Christmas is here, and at Jellybean Photobooth, it’s one of the most exciting and challenging times of the year! From festive weddings to corporate parties, the calendar is packed, and we’re loving every moment of spreading holiday cheer. But behind the fun and laughter, there’s a whole lot of planning and organisation that goes into making this season as smooth and magical as possible… and the office is a hive of activity between the bookings. It’s a good job we have air con to keep us warm, and a well stocked coffee machine.

Christmas Bookings Start Early

While most people start thinking about Christmas in late autumn, our festive season begins way back in March. That’s when many of our regular venues and corporate clients secure their bookings to make sure they don’t miss out. Venues like Tankersley Manor, Lakeside Ponderosa, Mosborough Hall and Kelham Island are regulars on our Christmas circuit, and we’re proud to work with such fantastic spaces year after year.

By the time autumn rolls around, we’ve got a packed calendar and are already finalising details for the busiest time of the year.

The Challenges of Christmas

Christmas is a magical time, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Here’s what makes the festive season particularly unique for us:

1. Increased Traffic on the Roads
   • The festive rush means we have to anticipate extra travel time for deliveries and team journeys. We plan our routes meticulously to make sure we’re always on time, even in the busiest conditions. And all of our routes and plans have contingency – just in case plans change at a venue (yes it happens!)
2. Cold Weather and Equipment
   • The cold weather can impact our printers, requiring a little extra care to get them ready. While some suppliers might rely on hair dryers (yes, really!), we take a more professional approach. We let our printers climatise properly – letting them warm up in the venue for at least 45 minutes, ensuring reliability and consistency without cutting corners.
3. Complex Bookings
   • Christmas events often take us to city centre venues, which can bring unique challenges like restricted access and limited parking. On top of that, festive bookings tend to be spread across wider areas than the typical wedding season, meaning we’re on the road more than ever. But we’re very well planned and organised and with our fleet of vans one of the team will always be in the area to collect.
4. Venue Coordination
   • Many venues operate with reduced teams during the festive period, so liaising with their staff to confirm delivery times, access, and setups can be tricky. But that’s where our experience and organisation come into play.

How We Make It Work

We’ve been doing this long enough to know that organisation is the key to making the festive season a success. Here’s how we overcome the challenges and ensure every booking is a hit:

1. Advanced Planning
   • For bookings secured in March or throughout the year, we start confirming final details in October and November. This includes everything from delivery restrictions to setup positions in venues. Our system then automatically sends all necessary documents to the venues, reducing back-and-forth messages and ensuring everything is crystal clear.
2. Team Coordination
   • Once details are confirmed, we work with our team to allocate shifts, finalise van routes, and communicate everything well in advance. Everyone knows what’s happening, when, and where—keeping things running like clockwork.
3. Last-Minute Bookings
   • While we’re super organised for advance bookings, we also accommodate last-minute requests. These can be a challenge, but with our full-time team and careful planning, we always find a way to fit them in.
4. Multi-Tasking Like Pros
   • On top of managing bookings, we’re also:
     • Planning our New Year marketing materials and updating our website.
     • Running our social media, online galleries, and customer service channels to keep everything flowing smoothly.
     • Organising our staff Christmas party—a highlight of the year where we all come together to celebrate. (And yes, there’s always a Magic Mirror setup for some team fun!)

Why We Love Christmas

Despite the challenges, Christmas is a time of joy, and we love being part of so many amazing celebrations. Whether it’s a festive corporate party or a cosy Christmas wedding, the smiles, laughter, and memories we help create make it all worthwhile.

From the moment we load up our vans in the morning to the final photo print of the night, we’re here to deliver top-quality service, even in the busiest and most demanding season. And we don’t do gimmicks where you pay extra for some fancy red ropes or even personalised prints (yes it’s surprising how many of our competitors still do this)…. we just include it all. This means you know what to expect and each booking is delivered with the best team, delivering the best possible service.

A Big Thank You

To all our venues, clients, couples, suppliers, friends across the industry, and of course our very own #TeamJellybean —thank you for making Christmas at Jellybean so magical. Your trust, support, and hard work keep us going through the busiest time of the year, and we couldn’t do it without you!

Here’s to another festive season of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories! 🎄✨

Warm wishes,
Stacey
Event Manager & Director