How to Choose an Event Entertainment Package

How to Choose an Event Entertainment Package

An event entertainment package should suit the venue, schedule and people attending. The package with the most equipment is not automatically the right choice.

A smaller celebration may need one hosted photo booth and carefully planned music. In contrast, a large corporate event may benefit from a DJ, branded booth experience and digital content.

This event entertainment package guide explains how to compare the available options and choose a combination that supports the occasion.

Start with the type of event

Different events create different expectations. Therefore, begin with the purpose and atmosphere of the occasion.

A wedding brings together several generations and includes formal moments as well as an evening party. A birthday may focus more heavily on music and social interaction. Meanwhile, a corporate event may need branding, organised timings and content that supports a wider campaign.

Write down the main priorities before comparing packages. These may include:

  • creating a busy dance floor;
  • giving non-dancers another activity;
  • providing printed photographs;
  • creating digital images or videos;
  • supporting a wedding guestbook;
  • including company branding; or
  • keeping several age groups involved.

This list will help you focus on useful features rather than choosing extras that do not support the event.

Check what the venue can accommodate

The available space will influence which package works best. A large booth or 360 video platform may not suit a compact private room.

Before booking, ask the venue about:

  • the available floor space;
  • supplier access times;
  • parking and loading arrangements;
  • stairs and lift dimensions;
  • available power supplies;
  • the position of the dance floor and bar; and
  • any equipment restrictions.

A floor plan and photographs can help the supplier recommend a suitable format. They can also identify potential problems before the event.

The booth should remain visible and accessible. However, it must not block entrances, fire exits, catering routes or busy walkways.

Choose a photo booth format

Each booth creates a different type of guest experience. Consider the room, guest list and content you want people to receive.

Selfie Pod

A Selfie Pod has a compact footprint and can suit smaller venues, reception areas and events where guests move between several activities.

It can provide photographs and digital sharing options without requiring a large booth enclosure. Depending on the selected package, printed photographs may also be available.

This format can work well at birthdays, weddings, networking events and company celebrations where floor space is important.

Magic Mirror

A Magic Mirror creates a larger visual feature. Its full-length design provides room for group photographs and allows guests to interact with the screen.

It can suit weddings, proms, formal parties and company events. However, it needs enough space for the mirror, guests, host and queue.

Our Magic Mirror and photo booth comparison explains the main differences between the formats.

Artisan or retro-style booth

An artisan or retro-style booth can suit venues where the appearance of the equipment forms part of the event design.

These formats can work well in barns, country houses and venues with distinctive interiors. The booth should complement the room without competing with the existing styling.

360 video booth

A 360 video booth records a moving clip as the camera travels around the guests. It can suit proms, birthday parties, launches and corporate celebrations.

This format needs more operating space than a compact photo booth. It also requires a suitable floor and a clear area around the moving camera arm.

Read more about planning a 360 video booth experience before deciding whether it suits the venue and guests.

Decide between photographs, videos or both

Traditional photo booths and video-led experiences create different results. Therefore, think about what guests should receive after taking part.

Printed photographs provide a physical keepsake. They can also support wedding guestbooks, formal celebrations and events that include several generations.

Digital photographs, GIFs and short videos are convenient for guests who want content on their devices. They may also suit corporate events where branded digital material forms part of the brief.

Many events benefit from offering both printed and digital options. However, the final choice should suit the event rather than follow a general trend.

Consider whether you need a DJ

A photo booth provides a social activity, but it does not manage the musical atmosphere. If dancing forms an important part of the event, you may also need a professional DJ.

A DJ can provide:

  • background music during arrival or dinner;
  • music for formal entrances;
  • the first dance;
  • event announcements;
  • music for different generations; and
  • a complete evening party set.

Share preferred genres, important songs and any music you do not want played. The DJ should also understand the schedule and venue finishing time.

Visit our professional DJ hire page for more information about the service.

Benefits of a combined DJ and booth package

Booking the DJ and booth together can simplify event planning. One team can coordinate the setup, power requirements and main timings.

This can also provide a single contact when the schedule changes. Weddings and corporate events often include speeches, awards and other moments that affect both services.

However, a combined package should still suit the room. The DJ and booth each need enough operating space, and the booth should not sit directly beside the speakers.

You can compare our DJ and photo booth packages for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Match the package to the guest list

Guest numbers matter, but age range and event style are also important.

A wedding may include children, grandparents and friends who want different ways to participate. A photo booth can provide an alternative activity for guests who do not want to dance throughout the evening.

A prom or birthday may suit faster digital content and a more energetic format. Meanwhile, a formal corporate dinner may need organised group photographs and clear branding.

Think about how comfortable guests will feel using each format. A 360 booth may suit a confident group that enjoys performing for the camera. A traditional photo experience can offer broader participation at a mixed-age event.

Plan when the entertainment will operate

The package should fit the schedule rather than operate at random.

At a wedding, the booth may open after dinner or around the first dance. Guests can then move between the photographs and dance floor.

At a corporate reception, the booth may open during guest arrival to encourage conversation. At an awards evening, it may be better to wait until the formal programme has finished.

A birthday party or prom may benefit from opening the booth near the beginning. This can help create activity before the dance floor becomes busy.

Discuss the full running order with the supplier. They can then recommend a hire period that covers the most useful part of the event.

Check what the package includes

Package names can vary between suppliers. Therefore, compare the actual inclusions rather than relying on the headline description.

Ask whether the package includes:

  • delivery and collection;
  • setup and removal;
  • a booth host;
  • a backdrop;
  • props;
  • a personalised print design or digital overlay;
  • printed photographs;
  • digital sharing;
  • a post-event gallery; and
  • DJ sound and lighting where required.

You should also confirm the operating time and any location-related charges. This provides a clearer comparison between packages.

Our photo booth pricing and packages page explains the available starting options.

Plan personalisation carefully

Personalisation helps the booth feel connected to the event. However, it should not make the final image crowded or difficult to read.

For a wedding, the design may include the couple’s names, date and selected colours. A birthday can use a short message or a design connected to the celebration.

At a corporate event, the overlay may include a company name, event identity or campaign message. Leave enough room for the photograph and avoid placing too many logos around the image.

Share brand guidelines or wedding styling details early. This gives the supplier time to prepare the design and make any necessary changes.

Look for a hosted experience

A booth host contributes more than technical support. They welcome guests, explain the experience and keep the queue moving.

The host can also organise props, manage print collection and keep the booth area ready for the next group.

This support is useful at mixed-age celebrations and busy corporate events. Guests can take part without the organiser needing to supervise the equipment.

For 360 video booths, continuous hosting also helps control the platform and operating area.

Compare packages using the same questions

Before making a final decision, ask each supplier the same practical questions:

  • Which booth format suits the venue?
  • How much total space does it need?
  • Is a host included?
  • What will guests receive?
  • Can the design be personalised?
  • What setup access is required?
  • How long will the booth operate?
  • Are delivery and collection included?
  • What happens if the schedule changes?
  • Can DJ and booth services be coordinated?

Clear answers make it easier to choose a package based on the complete service rather than one feature.

Choose your event entertainment package

The right event entertainment package should work with the venue, schedule and guest list. It should also provide content and activities that suit the purpose of the occasion.

Gatwick Sound Photo Booth provides hosted booth, 360 video and DJ experiences for weddings, parties, proms and corporate events across London, Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Explore our event entertainment services, or share your venue and event plans with us for a suitable recommendation.

To discuss the available packages for your date, Get a Quote.