Creating Personalized Wedding Invites With Photo Booth Fun

Photo booths are a fun and memorable addition to any wedding, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to make your own photo booth wedding invitations. This can be done by following a few simple steps. First, you need to choose a style and create a backdrop. This could be something as simple as a plain, white, or brick wall, or you could hang strings of lights or decorate with flowers. Next, you'll need to decide on a camera. Options include an Instax camera, a DSLR, or a selfie stick with a good-quality phone. You can also add playful props, such as cardboard designs, personalised photo frames, or fancy dress items. Finally, don't forget to add some lighting and get your guests to share their photos using a specific hashtag.

Choosing a photo booth app

There are hundreds of photo booth apps available, with more being released all the time. The best apps do more than just take photos; they offer additional features such as:

• Face tracking
• Gesture recognition
• Background changer and green screen
• Creative effects and visual overlays
• AR masks and LUT effects
• Social sharing

Simple Booth HALO®

This app is great for businesses and not-for-profits. It helps amplify in-person experiences, captures contacts, and increases brand awareness. It's easy to add your logo or overlay to every photo or video that gets shared. It also features an online gallery with your hashtag and a robust set of data capture tools to grow your contacts list.

Snappic

Snappic is a good option if you want to record full-length videos in your photo booth. It features a design studio for video templates, allowing you to upload your own video clips, choose visual effects, sounds, and adjust timing. It also has a competition feature, where guests can win prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement.

LumaBooth

LumaBooth is a good, inexpensive backup option. It runs on an iPad or iPhone and uses AI to automatically remove backgrounds. It also features an array of built-in themes and a virtual attendant feature to guide participants through the experience.

Salsa Booth

Salsa Booth is a good choice if you want to start a photo booth business. It comes with a large collection of resources and educational videos for beginners, plus a solid collection of tap-to-start screens and overlays. It also includes popular photo booth features like custom tap-to-start screens, animated GIFs, text messaging, and an online dashboard.

Booth.Events

This is a new photo booth app that has gained a following for its intuitive interface and innovative features. It allows guests to take pictures in front of a green screen and then choose their preferred background. It also connects with a DSLR, so you can capture images in premium quality.

Darkroom Booth for iPad

Darkroom Booth for iPad has a modest set of features, including the ability to watermark all images with your logo and colours. It also has advanced camera options, allowing you to adjust the ISO, white balance, and other settings.

Picking a backdrop

Consider the Venue and Space

Start by considering the venue and space where your photo booth will be set up. Look for a spot that is easily accessible and noticeable for your guests but doesn't interrupt the flow of your event. Think about the background you want in your photos. This could be a blank wall, exposed brickwork, a romantic garden setting, or a colourful backdrop with fun props. Measure the space to ensure your backdrop fits perfectly and doesn't overwhelm the area.

Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme

Decide on a theme or colour scheme that complements your wedding style. You can go for a classic, romantic look with draped voiles and flower arrangements or a rustic theme with floral hanging backdrops, rustic props, and seasonal blooms. If you're feeling bold, try a tropical theme with balloon and palm leaf garlands or a vintage theme with glittering backdrops and art deco props. Boho-themed photo booths are also popular, featuring textured and natural materials like pampas grass and macrame.

Keep it Simple or Go Extra

When choosing your backdrop, consider the level of complexity you're comfortable with. You can opt for a simple yet timeless backdrop, such as a metallic frame with draped fabrics, or go for a premium backdrop that's "extra" without being over-the-top, like sequined or glittering backdrops. If you want to transport your guests to another world, consider using green screen technology.

Use Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements into your backdrop. Fresh flowers, trailing greenery, and pampas grass can add a romantic and rustic touch to your photos. You can also use wooden panels, shipping pallets, or old crates to create a natural, rustic-chic look.

Get Creative with DIY Options

If you're feeling crafty, DIY your own backdrop! Origami creations, colour-coordinated paper pom-poms, or paper fans can add a unique and personalised touch to your photo booth. You can even make it a fun activity by gathering your bridesmaids for a craft night to assemble and string together your chosen paper decorations.

Remember, the backdrop you choose will set the tone for your photo booth wedding invitations, so have fun, be creative, and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Selecting a camera

The camera you choose for your photo booth wedding invitations will depend on your budget, the quality of images you desire, and the level of customisation you want to achieve. Here are some options to consider:

Instax Camera

The Instax camera is a simple option that allows guests to take instant snaps of each other, with the added benefit of printed photos. This creates a fun, tangible experience for your guests and can also serve as a unique guest book. However, the film for this type of camera can be expensive, so it may end up being pricier than expected.

DSLR Camera

If you already own a DSLR camera or have access to one, this can be an excellent choice for your photo booth. Set it up on a tripod, and consider using a remote control or assigning a few people to operate the camera. Ensure someone is familiar with the camera settings, especially as the lighting changes throughout the event. Avoid using a glaring flash, and instead, opt for a ring light or Speedlite flash for more flattering photos.

Smartphone Camera

Smartphones have come a long way in terms of camera quality, and they can be a convenient and cost-effective option for your photo booth. Guests can use their own phones, or you can set up a dedicated smartphone, such as the iPhone 13 Pro, which offers excellent software support and apps specifically for photo booths.

All-in-one Solutions

If you're looking for a ready-to-go, simple, and effective photo booth solution, consider an all-in-one product like the Simple Booth HALO®. This product includes a sturdy travel case, a plug-and-play cable setup, an iPad with photo booth software, a bright LED ring light, and a stable C-stand. It also allows guests to receive images directly on their phones, making it easy for them to post on social media.

Professional Cameras

For those who are IT-savvy and experienced in photography, you may want to consider investing in a professional camera to take your photo booth to the next level. Here are some options:

• Canon EOS M50 Mark II: This mirrorless camera offers excellent features in a compact body, including a high-res rotating touchscreen, excellent connectivity, and top-notch autofocus. It's a robust and reliable choice.
• Nikon Z6: The Nikon Z6 is a high-end, versatile camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance, especially in low-light conditions. It's a mirrorless system with a full-frame sensor, making it a great choice for both photo booths and professional photo or video shoots.
• Canon EOS Rebel T3: If you're looking for an affordable option to get started, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 offers decent picture quality and is compatible with a wide range of Canon lenses. However, it has limited ISO performance and a weak autofocus system, so ensure you have good lighting and consider it as a backup camera.

When selecting a camera for your photo booth wedding invitations, consider the ease of use, image quality, and interactivity that best suit your event and your guests' expectations.

Adding lighting

Natural Light：

If possible, choose a location for your photo booth that receives ample natural light. This can help ensure that your guests are well-lit without having to rely solely on artificial lighting. Consider setting up your photo booth near windows or in an outdoor area.

Lamps and Bulbs:

For indoor photo booths or when natural light is limited, use lamps to brighten the space. Inexpensive floor lamps with daylight-style bulbs can provide additional lighting and create a flattering glow for your guests. Make sure the lamps are plugged in and positioned in a way that doesn't obstruct the photo booth area.

Professional Lighting Setup:

If you want to ensure professional-looking photos, consider creating a simple lighting setup. You can use a key light, a hair light, and a background light to achieve flattering illumination. Having backup lights is also recommended in case any issues arise. Using a light stand or boom stand to position your lights above the photo booth area can help achieve consistent lighting for all your guests.

Fairy Lights and String Lights:

To add a whimsical touch to your photo booth, consider incorporating fairy lights or string lights. These can be draped around the backdrop or hung from the ceiling. They create a soft, romantic glow that can enhance the ambiance of your wedding invitations.

Bespoke Neon Sign:

For a unique and memorable touch, invest in a bespoke neon sign that can be used as a backdrop for your photo booth. This option can be more expensive, but it doubles as a keepsake that you can display in your home after the wedding.

Remember, lighting plays a crucial role in the success of your photo booth. By combining natural light, strategic lamp placement, and even professional lighting techniques, you can ensure that your guests look their best in their wedding invitation photos.

Props and accessories

• Cardboard cutouts: These can be of anything, from magic wands, Valentine's Day-themed sunglasses, and colourful wigs to childhood photos, larger-than-life cat cutouts, and "X" and "O" letters.
• Confetti: Provide bowls of colourful confetti at the entrance of the photo booth for guests to throw in the air while taking photos.
• Balloons: Balloons with weights at the bottom make great interactive props, especially if they have cute messages like "Love is in the air".
• Speech bubbles, glasses, and lips on sticks: These are photo booth classics, but you can make them even more festive by adding tiny flecks of gold glitter and corralling them in golden mugs.
• Pet photos: Bring a picture of your pet to a local print shop and have them make a sturdy reproduction for guests to pose with.
• Flower crowns: Giant peonies or flower crowns made from faux blooms will make everyone smile and can be reused throughout the event.
• Old-school phones: Fluorescent handsets will bring your guests back in time and add a touch of nostalgia to the photos.
• Vintage props: If you're going for an old-school or vintage theme, consider props like vintage luggage, a conductor's hat, an old camera, or a hitchhiker's bundle.
• Customised props: Paint motifs or icons related to your wedding theme or destination onto foam core and cut them out with an X-acto knife. For example, if you're getting married in New York City, you could include the Statue of Liberty's crown, pigeons, or an apple.
• Glittery paper cutouts: Cutouts of musical instruments or glittery stars and planets will add a celestial touch to your photos.
• Dress-up accessories: Fill a suitcase or tray with an array of glasses, hats, wigs, and other dress-up accessories. Mixing in nostalgic items or items related to your wedding theme will make for some hilarious snapshots.
• Movie and TV-themed props: Incorporate your favourite movie, TV show, or comic book characters with masks, capes, and other costume pieces. For example, if you're a fan of Star Wars, you can include light sabers or masks of your favourite characters.
• Royal headwear: Crowns, tiaras, and other royal accessories will make your guests feel like royalty.
• Chalkboard speech bubbles: Let your guests do the talking with chalkboard speech bubbles and some chalk. They can write whatever message they're feeling, adding a fun and personalised touch to the photos.
• Inflatable props: Inflatable microphones, instruments, and other props will add a playful and colourful touch to your photos.
• Glitter station: Set up a glitter station near the photo booth for guests to add some sparkle to their faces and bodies. This is especially fitting for a festival-themed wedding.
• Customised signs: Create signs with your wedding hashtag or other fun messages for guests to pose with.
• Backdrops: While not exactly a prop, choosing the right backdrop can enhance the overall look of your photos. Consider a flower wall, a romantic garden setting, exposed brickwork, or a simple drape of voile and trailing flower arrangements.

Frequently asked questions