Amelia Grant

Let's face it, when wedding guests are in the mood to party, they don't need much encouragement (although an open bar doesn't hurt). The last thing you want is to miss out on all of those unforgettable moments because photographers and videographers can only be in so many places at once, logistically speaking. You can encourage your guests to let loose and have fun while also recording the funny antics you and your other half might otherwise miss with a DIY photo booth.

All of the excellent professional vendors and specialized services they provide help to make wedding days feasible. Photo booths are no exception. Leave it to the professionals for a photo booth experience with all the bells and whistles. If you like a more informal ambiance (and a smaller cost), though, a DIY setup is the way to go. We've compiled a list of how to create a photo booth so that your own picture booth may be just as memorable.

1. Find the perfect spot for your DIY photo booth 

Begin by reserving a table at your wedding reception. Guests should be able to find your DIY photo booth quickly, but it should not disrupt the flow of your event. Dance floor corners, unused coat closets, and the wide open expanses of nature are all excellent choices. Once you've found a decent location, take a few measurements and start planning your photo.

2. Build a DIY photo booth backdrop 

The expressions on your family and friends' faces when they're having a good time are bound to be picture perfect on their own, but a well-styled backdrop may elevate your images even further. If you've never used a hammer or drilled a hole, building a DIY photo booth backdrop may seem beyond your capabilities. Don't be concerned! Simply choose a simpler configuration.

A basic wall can be transformed into the DIY photo booth backdrop of your dreams using ribbons, fabric, balloons, streamers, flowers, and just about anything else you can find at a craft store. Get permission on what you can and cannot display on the walls if you're renting a reception space or using a friend or family member's home (you don't want to be charged for damages after the wedding). If you get the green light, use easy-to-remove paper tape (also known as "washi" tape) and temporary hooks and fasteners that won't damage the walls. Do you want to delegate your artistic knowledge to someone else?

3. Brighten pics with DIY photo booth lighting 

What good is a hilarious snapshot if the faces can't be seen? Don't be stingy with your lighting because it can make or ruin your DIY photo booth. Although a camera flash is an option, because visitors are left to their own devices (literally), the end results may be less than ideal. Instead, seek for locations that allow for plenty of natural light. Plug in lamps when it gets dark outside or in rooms with few to no windows. Low-cost floor lamps with daylight-style bulbs can brighten the room and cast the proper light on all of your visitors. Request lighting from your photographer or location, if available, for a surefire plan.

4. Make pics playful with DIY photo booth props 

Your DIY photo booth should have a completely different vibe from prom-style "stand here, pose, and grin" photos. This is where props come into play. Costumes, sunglasses, toys, hats, masks, paper speech bubbles, and whatever else your imagination can conjure up will help guests unwind and have a good time.

A computer, printer, some precut dowel rods, and glue or tape will be your closest friends if you're not the crafty sort. Purchase and print downloadable photo booth prop designs to adhere on dowel rods. It really is that simple. Find a crafty friend or family member and enlist their assistance in creating your DIY photo booth accessories.

5. Add a DIY photo booth frame 

Frames aren't just for displaying your images; they may also help you capture a beautiful snap in a DIY photo booth. Without the glass, a large photo frame behind it gives a distinctive spot for wedding guests to pose. Remove the glass and backing from a couple frames of various sizes (larger is ideal in this case), and you've got yourself another simple DIY photo booth accessory.

6. Instantly shoot and share your DIY photo booth pics 

Allow your wedding photographer to focus on the special images while your wedding guests take selfies in your DIY photo booth. This method eliminates the need for disposable cameras that run out of film and provide no picture preview, as well as the risk of theft or loss while leaving your own camera or tablet out. Everyone has a smartphone these days, so leave it in the capable hands of your visitors to play amateur photographer.