Creative Diy Photo Booth Props For Your Wedding Day

Photo booths are a fun and interactive way to capture memories and encourage guests to mix and mingle at a wedding. While renting a photo booth can be expensive, you can easily make your own with a few simple steps. From choosing a theme and a camera to selecting props and lighting, there are many ways to personalise your DIY photo booth and create a fun and memorable experience for your guests.

Choosing a camera

The camera is the most expensive part of a DIY photo booth, but there are a few options to consider that won't break the bank.

The simplest option is to use a Polaroid camera. This way, you can leave it on a table next to your photo booth backdrop and guests can take pictures of each other that are printed instantly. However, the film for these cameras can be expensive, so this can add up. You might want to limit guests to a couple of photos each.

Another option is to use a selfie stick with your phone or a phone provided by the host. You can either provide a phone with the selfie stick, which will keep all the photos on that you can then download and send to guests afterward, or ask guests to use their own phones and then upload the images to social media using a particular hashtag or a dedicated photo booth app.

If you like the idea of instant photos, you can invest in/borrow an instant portable photo printer. This is a small printer that connects to a phone via Bluetooth and allows you to print out a picture immediately.

The most professional way to do a DIY photo booth is with a DSLR camera mounted on a tripod. You can ask ushers or friends to take it in turns to take the pictures, or there is the option of a remote control that guests can click themselves. If you don’t own a DSLR, you can always try to borrow one from a photographer friend.

If you’re not camera-savvy, ask someone who is to check the settings of any cameras you’re using to make sure you don’t get a horrible glare from the flash or that the images are too dark. If you’re using the photo booth during both the day and night, you’ll have to change the settings to reflect the change in light too.

Props and costumes

A variety of props and costumes will keep your guests entertained and add a fun element to your wedding photo booth. You can either buy or make these props yourself.

Buying Props and Costumes

If you're looking to buy props, here are some ideas:

• Magic wands
• Valentine's Day-themed sunglasses
• Wigs
• Masquerade masks
• Light-up sabers
• Beaded necklaces
• A velvet couch
• Personalised interactive cutouts
• "Star Wars"-themed pieces
• Larger-than-life cat cutouts
• Childhood photo cutouts
• "X" and "O" letters
• Inflatable microphones and instruments
• Hats
• Wigs
• Fancy dress items
• Cardboard props
• Personalised wedding props
• Disco balls
• Marquee lights

Making Your Own Props and Costumes

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own props and costumes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cut out shapes from card and glue them to lollipop sticks
• Make a personalised photo frame
• Create a flower wall
• Use a van, caravan or camper van as a backdrop
• Set up a glitter station
• Make a backdrop with draped linens
• Use a colourful palette or balloon display
• Create a customised neon sign
• Use a residential setting, such as wooden doors
• Repurpose your ceremony arch
• Make your own photo booth backdrop with a framed rectangular structure decorated with natural elements
• Create a boxwood wall
• Use a horse box or vintage caravan
• Set up an elevated area with a wooden stage and a neon sign
• Add a shimmery, playful component, such as glitter or confetti

Backdrop ideas

If you're handy with arts and crafts, you could create a chevron-inspired backdrop with black foam board, a glue stick and jumbo gold sequins. Simply draw the chevron stripes using a ruler, then fill in rows of sequins.

For a more colourful backdrop, dip the tips of coffee filters into multi-hued fabric dyes, then affix them to a foam board for a floral effect. Or, for something simpler, hang a section of Kraft paper and paint it with gold stripes or polka dots.

If you're looking for a more natural look, you could repurpose fresh flowers from your ceremony and pin them to a wall, or create a flower wall. You could also use paper decorations, like origami, pom-poms or paper fans.

If you're happy to buy a backdrop, you could try a sequin sheet, gold lametta tinsel, or a rustic palette. You could also use a printed fabric backdrop, or a sheet with a colour that matches your wedding theme.

If you're looking for something more unique, you could use a van, a residential setting, or a flower wall. Disco balls, a neon sign, or a boxwood wall could also make for an interesting backdrop.

Finally, if you're looking for a simple option, a plain wall will work perfectly.

Lighting

The lighting of your photo booth is essential for creating the right atmosphere and ensuring your guests can take well-lit photos. Here are some tips and ideas for lighting your DIY wedding photo booth:

• Natural light is ideal for photo booths as it guarantees beautiful, gently lit photos. Set up your photo booth near a window or other natural light source, being mindful of direct sunlight, which may cause harsh shadows and squinting.
• Overhead and fluorescent lights can be harsh on skin and cast dark shadows, so it's best to avoid these lighting types.
• Warm accent lights can add a romantic ambiance to your photo booth.
• Fairy lights are a simple, flexible, and trendy way to add a soft, romantic touch to your photo booth. They can be hung from your backdrop, framed around the booth, or wrapped with garlands for extra glow.
• Novelty lights, such as neon sculptures and Christmas lights, add fun and colour to your photo booth.
• Ring lights are a great hands-free lighting option that provides perfect lighting for party photos.
• If your wedding reception is in the evening or a dimly lit venue, consider purchasing affordable floor lamps or borrowing professional lighting equipment from your photographer to ensure your photo booth is well-lit.
• For a professional photo booth look, a spotlight and photography umbrella can be used to diffuse the light and add a flattering glow to your guests' faces.
• If you don't want to invest in lighting equipment, use the flash on your camera or place a floor lamp beside the camera, facing the backdrop.

Signage

Signs are a crucial part of your DIY photo booth, as they will direct guests to the booth and encourage them to take photos. You can get creative with your signage and incorporate it into your wedding decor. Here are some ideas for photo booth signage:

• Chalkboard or dry-erase board: You can buy an inexpensive chalkboard or make your own using a piece of wood and a picture frame. This option allows guests to create their own custom messages, adding a fun and interactive element to your photo booth.
• Vintage mirror, chalkboard, or wooden pallet: You can write or paint instructions directly onto these surfaces, or use removable chalk or paint for a less permanent option.
• Ready-made signs: If you're short on time or prefer a more polished look, you can purchase ready-made signs online or from craft stores. These can be customised with your wedding colours, themes, or even your names and wedding date.
• Marquee lights: Bright lights will draw attention to your photo booth and ensure guests don't miss out on the fun. You can spell out phrases like "Photo Booth" or "Strike a Pose" to encourage participation.
• Custom neon signs: These can be personalised with your names, a meaningful quote, or a fun message. They add a modern and trendy touch to your wedding decor and double as a keepsake to display in your home after the big day.
• Bespoke wedding signs: Consider hanging a custom sign on a clear wall, especially if you're getting married in an alternative venue like an urban warehouse. This simple yet effective idea will create a cool photo booth backdrop that guests will love.
• Simple printed signs: If you're looking for a more affordable and straightforward option, you can print your own photo booth signs at home or through online printing services. Include phrases like "Grab a Prop and Strike a Pose" to guide guests and add a playful touch.

Frequently asked questions