What to confirm on props, prints and an attendant

The moment you realize you want a photobooth at your event, your mind jumps to the booth itself—the flash, the backdrop, the fun. But once you've settled on a supplier, most people skip straight to checking availability and price. That's the mistake. What actually makes or breaks a photobooth experience is what happens inside it: the props, the prints, and the person running it. A gorgeous booth with limp props, smudged prints that fade in a week, or an attendant who disappears when things get busy will leave your guests disappointed and you out of pocket.

Before you book, you need to walk through exactly what the hire includes, see samples of past work, and understand who will be there on the day.

What props come with the hire, and are they fresh?

Props are the difference between guests using the booth once out of politeness and them queuing for a second turn. A tired stack of oversized glasses, wilted feather boas and the same three hats get old fast. Ask your supplier for a photo or video of their current props collection—you need to see what you're actually getting, not a glossy brochure from five years ago.

Find out whether props are themed or generic. If your event has a colour scheme or dress code (a wedding, a corporate gala, a 21st), themed props should feel intentional, not bolted on. Ask whether they source new props regularly or rotate stock. Props that are worn, bent, or stained matter—guests notice, and it affects the quality of their photos.

Also confirm what happens if a prop breaks during your event. Most reputable suppliers will have backups on hand, but it's worth knowing upfront. And if you have specific props you want (custom signs, branded items, props tied to an inside joke), ask whether the supplier will integrate them or if you need to provide them yourself. Some will charge extra; others won't. Clarify it now.

Print quality, format and what they cost

This is where money actually changes hands on the day. Prints aren't guaranteed—they're an add-on guests buy, and the supplier handles the sales. So your first question is: what does the hire cover, and what's separate?

Confirm the print size, quality and cost per print. Are they instant prints (the classic Polaroid-style instant film) or are they colour laser prints? Instant film has charm but costs more per print and can fade or discolour over time if not stored properly. Laser prints are cheaper and more durable, but feel less special. Ask to see a sample of the actual print quality—colour accuracy, brightness, sharpness. A sample from last month is useless; you need to see what they're producing now.

Also ask about print design. Does the booth add a frame, a date, guest names, or branding? What does the back of the print look like? If guests are paying for prints, they expect them to look like a keepsake, not a receipt. Understand the markup—the supplier sets the price guests pay, and they keep the difference. A transparent supplier will tell you upfront what they charge per print and what guests will pay.

One more thing: if the booth produces digital files as well as prints, confirm who owns them and how guests access them. Some suppliers email digital copies days later; others hand out QR codes on the day. This matters if you want to repost guest photos to your social media.

The attendant: who they are and what they do

The person running the booth on the day is your safety net. They manage the props, troubleshoot jams, help guests pose, hand out prints, collect cash, and keep the energy up. A good attendant makes the booth feel premium; a distracted one makes it feel like a vending machine.

Ask whether the same person who quoted you will attend, or if they send someone else. If it's someone else, ask for their experience level and whether they're briefed on your event's vibe. Request that the attendant arrive early to set up and stay through the end of your event—don't accept "we'll pop by in the middle." Clarify how many attendants come with the hire. A booth at a 300-person wedding needs two hands; a booth at a 50-person office party might need one.

When you've confirmed props, prints and the attendant role, you've covered the experience your guests will actually have. That's when you're ready to book with confidence. On Strove, you can message verified photobooth suppliers directly, ask for their current prop gallery, print samples and attendant details—and check reviews from other events like yours.