You know those cute photo booths you see at weddings and parties? I’ve always loved sticking my head behind that curtain and hamming it up as the camera clicks away. There’s just something about those spontaneous photos that captures the fun of the moment. Well, I had a brainstorm the other day – why not create my very own DIY photo booth for my next backyard bash? With a few simple materials and a dash of creativity, I could set up a photo spot just as cute as those professional booths. Then my friends and I can snap silly selfies all night long! The key to any good photo booth is having an eye-catching, colorful backdrop. So in this little guide, I’ll share some of my favorite easy DIY ideas for making photo booth backdrops that are sure liven up any party. I’ll also give you tips for putting together a stand to mount your new creation on.
Let’s dive in!
Project 1: Oversized Photo Booth Prop Backdrops
I don’t know about you, but I love a good prop. You’ll usually find me posing with silly glasses, funky hats, or quirky signs at any photo op I can get my hands on.
So why not supersize some prop-style decorations and turn them into the actual photo booth backdrop? Here are some über fun ideas:
DIY Speech Bubble Backdrop
Start with a large piece of cardboard or foam core board. I’d suggest going at least 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide to make a big visual impact.
Then, use a pencil to lightly sketch an outline of a giant speech or thought bubble shape that will take up much of the board. You can find templates online if you need inspiration. Once you have the shape, carefully cut it out with an art knife or scissors.
Now’s the fun part – decorate that bubble any way you want! Some ideas:
- Paint it a bright color and use puffy paint to add words like “Oh Snap!”, “Say Cheese!”, or whatever funny phrase you’d like partygoers to pose with
- Cover it in scrapbook paper that matches your party theme
- Decorate it with lots of colorful shapes cut from cardstock, tissue paper, streamers, etc. Go wild!
To finish it off, glue ribbon along the edges to give it a polished look. And add small holes near the top so you can easily hang this statement-making speech bubble against any wall or backdrop. Strike a pose!
Big Arrow Sign Backdrop
If a speech bubble doesn’t strike your fancy, how about an oversized arrow pointing to the photo spot? To make one:
- Get some large cardboard shipping boxes and cut out arrow shapes that are at least 5 feet tall.
- Paint them in fun neon colors that really pop.
- Finish the arrows off by outlining them with colored duct tape, gluing on faux gems for a fancy look, or attaching battery-powered string lights. Sky’s the limit!
- Prop those bad boys up behind your photo booth spot and watch your friends ham it up under the arrows all night long.
Oversized Photo Booth Props
Finally, my favorite easy option is to make some ginormous photo prop shapes – we’re talking at least 3-4 feet wide here. Then lean them against the backdrop surface to do double duty as props AND decor.
Some stellar ideas here:
- Big bright red lips – lip shapes are quintessential photo booth props. Paint some plywood red, put on a few coats of shiny finish, outline with red feathers…pucker up!
- Hashtag sign – cut a big hashtag symbol out of foam core and decorate with cardstock, tissue paper, tinsel garland…anything colorful. Then invite guests to pose inside the hashtag itself.
- Emojis – paint large yellow emoji faces like smiley faces, winking smiley faces, heart eyes, or the classic tongue-out winking face. Fun!
The possibilities with photo prop backdrops are endless. And they’re sure to add an extra element of playfulness and personality to your DIY photo booth. Snap away!
Project 2: Fun With Fabric Backdrops
Maybe cardboard isn’t your speed. No worries, we’ll switch gears to a project that involves working with fun, flexible fabric!
See, with just some basic sewing skills and colorful printed fabric purchased by the yard, you can easily whip up a custom backdrop in no time.
Here are a few options – mix and match to make exactly what you envision:
Simple Curtain Backdrops
- Buy a few yards of fabric with a whimsical print or bright solid color
- Hem the edges or sew ribbon along the sides for decoration
- Attach loops of ribbon at the corners to hang from backdrop stand hooks
- Hang in flowing curtain-like folds and smile for the camera!
Cute ideas for printed fabric backdrops: tropical floral patterns, conversation-style bubble print, polka dots, astronomy prints…anything playful that sparks joy!
Pennant Banner Backdrops
Pennant banners add such a festive flair. To make a pennant photo backdrop:
- Cut triangle flag shapes from different patterned or colored fabrics
- Sew them together into one long string of flags
- Hang from side to side with a backdrop stand – now you have a colorful pennant photo booth!
Some pennant shape inspiration:
- Traditional triangles
- Funky wavy triangles
- Circles/houses/mickey heads if you have mad sewing skills!
Tassel Garland Backdrops
For boho photo booth vibes, consider hanging a swag of fabric tassel garland!
First cut fabric into very long triangular strips. Roll and sew the wide end of each triangle strip to form loops. Gather the loops together and hang in a bountiful garland from side to side.
Drape lights across the top for a sweet glow and say cheese under the dangling tassels!
Project 3: Outdoor Backdrop Ideas
Let’s dream bigger! All of a sudden I’m envisioning creating a full photo booth lounge area right in my backyard. Something like a fun little lounge-y space tucked off to the side, with comfy seating and an eye-catching backdrop beckoning my guests to take silly selfies all night under the stars.
If you have the outdoor space, why not extend your DIY photo booth backdrop station into the garden or patio area? It’s sure to be a hit!
Here are some natural backdrop ideas that complement the great outdoors:
Twinkling Fabric Canopy
On a budget? Simply hang tapestries, sheets, or large swaths of printed fabric above seating areas to form an instant canopy. Bonus points for draping string lights across the top – nothing says party like twinkles!
Add plush floor pillows or poufs below for ultra cozy photo ops. Then striking fun poses all night will be a breeze.
Flower/Greenery Backdrop Walls
If you feel like getting your hands dirty, consider crafting a living backdrop wall!
- Build a large rectangular trellis or lattice panel. You could even use an old headboard or section of fence propped upright.
- Entwine flowering vines, trailing plants like ivy or jasmine, fairy lights, and other greenery to create a dreamy natural backdrop.
- Place benches flanking the wall and get ready for magic hour photos!
Other organic backdrops that could work:
- Old doors, shutters, or pieces of salvaged wood arranged into a fun abstract sculpture. Then weave flowers and vines throughout the cracks
- Arbors or pergolas interlaced with fresh flowers or paper blooms
- An existing brick or stone wall covered in ivy or moss. Hang a neon sign, add a bench below, and call it a day!
However you choose to do it, bringing the backdrop outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature is sure to result in glowing, gorgeous portraits and capture the essence of togetherness.
Alright, we’ve covered tons of handmade backdrop ideas to spark your creativity. Now let’s chat about how we can easily display these DIY creations. Time to build the perfect backdrop stand or structure to hang or prop up our photo booth centerpiece!
Building Out Backdrop Stands & Structures
You could try simply leaning a large backdrop against the wall. But it’s likely to slip and slide throughout the party.
A sturdy backdrop stand is crucial for keeping your handmade creation smoothly on display all night. No matter which of the ideas above most inspires you, here are some easy DIY solutions for propping up or hanging backdrops.
Freestanding Backdrop Stands
For a lightweight fabric backdrop, one of the simplest route is to make a quick freestanding PVC pipe structure. Here’s the building process:
Supplies Needed:
- 1⁄2 inch PVC pipes – you’ll need two 10′ long pipes and two 3′ long pipes, along with four elbow joints and four T joints
- PVC cement to secure joints
- Small eye hooks for hanging backdrop
- Curtain weights or sandbags for stability
Steps:
- Construct a rectangular shape with the pipes and PVC joints
- Place pipes close together for stability, about 2.5′ to 3′ apart
- Use PVC cement to permanently connect joints
- Screw eye hooks along top and bottom pipes
- Drape your backdrop material over the top bar, using hooks to attach
- Hang weights/sandbags from bottom bar for security
And voila – you now have a freestanding PVC photo booth backdrop stand for less than $50. It breaks down easily for transport and storage too. Pretty picture perfect if you ask me!
Wooden Backdrop Stand
For a backdrop stand with a little more visual appeal, you could construct a simple wooden frame instead.
Supplies Needed:
- Two 10′ wood boards, 2″x4″ width
- Two 6′ wood boards. 2’x4″ width
- Power drill
- Corner braces
- Screws
- Eye hooks/curtain hooks
- Hammer
Building Steps:
- Lay wood boards on ground in a rectangle formation, with longer boards at top/bottom
- Drill pilot holes and screw boards together at corners
- Hammer corner braces on the joints for reinforcement
- Screw eye hooks/curtain hooks along top board every 6 inches or so
- Hang your backdrop, stand upright, and smile!
For a more finished look, consider painting or staining the frame. Or you can lean into the simple, rustic vibe and leave the natural wood exposed.
Add wheels for easy mobility or anchor to ground stakes outside for extra stability.
However you tweak it, this basic wooden backdrop stand build lets your creative curtains or banners shine while keeping them wrinkle-free. Cha-ching!
Hanging From Fences/Posts
If you’re working with a smaller or lighter backdrop, you likely can skip building an entire freestanding structure.
Instead, look for existing infrastructure in your venue you can easily hang backdrop materials from.
For instance:
- Drape fabric across fence posts or bannisters
- Tie banner backdrops to trees
- Use removable 3M hooks to hang paper fans from walls
- Hang props from shepherd’s hooks or planters
- Secure lightweight corkboards to the side of a garage or building
Taking advantage of existing architecture cuts down construction time. And it keeps things low budget and low commitment too – always a win!
Well, those are my favorite easy DIY photo backdrop stand solutions. Whether you’re throwing together a backdrop structure in 20 minutes or spending an entire artsy afternoon bringing your creative vision to life, having the right display setup is key!
Now you have lots of options to keep those dazzling homemade backdrops smooth and straight as you capture smiles, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Let your creativity run totally wild, snap some pictures in style, and most importantly – have fun! This is your party, after all.
Alright, let’s wrap up with answers to a few commonly asked questions about DIY photo booth backdrops:
FAQs
What are some cheap materials to use for backdrops?
Great budget-friendly DIY backdrop ideas include cardboard, fabric from thrift stores, sheets, shipping pallets, and canvas drop cloths from hardware stores. Get creative with materials you already have at home for an easy free backdrop!
How do I hang a large backdrop outside?
Use removable 3M hooks, commands strips, or small nails to securely hang lightweight paper or fabric backdrops from exterior walls and vertical surfaces. For bigger, heavier backdrops, construct a freestanding PVC pipe or wooden backdrop stand to display outside.
What if my backdrop won’t stay in place?
Add weights like sandbags, curtain weights, or even heavy books to the bottom of vertical fabric backdrop stands. Or opt for backdrops that attach directly to walls with commander strips or removable adhesive. Stability is key!
What are some good backdrop ideas for photo booths?
Classic photo booth backdrop ideas that always wow include bright solid colors, vibrant patterned fabrics, faux flowers/vines/greenery, paper fans, pennant banners, large props, and personalized signage. The possibilities are endless – go wild and have fun with it!
Where can I find printable photo booth props?
Search on Etsy or photo booth prop websites for instant printable photo booth prop packages full of signs, speech bubbles, mustaches on a stick, fun glasses, and hats for silly selfies. DIY props take your photo booth to the next level!
The Final Shot
Phew, this guide really covered so many fabulous DIY photo booth backdrop and stand options to spark your creativity!
Whether you just want to snap some cute pictures with friends or you’re throwing a blowout backyard bash, a photo spot with eye-catching backdrops is sure to be a hit.
Exploring the best evening activities in London becomes even more memorable when you add a touch of creativity to your night – indulge in the endless choices of handmaking personalized photo booth decor with wild fabrics, a hot glue gun, and a self-built backdrop stand, letting your ingenious ideas shine as you capture the essence of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Then watch as the camera flashes light up smiling faces all night long. That’s what memories are made of!
Now let’s get crafting and say cheese, my friends!
