Creative Diy Wedding Photo Props To Make Your Big Day Fun

Wedding photo props are a fun and engaging addition to any wedding celebration. They can help to break the ice and make the photo-taking experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you're looking for simple or more intricate props, there are plenty of options to choose from that will add a touch of creativity and personality to your wedding photos. From colourful wigs and glittery signs to sparklers and smoke bombs, the possibilities are endless. You can even create your own DIY photo booth props with free printable and SVG downloads available online. So, get ready to strike a pose and capture some magical memories with these fun and unique wedding photo props!

Use sparklers

Sparklers are a fun and vibrant addition to your wedding, but they can be challenging to photograph. Here are some tips to help you capture the perfect shot:

Camera and Equipment Setup

Use a camera with manual settings, like a DSLR, and a tripod. The manual settings will allow you to adjust your shutter speed, ISO and aperture to the environment. Without adjusting these settings, you will get a photo that is dark, blurry or overexposed. The tripod will keep your subjects in focus as you will need to use a slow shutter speed to capture the light, which makes any movement extra noticeable.

Lighting Setup

When it comes to lighting, there are several options to consider:

• On-camera flash: This is a simple and safe setup, especially when there is good ambient light and only a few guests. Remember to leave a time gap between shots as the flash needs to recycle.
• One off-camera flash: This works well when the ambient light is poor, and you have an assistant. Keep your camera and flash set to Manual.
• Natural light: This setup works when you can quickly figure out accurate exposure and have excellent ambient lighting, lots of people and sparklers. Ensure your shutter speed is high as there is no flash to freeze your subject’s movement.
• Off-camera flash with a grid: This setup works when there is good ambient lighting and you want to add a dramatic element. Your assistant must be precise with positioning the grid, as it directs a concentrated light beam.
• One on and one off-camera flash: Use this setup when the ambient light is not great. Set your on-camera flash with slightly more power than the off-camera flash so your couple is well-lit from the front, and the backlight separates them from the background.
• One on and two off-camera flashes: This setup is for when there is no ambient light and you are comfortable with the technicalities. Set your off-camera flashes with slightly more power than your on-camera flash.

Timing and Environment

The time of day and environment will impact how your sparklers appear and the camera settings you need. For night-time shots, ensure there are no harsh lights from traffic, houses or street lamps, as these will be exaggerated in photos and take away from the sparklers. For sunset photos, you may need to decrease the ISO or aperture to adjust for the extra light, and playing with the aperture can help you achieve interesting depth-of-field effects. Sparklers can also be used during the day, but ensure your camera is set up for low-light conditions.

Sparkler Type

Long, 36-inch sparklers are a popular option as they have a lengthy three-minute burn time, giving you time to get the right shot. Shorter sparklers, such as 10-inch sparklers, are better for portraits or photos that focus on the couple. There are also heart and star-shaped sparklers for a unique display.

Safety

Remember to prioritise safety when using sparklers. Share safety tips with your guests, including how to handle sparklers safely. Keep a bucket of sand or water nearby to extinguish sparklers, and ensure children are supervised.

Practice

Practice makes perfect when it comes to sparkler photos. Understand how your camera responds to low-light situations, and experiment with different settings. Try to recreate the lighting you will have on the day, and work at the same time of day with similar lighting challenges.

Smoke bombs or dry ice

Smoke bombs and dry ice are a fun way to add a non-traditional and unexpected element to your wedding photos. They can be used to create a dreamy, ethereal, or moody backdrop that enhances the mood and tone of the imagery. Here are some tips and tricks for incorporating smoke bombs or dry ice into your wedding photo prop:

Smoke Bombs:

Smoke bombs are a type of firework that releases coloured smoke upon ignition. They come in a variety of colours, including white, black, pink, purple, red, blue, green, orange, and rainbow, allowing you to tailor the smoky effect to your personality as a couple. When using smoke bombs, it is important to prioritize safety and follow these guidelines:

• Always use smoke bombs in a safe, open outdoor area and avoid using them in dry regions susceptible to fires.
• Do not use smoke bombs indoors, as the coloured smoke can stain walls and leave a lingering smell.
• Smoke bombs get very hot and emit sparks and ash, so be cautious to avoid burns.
• Inhale the smoke, as it can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
• Stand at least 2-3 feet away from the smoke bomb to prevent staining on your clothes.
• Dispose of used smoke bombs properly by placing them in a metal bucket and pouring water over them to ensure they are completely extinguished.
• Check with your venue and photographer beforehand to confirm if smoke bombs are allowed and to discuss the best way to incorporate them into your photos.
• Practice using smoke bombs before the wedding day to get comfortable with them and test if they stain.

Dry Ice:

If you want to avoid the potential hazards of smoke bombs, dry ice is a great alternative. It produces puffs of smoke and fog that can add a dreamy and mysterious touch to your wedding photos. Here are some tips for using dry ice:

• Dry ice needs to be handled with care as it is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. Wear protective gloves when handling it.
• Place dry ice in a container with water to create the smoke effect. The fog will last as long as the dry ice is submerged.
• Use a fan to direct the smoke where you want it to go and create the desired effect.
• Similar to smoke bombs, stand at least 2-3 feet away from the dry ice to avoid potential staining on your clothes.
• Do not touch the dry ice directly with your hands, and keep it away from children and pets.

Coloured lighting

Choose a Studio Setting or Semi-Dark Space: To achieve a striking effect with your coloured lighting, opt for a studio setting or a semi-dark space. This will allow you to control the lighting and create more dramatic effects.

Use Fairy Lights: Fairy lights can add a romantic and whimsical touch to your wedding photos. Wrap them around the couple or hold them up to create a warm and mystical glow that surrounds them. In dark settings, fairy lights can resemble twinkling stars, adding a magical feel to your images.

Go Bold with Uplighting: Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colours and uplighting. You can use different colours to create a watercolour-inspired effect or transform your reception space into a winter wonderland, as seen in some wedding photos.

Floating Paper Lanterns: Paper lanterns are a fun and colourful way to punch up your reception space. Choose jewel-toned lanterns or lanterns that contrast with your uplighting to create a soft, warm glow.

Add a Patterned Projection: Create a unique, one-of-a-kind feel to your wedding by projecting a pattern across the ceiling or walls. This can add texture and interest to your photos, transporting your guests to an enchanted garden or a fairy tale setting.

Light-up Letters: Oversized light-up letters can provide a fun background for your wedding photos. Spell out your initials, a romantic quote, or a quirky statement to make your photos truly yours.

By incorporating coloured lighting into your wedding photos, you can create captivating and personalised images that reflect your style and theme. Whether you choose to use fairy lights, uplighting, or projections, the right lighting can transform your photos and make them even more memorable.

Balloons

Balloon Backdrop

Create a stylish balloon backdrop for guests to pose in front of. You can use balloons of different colours, sizes, and shapes to make a beautiful wall that will add a fancy and festive atmosphere to your photos. Combine balloons with other decorative elements such as streamers or confetti for a unique scene.

Balloon Release

Gather all your guests for a balloon release photo. This idea will result in magical pictures as the balloons ascend into the air, with the cheerful faces of your guests in the foreground. You can also release balloons to build anticipation for the couple's first look.

Jumbo Balloons

Large balloons make for eye-catching photo props and are hard to miss in pictures. You can use them as a fun and whimsical element in your photoshoot, either as a backdrop or as a foreground element. Combine them with other decorations such as fairy lights or chalkboard signs for a romantic and classy vibe.

Confetti Balloons

Creative Balloon Arrangements

Arrange balloons into different shapes, such as a heart, to add a whimsical element to your photos. You can also twist twigs into a heart shape and combine it with balloons for a natural and romantic look.

In addition to these ideas, you can also use balloons to decorate a car or a bicycle built for two, which the couple can pose with. Balloons are a versatile prop that can be used in many creative ways to elevate your wedding photos.

Teepees

Sourcing a Teepee

If you don't have a teepee already, you can rent or purchase one. Etsy and Amazon offer a variety of teepees in different sizes and styles, including lace teepees, macrame teepees, and canvas teepees with windows. You can also find oversized teepees that can accommodate adults.

Illuminating the Teepee

Illuminating teepees in the evening or at night creates an attractive, intimate, and romantic atmosphere. You can use fairy lights or string lights to decorate the teepee and create a gorgeous bokeh effect in your photos.

Using the Teepee as a Backdrop

Getting Creative with Props

Combine the teepee with other props to create unique scenes. For example, you can include vintage furniture, such as a white chair, or natural elements like flowers and leaves. If your wedding has a rustic theme, you can incorporate hay bales or a vintage car to complement the teepee.

Involving Your Guests

Encourage your guests to interact with the teepee and take inventive selfies or group photos. You can provide them with additional props, such as masks, colourful cocktails, or musical instruments, to add more fun and variety to your wedding album.

Capturing Special Moments

Use the teepee to capture special moments throughout your wedding day. For example, you can take photos of the couple inside the teepee, surrounded by nature, or enjoying an intimate moment with a drink. If your wedding is held lakeside, consider taking a boat ride and having the photographer capture the moment with the teepee in the background.

Frequently asked questions