A wedding is a day people want to remember for more than the official photographs. A photo booth or photo mirror gives guests the chance to take fun, spontaneous pictures and adds an activity to the party that suits guests of every age.
Both devices essentially do the same thing — but the experience, the space they need and the effect they have on the look of the party are different. Here is a clear comparison so that you can choose without second thoughts.
A photo booth is a compact device on a stand that guests pose in front of. The screen shows what the camera sees, a countdown gives them time to strike a pose, and a few seconds later the finished picture comes out of the printer. Simple, fast, obvious to everyone.
A photo mirror is a full-height mirror with a camera and a touchscreen built into it. Guests see themselves at full length, animations and prompts appear on the mirror, and the session turns into a little performance. The photo mirror attracts attention even standing still — it is part of the décor as well.
| Photo booth | Photo mirror | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame format | Head and shoulders, groups | Full length |
| Space needed | Less | More |
| Speed | Faster | Slower, but more of an experience |
| Effect on the look of the party | Neutral | Part of the décor |
| Prints | 10×15 cm or photo strip | 10×15 cm or photo strip |
Whichever you choose, you get unlimited photos, instant printing in two formats — a classic 10×15 cm picture or a 5×15 cm photo strip — a frame designed for your wedding, props, and an operator who stays on site all evening. After the wedding you also receive every frame digitally.
3 × 3 metres is enough for either of them. The device itself takes up about a square metre, the backdrop is 1.5–2 metres wide and 2.5 metres high, and the rest is left for guests and the prop table. Setup takes around an hour and needs an ordinary power socket.
Both devices are up to 1.8 metres tall, so ceiling height is never a problem — they fit into old manor houses and castles without any trouble. The one thing worth asking about in advance is where the socket is.
The most common mistake is putting the device in a far corner where nobody goes. A photo corner works when it sits along the flow of movement — near the bar, at the edge of the dance floor, or somewhere guests pass anyway.
The other detail that matters is light. Direct sunlight through a window or strong coloured stage lighting ruins the shot. Even light gives a better result than dramatic light.
Summer wedding Saturdays go quickly — we recommend booking 3–6 months ahead. At other times of year, a few weeks is often enough.
If you want simplicity, speed and the maximum number of pictures — choose the photo booth. If you want the photo corner to be part of the visual side of the party and the pictures to be full length — choose the photo mirror.
If you are hesitating, a short conversation helps: tell us about the venue, the number of guests and the style of the wedding, and we will recommend one ourselves.
Prices, packages and space requirements for both devices can be found on the photo booth rental in Tallinn page. If you are also considering a 360° video booth, take a look at the comparison of the three formats.
If the wedding is taking place in South Estonia, see: photo booth rental in Tartu. And if you would rather talk it through, write to us through the contact form.
