and be worlds apart on the night. These are the questions that expose the difference — ask them of anyone you're considering, including us.

1–3: The money questions

How many hours are actually included? This is the big one. Many quotes that look cheap cover only 2–4 hours, with overtime fees to extend. Ask exactly when the booth arrives and when it's packed away. (Ours: the whole event, latest collection 11:30pm.)

What exactly is in the price? Props, backdrop, prints or digital copies, delivery, setup — get the full list in writing. 'From' prices often exclude the things you actually want. (Ours: props, gold barriers, red ropes, red carpet and a personalised on-screen backdrop, all included, from £250 capped at £300.)

Is there a deposit, and is any of it refundable? A deposit to secure the date is normal and healthy — it means they're organised. Just be clear on the balance timing and any refundable elements.

4–7: The on-the-night questions

How long does setup take, and when do you arrive? A professional outfit arrives before your guests and sets up quickly. (Ours: around 20 minutes, arriving in good time.)

Is the backdrop personalised? The on-screen design should be built around your names, theme or occasion — not a generic template with your date typed in. Ask to see examples.

What happens if something goes wrong with the booth? Ask how they handle a technical issue mid-event. A confident answer here tells you a lot about how professional the operation really is.

Who's running the booth? Is it staffed or drop-and-collect? Neither is wrong, but you should know what you're getting.

8–10: The trust questions

Are you insured, and is the equipment PAT-tested? Any venue worth its salt will ask for public liability insurance and PAT certificates — a professional company has both ready to send. (We're fully insured, DBS-checked and PAT-tested.)

Can I see real reviews and real photos? Look for reviews on Google or Facebook attached to real names, and photos of real events rather than stock imagery. Genuine companies have nothing to hide.

Do you know my venue? Not essential, but a supplier who's worked at your venue — or asks smart questions about the room, power and access — is a supplier who'll turn up prepared.

The pattern to look for

You'll notice the theme: clarity. Good companies give straight answers about hours, money and what's included. Vague answers before you book become problems on the night. Ask all ten of anyone — and if you'd like our answers in person, message us any time.

Ask us anything

At A Glance

Quick answers

How many hours are actually included. It's where cheap-looking quotes hide their catch — many cover only 2–4 hours with overtime fees on top.

Yes — public liability insurance and PAT-tested equipment are standard for professionals, and many venues insist on both. Ask for the certificates; good companies have them ready.

Vague answers about hours and pricing, stock photos instead of real events, no visible reviews, and no mention of insurance. Clarity before booking predicts quality on the night.

Full-event hire (no hourly limit, collection by 11:30pm), everything included from £250 capped at £300, around 20-minute setup, personalised backdrop, fully insured, DBS-checked and PAT-tested, with genuine reviews and real event photos.

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