Creating A Wedding Photo Booth: A Step-By-Step Guide

A photo booth is a great way to encourage guests to interact with each other and boost the uplifting, social atmosphere at a wedding. While renting a photo booth can be expensive, you can easily make one yourself. All you need is a well-lit backdrop, complete with a decorative display that coincides with your wedding aesthetic, for guests to pose in front of. Guests can then use their phone cameras to take the shot, or you can supply disposable cameras, Polaroid cameras, or hire a professional to document the mini shoots.

Choosing a location: Find a spot that's easy for guests to find, but out of the way enough that people won't feel self-conscious

When choosing a location for your DIY wedding photo booth, you'll want to select a spot that's easy for guests to find, but tucked away enough that people will feel comfortable letting loose in front of the camera.

Dance floor corners, small adjoining rooms, alcoves, and unused coat closets are all great options for indoor weddings. If your wedding is outdoors, consider setting up your photo booth in a courtyard, gazebo, or pop-up bell tent. You could also use a caravan or VW campervan for a fun, vintage vibe.

If you're struggling to find a suitable private area, you could set up your photo booth in a corner of the reception dance floor or a less-trafficked area of the venue. Just make sure there's enough space for guests to pose without feeling self-conscious.

Once you've found the perfect spot, be sure to measure the space so that you can plan your backdrop and props accordingly. You don't want your DIY photo booth to be too big or too small for the area!

To make sure guests can easily find your photo booth, consider putting up signs or asking your bridesmaids and ushers to direct people to it.

Backdrop: Get creative with your backdrop, whether it's a plain wall, sequins, flowers, or rustic palettes

The backdrop is a key feature of your photo booth and can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. A plain wall will work perfectly, but you can also get creative and have fun with your backdrop. If you're renting a venue or using someone's home, be sure to get permission for any decorations and use easy-to-remove paper tape and temporary hooks and fasteners that won't damage the walls.

Sequin Sheets

Add some sparkle to your photos with sequin sheets. They make a great backdrop and can be found in various colours, including gold.

Flowers

Fresh flowers can be used to create a beautiful and romantic backdrop. You can also use paper or silk flowers for a more affordable option.

Rustic Palettes

For a rustic wedding, consider using wooden pallets as your backdrop. You can leave them plain or decorate them with flowers, ribbons, or other embellishments.

Exposed Brick or Stone Walls

Look for interesting walls at your venue, such as exposed brick or stone, which can add a unique touch to your photos.

Balloons, Streamers, and Ribbons

Transform a plain wall by hanging colourful balloons, streamers, and ribbons.

Fabric

Hang fabric in your wedding colours or choose a simple white backdrop for a classic and elegant look.

Tulle Curtains

Sheer tulle curtains can be used to create a soft and romantic backdrop. You can find them in various colours, including white, champagne, and gold.

Lights

Add some string lights to your backdrop for a magical touch. Tulle curtains with lights are a popular choice and can be found in champagne and white.

Backdrop Stands

If you want a more structured backdrop, consider using a backdrop stand. These stands are adjustable and come with crossbars and clamps to hang your chosen backdrop.

Paper Backdrops

Get creative with paper! Origami, paper pom-poms, or paper fans can be used to create a unique and handmade backdrop.

Remember to consider the time, budget, and skills required to create your backdrop, and don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Camera options: You could use a DSLR, a phone on a selfie stick, a Polaroid-style camera, or hire a photo booth camera

When it comes to camera options for your DIY wedding photo booth, there are several routes you could take.

One option is to use a DSLR camera on a tripod with a remote control. This will require someone to be delegated to ensure the camera is on the right settings and to check on it periodically. You can also set up a ring light or buy a Speedlite flash to avoid an overly bright glare. This option will give you digital copies of the photos to share in an online album.

Another simple option is to use a selfie stick with a good-quality phone. You could also use a tablet on a stand on a timer. If your guests use their own phones, be sure to let them know a specific hashtag to use so that you can find the photos easily.

A Polaroid-style camera is another popular option. These cameras are affordable and hardy, and they give your guests the authentic photo booth experience with instant prints. However, the film for these cameras is expensive, so this option could end up being pricier than expected if your guests get snap-happy.

If you have the budget, you could also hire a photo booth camera. There are open photo booth setups, selfie cameras with flattering flashes, and instant printers. This option will still give you the DIY feel as it won't be staffed, and you can create your own backdrop and props.

Finally, if you want to go the extra mile, you could set up an iPad photo booth app such as Simple Booth HALO®. This option allows guests to choose a filter and get their photos via text, email, QR code, or print. You can also add digital photo booth props, backdrops, and frames to every picture.

Props: Raid your attic for feather boas, funny hats, celebrity masks, and cheap wigs

Props are a great way to get your guests to loosen up and have fun, so it's worth raiding your attic or local thrift store for feather boas, funny hats, celebrity masks, and cheap wigs. You can also buy these items online, with Amazon offering a range of photo booth prop sets. These can include feather boas, assorted hats, costume props, glasses, wigs, and various other accessories.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own props by printing out designs and sticking them to cardboard or dowel rods. You can also make your own masks by cutting out cardboard and decorating it with faux flowers, ribbons, and other embellishments that match your wedding decor.

For a more personal touch, you can include photo face masks of you and your partner in the prop box, or make signs for your guests to pose with that include your names and wedding date.

Lighting: Natural light is best, but you can also use lamps or a ring light

Lighting is an important consideration for your DIY wedding photo booth. It can make or break the photos, so it's important to get it right.

Natural light is best, so consider setting up your photo booth near a window or in a well-lit area of the venue. If your wedding is outdoors, take advantage of the natural light and set up your photo booth in a spot that will be illuminated by the sun.

If natural light is not an option, you can use lamps to brighten up the space. Inexpensive floor lamps with daylight-style bulbs can provide the right amount of light and shine a flattering light on your guests. You could also use a ring light, which can be attached to a light stand and will provide plenty of illumination for your photos. Another option is to use a camera flash, but this may not always provide the best results as guests will be taking their own photos.

In addition to your main light source, you can also add some fun and festive lighting elements to your photo booth. Fairy lights, lanterns, curtains of lights, exposed Edison bulbs, and globe bulbs can all add a touch of magic to your photos. A bespoke neon sign is also a great option and can double as a keepsake to display in your home after the wedding.

Frequently asked questions