Photo Booth Rental Checklist — What to Ask Before You Book

The Cincinnati photo booth market has grown significantly over the past decade, and the range of quality between companies has grown just as wide. On one end, you have full-time professional operations with trained staff, reliable equipment, and a proven track record. On the other, you have weekend side hustles with one booth, one person, and no backup plan if something goes wrong at your wedding.

This checklist is designed to help you tell the difference quickly. Ask any photo booth company you are considering these 10 questions before you book.

1. 1
   Is this your full-time business or a side hustle?

   This is the most important question on the list. A full-time company has full-time accountability. They cannot ghost you, cancel last minute, or show up late because they have other priorities. Photo Booth Cincy has 3 full-time staff members, 50 trained attendants, and this is our only business. We are available by phone every day, and our online portal is staffed and monitored around the clock.

2. 2
   What happens if the booth breaks down during my event?

   Every reputable photo booth company should have backup equipment and a clear contingency plan. Ask specifically: do you have a backup booth available, and is it the same model? At Photo Booth Cincy, our contract guarantees a refund for any downtime caused by equipment failure. We also have a fleet of over 35 booths, which means backup options are always available.

3. 3
   Is an attendant included for the full duration?

   Some companies drop off a booth and leave. A proper photo booth experience requires an on-site attendant who manages the queue, keeps the booth running smoothly, runs the scrapbook station, and handles any technical issues. Always confirm the attendant is included for the full booked duration, not just for setup.

4. 4
   Is the scrapbook included?

   For wedding bookings, this matters more than almost anything else. Ask whether the scrapbook station is included or an add-on, and whether the attendant actively manages it throughout the night or simply sets it up and leaves it. A scrapbook that nobody participates in is a missed opportunity. One that a trained attendant manages all night is the most treasured keepsake from your wedding day.

5. 5
   Can I see examples of your actual print quality?

   Not stock photos from the equipment manufacturer — actual prints from actual events. Photo quality varies significantly between companies based on the camera, printer, and template design they use. Ask to see real examples, or better yet, visit our photo gallery to see real prints from real Cincinnati events.

6. 6
   Is custom artwork included or extra?

   The personalized overlay on your prints — with your names, date, and event details — should be included in every package. Ask whether artwork design is included, how many revision rounds you get, and whether you will need to approve it before the event through an online portal or via email.

7. 7
   What does the all-in price actually include?

   Low headline prices can be misleading if setup, teardown, the attendant, prints, or artwork cost extra. Always ask for a fully itemized all-in quote before comparing prices between companies. Our online booking system generates a complete all-in price the moment you enter your event details — no hidden fees, ever.

8. 8
   How do I manage my booking?

   A professional company should offer an online portal where you can handle artwork approval, make payments, sign your contract, and review your event details at any time of day. If a company's only workflow is email chains and phone calls, that is a sign of an operation that may not scale well to the demands of a busy event season.

9. 9
   What is your cancellation and refund policy?

   Life happens. Ask specifically: what happens if you need to cancel or postpone? Is the deposit refundable? Can you move your date? What happens if the company cancels on you? A reputable company will have clear, written policies for all of these scenarios in their contract.

10. 10
    Can you provide references or reviews?

    Any established photo booth company should be able to point you to reviews on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, or similar platforms. Photo Booth Cincy is a Knot Hall of Fame winner with hundreds of five-star reviews across multiple platforms. We encourage you to read them before you book.

One More Thing: Trust Your Gut

Beyond the checklist, pay attention to how the company communicates with you during the inquiry process. Do they respond quickly? Are they clear and transparent? Do they answer your questions directly or deflect to vague promises? The way a company treats you as a prospective client is a strong indicator of how they will treat you on the day of your event.

At Photo Booth Cincy, we are always available by phone and email, and our team genuinely enjoys talking through the details of upcoming events. We are not trying to close a sale — we are trying to make sure you have the best possible experience.