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One thing I knew about our reception is that I had to have a photobooth. I know that it’s going to be really hard to actually let other people besides myself in it for four hours, but I guess I can share.
I knew I had to have one as soon as I saw Mrs. Cupcake’s photos. (All photos come from Mrs. Cupcake’s recap posts—yes, I’ve been following the bee for that long!)
I think Cupcake made me fall in love with the idea of a photobooth because I really hadn’t seen one at many weddings (online that is—I have yet to see one in person), and it just seemed so fun and exciting!
The downside to photobooths? They can be pricey, but Mr. G and I have worked one into the budget. Do you want to know how? Two ways!
1) Research! I created a giant spreadsheet of all the Chicago photobooth vendors I could find. I’ve shared it with many a hive member via the Boards, but download it yourself here. (The chart is mostly priced for four-hour booths since that is what we were looking for; if you go to most of the companies’ websites, you can find six-hour or other hourly packages).
2) Digital photobooth. It was a hard decision (for me—Mr. G says no one would notice) whether we should have a classic photobooth, like one you’d see at a mall, or a digital one. I really wanted a classic booth (since they’re as fly as Mark McGrath), but we could save $200–$300 by having a digital one.
We ended up going digital, but only after Mr. G spent a very long time telling me that it would be OK. I mean, I guess he’s right. Guests will still get photos, and I’ll get the booth I want!
We were looking for a four-hour booth because our reception will be five-and-a-half hours long. We didn’t want to upgrade to a six-hour package because why pay if we won’t be there that long? All in all, we ended up booking a photobooth through Spinnin’ Discs (who we hired our DJ through) because, not only were they the best deal, but even though we’re renting the booth for four hours, they’re letting us have it for five and will close it during dinner. This is so great because we figured we’d have so much wasted time during dinner otherwise.
Anybody else fall in love with photobooths almost instantly?
I love the idea of photobooths, and I think wedding guests would get a kick out of them.
We haven’t budgeted them for our wedding, and there are so many other things that are on my “definitely must have” list. BUT, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t LOVE one anyway!
I love photobooths! I just came across a photographer in Dallas (where I live) who offers a really affordable photo booth in addition to her photography packages for weddings. SCORE
Oh Yeah! I am with you, but I may not share.
I wanted a booth before I ever knew it could actually be done, but they are pricey. I thought all was lost but then… I reworked my budget to include it. It was the one “splurge” I had to have. We have cut cost in so many places and it is my (our) wedding. Didn’t I deserve it? YES. We were gifted a DJ and decided to not rent cars for that day. (wedding/ reception in same loc., no need) And Yeyyy, I (we) have a booth. I have been practicing my americas top bride pose!!
Love it! Mrs. Cupcake was my first photobooth love as well…we’re still hoping to fit one into our budget. I love them! Fingers crossed!
I love the photo booth idea. I was recently at a wedding with one and it really added something special to the reception. Guests of every age were having a ball and being silly for the camera. Love the inspiration photos- they made me stalk a bunch of Mrs. Cupcake’s old blog posts! I love how weddingbee can send me in circles reading old blog posts for hours! Am I the only one?
LOVE the photo booth! As soon as I saw pics from a coworker where everyone was decked out with fake mustaches and funny hats I knew it would be my wedding splurge. Bay Area prices can be expensive though but I found a company out of Sacramento that was reasonable. They also include a guestbook!
Mrs. Cupcake made me fall in love with reception photobooths as well. You are going to get great pictures!
I was obsessed with Mrs. Cupcake’s too 
I went with the digital booth to save some cash, but it still had the vintage-style look. Everyone LOVED it and thought it was the most original, fun idea ever! It makes the best guest book too, and it did triple duty for me by being the “favor” as well!
Though, I’ll warn you it did detract from the dance floor a bit!
It wasn’t until we attended a NYE wedding this year that I was one in action. They were a consideration before but after that, I knew we’d have one. Going the DIT route so the money can be spent elsewhere.
I so desperately want one but can’t figure out how to find an affordable one near SE Connecticut.
Ha ha! I’m glad I’m not the only one who drooled over Mrs. Cupcake’s photobooths. I’m also one of the bees that you emailed your spreadsheet to. I must must must have one. Down to the corny posters. I think it’s the one thing that will MY big splurge AND I’ve never seen one done before. I’m sure it will be a huge hit with our guests. Actually, I’m going back to see Mrs. Cupcake’s recaps. I loved them so much!!
I loved the idea of a photobooth, but sadly we didn’t have room for it at our event.
I am a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding next month! 12.18.10! We first saw a photobooth last summer while attending one of many bridal shows! She feel in love with it! From that point on, at every show we take pictures and have saved them! She and her Future Husband are both school teachers and at one time their jobs were in jeopardy due to the budget. Well, we here 11 bridesmaids have stepped in to rescue! She wasn’t sure if they could budget the photobooth, so we decided to surprise her with the photobooth! She has no idea that she will have one at her reception! Her reaction will be priceless!
I loved the photobooth at our wedding. Great choice!
I knew I wanted one before we were ever engaged! One of my close friends had one at her wedding 2 years ago and we still have the pictures up on our fridge! It was my favorite wedding to date, mainly because of the photobooth! I cant wait to see the pictures of our guests. I think that will be the best part of the whole deal!
YES!! One of the very first vendors we booked was our photobooth rental!
YES! I have known for yeeeeears that I want a photobooth at my wedding!
I am a sucker for these old fashioned photobooths. They are so much nicer than the newer pipe & drape styles. Old world charm.
I had a photobooth at my wedding, it was a big hit. People are still talking about it
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Mrs. Giraffe, Chicago Age and Occupation: 23, Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Music Student Teacher Engagement Date: October 23, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2011 Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church & Idlewild Country Club About Me: Coming from the suburbs of the Windy City, you'll often find me with my foot in my mouth while laughing for no reason or telling bad knock knock jokes. I've been crafty for as long as I can remember, and will DIY something twice over before I have someone do it for me. I'm a semi-awkward, typeface obsessed, design junkie and have been know to break out my dance moves for no reason as well as try my best to be ridiculous at all times. My love of pop culture, wordplay, and graph paper almost rivals my love of Mr. Giraffe (who is just the bee's knees). After a 2.5 year engagement, we're planning a modern-in-disguise traditional wedding, and cannot wait!
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