How to Create an Unforgettable (and Easy) DIY Photo Booth

Photo booths at malls, amusement parks and weddings have stood the test of time because they're classic and fun. And if renting one for your day isn't in the budget, how about a DIY photo booth? A do-it-yourself wedding photo booth means you get full creative liberty on crafting a spot for you and your guests to take memorable pictures.

We've gathered a ton of wedding photo booth ideas, and we also spoke with Nora Sheils, founder of Bridal Bliss in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and cofounder of Rock Paper Coin, who has experience in helping couples with their own DIY wedding photo booth. She says, "When it comes to photo booths, this can all be done well in advance and be a fun, affordable way to add entertainment if the budget isn't there to hire a professional." We've also sprinkled in some other DIY wedding tips, including adding signage to your DIY photo booth wedding. So, let's take a closer look at what you need for this picture-perfect wedding day essential.

In this article: What Do You Need for a DIY Photo Booth? | How to Pick Your DIY Photo Booth Backdrop | How to Set Up a DIY Wedding Photo Booth | How to Print DIY Photo Booth Pictures | How Much Does a Homemade Photo Booth Cost?

What Do You Need for a DIY Photo Booth?

Time to jot down everything you need for your DIY photo booth ideas. From wedding photo booth prop ideas to all the camera equipment, gathering what you need won't be a problem with this handy list. Sheils adds, "Wedding guests love a good accessory, themed or not. Think glasses, boas, hats and, of course, signage." And if you want to DIY photo booth props, all you'll need are some craft supplies like stock paper, paint, sticks and glue to make your props on-theme. You can also utilize The Knot Invitations for all your photo booth paper goods, like signs leading to the area or setup must-haves. And The Knot Paper allows you to filter by price, design, color theme and more. Here is what you'll need for your DIY wedding photo booth.

• Themed props
• Ring light
• Camera (can use a phone, tablet or Polaroid-style camera, as an example)
• Backdrop/background
• Signage leading to the photo booth
• Printer (or instructions for digital files)
• Tripod/camera stand
• Picture frames (for posing)
• Any necessary apps for phone/tablet (such as Darkroom)
• Remote (for camera timer)
• Curtains (for classic photo booth design)
• Standing frame (for classic photo booth design)

How to Pick Your DIY Photo Booth Backdrop

Do you need a backdrop for a photo booth? It's your wedding, so you make the rules, but a DIY backdrop for photo booths does help photos look more professional and reduce the amount of background motion and noise. Choosing the right DIY photo booth background is about finding something that blends in well. Sheils says, "Plan for a nice big background and position the booth near the action, but out of the way, and ensure it's well lit." You can take advantage of wedding photo booth rentals for your background to help save the cost of buying a backdrop outright. A DIY photo booth frame with red curtains for that vintage photo booth style is a simple but effective choice. Thrift stores and party stores might have a backdrop for DIY photo booths that fit your budget. Here's a backdrop photo booth DIY tip: Use a sheet of fabric, a flower wall or antique curtains for a unique look.

How to Set Up a DIY Wedding Photo Booth

When getting your wedding photo booth set up, you'll want to be sure you have the essentials. "The basics include a camera or iPad, tripod, light, and remote or timer. There are quite a few apps like LumaBooth or Simple Booth that make setup and sharing easy," says Sheils. For some other photo booth setup ideas, you can look into how to rent a photo booth for an easier time setting up.

Do iPads Make Good Photo Booths?

Yes, you can use your phone or iPad for DIY photo booths, especially since most guests are familiar with the interface, making it an especially handy and cost-saving option if you've already got a tablet or cell phone.

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Lighting Your Photo Booth

Another of the most important photo booth setup ideas is lighting. You'll want to ensure you light your photo booth well, with a ring light, some natural light if your venue allows or an LED light. Take a few practice photos with your setup before the wedding day to see how the pics turn out and if the lighting needs adjusting.

Making Your Photo Booth Stand Out

So your guests know where to go, making your photo booth stand out is a must. Having a designated, easy-to-spot area with signs for your DIY photo booth (iPad or otherwise) will draw your friends and family to this fun reception activity. A neon sign or arrows leading to the photo booth are creative ways to guide your loved ones.

Creating a Layout for Your Photo Booth

You'll also want to look into creating the right layout for your venue, potentially setting the backdrop against a large wall with good lighting away from speakers and in a lower-traffic area. Speak with your planner or the venue owners about what past couples have done to get some inspiration for your own wedding.

Making a Standing Photo Booth

There are ways to make an upright, standing photo booth without too much hassle. You can find stands or classic photo booth setups with curtains around the area, with a place to put your phone, tablet or camera. Another exciting option is a freestanding robot camera with easy-to-follow prompts and features for taking selfies in the photo booth area.

Crafting a DIY 360 Photo Booth

For something a little more modern and out of the box, a 360-degree photo booth requires some different materials. Rent or buy supplies like a rotating platform and 360-view cameras to create unforgettable photos from your day. (This may be more costly than a typical do-it-yourself wedding photo booth, but if your budget fits it, it's a cool DIY project your guests will enjoy.)

How to Print DIY Photo Booth Pictures

Our wedding planning expert, Sheils, recommends Polaroids for DIY photo booth printing, since they're especially user-friendly and quick. Thankfully, plenty of other options are available if you're looking for your own photo booth DIY printer. Compact printers, like the Canon Selphy, are a good choice, or you can have guests opt for digital copies of their photos by setting up an iPad with Darkroom or a digital photo booth. For your DIY photo booth, Polaroid or Instax cameras print right from the source itself, and it takes seconds for photos to develop. (Plus, it's the perfect choice if you're doing a Polaroid wedding guest book.) Consider DIY photo booth picture frames, like pint-sized magnets to fit Polaroid photos, as favors for your guests, too.

How Much Does a Homemade Photo Booth Cost?

How much does it cost to make a DIY photo booth? Sheils says, "It could be minimal with no backdrop, props, etc., or it could be thousands of dollars if couples want to customize a backdrop and choose upscale props. Also, the guest count will affect the quantity of materials needed! At a minimum, I think it would be difficult to execute a DIY photo booth well under $400."

You'll also want to consider DIY wedding signs to guide your guests to the photo booth, and DIY photo booth signs from Canva or other free and low-cost resources can help you stay within your budget. You could also save money with a DIY photo booth kit or premade props at party stores or sites like Etsy. The Knot Budget Advisor is a must-have tool in your wedding planning arsenal, since it allows you to adjust your budget based on your priorities, and you can also learn more about wedding budgets in your local area.