We recently talked with Jess Santos, owner of CaptureME Photo Booth in Colorado, about what couples should look for when renting a wedding photo booth, what questions to ask, what to expect, and more.
If you’re looking for a wedding photo booth rental, read Jess’s answers first! She provides insights that only someone who really knows this business can provide.
Read on to learn what questions to ask when hiring a photo booth for your wedding.
Why have a photo booth at the wedding alongside a traditional photographer?
Jess: Photo Booths can be an icebreaker which can help get your party going. Not everyone loves the traditional photographer who roams around taking styled and posed photos. However, you add some silly outfits and signs with the funniest saying on them and even grandpa will join in the fun. A photo booth allows your guests to let loose and be themselves. Plus our photos double as a guest favor and everyone loves instant prints.
Key takeaways: Photo booths provide a casual, relaxed photo experience, plus everyone gets pictures to take home from your wedding.
What questions should couples ask when renting a photo booth?
Jess: Always ask to see their output and event setup photos. Ask what equipment they are using and have an idea on what you’re looking for. Do you want a digital iPad Booth or a Booth with a DSLR Camera and Studio flash? Look for quality work when sorting out vendors. Be picky but keep in mind that quality does cost, but it doesn’t cost an arm and and leg. Don’t rush to book. Ensure you’re booking the right vendor who’s right for you and can provide the level of service you’re expecting to receive.
Key takeaways: There’s a difference in photo booth equipment and service; ask about it! Make sure their photo portfolio meets your expectations.
Do any of your clients have regrets after renting your booth?
Jess: We have an average of 75% referral rate. Most times my clients say they didn’t book enough time. No one ever books enough time, they are worried about budgets. I’ve also been told, “I wish I would have taken more photos.” We do our best to make sure the guest of honor makes it to the photo booth. We approach the Bride and or Groom and/or parents of the B&G to let them know where we are at on time and that we still need to get those family photos. We’ll remind them once or twice but if they are too busy or have other activities going on, it’s hard for them to find time to get into the photo booth.
Key takeaways: Either book extra time for your wedding photo booth, or schedule in time to get all the photos you need (ie, family, friend groups).
What’s your most memorable wedding photo booth experience?
Jess: We work a lot of weddings and with our referrals we see a lot of our past clients come through the booth as guests. This one particular wedding we did was 9 months prior and I saw the B&G (now happily married for 9 months) standing in line. They got out of line, came over to give me the biggest hug you could imagine and said, “you made our wedding” “we love the photos and the memory book you created for us” “we look at that book every night.” It means a great deal to me to know that my passion for creating a memorable evening carries on longer than I could ever imagine.
Key takeaways: If you had a fun photo booth experience, let them know! Online reviews are great, or if you see them at another event, go say hi. Feedback helps small businesses thrive and grow.
What was the biggest disaster—and how could it have been avoided?
Jess: Our biggest disaster was setting up outdoors for a large corporate employee appreciation event. I knew 10 days out the weather wasn’t going to be great and that heavy rain was in the forecast. I reached out to the client many times with our concerns over the rain and was told the event is outdoors and the show must go on. I was assured that they had the proper canopies and that we’d be protected from the sun, wind, and/or rain. We arrived ahead of time to set up and when we arrived at our setup location we were provided canopies that were old with holes everywhere. I set up knowing this was not going to end well and within minutes of go time the rain was pouring down on us. There were no side walls to the canopies so rain was coming at us from all directions, including above us. Our equipment, the booth, printer, backdrop, props, basically everything was soaked. We no longer set up outdoors without a weather clause and a weather clause has to be signed prior to booking.
Key takeaways: Even if the weather forecast says sunny skies, have a back-up plan! Make sure you discuss this with the photo booth team before your event so everyone is on the same page. Like Jess has, ask about a weather clause.
How have you used Studio Style products with your booth?
Jess: We use Studio Style folders as part of our advertising. We include a logo, a QR code to our website, our contact information and a “thank you” for visiting our photo booth which is included on the folders. This is a small expense and a great way to keep our logo, name, and business out in the general public. It’s cost effective as most clients keep their folders since they keep their photos in them.
Key takeaways: We love making photo booth folders for CaptureME! Check out a recent design we created:
About CaptureME Photo Booth
“Our photo booths are more than just machines – they’re interactive, customizable, and designed to bring people together.” Now THAT’S a statement to stand behind! CaptureME Photo Booth serves select cities in Colorado, including Denver, Fort Collins, Johnstown, Windsor, Greeley, Loveland, and Berthoud.
But this Colorado photo booth company doesn’t just do weddings. They also work birthday parties, corporate events, and any celebration in between.
If you’re in Colorado and looking for a photo booth for your wedding or event, check them out on Instagram or Facebook.
About Studio Style
We help party people get their event pictures home safe and sound. We design and manufacture custom photo folders, paper frames, photo mats, photo cards, and more. We work with party planners, event specialists, photographers, photo booth owners, and more. Learn how we can personalize your party at StudioStyle.com or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.
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