5 Ways to Save Money on Photo Booth Rental in Sydney

The Anh Luong • July 19, 2025

Looking for a way to spice up your Sydney event without blowing your budget? A photo booth is a perfect entertainment and memory-making option, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.


In this blog, we reveal how to save money on photo booth rental while still delivering a fun and high-quality experience for your guests. Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday, or corporate party, these five practical strategies will help you get more value for less with Picmax.


Why Photo Booths Are Worth the Investment?



Over the past few years, photo booths have become a must-have addition to events across Sydney — from weddings and milestone birthdays to brand activations and gala nights. According to Eventbrite, 87% of guests say they remember photo booth moments more than speeches or cake-cutting. That’s a pretty solid reason to include one at your celebration.


However, the price can vary significantly depending on how long you hire, what props and tech features are included, and which provider you choose. So, let’s dive into how to enjoy the experience while making smart budget choices.

Why Photo Booths Are Worth the Investment?

Book Off-Peak to Save Money on Photo Booth Rental


Just like flights and venues, photo booth rental prices often fluctuate based on demand. Weekends, especially Saturdays, and public holidays come with premium rates. If your event falls on a weekday evening or Sunday afternoon, many vendors — including Picmax — offer discounted packages.


Bonus Tip


If you’re flexible with timing, ask about “last-minute availability discounts” for unbooked slots. These are rarely advertised, so don’t be afraid to ask.


Choose Budget Photo Booth Hire with Essential Features Only


It’s easy to get dazzled by deluxe booths with 360-degree videos, AI backgrounds, or custom touchscreen animations. While they’re fun, they also add extra digits to your quote.


To save money on photo booth rental, focus on the essentials:


  • A modern, well-lit booth
  • Instant digital sharing
  • A few fun props
  • A clean, branded backdrop


These are more than enough to give your guests a fantastic time and leave you with a gallery of memories. At Picmax, we offer budget photo booth hire in Sydney with no compromise on core quality.


Compare Best Value Photo Booth Packages — Not Just Hourly Rates


When comparing quotes, don’t be tricked by the hourly rate alone. A $200/hr booth might look cheaper than a $300/hr option, but if the cheaper one charges extra for setup, delivery, prints, and props, your final invoice could be double.


Instead, ask for:


  • All-inclusive packages
  • What’s included (prints, props, attendants, setup, teardown)
  • Custom branding or theming options
  • Extra time fees


Look for the best value photo booth packages, not necessarily the lowest initial price.


Combine Services with One Vendor


Are you also booking photography, videography, or event styling? Many vendors offer bundle discounts if you book more than one service. At Picmax, for example, we partner with event stylists and DJs. Book us together, and you’ll get a discount on the booth hire.

This is a smart way to save money on photo booth rental and reduce the hassle of juggling multiple suppliers.


DIY Props and Custom Backdrops Can Cut Costs


Here’s a fun and creative tip: go DIY for your photo booth props and backdrops. Many of our clients save hundreds this way.


You can:


  • Print fun props on cardstock and glue them to sticks
  • Use a flower wall, curtain, or streamer as your backdrop
  • Add a neon sign or DIY event signage for personalization



We’ve seen Sydney brides use their wedding florals as the backdrop or birthday hosts create a themed corner with thrift shop finds. Our booths can fit right in, and you can still wow your guests — all while staying under budget.

DIY Props and Custom Backdrops Can Cut Costs

Bonus Tips: Photo Booth Rental Tips That Actually Work


Still feeling unsure? Here are a few photo booth rental tips from our past clients:


  • Read Reviews First: Make sure the provider is reliable and their customer service is on point.
  • Confirm Photo Delivery Format: Ask if photos are available instantly or via gallery. This affects guest experience.
  • Ask About Setup Time: Some providers charge extra for bump-in/bump-out beyond the event schedule.
  • Plan Layout Smartly: Place the booth in a high-traffic but not congested area to get the most use from it.


All these photo booth rental tips will help you make informed decisions that balance budget and experience.


Real Example: How One Sydney Couple Saved $350 on Their Booth


Lisa and Josh, who hosted their wedding at a garden venue in Parramatta, wanted a booth but thought it was out of their price range. By going with a mid-week Thursday event, choosing a standard Picmax booth with digital delivery only, and using their florist’s wall of greenery as the backdrop, they saved $350 compared to the original quote.


Lisa later said:

“Everyone loved the photo booth. We didn’t even notice we had the budget package — it felt just right.”


The Truth About Cheap vs Quality Booths


We get it — the temptation to go ultra-cheap is strong. But not all affordable photo booth Sydney options are created equal. Be cautious of deals that look too good to be true. You might end up with:


  • Outdated or malfunctioning gear
  • Slow printing or delayed digital delivery
  • Unprofessional attendants
  • Poor lighting and image quality


The trick is to find a trusted provider like Picmax who offers budget-friendly packages while still delivering professional-level service. Our clients consistently say they were surprised by how premium our service felt — even with the entry-level options.


What to Ask When Booking a Budget Photo Booth Hire


If you’re planning to save money on photo booth rental, here are some good questions to ask:


  • What’s included in your base price?
  • Are props and delivery part of the package?
  • Do you charge extra for digital galleries or prints?
  • Is setup/packdown time included?
  • How do you ensure photo quality even in budget packages?


Being upfront and asking these can help you avoid hidden costs.


Final Thoughts


You don’t need a sky-high budget to enjoy a top-tier photo booth experience. With smart planning, good timing, and the right vendor, it’s absolutely possible to save money on photo booth rental and still offer a stylish, seamless, and unforgettable experience.



If you're planning an event in Sydney and want expert help choosing the right package, contact Picmax today. We’ll guide you to the best value photo booth packages that fit your style and budget perfectly.

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