There are certain things every event needs. Food. Drinks. Music. Somewhere for people to sit when they suddenly realize they are no longer 24 years old.
But once those basics are covered, the question becomes: what are the little extras that make people actually remember the event?
After spending more than 25 years working in advertising, experiential marketing and events, I’ve learned that the best additions are rarely the things that scream, “LOOK HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPENT.”
They are the things guests interact with, talk about, photograph, take home, or tell somebody about the next day.
So whether you are planning a corporate event in downtown Toronto, a wedding in Vaughan, a holiday party in Mississauga or a brand activation somewhere in the GTA, here are eight event extras that can genuinely add something to the experience.
Yes, obviously I’m putting this one on the list.
But there is a big difference between having a photo booth and creating a photo experience.
A booth shoved into a dark corner with a wrinkled curtain and a Rubbermaid bin filled with plastic moustaches is technically a photo booth.
That does not mean anybody is going to remember it.
When considering a Toronto photo booth rental, the starting point should always be the event itself. The backdrop, photography style, on-screen graphics, prints and guest experience should all feel connected to what is happening in the room.
For weddings, something like a clean Glam Photo Booth can feel elegant rather than gimmicky. For corporate events, branded photos can become part of the activation itself.
People already love taking photos. The trick is giving them a reason to want this photo.
I have never attended an event where people complained that excellent food unexpectedly appeared at 11:30 p.m.
Pizza. Sliders. Poutine. Grilled cheese. Mini tacos. Ice cream sandwiches. Even McDonald’s cheeseburgers have their place when the timing is right.
Late-night food works because it arrives precisely when everybody has danced, had a few drinks and forgotten about the very expensive dinner they ate four hours earlier.
For a Toronto event, you can also make it local. Think Jamaican patties, Portuguese custard tarts or something connected to the couple, company or neighbourhood.
If somebody hands me a hot mini grilled cheese at midnight, I do not need it served on artisanal slate.
Live illustrators, painters and fashion sketch artists have become increasingly popular at weddings and upscale events, and I understand why.
They give guests both entertainment and something personalized to take home.
For a wedding, an artist might sketch guests or paint the reception as it unfolds. At a corporate event, illustrations can incorporate the company, campaign or event theme.
The best part is that it does not take over the room. Guests can participate when they want, then head back to the dance floor, bar or conversation.
It adds atmosphere without demanding everybody stop what they are doing.
Traditional guestbooks have one major design flaw.
People forget to sign them.
Then, at 11:45 p.m., somebody realizes there are six signatures in a book intended for 180 guests and starts aggressively circulating it around the room.
Interactive guestbooks solve that problem.
An audio guestbook lets guests pick up a telephone and leave a message. Video guestbooks allow people to record short clips. Photo guestbooks combine pictures with handwritten notes.
The result tends to be much more personal than “Congratulations! Love, Steve and Karen.”
You also get the entertaining messages recorded later in the evening when Steve and Karen have become significantly more expressive.
Not every memorable event feature has to involve technology.
A thoughtfully designed lounge area can completely change how people use a venue.
Comfortable furniture, lower tables, good lighting and a slightly quieter location give guests somewhere to have an actual conversation.
This is especially useful at weddings, galas and larger corporate events where not everybody wants to spend four straight hours beside the dance floor.
If your Toronto venue is a large ballroom or industrial space, creating smaller zones can make the event feel warmer and more intentional.
And your guests over 40 will silently thank you.
There is nothing wrong with a signature cocktail.
There is something wrong with creating one solely because it is purple and matches the centrepieces.
Taste should still enter the conversation.
A good signature drink can be a fun extension of the event theme, especially if it has a clever name connected to the couple, company or occasion.
You can also offer a signature mocktail for guests who do not drink or simply do not want alcohol all night.
The drink does not need 14 ingredients, smoke pouring out of it and a bartender holding a blowtorch.
Sometimes simple wins.
People remember surprises.
That does not necessarily mean hiring Drake.
It could be a magician during cocktail hour. A saxophone player joining the DJ. A surprise dance performance. A comedian. Casino tables. A caricature artist. A roaming performer.
The key word is appropriate.
Entertainment should fit the audience and the event rather than being added simply because somebody found it on TikTok.
For corporate events in particular, I always think about the brand first. What are you trying to make people feel?
Excited? Relaxed? Impressed? Curious?
The same thinking applies when choosing a corporate photo booth rental. Adding technology or an activity just because you can is not the point. It should make sense within the bigger experience.
Event giveaways have a long history of becoming landfill.
Pens.
Keychains.
Stress balls shaped like vegetables.
The goal should be to give guests something they actually want.
At a wedding, that could be a personalized photo print, small edible favour or custom illustration.
At a corporate event or Toronto brand activation, the takeaway can be integrated directly into the experience. Personalized content usually has far more perceived value than another logo-covered tote bag.
Instead of simply giving somebody branded merchandise, you create a moment they participate in and then give them something that reminds them of it.
That emotional connection is much stronger.
They give people something to do, discover, enjoy or remember.
Guests do not remember the planning spreadsheet.
They remember laughing with their friends. The incredible late-night snack. The surprise performer. The ridiculous message they left on the audio guestbook. The photo they loved enough to put on their fridge.
If you are planning an event in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA, spend some time thinking about those moments.
You do not necessarily need eight extras.
You probably do not even need four.
Choose one or two that genuinely fit the people attending and execute them really well.
That is also what I think separates a good Toronto photo booth company from someone who simply drops off a piece of equipment. The experience should actually belong at the event.
Because a great event is not about cramming more things into the room.
It is about giving people more reasons to enjoy being there.
And if one of those things happens to be an exceptionally good photo booth, well, I know a guy.
