When it comes to event entertainment, a photo booth is one of the most popular additions you can make. But with so many hire options available, many people are put off by the cost of traditional photo booth companies — the operator fees, the travel charges, the print costs. That’s where DIY photo booth hire comes in, and it’s fast becoming the smarter choice for savvy event planners across the UK.
What is DIY Photo Booth Hire?
DIY photo booth hire means the booth is delivered directly to you, and you set it up yourself at your venue. There’s no need for a hired operator to stand next to it all evening, and no need to pay for a company van to sit outside your event for six hours. You get the same high-quality selfie experience — the professional camera, the instant digital delivery, the custom overlays — at a fraction of the traditional hire cost.
SelfieDrop pioneered this model in the UK. We deliver your booth 1–2 days before your event, you set it up in under 15 minutes using our step-by-step video guide, and we collect it afterwards at a time that suits you. Simple, affordable, and completely hassle-free.
How Much Can You Save with DIY Photo Booth Hire?
Traditional photo booth hire typically costs between £500 and £700 for a single evening event in the UK, once you factor in the operator, travel, and print costs. DIY hire through SelfieDrop starts at a significantly lower price point — because we remove the operator and travel overhead entirely.
That saving can be put back into other parts of your event — better food, more decorations, or simply keeping more money in your pocket. For many customers, switching to DIY hire saves them several hundred pounds on a single event, without any reduction in the quality of the experience.
Is DIY Photo Booth Hire Difficult to Set Up?
Not at all. This is the question we hear most often, and the answer is always the same — if you can plug in a TV, you can set up a SelfieDrop booth. Our equipment is designed with simplicity in mind, and every hire comes with a clear video walkthrough that takes you through each step.
Most customers have their booth fully set up and ready for guests in under 15 minutes. There are no complex technical configurations, no software to install, and no specialist knowledge required. If anything goes wrong — which is rare — our support team is on hand to help remotely.
What’s Included in SelfieDrop DIY Hire?
Every SelfieDrop hire includes everything you need for a brilliant photo booth experience:
- Professional selfie booth hardware — high-quality camera and screen setup that looks and performs brilliantly
- Custom digital overlay — personalised with your event details, names, date, or logo
- Unlimited photos — guests can take as many shots as they like throughout your hire period
- Instant digital delivery — every photo sent directly to your guests’ phones via text or email
- Private online gallery — all photos stored and accessible after your event for downloading and sharing
- Full support — video setup guide and remote support if needed
- Delivery and collection — we bring it to you and collect it afterwards
DIY Doesn’t Mean Lower Quality
One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY photo booth hire is that it means a cheaper, lower-quality experience. In reality, the only thing that’s different is the absence of a person standing next to the booth all evening. The booth itself, the photos it produces, and the overall guest experience are exactly the same as a fully staffed hire.
In fact, many guests prefer the DIY experience — there’s no attendant watching over them, which means they feel more relaxed and creative with their shots. The booth becomes a natural social centrepiece that guests gravitate towards on their own terms, rather than feeling like a managed activity.
Perfect for Every Type of Event
DIY photo booth hire works brilliantly for virtually every event type:
- Weddings — Set up before the reception and let guests enjoy it freely throughout the evening. No attendant required means no extra cost on your wedding budget.
- Birthday parties — Whether it’s an 18th or a 60th, a selfie booth adds instant fun for everyone without breaking the bank.
- Corporate events — Brand the booth with your company logo and let staff and clients create shareable content without paying for a full operator service.
- Proms and school events — Great value for schools and colleges working to tight budgets.
- Christmas parties — A seasonal selfie booth is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering.
- Baby showers and gender reveals — Intimate events that don’t warrant a full operator hire but still deserve great memories.
The SelfieDrop Promise
At SelfieDrop, we believe great event entertainment shouldn’t cost a fortune. Our DIY model was built specifically to make professional selfie photo booth hire accessible to everyone — not just those with large event budgets. We’ve delivered thousands of booths to events across the UK, from intimate garden parties to large wedding receptions, and our customers consistently tell us the same thing: they got more than they expected for less than they thought.
If you’re planning an event and want to add a brilliant selfie booth experience without the premium price tag of a traditional hire company, SelfieDrop is the answer.
Ready to Book?
Check your date and get an instant quote — DIY photo booth hire has never been easier or more affordable. Join thousands of happy SelfieDrop customers and make your next event one to remember.