Photo booths are a huge wedding trend right now. Personally, I think they are adorable and will be using one at my own wedding to serve as a guest book. Plus, it is so easy to create the props yourself! Grab some bridesmaids to help and you're good to go!
Free Templates
I'm not much of an artist, but if you are, you can create your own. If you aren't talented like the rest of us, take advantage of free templates. Here are the ones I used:
Know of some other great free templates? Share them in the comment section below!
Know of some other great free templates? Share them in the comment section below!
Materials and Prices
- Printed Templates ($17 at Staples because I don't have colored ink. Boo.)
- Bamboo Skewers ($1 at Walmart for 100)
- Elmer's Spray Adhesive ($7 at Hobby Lobby)
- X Acto Knife ($5 at Walmart)
- Heavy Weight Cardstock ($5 at Hobby Lobby for 50)
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Foam Sheet ($.99 at Hobby Lobby)
- Chalkboard Spray Paint ($4 at Walmart)
Optional Materials
- Glitter ($3 per large bottle, $5 for pack at Hobby Lobby)
- Mod Podge ($4 at Hobby Lobby)
- Sponge Brush
- Signs ($3 each at Hobby Lobby)
- Frames ($1 each at Dollar Tree)
- Acrylic Paint ($1 each at Walmart)
Total Cost: about $46. This seems a little expensive, but remember I had to print the templates at Staples and I didn't own an x acto knife.
To save some cash, borrow a friend's printer along with any other item you can!
To save some cash, borrow a friend's printer along with any other item you can!
Directions
Step one:
Cut the props. The edges don't have to be perfect. I quickly learned to leave plenty of room (you'll see why in step three).
Cut the props. The edges don't have to be perfect. I quickly learned to leave plenty of room (you'll see why in step three).
Step two:
Use the Elmer's Spray Adhesive to coat the backs of the cut outs. (Don't do them all at once. Switch between steps two and three until all are glued onto the cardstock). I used an old poster board as a backdrop for this. I highly recommend this as the glue is incredibly sticky and is hard to clean off of surfaces.
Use the Elmer's Spray Adhesive to coat the backs of the cut outs. (Don't do them all at once. Switch between steps two and three until all are glued onto the cardstock). I used an old poster board as a backdrop for this. I highly recommend this as the glue is incredibly sticky and is hard to clean off of surfaces.
Step three:
Place the glued pieces onto the heavy weight cardstock, then cut each prop piece out, using the x acto knife as needed (I used the same poster board to bare down on when using the knife). As you can see, I left plenty of room so that I could make sure my edges were clean and I didn't cut too much of the actual prop away. This happens when you cut neatly the first time around.
Place the glued pieces onto the heavy weight cardstock, then cut each prop piece out, using the x acto knife as needed (I used the same poster board to bare down on when using the knife). As you can see, I left plenty of room so that I could make sure my edges were clean and I didn't cut too much of the actual prop away. This happens when you cut neatly the first time around.
Step four:
Using the hot glue gun, glue the bamboo skewers to the cut outs. Switch up the sides on which you glue the rods on so that guests can hold one in each hand when taking photos. It would be difficult if all rods were glued on the right!
Using the hot glue gun, glue the bamboo skewers to the cut outs. Switch up the sides on which you glue the rods on so that guests can hold one in each hand when taking photos. It would be difficult if all rods were glued on the right!
Step five:
Set the glued pieces aside to dry. Don't worry about the frame, it was drying because I accidentally broke it. Typical me.
Set the glued pieces aside to dry. Don't worry about the frame, it was drying because I accidentally broke it. Typical me.
Speech Bubbles
- Cut out the shapes with the cardstock.
- Hot glue the cut outs onto the foam sheet.
- Once dry, cut the shapes again.
- Spray two coats of chalk board paint onto the cardstock side of the prop.
- Once dry, glue the skewers to the back.
Optional Steps
One:
If you want to glitterfy some props (yes, glitterfy), add a layer of mod podge using a sponge brush. Once you've tapped off the excess glitter, spray with the Elmer's Spray Glue to set it.
If you want to glitterfy some props (yes, glitterfy), add a layer of mod podge using a sponge brush. Once you've tapped off the excess glitter, spray with the Elmer's Spray Glue to set it.
Two:
Paint the frames whatever color you choose or glitterfy them to add some flair.
Paint the frames whatever color you choose or glitterfy them to add some flair.
Three:
Paint the back, front and sides of the signs black, then spray the front with a layer of chalkboard paint. Let dry, then spray a second layer.
If the photo booth is also serving as the guest book as mine is, these signs will allow people to write advice or messages to you!
Paint the back, front and sides of the signs black, then spray the front with a layer of chalkboard paint. Let dry, then spray a second layer.
If the photo booth is also serving as the guest book as mine is, these signs will allow people to write advice or messages to you!
Enjoy!
Photo booths aren't just for weddings. Use them for a party or get together with friends and family! I got the vases for $1 each at Dollar Tree and I'll be purchasing a few more so guests can easily search through the props.
- Adina