We Skipped a Wedding Photo Booth—Here’s Why We Regret It

1. We Skipped a Wedding Photo Booth—Here’s Why We Regret It Wedding planning is full of decisions—some easy, some downright stressful. From locking in the perfect venue to finalising the guest list, every choice shapes the overall experience of your big day. My husband and I poured our hearts into every detail, determined to make our wedding feel personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. But no matter how much effort you put into planning, there are always things you only realise in hindsight. For us, that moment hit after our wedding when we realised we had made one big mistake: we skipped having a wedding photo booth—and we wish we hadn’t. At the time, it felt like an unnecessary extra. We had an incredible professional photographer, and we figured our guests would be too busy dancing, drinking, and celebrating to care about snapping a few extra photos. But in the months that followed, as we caught up with friends and family, we started hearing the same thing over and over—our wedding was amazing, but they wished there had been a fun space for candid, silly, and memorable photos. And that’s when it hit us—we had overlooked something that would have added an extra layer of fun to the night. Funny enough, before our wedding, we actually attended the One Fine Day Wedding Expo in Melbourne. We explored loads of incredible vendors, watched stunning bridal runway shows, and even found the designer of my dream wedding gown. We saw firsthand how interactive and entertaining wedding photo

2. booths could be, but we convinced ourselves we didn’t need one. Now, looking back, we know exactly what we missed out on. If you’re debating whether a wedding photo booth is worth it, learn from our experience. We’ll share why we initially decided against it, what we noticed on the big day, and—most importantly—why we now wholeheartedly wish we had made a different choice. The One Wedding Detail We Wished We Hadn’t Overlooked When my husband and I tied the knot in 2024, we believed we had thought of everything. We spent months curating the perfect details—choosing a breathtaking venue, selecting a delicious menu, and making sure our wedding reflected us as a couple. But as time passed and we reminisced about our big day, we realised we had made one mistake. We had skipped a wedding photo booth, and to this day, it’s our biggest regret. At the time, it seemed like an easy decision. Why spend extra money on a photo booth when we had a professional photographer capturing all the special moments? We figured our guests would be too busy dancing and celebrating to use it anyway. Plus, with all the other wedding expenses adding up, we thought we were making a smart financial choice. But looking back, we now see that a photo booth directory would have helped us find an affordable option, and having one would have made a world of difference. Here’s our honest story—why we opted out of a best wedding photo booth and why we now wish we had made a different choice.

3. Why We Initially Decided Against a Photo Booth During the planning phase, we were meticulous about our budget. We wanted a wedding that felt magical but also practical. When we attended the One Fine Day Wedding Expo in Melbourne, we were overwhelmed with options—everything from floral arrangements to interactive wedding entertainment ideas. We even explored different photo booth vendors, trying out their setups and seeing the fun firsthand. Still, we convinced ourselves that a booth wasn’t necessary. We assumed our professional photographer would be enough. After all, we had invested in an experienced wedding photographer who would document the key moments. What more did we need? And if guests wanted pictures, they could always take their own with their phones, right? At the time, a fun wedding reception idea like a photo booth seemed like a luxury. In hindsight, we completely underestimated just how much it would have added to the experience. The Wedding Night—What We Noticed On the night of our wedding, we were so caught up in the whirlwind of the celebration that we didn’t immediately realise what we were missing. But after the reception, we started noticing the gaps. Guests had taken their own photos, but many were blurry, poorly lit, or missing that lively energy that a wedding photo booth naturally provides. We had stunning pictures of ourselves, but what about our friends laughing together? Are our family members sharing warm embraces?

4. Some of our guests told us they wished there had been a designated space for fun, candid photos—something separate from the more polished shots taken by our photographer. We had underestimated just how much people enjoy letting loose and capturing silly, spontaneous moments in a best wedding photo booth setup. Why We Regret Not Having a Wedding Photo Booth Here are the reasons why we regret not having a wedding photo booth at our wedding last year: We Missed Out on a Fun Guest Experience After the wedding, we heard from so many of our guests who said they wished there had been a photo booth. They loved the idea of snapping goofy pictures with props or striking fun poses with their loved ones. Older relatives who weren’t always on the dance floor would have had a chance to capture meaningful moments without feeling rushed. A photo booth directory could have helped us find a vendor that fit within our budget, but we hadn’t even explored that option seriously. We had unknowingly overlooked a simple way to elevate our reception atmosphere. We Hardly Have Any Photos of Our Guests Together. Looking through our wedding album, we cherish every photo of us as a couple. But when it comes to our guests? The pictures are surprisingly sparse. Formal portraits were taken, but they only captured a select few people. During the reception, our photographer naturally focused on us and the major highlights of the evening. But there were so many moments we never got to see—friends reuniting, inside jokes being shared, relatives bonding. A wedding photo booth would have ensured those moments were captured forever. We Could Have Had a Personalised Guestbook Alternative One of the most creative ways we’ve seen couples use a wedding photo booth is as an interactive guestbook. Guests take fun photos and leave heartfelt notes alongside their pictures. If we had thought about it, we could have replaced a traditional guestbook with something far more memorable. Now, we have a book filled with signatures, but we can’t help but wonder how special it would have been to flip through pages of smiling faces and handwritten messages. A photo strip guestbook is something we now wish we had prioritised.

5. What We Would Do Differently If we could go back and plan our wedding again, a wedding photo booth would be a non-negotiable. But how could we have made it work within our budget and setup? Here’s what we’ve learned—and what we’d do differently. 1. Find an Affordable Option A wedding photo booth doesn’t have to break the bank. We could have explored DIY setups with a simple backdrop, a tripod, and a ring light, or used a photo booth directory to compare vendors and find one that fit our budget. Many companies offer customisable packages, so we could have chosen a more budget-friendly option without compromising on fun. 2. Adjust the Budget Strategically Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and looking back, we see plenty of areas where we could have reallocated funds. Instead of spending extra on elaborate wedding favours (which, let’s be honest, guests don’t always take home) or splurging on every floral arrangement, we could have trimmed costs slightly to make room for a photo booth. Prioritising experiences over small details would have made a lasting difference.

6. 3. Make It an Experience, Not Just a Booth At the One Fine Day Wedding Expo in Melbourne, we saw firsthand how vendors use props, themed signs, and interactive elements to draw people in. If we’d had a booth, we would have positioned it in a high-traffic area, made sure it had eye-catching signage, and included fun prompts or themed props to encourage guests to get involved. A great photo booth isn’t just a camera and a backdrop—it’s an experience that brings people together and adds to the atmosphere of the night. Our Biggest Takeaway? If you’re debating whether a wedding photo booth is worth it, our advice is simple: say yes. It’s a small investment in the grand scheme of things, but the joy, memories, and laughter it creates are absolutely priceless. Is a Wedding Photo Booth Worth It? If you’re on the fence about whether to include a wedding photo booth, here’s our honest advice—you’ll never regret having one, but you might regret skipping it. We certainly do. A professional photographer is a must, but they focus on capturing the big moments—your vows, the first dance, the cake cutting. A photo booth, on the other hand, gives your guests the freedom to create their own fun, unfiltered memories. It’s where your grandma might throw on oversized sunnies, your bridal party might strike a pose they’d never attempt in formal photos, and your guests—after a few celebratory drinks—might capture the most hilarious shots of the night.

7. Looking back, we realise we missed out on something priceless. After our wedding, we kept hearing stories about the moments we didn’t see—inside jokes between friends, funny poses that never made it into our photographer’s gallery, and guests who would have loved a keepsake from the night. The laughter, the spontaneity, the joy—it’s all frozen in those little snapshots, and we don’t have them. If we could give engaged couples one piece of advice, it would be this: invest in the experiences that create lasting memories. Decorations fade, trends change, but the moments you capture? They’ll bring you joy for years to come. And trust us—those silly, unfiltered, completely real photos will be some of your favourites. FAQs 1. Can a photo booth replace a professional photographer? No, a professional photographer is still essential for capturing the big moments. A photo booth is more about fun, candid guest experiences that complement professional photography. 2. How much does a wedding photo booth cost? Prices vary, but many vendors offer budget-friendly options. You can also explore DIY setups for a cost-effective alternative. 3. Where can I find the best wedding photo booth vendors? Attending a wedding expo or checking a photo booth directory is a great way to explore options and find a vendor that fits your style and budget. 4. What are some fun wedding reception ideas that include a photo booth? Consider using the photo booth for a guestbook, offering themed props, or creating a contest for the most creative photos. 5. Do guests actually use photo booths at weddings? Absolutely! Many guests love the opportunity to take fun, lighthearted pictures, especially when props and backdrops are involved.