July 2025 - In The Booth

Outdoor Event Planning

Outdoor Event Planning

EVENT PLANNING

Outdoor Event Tips

Planning an outdoor event or wedding brings a unique sense of magic and freedom that indoor venues often can’t match. From lush gardens to scenic vineyards or that Instagrammable beach wedding, outdoor locations use nature as the picture-perfect backdrop. Even the simplest setup feels breathtaking with a sunset behind you.

However, successful outdoor planning requires more than just picking a pretty spot. You need to consider the season, weather patterns, terrain, and accessibility. While sunshine may bless your day, a sudden downpour or gusty wind could throw your plans off track. Because of this, creating a solid Plan B is not optional—it’s essential. You also need to think about logistics: power sources, guest comfort, sound systems, and even insect control.

Fortunately, with the right preparation and a clear vision, outdoor events can unfold seamlessly. From lawn games and food trucks to sunset lighting and alfresco dining, the options feel endless. Ultimately, planning an outdoor event involves a mix of creativity, strategy, and flexibility. By embracing the unexpected and staying grounded in the details, you’ll craft an experience that’s not only beautiful but truly memorable.

Power

Don’t get us wrong, candle light is gorgeous but it won’t run the catering equipment, music, lighting or the photo booth! We’ve put power first because it is THE most common issue we experience at events. Running an event uses a lot more power than your average household. Add heating and fancy lights into the mix and you’ll be blaming the pie warmer for all your troubles! Make a list of all items at your outdoor event that will draw power and get a professional opinion BEFORE guests are being served partially frozen sausage rolls.

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Surface

Consider the surface your guests will be walking and sitting on. Heels sinking into the grass, muddy formal clothes and wet bottoms are just the beginning! All of those things can be worked around with a little outdoor event planning. Pre-warn your female guests about their footwear prior to the day. Provide high heel protectors on arrival as a gift. Leave some neatly folder towels around for drying off dewy chairs. A gift of flip flops means your guests can leave any muddy shoes outside and keep your reception space clean.

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Space

How much space do you have to play with for your outdoor event? Create a floor plan just as you would if your event was being held indoors. Place furniture, back of house areas such as food prep or food trucks and guest tables. Now measure that out in the backyard and check things like there being enough space between chairs. If you’re hiring a marquee, it can be difficult to envision the end result until the marquee is there on the day. A can of chalk spray paint and your backyard can help you plot everything out in advance to ensure a perfect fit.

Outdoor Events Marquee

Bathrooms

Make sure you bathroom facilities are well signed and lit. You don’t want your guests stumbling around at night trying to locate the loo! Make sure they’re not too far from the main guest area, within reason. Most hired bathrooms come with supplies but not an attendant to manage it. A lot of people are going to be using your hired bathrooms in quick succession. It may be worth hiring someone to monitor the bathrooms and ensure they remain clean and stocked.

Wind

Wind is the sneaky guest no-one invited! Outdoor event planning tends to be focused on rain but wind can be just as problematic. Everything you include in your event should be able to be well secured in case of wind. Even large items needs to be safely secured for safety reasons. Fabric signage, arbours and flowers are no match for a windy day. If you’ve hired professionals you’ve got nothing to worry about. They have seen wind in all it’s power and will come prepared!

Plan B

Rain is the dreaded subject no outdoor event planner wants to deal with but has to face. Plan A is for your event to go ahead outdoors, absolutely! But if you wake to less than ideal weather on the day, your Plan B is going to be your best friend. Instead of panic, everyone will know what to do and where to be. A marquee on standby is the best way to remove stress from your outdoor event. If you’ve hired a venue, talk to them during your planning process and decide together on your preferred Plan B.

Why Guest Cam is better than Instax

EVENT INSPIRATION

Wedding Guest Cam or Wedding Instax?

Wedding Instax or Guest Cam? We’re breaking down the features of both services on the blog today. Be forewarned, we’re Team Guest Cam – for obvious reasons! When Guest Cam was designed way back in 2015, we’d already been in the wedding industry for six years. We saw couples over and over again trying to make the disposable camera, or wedding Instax, work. Spoiler alert: it just didn’t.

We can guarantee no wedding day is spot-on perfect. There are things that won’t go quite right or run smoothly. The first point is acceptance! The second point is to plan, plan, plan. The magic is in the details. The most unexpected things can cause hiccups on your day. Instant cameras may seem like a pretty small hiccup but if you’ve paid for an item and you’re looking forward to the photos, it can be heartbreaking when it doesn’t work out.

We saw contact issues with disposable and Instax wedding cameras which we’ll detail below. So we set about designing a feature that would give all the fun of a polaroid camera without any of the wedding day stress.

Camera Cost

Instax cameras are expensive! One camera is not enough to satisfy a crowd of wedding guests. You’ll have cries of “where’s the camera” if you don’t provide multiple Instax wedding cameras – preferable one per guest table. With ten tables and roughly $100 a camera, you’re at $1000 before you even start. And we haven’t talked about film yet….

On the flip side, Guest Cam is fully included in your photo booth hire package. This means unlimited instant prints from both the photo booth itself AND Guest Cam prints. Your guests can go to town and you won’t be adding the film bill in your head from the bridal table. Every guest with a device has the fun in their hands.

Image Quality

Sure, Instax wedding cameras have that polaroid appeal. However more often than not the photos simply don’t work out. You’ll get black photos or lighting that wipes out your guests’ faces. Incorrect placement under a reception venue downlight will have your photos looking more Halloween than wedding!

Guest Cam print quality is dictated by your guests’ device. With smart phone camera quality improving literally by the day, photos from your phone are guaranteed to be better quality than Instax. Your phone will automatically make adjustments for differing lighting situations that Instax isn’t capable of.

Digital Copies

As fun as vintage polaroids are it can be frustrating to not have digital copies. We live in a digital world and social sharing, email and texting are all part of our landscape. Guests absolutely love sharing their digital photos on the fly from special events.

Guest Cam means not only do they have a printed copy but they retain their digital copy as well. This allows freedom to print out favourite images. later and the flexibility of larger sized files. Yes, you can snap a digital photo of an Instax print. However the quality will be questionable at best.

Unlimited Prints

This one’s a biggie. Film for Instax wedding cameras can easily overtake your bill of the cameras themselves. Film cartridges take around 10 shots which works out to around $1.50 a photo! Trust us when we say ten prints won’t take two seconds once your guests get a hold of the camera. In this day and age we’re used to our phones letting us take as many photos as we want. Gone are the days of having to preserve our precious 24 shots on film! Guests tend to get pretty snap happy – after all, they’re not paying your film bill.

In comparison, Guest Cam will print away all night and you know the cost is set. Your all-inclusive booth hire includes as many Guest Cam as your guests can snap during your hire.

Film Reloading

Weddings are hectic affairs. Guests are excited and they’re consuming a few drinks! What may seem simple in regards to replacing Instax film cartridges can get very complicated. If guests haven’t used an instant camera before, they’ll struggle to know what to do. We’ve seen wasted film and broken cameras. It can all turn into a very expensive exercise.

Meanwhile, your photo booth attendant will be on hand for anything your guests need to know about Guest Cam. If they go crazy, printer paper will be seamlessly replaced. If they don’t know how to access our app, our attendant will happily give any guest a live demo.

Oh yeah..and the photo booth!

If it’s a vintage experience you’re searching for with Instax wedding or Polaroid cameras, our booth will deliver. Remember, it’s not just Guest Cam your guests get to enjoy when you hire your photo booth from In the Booth.

Guest Cam comes part and parcel with our entire photo booth. We can guarantee 100% that the fun found in a photo booth simply can’t be found with Instax wedding cameras. The sleek automation of the booth means guests can focus on the most important thing -having fun with each other. No responsibilities, no broken equipment and no cares. Just endless fun and endless memories from one of the most special days of your life.

Quinceanera Party Photo Booth Hire

IN THE BOOTH SYDNEY WEST EVENT FEATURE

Quinceanera Party

A Quinceañera is a cultural celebration that marks a girl’s transition from childhood to young womanhood at the age of 15. Deeply rooted in Latin American traditions, this milestone combines centuries-old customs with modern festivity, blending religious, familial, and social values. The word quinceañera refers both to the young woman being honoured and to the event itself. Families often begin planning months, or even years, in advance to ensure the day reflects both tradition and the unique personality of their daughter.

The celebration typically begins with a religious ceremony. Often this is a Catholic Mass, where the young woman gives thanks and receives blessings for her future. Afterward, the party begins. Guests gather for a festive reception filled with music, dancing, food, and often – a photo booth! From the changing of shoes—from flats to heels—to the father-daughter dance and soemtimes the presentation of a doll. Each moment signifies growth, responsibility, and the start of a new chapter.

Why a party? Because it brings people together. It gives families a joyful way to honour their daughter’s journey and cultural identity. Moreover, it connects generations and strengthens community bonds. Ultimately, a Quinceañera is not just a party. It’s a powerful celebration of heritage, pride, and a young woman’s exciting future. In the Booth has been priviledged to attend a number of Quinceañera party events over the years. They are always exciting and emotional times for the families we help celebrate.

Quinceanera photo booth memories

Photo booth hire is a fantastic combination of photography and entertainment which means it’s ideal for any party. After months of detailed planning, parents can relax and enjoy. The booth effortlessly captures endless moments of their daughter enjoying her special day surrounded by family and friends. There’s no doubt about it, these images are set to become treasures.

Professional photography can be a stretch to the budget. It’s also quite formal for an event with a guest list of teenagers. The booth breaks down those walls by putting the teenagers in control – in a manageable way! Unlimited instant prints means guests can capture as many photos as they like and have a printed gift to take home. Your family will enjoy our included guest book with dozens of handwritten messages. Remember – memories are made today but treasured tomorrow.

Marybank Farm Wedding for Craig & Sarah

ADELAIDE WEDDING

Marybank Farm Weddings

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting journeys. At Marybank, every step leads you closer to an unforgettable celebration. Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, this breathtaking estate offers a unique blend of history, elegance, and natural beauty. From the moment you arrive, Marybank invites you to experience something truly special.

Firstly, the venue’s picturesque surroundings provide the perfect canvas for your dream day. Towering gum trees, manicured gardens, and sweeping views create a serene, romantic atmosphere. Moreover, the 180-year-old stone barn offers rustic sophistication with timeless character. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a vibrant party, Marybank caters to your vision with ease.

In addition to its striking location, Marybank excels in personalized service. Their dedicated team works closely with couples, ensuring each detail reflects your unique story. As a result, every celebration feels authentic and thoughtfully designed. With flexible packages and expert planning support, you can focus on what matters most. Furthermore, the venue’s exclusivity adds to its charm. When you choose Marybank, you gain private access to the entire property. No interruptions, no distractions—just you, your loved ones, and an atmosphere designed for joy. Plus, the onsite accommodation offers a cozy retreat for the newlyweds, creating a seamless transition from celebration to relaxation.

Ultimately, Marybank is more than just a venue; it’s a place where memories are made. Its character, service, and beauty come together to create an experience that lingers long after the last dance. So, if you’re searching for a wedding location that combines style, soul, and simplicity, In the Booth Adelaide would be thrilled to join you there!

In the Booth Adelaide’s first visit to Marybank Farm

In the Booth Adelaide were super excited to head out to Marybank Farm for the first time. The auspicious occasion was Craig and Sarah’s wedding day! The weather was everything you could hope for in a late Spring day with the temperature reminding us all why Spring weddings are so popular!

The bridal party resembled a catwalk with the gentlemen in black tuxedos and the ladies in a stunning gum-leaf green. Florals were a beautiful mix of native flowers and greenery along with some soft pastel roses. The ceremony garland that adorned the arbour as Craig and Sarah said their vows took your breath away! Florals were certainly a centrepiece of the day with more blooms featured on guest ceremony chairs and statement pieces on the couple’s incredible cake.

Craig and Sarah’s young daughters took centre-stage in their stunning flower girl outfits and gained ooh’s and aah’s a plenty! Guests were invited to enjoy an indoor/outdoor style reception with lights gently coming on as sunset approached. Dancing under the stars was in order after formalities along with some raucous action in the photo booth! Guest Cam was a huge hit amongst Craig and Sarah’s guests with many open photobooth memories captured throughout the evening.

Photo Booth Instant Prints

Craig and Sarah chose one of our favourite ‘Tied The Knot’ designs for their print template. If you’re overwhelmed or don’t have a particular theme for your day, ‘Tied The Knot’ is a simplistic yet gorgeous choice. When all else fails, go with black and white! It’s fun font offers a touch of whimsy while still providing a timeless feel. Don’t forget your photo booth prints will seamlessly match your Guest Cam photos as well.

A note from the Bride…

Adelaide Wedding

“Having a fun and relaxed environment was really important to us. It is who we are as people, and we didn’t want to change that for our wedding day. We wanted a rustic garden vibe and that is exactly why we chose Marybank Farm. It was more than we could’ve ever imagined. Being able to share the day with our two daughters, Olivia and Scarlett, made it just that bit more special for us too”.

Adelaide Wedding Photobooth

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