A 40th birthday party photo booth has been an epic addition to this milestone event.
It’s about people coming together, stories being shared, and moments worth keeping.
For this celebration, the birthday girl planned a stunning 1940s-themed party and wanted photos that felt natural, elegant, and real. Family travelled from far away, friends dressed for the era, and the focus was always on connection rather than gimmicks.
This is exactly where a birthday party photo booth becomes more than entertainment. It becomes part of the story.
Why a Photo Booth Works So Well for a 40th Birthday
Milestone birthdays sit in a unique place. Guests want fun, but they also value quality. They want photos they’ll actually keep, not just scroll past.
A photo booth:
- Brings people together naturally
- Encourages group and family photos
- Creates instant keepsakes
- Works across generations
This is why many clients start by exploring our full Birthday Party Photo Booth Experience, which explains how photo booths fit into real celebrations rather than taking over the event
https://madhatphotobooth.com/birthday-party-photo-booth-experience
A 1940s Theme That Didn’t Need Props
Every guest arrived dressed for this memorable 40th birthday party photo booth to fit the theme. Elegant dresses, sharp suits, vintage hair, and thoughtful details filled the room.
Because the outfits were so strong, the client chose no props at all.
The photos didn’t need them.
Instead, the booth captured:
- Real expressions
- Multi-generation family portraits
- Friends reconnecting after years apart
- Moments that felt honest and unforced
This is exactly the kind of event where a clean, simple setup works best.
The Selfie Pod: A Brilliant Choice for 40th Birthdays
For many 40th birthday parties, the Selfie Pod is the perfect starting point.
It’s compact, modern, and easy for guests to use. People can walk up, take photos quickly, and enjoy instant prints without needing a large setup.
The Selfie Pod works especially well when:
- Guest numbers are up to around 35
- Space is limited
- You want something relaxed and informal
- You still want guests to leave with printed photos
- You are looking for an affordable option but still get the fun
Because it takes up less space than our larger booths, the Selfie Pod fits beautifully into homes, pubs, village halls, and smaller venues.
You can see full details here
https://madhatphotobooth.com/selfie-pod-rental
If you’re local to Cheltenham area, rest assured we travel to you, free of charge. See here more details about our Cheltenham Selfie Pod Hire!
We shared a lot more details about our Ipad photo booth hire in this article, if you want to see more setup photos.
When the Retro Booth Is the Better Option
For this particular 40th birthday, the client used the Retro Booth as there were over 100 guests invited at the local village hall.
With the guest list being larger, the party naturally lent itself to lots of group and family photos throughout the night.
For events with more than around 35 guests, we usually recommend upgrading from the Selfie Pod to the Retro Booth. It’s designed to handle higher guest flow comfortably and keeps everything running smoothly with an attendant on hand.
On this occasion, the setup also required a little more space than usual because of the backdrop and needed room for the printer box. For most birthday parties using the Selfie Pod, the footprint is smaller.
Large Prints That Guests Actually Keep
For milestone birthdays, prints matter.
Guests at this party chose large prints, which made a big difference. These weren’t novelty photos. They were framed, shared with family members who couldn’t attend, and kept as part of the celebration.
Large prints are available with both:
- The Retro Booth
- The Icon Booth
The Selfie Pod includes instant prints too, making it an excellent value option for smaller parties.
Which Photo Booth Is Right for Your Birthday?
Choosing the right booth comes down to guest numbers, space, and how you want the evening to flow.
The Selfie Pod is ideal if:
- You have up to 35 guests
- You want a compact setup
- You’re hosting at home or in a smaller venue
The Retro Booth is best if:
- You’re hosting a larger party
- You expect continuous use
- You want studio-style photos and an attendant
The Icon Booth is perfect if you want:
- Instant digital sharing
- A choice of print styles on the spot
- A more interactive experience
We help every client choose the booth that fits their celebration, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions – 40th Birthday Photo Booth Hire
Yes. The Selfie Pod is a popular choice for 40th birthdays, especially for smaller to mid-sized gatherings. It’s modern, easy to use, and keeps the atmosphere relaxed while still offering instant prints.
The Selfie Pod works best for up to around 35 guests.
For parties with more people, we usually recommend upgrading to the Retro Booth to keep things flowing smoothly.
The Retro Booth is better suited to larger guest numbers, frequent group photos, and events where you want an attendant managing the setup throughout the evening.
Roughly 1m x 2m. The Selfie Pod usually needs less space than our full-size booths, making it ideal for birthday parties in smaller venues. Larger setups only apply when additional backdrops or printer stations are added.
Yes. The Selfie Pod includes instant prints, so guests leave with a physical keepsake on the night. They are limited to 2-4 prints per session.
Absolutely. Clean setups work particularly well for themed events, as they keep the focus on outfits, styling, and people rather than props.
Props are optional. Many themed parties choose not to use them, especially when guests are dressed up. This often results in more timeless photos.
If you’re unsure, the simplest guide is:
Up to 35 guests: Selfie Pod
More than 35 guests: Retro Booth or the Icon.
We’re always happy to help you decide based on your venue and guest list.
Planning a 40th Birthday Party Photo Booth?
Whether you choose the Selfie Pod for its simplicity or the Retro for larger celebrations, the goal is the same.
To capture moments you’ll actually want to keep.
You can explore our full birthday experience here
https://madhatphotobooth.com/birthday-party-photo-booth-experience
A 40th birthday party deserves photos that feel as meaningful as the milestone itself.
Contact us here to check availability!
