Why hire a photo booth for your event?
You are planning a wedding, a birthday, a corporate party or a get-together with friends, and you are wondering whether hiring a photo booth is really worth it? The short answer: yes. The long answer is this article.
In just a few years, the photo booth has become one of the most requested forms of entertainment at private and professional events. And it is no coincidence. With 92% of guests using it when there is one and prices starting at €144 delivered, it is the entertainment that offers the best impact-to-price ratio on the market.
Here are 8 good reasons, detailed and backed up with figures and examples, to go for a photo booth at your next event.
Contents
- 1. It is the activity 100% of guests love
- 2. It creates tangible, lasting memories
- 3. It breaks the ice like no other activity
- 4. It is simple and stress-free
- 5. It suits every budget
- 6. It entertains all evening without a break
- 7. It enhances your decor and your guest book
- 8. It leaves memories that last for years
- Photo booth vs other activities: the comparison
- Which events should you hire a photo booth for?
- FAQ
1. It is the activity 100% of guests love
Find us an activity that wins over 5-year-olds, teenagers glued to their phones, thirty-somethings, parents and grandparents alike. The photo booth is one of the few truly universal activities. Everyone loves taking photos, and everyone loves laughing at the result.
What makes the photo booth unique is that it imposes nothing. Unlike karaoke (which takes courage), a dance floor (which leaves out the shy) or a group game (which needs everyone to take part at the same time), the photo booth works at each person’s own pace. You go alone, as a couple or in a group, whenever you like, as many times as you like.
The figures confirm this universal appeal: 92% of guests use the photo booth when it is available. That is a participation rate no other activity can claim. For a wedding of 100 people, it means 92 of your guests will step in front of the booth at least once during the evening.
The photo booth is the only activity where you will see your 75-year-old great-uncle posing in star-shaped glasses next to your 6-year-old niece. And they will both love it.
It is also the most spontaneous activity. No need to brief guests, no need to gather them together. They discover the booth, understand how it works in 10 seconds, and the fits of laughter begin.
2. It creates tangible, lasting memories
In an all-digital age, receiving a printed photo you can touch, stick on your fridge or slip into a frame has something deeply special about it. It is a physical object that embodies a moment of joy. And it is far more memorable than a photo lost among thousands of others in a smartphone camera roll.
Studies on event memory confirm it: a physical keepsake triggers more vivid and longer-lasting memories than a digital one. A printed photo you spot on your fridge 6 months later instantly takes you back to the atmosphere of the evening. A JPEG file in a forgotten folder on your phone… much less so.
With Badabooth, your guests leave with the best of both worlds:
- Quality printed photos, with a custom frame (names, date, logo)
- Fun animated GIFs, perfect for sharing on social media
- All the digital photos available via a Google Drive link
- AirDrop download straight from the booth for the impatient
Depending on the booth, several print formats are available: classic 10x15 on every printing package, polaroid and 2-photo strip on the Happy, 3-photo strip (photo-booth style) on the Smile.
The result: every guest leaves with a unique physical keepsake of your event. That is something no Spotify playlist, no DJ and no magician can offer.
3. It breaks the ice like no other activity
You know that slightly awkward moment at the start of a party when people stay in small groups and do not mingle? The photo booth solves this problem naturally, without forcing anyone.
The mechanism is simple: all it takes is one small group bursting out laughing while taking a photo for the curious to wander over. Within 15 minutes, people who did not know each other an hour ago are posing together with ridiculous props. The photo booth creates a social pretext: “Come on, let’s take a photo together!” It is a simple, low-commitment invitation that is impossible to refuse.
It is especially useful in these situations:
At weddings: the two families often do not know each other. The photo booth brings them together naturally around a fun, no-pressure activity. It is often in front of the booth that the mother-in-law and the groom’s childhood friends really meet for the first time.
At corporate events: colleagues from different departments, new recruits, suppliers… The photo booth creates informal interactions that would not happen otherwise. Read our article on the photo booth for team building for practical ideas.
At big parties: when 80 or 100 people get together and not everyone knows each other, the photo booth acts as a social catalyst. It gives people a reason to talk and laugh together.
At birthdays where different groups of friends meet for the first time: colleagues, childhood friends, family, neighbours… The photo booth brings everyone together.
The photo booth is the best icebreaker ever invented. And unlike group games, it makes nobody feel uncomfortable.
4. It is simple and stress-free
When you are organising an event, every extra detail to manage is a source of stress. The caterer, the venue, the decor, the music, the schedule… You have enough to deal with. The photo booth should not be one of those things.
With Badabooth, the promise is simple: zero hassle.
- Delivered 1 to 2 working days before your event, straight to your home or the event venue, anywhere in Luxembourg
- 5-minute setup flat: screw on the legs, attach the light-up sign, plug in. That is it. No tools, no 12-page manual
- Runs on its own: no need for a host, no need for WiFi, no need to keep an eye on it. Guests intuitively understand how it works
- Easy return: pack it back into the original box and drop the parcel off at a UPS access point with the prepaid return label
The booth is made in France and designed to be used without any technical skills. We have a complete guide to setting up a photo booth if you want to see just how simple it is, but honestly, it comes down to 3 steps.
Compared with other possible activities, the self-service photo booth is by far the easiest to set up:
| Activity | Setup time | Professional needed | Stress on the day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-service photo booth | 5 min | No | None |
| DJ | 1-2h (sound, lights) | Yes | Medium |
| Magician | Schedule coordination | Yes | High |
| Photo booth with attendant | 30-45 min | Yes | Low |
| Karaoke | 30 min (equipment, testing) | No | Medium |
And if a problem does come up? Badabooth customer service is responsive and available to guide you by phone. Customer reviews confirm it: 4.7/5 on Google and 5/5 on Trustpilot.
5. It suits every budget
Gone are the days when hiring a photo booth cost between €500 and €1,500 for the evening, with a mandatory attendant. In 2026, thanks to self-service booths, the photo booth has become affordable for every budget, even the tightest.
With Badabooth, rental starts at €144 with delivery included anywhere in Luxembourg. Here are the packages in detail:
| Package | Price (delivered) | Photos included | Max guests | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | from €144 | 50 photos | ~30 people | Small events, parties with friends |
| Happy | from €275 | 150 photos | ~70 people | Birthdays, intimate weddings |
| Smile | from €399 | 400 photos | ~200 people | Large weddings, corporate events |
Larger capacities exist in each package (up to 200 photos on Smart, 600 on Happy, 800 on Smile).
To put these prices into perspective, here is what other common activities cost:
| Activity | Average price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DJ | €600 - €1,200 | 4-6h |
| Magician | €400 - €800 | 1-2h |
| Photo booth with attendant | €500 - €900 | 3-5h |
| Live band | €800 - €2,000 | 2-3h |
| Badabooth (Smart) | €144 | All evening |
| Badabooth (Smile) | €399 | All evening |
The self-service photo booth is not only the cheapest activity, it is also the one that lasts longest. A magician performs for 1 hour. The photo booth runs all evening, from the drinks reception to dessert.
All Badabooth packages include at no extra cost: unlimited animated GIFs, a free custom frame, unlimited digital photos, AirDrop download and face-tracking emojis on screen. For full details, see our packages.
For the price of a restaurant meal, you give your guests entertainment that lasts all evening and memories they will keep for years.
6. It entertains all evening without a break
Unlike a show or a speech that lasts 30 minutes, the photo booth runs continuously all evening. From the drinks reception until the small hours, there is always someone taking a photo. It is non-stop entertainment that needs no involvement from you.
And that is the magic of it: the photo booth adapts to the rhythm of your event.
During the drinks reception: the first curious guests discover the booth. The photos are still a little shy, in pairs or small groups. It is the time for classic poses.
During dinner: the booth remains available. Guests who get up to stretch their legs take the opportunity to pop by. Children love this quieter period to have fun in peace.
After dessert: this is when the real madness begins. Inhibitions drop, the craziest props come out, groups form and re-form. It is often the moment of the most memorable photos.
At the end of the evening: the diehards who stay late make their final visits. The photos get more and more quirky and spontaneous. They are often the best ones.
On average, a photo booth produces 400 photos per large event (wedding, gala). That is the equivalent of 5 to 7 hours of continuous entertainment, without you having to do a thing. No DJ, no host and no show can claim that kind of engagement time.
The photo booth has another unique advantage: it does not hog the spotlight. It sits perfectly alongside the other highlights of your event. During the speeches, the cake, the first dance, the booth waits quietly. And as soon as guests are free, it is back in action.
7. It enhances your decor and your guest book
The photo booth is not just entertainment: it is also a living decorative feature that evolves throughout the evening.
The photo wall
Invite your guests to hang their photos on a string with clothes pegs, or to arrange them on a magnetic board. As the evening goes on, you create a photo wall that becomes a decorative feature in its own right. It is a wall that fills up with smiles, silly faces and fits of laughter, and tells the story of your evening in pictures.
It is also a great conversation starter: guests stop in front of the wall, comment on each other’s photos and laugh together. The wall becomes a second social gathering point.
The photo guest book
This is probably the most popular use of the photo booth at weddings. The idea: guests stick one of their photos into an album and add a short message next to it. Our full article on the wedding photo booth guest book gives you all the tips for setting it up.
The result is a unique album, both visual and sentimental, that you will keep for the rest of your life. It is far more personal and touching than a traditional guest book where guests just write a few words.
The booth as decor
The booth itself, with its light-up sign, creates a festive, photogenic photo corner. Guests immediately spot the “photo booth corner” and head there naturally. You can integrate it into your decor by adding a backdrop (sequin curtain, fairy lights, flower wall) that will appear in every photo.
8. It leaves memories that last for years
Photo booth pictures have something smartphone photos do not: they are spontaneous, funny and full of life. They are the photos you come across 5 or 10 years later that instantly make you smile.
Why are photo booth pictures so special?
They capture spontaneity. In front of a smartphone, people pose. In front of a photo booth, with ridiculous props and a 3-second countdown, people let go. They are the most natural and joyful photos of your entire event.
They bring together people who never get photographed together. The photo booth encourages guests to mix groups. You end up with unlikely photos: the best man with the bride’s cousin, the boss with the intern, the children with the grandparents. These unexpected combinations create unique memories.
They are instantly shareable. With the shared Google Drive and animated GIFs, guests share their photos the very next day on social media and in group chats. It is a natural extension of the party that makes the fun last.
They are tangible. The printed photo on the kitchen fridge, slipped into a frame at the office or stuck in an album is a daily reminder of a happy moment. In a world where everything is digital, that physical quality is immensely valuable.
Guests will forget the caterer, the music, maybe even the speech. But the photo booth picture stuck on their fridge is something they will see every day for months.
Photo booth vs other activities: the comparison
To help you choose, here is an objective comparison of the photo booth against other popular event activities.
| Criterion | Self-service photo booth | DJ / Sound system | Magician | Karaoke | Photo booth + attendant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | €144 - €399 | €600 - €1,200 | €400 - €800 | €200 - €500 | €500 - €900 |
| Duration | All evening | 4-6h | 1-2h | 2-3h | 3-5h |
| Participation rate | 92% | 60-70% (dancers) | 100% (show) | 10-20% (singers) | 85% |
| Ease of logistics | 5-min setup | 1-2h, sound system needed | Schedule coordination | Equipment + space | 30-45 min |
| Physical keepsakes | Yes (photos) | No | No | No | Yes (photos) |
| Works without a professional | Yes | No | No | Possible | No |
| Universal (all ages) | Yes | Medium | Yes | No | Yes |
The photo booth stands out on almost every criterion: it is the cheapest activity, the longest-lasting, the most participatory and the only one that leaves physical keepsakes. The only activity that rivals it on participation is a magic show, but it only lasts an hour and leaves no tangible keepsake.
Of course, these activities are not mutually exclusive. The photo booth is the perfect complement to a DJ or a show. It fills the quiet moments and offers a continuous activity when the other entertainment takes a break.
Which events should you hire a photo booth for?
The photo booth adapts to every type of event. Here are a few concrete examples.
Wedding
The wedding photo booth has become a must. It livens up the drinks reception, connects the two families, fills the guest book and produces on average 200 to 350 photos for a wedding of 100 guests. Our article on photo booth activities for weddings gives you ideas for fitting it perfectly into your big day.
Birthday
Whether it is a child’s birthday (your son turning 10), a milestone (30, 40, 50) or a wedding anniversary, the photo booth adds a fun, memorable touch. Discover our photo booth ideas for birthdays.
Corporate event
Seminar, team building, end-of-year party, product launch… The corporate photo booth with the company logo on the frame is an internal communication tool that brings teams together. Photos shared on professional social networks also amplify the event’s visibility.
Festive season party
Christmas, New Year: the photo booth is the perfect entertainment for the festive season, with family or friends. See our ideas for a photo booth for Christmas and New Year.
Christening and communion
Multi-generational family events are the ideal opportunity for a photo booth. Grandparents, parents, children: everyone gathers in front of the booth for intergenerational photos.
The final word
If you are looking for simple, affordable and universal entertainment for your next event, the photo booth is the answer. It is the only activity that ticks every box: affordable price (from €144), record participation rate (92%), physical and digital keepsakes, zero logistical stress and continuous operation all evening.
And with Badabooth, you are guaranteed a product made in France, rated 4.7/5 on Google and 5/5 on Trustpilot, with everything included in the price: printed photos, unlimited GIFs, a free custom frame, delivery and return anywhere in Luxembourg.
Ready to take the plunge? Discover our packages or book your Badabooth now to make your event unforgettable.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a photo booth in 2026?
Prices vary considerably depending on the type of service. Self-service booths like Badabooth start at €144, delivery included anywhere in Luxembourg. Services with an attendant (Selfizee, VIP-Box) cost between €500 and €900. At Badabooth, three packages cover every need: Smart (€144, 50 photos), Happy (€275, 150 photos) and Smile (€399, 400 photos).
Does a photo booth work without an attendant?
Yes, self-service booths like Badabooth are designed to work without an attendant and without WiFi. Setup takes 5 minutes and guests intuitively understand how it works. In practice, 92% of guests use it without any help. An attendant is only really useful for very large corporate events.
How many photos can be taken during an event?
It depends on the package and the number of guests. At Badabooth: 50 photos (Smart), 150 photos (Happy) or 400 photos (Smile). On average, a large event of 150-200 guests generates around 400 photos over the whole evening. The Smile package is designed to comfortably cover a wedding or a gala.
Is a photo booth suitable for a small event of 20 people?
Absolutely. Badabooth’s Smart package (€144, 50 photos, ~30 people) is designed exactly for that. An intimate birthday, a leaving do, a dinner with friends: the photo booth adds a fun dimension even with a small number of guests. 50 photos for 20 people means on average 2-3 visits per person.
Are the photos printed or digital only?
At Badabooth, photos are printed AND digital. Guests leave with their printed photo the same evening and then get all the digital photos (+ the GIFs) via a sharing link. Note: some competing services such as Kruu only offer digital photos, with no printing.
Can we customise the photos with our names or our logo?
Yes, at Badabooth frame customisation is free and included in every package. You can add the couple’s names, the event date, a company logo or any other graphic element. You design the frame yourself in the online editor before the event, and it is applied to every photo.
Does the photo booth need a power socket?
Yes, the photo booth needs a single standard power socket to work. However, it does not need WiFi or an internet connection. That is a major advantage for events in remote locations (estates, châteaux, barns) where the connection is not always reliable.
Is the photo booth compatible with a professional photographer?
Absolutely, and it is actually an ideal combination. The photographer captures the official moments (ceremony, couple, posed group shots) while the photo booth captures the spontaneous, quirky moments. The two complement each other perfectly. Our article Photo booth vs photographer explains how they complement each other in detail.
