9 questions to ask before you book a photo booth

Photo booth pricing can be hard to compare. One quote looks cheaper until you notice the print limit, and another includes things you didn't know to ask about. These are the questions worth asking any company before you sign, including us.

1. Is someone with the booth the whole time?

An attendant keeps the line moving, helps shy guests, fixes paper jams and keeps props from walking off. Without one, the booth is your problem, or your coordinator's.

2. Are prints unlimited?

Some packages cap prints per session or per event. If you're expecting a crowd, or planning to use the strips as a guest book, a cap can run out by the middle of the reception.

3. Is the design custom, and do I get to approve it?

Ask whether the strip or video overlay design is made for your event, and whether you'll see a proof first. A generic template with your names typed in is not the same thing.

4. Do guests get digital copies? Do I get every photo?

Guests like having a copy on their phones. You'll want every photo from the night, including the ones nobody printed. Ask how and when the gallery is delivered.

5. What does the time include?

Confirm that setup and teardown happen outside your booked hours, and ask how extra time is billed: by the hour, by the half hour, or something else.

6. Are there travel fees?

Many companies include a set radius and charge beyond it. Ask for the exact amount for your venue rather than a range.

7. How much space and power does it need?

This is especially important at barns, tents and outdoor venues. You want an answer you can pass along to your venue coordinator.

8. What's the deposit, and when is the balance due?

Get both in writing, along with what happens if your date or headcount changes.

9. Is tax included in the price?

A small detail, but it changes the total. Ask for an itemized quote so nothing surprises you on the invoice.

Our answers, for comparison

Yes to an attendant, props, unlimited prints, a custom design you approve, digital copies and a full online gallery. Setup doesn't count toward your hours. Travel is free within 25 miles of Lexington, then $0.50 per round-trip mile. A 30% deposit reserves your date, and prices are before Kentucky sales tax. The estimator shows every line, so you can compare it side by side with any other quote.