A Filipino debut is one of the most formal birthday parties there is: a coming-of-age celebration, traditionally at 18, with a court, choreographed dances and a guest list the size of a wedding. That makes a photo booth a natural fit, as long as it is planned around the program. Here is how we approach debuts across Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Every family runs its debut a little differently, so treat this as a starting point.
Plan the booth around the program
Many debuts follow a set program, often including the 18 Roses and 18 Candles:
- 18 Roses: 18 men, often her father, family and friends, each give her a rose and share a dance.
- 18 Candles: 18 women each give a short message while holding a candle.
- Father-daughter dance, often opening the program, and sometimes a cotillion with the court.
Guests watch these moments, so the booth is quietest during the program. Open it at arrival and cocktail hour, pause or slow down during the program, then let it run for the dance floor afterward.
Booth ideas for a debut
- Court and group shots: right after the program, send the 18 Roses and the 18 Candles to the booth as groups. They are dressed up, together, and it is the photo everyone wants.
- A formal look: the black-and-white Glam Booth flatters gowns and barongs and looks timeless on a 4×6 print.
- Something playful: the Mochi Booth with custom stickers is a favorite with her friends.
- Video for the dance floor: a 360 Booth catches the cotillion and the party in slow motion.
- A print designed for her: her name, the date and the debut’s colors on every strip, included with every booking.
- A guest book: guests leave a strip and a note in an album ($75), a keepsake for after the night.
Hours and guest count
Debuts often run long and have large guest lists. Four to five hours usually covers arrival through the dance floor; for 200 to 300+ guests, consider two booths so lines stay short. Our guide to booth hours applies to debuts too.
Pricing
| Booth | 3 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glam Booth | $1,250 | $1,550 | $1,795 |
| 360 Booth | $1,350 | $1,650 | $1,895 |
| Mochi Booth | $2,950 | $3,750 | $4,250 |
Every package includes setup, breakdown, an attendant, a custom print design, digital delivery and an online gallery within 48 hours. Travel is a flat $150 in LA County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Planning a quinceañera or a sweet 16? See our quinceañera guide and sweet 16 ideas.
Planning a debut?
Send us the date, venue, guest count and program, and we will plan the booth around it.
Check your dateFrequently asked questions
When should the photo booth run at a Filipino debut?
At arrival and cocktail hour, then after the program for the dance floor. Guests watch the 18 Roses and 18 Candles, so the booth is quietest during the program.
What photos should we take at the booth during a debut?
Group shots of the 18 Roses and 18 Candles right after the program, plus the court and family. They are dressed up and together, and it is the photo everyone wants.
How many hours of photo booth does a debut need?
Four to five hours usually covers arrival through the dance floor. For 200 to 300+ guests, consider a second booth.
How much does a photo booth cost for a debut in Los Angeles?
For 3 hours, the Glam Booth is $1,250, the 360 Booth $1,350 and the Mochi Booth $2,950, with an attendant, custom print design and digital delivery included.
Can the prints be designed for the debutante?
Yes. Every booking includes a custom print design with her name, the date and the debut's colors.
Sources
Hitik Patel founded LA Glam Booth in 2022 after a decade behind the camera. His team has produced 1,000+ events and 250,000+ photos for couples and brands including UNIQLO, Netflix and Peacock.
