DIY Photo Booth for reception

Photo booths seem to be the new trend for wedding receptions. But renting one can be really costly. I've seen booth rentals for anywhere between $250 to $2000. Neither is in my price range. So I set out to create my own photo booth and really slash costs. I'm sharing my ideas & how to's with you to help you keep under budget.

How to make a DIY photo booth:

First, you'll need to choose an area to designate for your photo booth. Consider an out of the way place. Maybe a corner, closet, unused room etc. We'll be using a back unused hallway.

Next you'll need something capable of taking your photos, of course! You can use a a laptop w/ a webcam, a camera with a photo printer, or a polaroid instant camera. Make sure you have adequate supplies for printing lots of pictures. If you choose to use your laptop, you'll need a good software to simplify the process. Here are some: Sparkbooth $59, Open Photo Booth $0, cameroid $0, seenly $0, Snap $0, MugShot Maching $0.

To make your photo booth fun add in some props that go with your theme. Since our's is vintage, well be using mustaches on a stick, feather boas, and bowler hats. I'll post a DIY soon on making your own mustache on a stick!

The next thing isn't really necessary, but helps your photo booth look more... put together. It's a backdrop! It can be as simple as a spring loaded curtain rod with a couple different colored shower curtains, so your guests can easily switch backdrops. Or you can use a large painting/picture hung on the wall. Or fabric hung on the wall or from a shower curtain etc.

After the reception, if you use your laptop or a digital camera, you will have all the photos stored on a memory card for use in your wedding photo album, without photographer fees! And if you do have a professional photographer, they might even edit your photo booth photos as well.

One more little touch to add to your photo booth is a personalized sign directing guests where to go. Wedding Chicks has one you can print yourself easy, here.