What’s the Best Time to Schedule a Wedding Photo Booth?
We are often asked, “What is the best time to start a photo booth at a wedding”. I recently read a post from another booth company that recommended scheduling the last three hours of a wedding reception- skipping the cocktail hour, dinner hour, toasts and first dance.
Oh Boy, Do We Disagree
We recommend opening the photobooth at the cocktail hour. Here’s why.
Boring
The cocktail hour can be troublesome for guests with children and young adults, AKA boring. A photo booth keeps the kids and adults entertained while the bridal party is busy taking formal photos. This is the perfect time for a family photo.
Mom Needs Another Family Photo
We hear it from Moms all the time, “Do you know how hard it is to get a good family photo?”
Kids Break the Ice
Relatives from out of state use this time for photos with family and friends they haven’t seen in years. The elders really enjoy light hearted photos and memories they can cherish.
PS It is no secret that when the dance floor opens up and the music gets loud, guest will politely make their exit. This is why early booth time counts.
You don’t want to miss that Generational Photo with Pops, mom and kids.
Young adults love it
Young adults love it because, well, they love photos of themselves. More obnixious- more fun.
We Encourage Brides and Grooms
We encourage brides and grooms to jump in the photobooth immediately after their formal photos are taken. This way they look fresh. Don’t wait till the end of your looooong wedding day. We have seen too many brides and grooms with that tired, running on empty look.
The Bride Never Waits
Call it a “Fast Pass” or “Cutsy’s”, the bride is always escorted to the front of the line. And when she is in the booth, she’s a Disney princess. Guests line up to have their photo taken with her.
The Dinner Hour
Guests don’t start and finish eating at the same time. Instead, table 1 slowly makes their way through the buffet line. This is the perfect time for table 5 to jump in the booth. And, when table 1 finishes eating, table 6 is getting started.
From experience we know there is about a 20 minute lull during the dinner hour. We turn down the lights, restock print paper, clean and organize and get a quick bite to eat. We don’t charge for this ‘down-time’. If your photo booth charges for this time, negotiate an “idle rate”.
The Toast and First Dance
Toasts and first Dance. Booth closed. All attention focused on the bride. We don’t charge for this idle time, because we know every reception has a toast, and it is important.
Open for Business
But when the dance floor opens up, so does the photo booth. This is the time for guests to get one more photo with Grandma before she leaves. One more with the kiddies before they head to bed.
Party Time is Photo Booth Time
The rest of the night, the booth is in full swing with the guests who came to party.
What can we do for you?