Wedding Photographer vs Photo Booth: Which one is better?
If you’re planning a big event like a wedding, you naturally want everything to go smoothly! After all, you’re inviting the most important people in your life to a venue, and you want them to have a great time. Plus, you aim to shine as a wonderful party planner!
The question often arises of whether to hire a wedding photographer or include a photo booth at your reception—and it’s a valid question! Of course, you want those classic shots of your wedding dress, the first dance, the cake, and more. But there are also benefits to having a photo booth—so what are they, and can they replace the regular photographer?
The best answer is that, if your budget allows, you should go for both!
A photo booth cannot replace the photos you’ll get from a professional wedding photographer. However, here are some things a photo booth can do that will benefit both you and your guests at your wedding:
Instant Photos: With your regular photographer, you expect beautifully edited photos, which take time—and are worth the wait. However, guests often get caught up in the festivities and assume, "There’s a photographer, so I don’t need to take many photos." They may leave your wedding with too few pictures to share on social media that weekend. A photo booth solves this by providing instant content and photos that guests can use and share immediately—an excellent perk. Often times when guests receive the one or two pictures the photographer took at your wedding, it's too far past the date for people to want to post on Instagram. So give them something they can post right away!
Fun and Interaction: Wedding photographers focus on capturing key moments and may not have the opportunity to capture spontaneous, fun interactions among guests. A photo booth allows guests to line up and take playful photos with different groups—college friends, cousins, or even quirky combinations like your zany aunt with the cutie best man. These candid moments are best captured in a photo booth. Also, with the right booth attendant (check us out if you’re in NYC!), you can create an engaging party atmosphere. It’s essential to ensure the attendant’s vibe matches your event, as they can enhance the booth experience significantly. Look for someone who is FUN!
Prints as Wedding Favors: Everyone loves a party favor, and a photo booth is ideal for creating personalized keepsakes. Guests can take as many photos as they like with whomever they choose, print them instantly, and take them home that night—a cherished reminder of your special day. Again, the photos the photographer will take are more for you and your memories-- they will take too long for the guests to wait!
As mentioned, you shouldn’t skip a wedding photographer in favor of a photo booth, nor should you assume the photographer will capture everything the booth can. You want both to ensure you capture all the memories of your fantastic celebration.
Ultimately, whether you’re planning a wedding or another significant event, consider both a wedding photographer and a photo booth to ensure you have a comprehensive collection of memories from your special occasion.
