An important thing to consider is whether the photo cottage is right for your event location. We understand that the photo booth cottage may not work for every event.
Ideal events for the cottage -Outdoor events such as tented events or just under the stars! -A level, dry location near the event to park the cottage. -An area that allows for a vehicle access to the cottage parking spot. -Indoor events with an exit/entryway that leads directly to the cottage location.
Events that may not be ideal for the cottage -Indoor events that do not have a direct exit/entryway to the cottage. -Events that would be distant from the parked location of the cottage. -A parking area for the cottage that has loose or wet ground and/or is un-level. -Area's with low lying wires or branches that can conflict with the parking of the cottage.
Can I fit the cottage at my event?
An important question. Our cottage is actually quite big! Specs: Height 12'6" Width- 8' Length 18' (tongue and cottage) Weight- A few thousand pounds.
We will provide you with a spec sheet that can assist us in determining that we can fit the tiny house. This is an important step as we wouldn't want to show up the day of your event and realize we can't fit!
Where do you travel?
We are based in Connecticut but travel all over. Our general radius is in CT, NY, NJ, MA & RI.
What tows the cottage and does it stay attached during the event?
One of our pickup trucks tows the house into place and in most cases we detach and park the truck nearby and out of sight.
How many people can fit in the cottage at once?
Groups of up to 6 people can fit in the photo area of the cottage with a few additional guests either signing the guest book or collecting props for there sessions.
Is the cottage temperature controlled?
Yup! On hot summer days our built in AC system will keep the house cool and on a chilly fall or spring night we can boost up the heat with our built in heater.
Is there a travel fee?
We do charge a travel fee to cover expenses at $2 per mile starting at our office in Brookfield, CT
When do you show up to setup and when do you leave?
Due to the nature of parking and getting the cottage situated it is important that we arrive early to place the cottage. We budget for about 90 minutes prior to our start time. If you have us starting the photo cottage later in the day/night we may need to add additional hours of idle time to allow us to get the cottage in comfortably.
We start to pack up the cottage after the allotted time is over. We typically are ready to pull off 30-45 minutes after that end time. If you have us ending the photo booth earlier then your event ends we may need to add idle time to prevent a nuisance of moving the cottage during the event.
Is the cottage handicap accessible?
The cottage has a portable set of 2 steps that gets place at the doorway for entry. A ramp is available by request.
What if it rains during our event?
The cottage is built for all weather. Umbrella stations to/from the entrance are available as an add on.
How much power does the cottage require?
Two dedicated 15 or 20amp circuits are required. Basically this means an outlet that has no other load on it such as the DJ, band, coffee pots, etc. We require that the power source be within 100ft of where the cottage will be parked. If their isn't enough power or it is to far away from where we park don't sweat! We can provide you with a generator to power the cottage for a small fee.
Is there lighting inside/outside the cottage?
Yes. The cottage has a chandelier that illuminates inside very well. Outside the stairs are illuminated and we also illuminate the side signage so guests know what we are. If you have a decent pathway from your event to the cottage you may want to consider additional lighting sources such as our bistro lighting swagged on 10ft posts in half wine barrels. We can offer this lighting service for an additional fee.
I want to use the cottage as a lounge as well as a photo booth. Is this possible?
It's definitely possible but it cannot be both at the same time. You can make it into a lounge setup prior to the start of the photo booth opening. For example have it be setup as a lounge for the lead in to ceremony and during cocktail hour and once your reception starts turn it into the photo booth. Keep in mind we do need about 30 minutes to "flip" back into the photo booth mode in this scenario.
Does the logo/signage need to stay on the cottage?
Nope! They are removable. We suggest keeping them up so guest know what the cottage is but if you were doing a lounge setup we'd default to taking the signage down. Some of our clients get creative with their own signage to lead guests to the cottage which is also a great option.
Photo Booth Questions
What is the difference between the photo booth and mirror booth?
The photo booth is a more traditional option and provides 2x6" printouts. The Mirror booth is a modern take on a photo booth. Its 5ft reflective mirror acts as the screen. Guests are taken through a series of animations and have the ability to retake their photos as well as sign their images. Printouts are 4x6". Find more on the two photos booths here.
Do we get to design our printouts?
Yes! The Mirror booth allows for a custom header with the name and date of your event. The photo booth has custom designed printouts that can be selected along with your name and date of your event.
What is idle time?
Idle time allows for the cottage to shutdown at some point during the event. For example at the begnining of a wedding reception you may need to seat guests, do introductions, first dances, speeches, etc. Allowing the cottage to close prevents guests from taking photos at inept time of the event.
Do we get to see the images that were taken from the event?
Of course. We provide the images digitally to you after the event via a downloadable link. The guest photo book that guests were inserting their photos into and signing in will also be provided to you after the event.
How many guests can fit into each photo session?
6 people is about the maximum for each the photo and mirror booth. Groups of 2-4 are ideal so you can have some room to be creative with the sessions.
What props are included?
We stock the cottage with quality props and we do our best to keep it ornate and on theme with the style of the cottage. You'll find hats, sunglasses, signage, frame cutouts and more. If your event is themed let us know and we can assist with finding you some additional props that'll blend right in for a small fee.
What does the standard photo booth included look like?
It is a black guestbook with black pages. Guests use white pens on these books. If you decide to do a custom book we have many styles and options. Typically these books come with white pages and we do black or colored pens. Find more about the custom book options here.
Is their staff for the photo booth?
Yes! 1 or 2 people from our staff will be assisting guests with the photo booth and the cottage.
Do we need to provide a vendor meal for the staff?
If possible yes. Our staff is often onsite for a long duration of time and won't have access to leave to obtain a meal. If for any reason you are unable to provide us with a vendor meal please let us know so we can make arrangements for our staff.