Photo Booth Packing List for Every Event
Updated November 2026 · 4 min read
A reliable photo booth packing list has two layers: a universal kit that goes to every event (power, network, tools, cleaning, signage and an attendant bag) and a booth-specific kit for the iPad, 360 or magic mirror. Pack it the day before with one person reading the list aloud and another touching each item, then run the same list again at teardown before you leave the venue.
The goal is boring on purpose: zero missing-item incidents. Below is the structure, with the items that most often rescue an event.
What goes in the universal kit?
Every event, every booth type:
| Category | Key items |
|---|---|
| Power | Two 25 ft and one 50 ft extension cord (14-gauge or heavier), two surge strips with 6+ outlets, a cord cover, a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter, two 20,000 mAh+ USB-C power banks |
| Network | Charged mobile hotspot plus a backup on a second carrier |
| Tools | Two rolls of 2 in black gaffer tape, painter's tape, multi-tool, Allen keys, scissors, zip ties, Velcro ties, a level, a headlamp, four sandbags |
| Cleaning | Microfiber cloths, screen-safe spray, disinfectant wipes, trash bags, lint roller, small vacuum or brush |
| Signage | Printed run sheet, gallery QR sign, welcome sign and easel, social handle sign, "Back in 5 minutes" sign, business cards, the COI if required |
| Attendant | Event attire and a spare black shirt, water, phone charger, basic first aid, clear prop glasses for glare tests, pen and notepad |
The 50 ft cord earns its place the first time a venue's outlet turns out to be across the room.
What does an iPad booth kit add?
- Booth shell with every part, and the enclosure with its lock and key
- Event iPad charged, event loaded and kiosk lock set, plus a backup iPad with the same event loaded
- Two 10 ft charging cables and two 20W+ USB-C adapters, since weak chargers let the battery drain while plugged in
- A sandbag or weighted base for tripod legs
- Ring light or LED panel with its power supply, optional rim light, and warming gels
- Optional sharing iPad and stand for busy events
- If printing: printer and cables, one loaded media roll plus a spare matched set, trim bin, a draped 4 ft table
- Backdrop frame and backdrop, steamer for fabric, a counted props bin, props table and stanchions
What does a 360 booth kit add?
The 360 kit is where small parts disappear:
- Platform, arm, extension pieces, and the phone holder with its safety strap
- Every arm knob and bolt, plus two spare knobs
- Platform power supply, charged platform battery, remote or foot pedal with spare batteries
- A 4 x 4 ft plywood leveling board for carpeted rooms, and spare tape for the center mark
- Event iPhone with 64 GB or more free and the event downloaded for offline use, a backup iPhone, and a phone cooling clip
- Sharing iPad with floor stand, cable and adapter
- Two LED lights on 8 ft or taller stands, each with a sandbag
- Six stanchions with ropes, an anti-slip mat if the platform has no grip, and a max-guests sign
- Props bin, plus a confetti brush and dustpan
What does a magic mirror kit add?
- The mirror in its protective cover, a dolly and two ratchet straps, anti-tip feet, power cable and back-panel keys
- A keyboard and mouse for troubleshooting the booth computer
- Camera with an AC dummy-battery adapter, two charged spare batteries, and a spare USB cable
- Printer and cables, a fresh roll loaded, spare rolls for the guest count, trim bin, draped table, and print sleeves or guest book supplies if sold
- Softbox and rim light with stands
- A "Stand Here" floor mark, backdrop, props, and the red carpet if included
For prints, plan on 1 to 1.5 prints per guest with an unlimited package. At 150 guests that is about 225 prints, so one 400-print roll loaded and one spare.
How do you make the list actually work?
- Pack at T-1 with two people when possible: one reads, one touches.
- Initial the list and file it in the event folder.
- Re-check the same list at teardown so a forgotten adapter turns up before you drive away.
- Within 24 hours of every event, recharge and repack the kit so it is ready for the next booking.
- Keep consumables above reorder points; for example, reorder print media when you are down to two boxes.
Common mistakes: spares that are dead because nobody charged them, a backup device without the event loaded, thin household cords, and packing from memory on a double-booked weekend.
Sample checklist excerpt (power): "25 ft heavy-duty extension cord (14-gauge or heavier), x2. 50 ft heavy-duty extension cord, x1. Surge protector power strip with 6+ outlets, x2. Cord cover for walkways, x1."
Once the van is packed, the event day checklist takes over.
Questions operators ask
Why bring a sheet of plywood to a 360 event?
A 360 platform needs a hard, level surface. On carpet, a 4 x 4 ft plywood board under the platform keeps it level and helps stop the arm from wobbling.
Do I really need a backup device at every event?
Yes. App crashes, full storage and overheating are all realistic event-day problems, and swapping to a backup that already has the event loaded takes minutes instead of a full rebuild.
How many extension cords should I bring?
Three heavy-duty cords rated 14-gauge or heavier: two at 25 ft and one at 50 ft, plus two surge strips and a cord cover. Tape every cord crossing a walkway with gaffer tape, never duct tape, which leaves residue.
Should the packing list be on paper or in an app?
Either works if every line gets ticked and initialed. Paper on a clipboard is hard to beat in a dim loading dock, while an app makes it easier to see which items go missing most.