Crafting Wedding Props: Creative Diy Ideas For Your Big Day

Wedding props are a fun and creative way to spice up your wedding photos and keep your guests entertained. From photo booth props to backdrop ideas, there are plenty of DIY projects you can undertake to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking for something simple or more elaborate, there are many options to choose from that can be easily made at home.

Photo booth props

Photo booths are a great way to entertain your guests and get some memorable pictures from your wedding. You can make your own photo booth props with the following ideas:

Wands, Sunglasses, Wigs, and Cutouts

Wave some magic wands, wear Valentine's Day-themed sunglasses, don colourful wigs, or hold childhood photo cutouts. These props will add a playful touch to your photos and are easy to find or make.

Confetti and Cat Cutouts

Throw colourful confetti or carry larger-than-life cat cutouts for some whimsical and fun photos. These props will definitely make your guests smile and add a unique twist to your photo booth.

New Year's Eve-Themed Props

Get creative with New Year's Eve-themed props like glimmering beads, festive hats, and noisemakers. These props will add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your photos, especially if your wedding is around New Year's Eve.

Interactive Cutouts and "Star Wars"-Themed Props

Get a personalised interactive cutout or incorporate galactic "Star Wars"-themed pieces like light sabers. These props will appeal to fans of the franchise and add a fun, geeky twist to your photos.

Masquerade Masks and Themed Toys

Ornament your face with elegant masquerade masks or hold themed plush toys like Domo characters. These props will add a touch of mystery and playfulness to your photos, giving your guests a chance to get creative.

Letters, Hashtags, and Signs

Carry letters like "X" and "O" or show off your wedding hashtag with a custom sign. You can also incorporate themed signs with inside jokes or fun phrases that your guests can pose with. These props will add a personal touch to your photos and make them more interactive.

Printable props

Printable wedding props are a fun, easy, and cost-effective way to add a unique and whimsical touch to your wedding. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating your own printable props for a memorable celebration:

Types of Printable Props

• Party Hats: These can be designed in various colours and patterns, such as black and white polka dots.
• Glamorous Party Props: Add a touch of glamour to your photos with props like fancy masks, feathers, or glittery accessories.
• 1920s-Themed Props: Transport your guests back in time with props like vintage cameras, feather boas, or Gatsby-inspired headwear.
• Bridal Shower Props: Look for fun and adorable props such as rings, glasses, hearts, and bridal shoes.
• Bachelorette Party Props: Spice up the celebration with speech bubbles that say "Bride-to-Be", "No Boys Allowed", or "Kiss Me".
• Wedding-Themed Props: Include the wedding party with props for "Team Bride" and "Team Groom".

Sources and Downloads

Websites like The Budget Savvy Bride, Something Turquoise, and HGTV offer free downloadable files and tutorials for creating your own printable wedding props. You can also find a wide variety of free printable props on sites like printable-photo-booth-props.com, with over 700 options for different themes and occasions.

Materials and Assembly

To assemble your printable props, you will need the following materials:

• Heavy card stock in your desired colours
• Scissors and/or an X-acto knife
• Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
• Hot glue gun or glue sticks
• Embellishments (optional)

Print your chosen designs on heavy card stock, cut them out carefully, and attach a stick to the back of each prop with glue. These props are meant for one-time use, so be gentle when storing and transporting them.

Photo Booth Setup

When setting up your photo booth, choose an area that is easily accessible but doesn't obstruct the flow of the party. You'll also need a wall large enough to accommodate your backdrop, ideally 5 feet across and 3 to 4 feet tall. Clear the space of any furniture or wall decorations, and cover any windows with a dark cloth to control lighting.

Mount your camera on a tripod and place it a few feet away from the wall. Use painter's tape to mark the spot for the tripod and the area where guests can stand for photos. Don't forget to set up a prop station with a sign instructing guests to help themselves and strike a pose!

DIY photo booth setup

A DIY photo booth is a fun and interactive addition to a wedding, allowing guests to take photos and create memories. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up your own DIY photo booth:

Choose the Right Equipment:

• Camera: A basic digital point-and-shoot camera or a tablet/iPad with a photo booth app will work well. You can also use a professional camera if you have one.
• Tripod: Get a tripod that is tall enough to extend to eye level and stable enough to support the weight of your camera or tablet.
• Remote Shutter Release: This allows guests to take their own photos. Some attach to the camera with a cable, while others operate wirelessly.
• Lighting: Good lighting is essential for high-quality photos. You can use a spotlight and a photography umbrella, or attach a battery-powered LED light panel to your iPad case.

Create a Backdrop:

• Get creative with your backdrop to add life to your photos. You can use a printed fabric backdrop, or make your own using a variety of materials and decorations.
• Some ideas include:
• Chevron-inspired backdrop: Use black foam board, a glue stick, and jumbo gold sequins.
• Floral backdrop: Dip the tips of coffee filters into multi-hued fabric dyes and affix them to a foam board.
• Kraft paper backdrop: Hang a section of Kraft paper and paint it with gold stripes or polka dots.
• Disco ball backdrop: Use disco balls in different shapes and sizes, especially suitable for glamorous weddings or '70s-themed celebrations.
• Flower wall: Create a vibrant and lush backdrop by attaching faux floral panels to foam or plywood.
• Draped linens: Drape fabric from the ceiling for a whimsical and dreamy effect.
• Balloons: Create an elegant and festive frame with a refined balloon display.

Props and Accessories:

• Props add fun and interest to your photo booth. You can make your own using heavy cardstock and lollipop sticks, or use items from your closet, like scarves, hats, and vintage accessories.
• Other sources for props include thrift stores, vintage shops, and estate sales. Look for unique items like cameras, musical instruments, telescopes, picture frames, vintage suitcases, etc.
• You can also provide a chalkboard or dry-erase board for guests to create their own custom messages.

Setup and Testing:

• Choose an area that is easily accessible but doesn't obstruct the party's flow.
• Ensure the space has a wall large enough to accommodate your backdrop, ideally 5 feet across and 3-4 feet tall.
• Clear the furniture and wall decorations from the chosen area.
• If there are windows, cover them with a dark cloth to control the lighting.
• Set up the camera/tablet on the tripod and frame the shot. Mark the spot for the tripod and the area where guests can stand using painter's tape.
• Test the setup before the event to ensure everything works correctly.

During the Event:

• Inform guests about the photo booth when they arrive and demonstrate how to use it.
• Encourage guests to experiment with props and poses.
• Ensure your camera has enough battery life and memory card space, and have backups ready.
• After the event, create an online album or send the photos to your guests as a thank-you note or keepsake.

With these steps, you'll be able to create a fun and memorable DIY photo booth for your wedding or event!

Backdrop ideas

Backdrops are a central piece that will frame the most important parts of your wedding day. The good news is that you can make them yourself! Here are some DIY backdrop ideas to get you started:

Floral Grid Backdrops

Grids offer flexibility and a framework to create a custom backdrop. You can purchase grid walls online and then add greenery and flowers to create a stunning backdrop. You can use fresh or faux florals for this.

Twinkling Fairy Light Backdrops

This idea is simple and elegant, and easy to put together. It's perfect for an ethereal wedding and fairy lights are very affordable.

Greenery and Floral Hoop Backdrops

Using a hoop structure, you can create incredible DIY backdrops. You can use a single statement hoop or a collection of hoops, decorating them with greenery and flowers.

Tapestry Backdrops

Tapestries, rugs, and decorated papers make for epic DIY backdrops without too much effort. Choose a tapestry that matches your wedding colours and use the accent colours to inspire your floral choices.

Seamless Photo Paper Backdrops

Seamless photo paper is a great base for a backdrop. You can add your own decorative flair with glitter, pastel accents, or anything else you fancy.

Cut and Dyed Fabric Backdrops

Purchase some fabric in your chosen colours and cut out fun patterns like waves and layer them for an ocean-like effect. Alternatively, you could dye fabric in pastel shades for a personalised look.

Using items from your closet

Scarves, Gloves, and Hats

That furry scarf you never wore, your great aunt's silky gloves, or a fascinator can all be turned into kitschy and unique photo booth props. Ask your friends to search their closets as well for similar items to add to your collection. These props will not only look fun in photos but will also keep your guests warm if your wedding is during the colder months.

Jewelry

While it's important to keep your most valuable jewelry safe, some statement pieces like large necklaces, bold rings, or sparkly bracelets can be used as props. These can be draped over other items or worn by guests for some glamorous photos. Just be sure to handle them with care and keep an eye on them during the event.

Clothing and Accessories

Look for clothing items in your closet that align with your wedding theme or color palette. For example, a leather jacket, a colorful scarf, or a pair of quirky sunglasses can all make for fun photo props. If you have a themed wedding, like a 1920s-inspired celebration, consider using items like feather boas, top hats, or long pearl necklaces. Don't be afraid to mix and match to create unique and memorable looks.

Shoes

If you have a pair of statement shoes that you adore, why not include them as props? They can add a touch of personality and fashion to your photos. Whether they're colorful, embellished, or simply comfortable, shoes can be a fun addition to your prop collection. Just be sure they complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Heirloom Items

Incorporate some family history into your wedding props by using heirloom items. This could be a vintage handbag, a lace handkerchief, or even a piece of jewelry passed down through generations. Not only will these items add a touch of sentimentality to your photos, but they'll also help connect your family's past with your special day.

Frequently asked questions