Retro Mirror vs Magic Mirror: Which Vibe Fits Your Event?
Retro Mirror vs Magic Mirror — two brilliant photo booth styles that create instantly shareable digital memories and high-quality prints. Below we compare real layouts, lighting, and guest flow from our recent events in Brighton, Maidstone, and across Sussex so you can pick the one that fits your night.
1) The Look: Vintage Charm or Modern Gloss?
The Retro Mirror wins when the brief says “character” — wood tones, a statement frame, and softer light that flatters evening dress codes. The Magic Mirror leans modern: clean lines, bright reflections, and animated prompts. It's our interactive hub, packed with digital features like GIF creation and on-screen signing that feel at home at a slick corporate evening in London or a high-energy party in Croydon.
Quick tip: If your venue has warm ambient bulbs or a rustic backdrop, the Retro Mirror blends in naturally; for glass-and-steel venues, the Magic Mirror complements the clean architecture.
2) Guest Flow & Space: Keep It Moving
Both mirrors are full-height experiences, so placement matters. In tight rooms, angle the unit at 30–45° to the nearest walkway; it lets curious guests see others having fun without blocking the bar or dance floor.
Quick tip (tested in Maidstone): Put the prop table on the exit side of the mirror, not the entry. Guests pick props while the next group steps in — queues shrink, energy stays high.
3) Features & Sharing: More Than Just a Print
This is where the difference really shines in 2025. While both mirrors produce high-quality prints, the digital experience is what sets them apart.
• The Retro Mirror focuses on classic, elegant photos and animated GIF creation. Guests get their print and can instantly send the digital version to their phones.
• The Magic Mirror, however, is a full digital studio. Guests can choose between standard photos, GIFs, Boomerangs, or even short Video Messages. They can use interactive AR filters (digital props) and, at the end, instantly share their creation via a simple QR code scan.
So, your decision isn't just about atmosphere; it's about the level of digital interaction you want.
Quick tip: If you’re planning a guest book, set prints to a single-image 4×6 postcard for faster signing. Or, opt for a digital guest book, where guests can record a video message alongside their photo using the Magic Mirror!
So…Retro Mirror or Magic Mirror?
Go Retro Mirror if your brief is character, warmth, and classic photos & GIFs. Choose Magic Mirror for a sleek, high-energy, fully interactive experience (GIFs, video, AR filters, and instant sharing) — perfect for a recent London corporate evening or a lively party in Croydon.
Seen something you like? Tell us the vibe and we’ll recommend the perfect digital and print experience that keeps guests moving.