Prom night in the UK has evolved into a vibrant celebration that mirrors the glitz and glamour once reserved for red carpet events. In 2025, students are prioritising unique experiences and memories over traditional elements, and one of the most sought-after additions to prom nights is the photo booth. Whether you’re a student organiser, teacher, or venue manager, this guide explains everything you need to know about hiring and using a photo booth for your prom night.
Why Photo Booths Remain Popular for Proms
Photo booths offer more than just a snapshot. They provide an interactive entertainment feature that brings people together. Unlike formal photography sessions, photo booths let students be themselves in a relaxed setting. With instant prints and digital options, they also make for perfect take-home mementoes that don’t cost extra.
In 2025, many photo booth setups include added features like 360 video spins, beauty filters, custom backdrops, and instant social media sharing. These extras are popular in the UK for school leavers who want to make every moment shareable and personal.
Planning Your Photo Booth Hire for Prom Night
Prom night planning often starts months in advance, and that should include photo booth hire. So, early booking is essential.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you hire the right photo booth for your 2025 UK prom:
1. Choose the Right Style Booth
Photo booths now come in several formats:
- Classic enclosed booths: Provide privacy for fun and silly shots.
- Selfie Pod: Great for individual and group photos, easy to set up in compact areas.
- Selfie mirrors: These full-length interactive mirrors are trending for formal events.
- 360 booths: Create video loops with a rotating camera, ideal for viral content.
Consider the layout of your prom venue and the number of attendees before choosing your preferred style.
2. Match the Booth Aesthetic with the Theme
Many 2025 UK proms are going with Hollywood, Great Gatsby, or neon party themes. Fortunately, most hire services offer custom backdrops, digital props, and overlays to fit your chosen aesthetic. Speak to your supplier about how the booth’s setup can align with your event’s visuals.
3. Share and Save the Memories
Many booths come with instant print-outs, which guests can take home as souvenirs. Others offer social sharing, allowing you to post directly to Instagram or download a digital copy. Some companies even provide an online gallery post-event to ensure you don’t miss any moments.
You might want to consider a memory book where guests can stick their prints and write messages. This creates a physical keepsake for the school or organiser to look back on for years to come.
Maximising the Photo Booth Experience for Students
A photo booth is only effective if students know how to use it and feel excited to get involved.
1. Place It Strategically
Make sure the booth is positioned in a visible yet accessible area, ideally close to the dance floor or near the entrance, to keep the flow consistent. Steer clear of remote corners where people might overlook it.
2. Promote the Booth Before the Event
In the weeks leading up to prom, build excitement using posters, social media teasers, or school bulletins. Share sample photo prints or features that will be available. When students know what to expect, they’re more likely to participate.
3. Provide Props and Custom Features
Props are essential to encourage creativity. Popular props for 2025 include glow accessories, oversized glasses, feather boas, and themed placards. You can also personalise props with school logos, prom years, or custom messages.
Some providers, such as Party 247, offer branding and personalisation options tailored to UK proms, making the experience feel even more exclusive.
4. Appoint Booth Monitors
Even with an attendant present, having a few student volunteers or committee members nearby to help manage the queue or demonstrate features can keep things moving and fun. This also reduces any bottlenecks during peak periods.
Key Benefits of Booth Hire for Prom Night
Hiring a photo booth offers several advantages over traditional prom photography:
- Instant memories: Students get printed keepsakes on the spot.
- Digital options: Images can be sent directly to phones or shared online.
- Inclusive entertainment: Everyone can join in, even if they aren’t dancing.
- Added value: Many providers include scrapbooks or online galleries as part of the package.
As a bonus, schools can use images captured from the booth for yearbooks, newsletters, or social media roundups, making the booth both fun and functional.
Making Prom Night Picture Perfect
Adding a photo booth to your 2025 UK prom night brings a modern twist to the traditional celebration. From booking the right setup to making sure students use it to its full potential, it’s a smart investment in memory-making. It’s not just the photos; it’s the fun, stories, and moments that come with them.
Whether you go with a classic setup or something more high-tech like a 360 spinner, integrating a photo booth into your prom can elevate the entire event experience. And with UK providers such as Party 247 offering a wide range of custom options, the perfect photo opportunity is always within reach.
