How Early Should You Book a Photo Booth in Chicago? | Magic Moment Photo Booth

How Early Should You Book a Photo Booth in Chicago?

Planning an event in Chicago and thinking about adding a photo booth? One of the most common questions we hear is: “How far in advance should we book?” The short answer: the earlier, the better—especially in a busy city like Chicago.

Here’s a breakdown to help you plan perfectly and secure the best photo booth experience for your event.

Why Photo Booths in Chicago Book Up Fast

Chicago is one of the top event cities in the country, with:

• Thousands of weddings each year

• Corporate conferences and brand activations

• Festivals, galas, school events, and holiday parties

• Peak seasons (spring, summer, and December)

Premium photo booth companies, especially those offering 360 booths, AI photo booths, glam booths, and LED open-air setups, often book out months in advance—particularly for Fridays and Saturdays.

Recommended Booking Timeline

Weddings

6–12 months in advance
Popular wedding dates (May–October) and venues like Navy Pier, The Drake, The Langham, and The Old Post Office fill quickly. Booking early ensures you get your preferred booth style, backdrop, and custom print design.

Corporate Events & Brand Activations

2–6 months in advance
Large companies and agencies often plan early, especially for trade shows, product launches, and holiday parties. Booking ahead guarantees availability for high-demand experiences like 360 video booths, AI green screen, and roaming photo booths.

Holiday Parties (November–December)

3–5 months in advance
December is one of the busiest months for photo booth rentals in Chicago. Dates book extremely fast for corporate and private holiday events.

School Events, Proms, and Graduations

1–3 months in advance
Spring is peak season, and schools often compete for the same weekends.

Last-Minute Events

2–4 weeks (if available)
Sometimes we can accommodate short-notice bookings, but options may be limited, and premium time slots may already be taken.

What Happens If You Book Too Late?

• Limited booth styles available

• Fewer backdrop and print design options

• Higher rush fees

• Popular dates already sold out

• Less time for custom branding and layouts

Pro Tip: Lock Your Date, Customize Later

Most Chicago photo booth companies, including Magic Moment Photo Booth, allow you to:

• Reserve your date with a contract and deposit

• Finalize templates, branding, and props closer to the event

• Make upgrades as your vision evolves

This gives you peace of mind while keeping flexibility.

Final Answer: When Should You Book?

For the best experience and full availability:

• Weddings: 6–12 months out

• Corporate events: 2–6 months out

• Holiday parties: At least 3 months out

• Peak weekends: As early as possible

In a high-demand market like Chicago, premium photo booths are one of the first vendors to book up. Securing your rental early ensures you get the exact experience you want—whether it’s a luxury open-air booth, 360 video booth, glam setup, or AI-powered activation.