Thoughts on not having a photobooth

You do not need to order a photobooth and your guests will still have a blast. If you want to, you can buy or make your own photo props. They're pretty inexpensive. Set them up on a table. From there, they can take photos on their phones. You can use either of these apps.

When planning my wedding, we decided on an app called "The Guest," by The Knot. We had signs put out at the entry table and on each table with instructions for our guests to download the app and connect to our photo album. Guests took photos on their phones, which were automatically uploaded to the album as they were taken. Guests were able to turn this auto feature off in their settings if they wanted and were able to select and upload their photos later. it was perfect! All the photos are stored in order of what time they were taken, not by when they were uploaded. This saved us the hassle of chasing people down for their photos. Over 800 photos were taken! We were able to download every single one. Best of all, it is completely free!


WeddingWire for Guests is a similar program. Both apps are by the same parent company, so either one will be okay. I suggest giving the app you choose a test run, like I did. It was used at both of my bachelorette parties, the bridal shower and the wedding.
My guests all enjoyed the convenience of using The Guest. We were even complimented on it by friends on Facebook:
"The app was such a great idea."
"Lily I downloaded the pics and the videos that app was awesome I could recommend it to anyone where did you find that app?"

We’re only having one because it came as part of our DJ package. Although they are fun, they aren’t worth spending extra money. They don’t make or break a wedding.

The photos are usually very small and of poor quality.

Many times guests will just leave them lying on the floor.

We are not having one, but we are doing a selfie station that cost about $50. We have a music themed wedding. We went on Amazon and got a backdrop that looks like a stage with a mic stand and speakers. We got inflatable guitars, keyboard and sax, microphones, retro glasses and hats. There are so many inexpensive props on Amazon or your local dollar store. Find some that fit your theme and have fun!

If the guests are people that matter in your life, then they'll enjoy themselves out of the sheer joy that youre getting married. My budget is also tight, and im not having most of the services that the average person does. Our budget is under 2000$. My philosophy is If you dont want it, dont do it. If you really want it, then DIY.


Most everything were doing is DIY including my dress/decore. Personally, we're setting out cameras with notes that say for people to take as many pictures as they like.

A friend of mine just had a cute back drop and bought one of those instax cameras and it was just as great in my opinion! Probably costed them about $100 to buy the camera and make the back drop

I dont think it's a necessity. Sure it's a cool add on but I remember spending 5 mins top at it and mainly stayed inside dancing.

Definitely skip it because they’re so 10 years ago (no matter how much they try and update them). And think about it... if everyone has photobooths at their weddings, then how are they even special or a unique touch? They’re not. So you’re not missing out.


Personally, I don’t want a “same ‘ol thing we always see” kind of wedding. So we’re definitely passing on a photobooth and instead giving our guests something unexpected during cocktail hour.

No one is going to remember whether or not you had a photo booth. Everyone can take selfies with their cell phones.

We decided it was an unnecessary expense. I asked my closest friends their thoughts and no one really seemed overly enthused about the photo booth so we cut it out.

Just a thought, you could DIY your photo booth, if you really want to have one. You don't have to rent one. We did ours for less than $50 and everyone loved it.

People will still find a way to have fun without one! A fun alternative though would be to create your own "photo wall" to give guests a cool backdrop to take photos in front of. You could even supply a bucket full of fun cheap props. If you search Pinterest for DIY photobooths you can get plenty of ideas!

I have never been to a wedding with a photobooth. I wouldn't worry about it.

I don't think I'll be having one. I've also been to 3 weddings this year and none of those have had a photo booth.
Nice if there's money in the budget, but definitely not a must.

No one will care (this is coming from a person who LOVES photos).

If you are concerned you can create a really nice photo backdrop wall where guests can take their own photos with their phones. It doesn't need to be super fancy or expensive, but just a little thoughtful decor can go a long way.

We will not be having a photo booth. I asked some of my friends if they would miss a photo booth and they said they wouldn't miss it at all! Our guest count will only be around 75.

No it will not. Don’t stress yourself trying to please your guests on your day. You can find other ways to keep them entertained like having the dj play awesome music, have each table dance when there table is called.

I don't think it will make or break your reception. i wanted one, especially since we were having children at our wedding. I happened to find a DJ with a package that included it. If you can find something within your budget go for it, if not then skip it.