Thinking of adding a photobooth rental to your next event?
Awesome! Photo booths are a unique and fun feature that is sure to make your day stand out, leaving you and your guests with memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to take it a step further? Try adding a customized backdrop to really make your photos pop!
In this guide we’ll cover:
- Reasons to have a custom backdrop
- How to make the best custom backdrop for your event
- Different custom backdrops that you can try.
Ready to get snapping? Let’s dive into it!
The Best Reasons Why You Should Have a Customized Backdrop for Your Photo Booth Rental
Adds a Personal Touch to Events and Photoshoots
Having a custom backdrop shows your guests that you’ve really put a lot of thought into every aspect of your event! Don’t sweat for photos at your next event. Pixilated has you covered for any event from a photo booth rental for weddings or corporate events. A DIY party photo booth is always a good idea, and a custom backdrop makes it even sweeter.
Custom backdrops also add a softer, welcoming vibe that’s sure to make people feel more at ease and more comfortable for their photos.
Can Be Designed to Match the Theme, Color Scheme, or Branding
Make sure that your whole space is cohesive!
A customized backdrop will make sure that your event theme matches not just your photo booth but also the photos you’ll capture.
Can Be Used as a Marketing Tool (Displaying Logos or Messages)
Your photos won’t just be uploaded on your company’s website—your guests will also surely post the photos they’ve taken on their social media!
Why not use the free visibility boost by adding your brand or slogans to the backdrop?
Provides a Unique and Memorable Background for Photos
You want people to remember your event fondly whenever they look back on their photographs.
Creating a unique backdrop is a surefire way to truly own the occasion and make it yours!
Offers a Creative Outlet for Self-Expression
Planning an event can sometimes be a drag, but why not have a little fun with it?
Making your own backdrop is not only a blast in and of itself but also a wonderful chance to flex some artistic and design muscles amid all that event planning!
How to Create a Customized Backdrop for Your Photo Booth Rental
You’ve now learned why it’s a great idea to have a customized backdrop, but how do you actually go about it?
No worries – just follow our easy seven-step checklist and you’ll be ready to shoot in no time!
1. Choose the Right Space for the Backdrop (Indoors or Outdoors)
The first thing you need to consider is the flow that you want for your event!
People may be queuing to use your photo booth, so choose an area that won’t get too clogged up.
At the same time, you also want to make sure that your booth is visible so everyone can easily find it.
Is your setup going to be indoors or outdoors? This is important to consider before the next steps, as the materials you choose may depend on the location.
For instance, while using tissue paper outdoors isn’t the best idea if there’s any chance of wind or rain, having too many natural materials indoors can also result in a difficult cleanup if your venue is carpeted!
If you plan on shooting outside, consider having a backup location inside your venue in case of unexpected weather changes.
2. Decide on the Size of the Backdrop and Acquire the Necessary Materials (Canvas, Fabric, Wall Paper, Paper Rolls, Etc.)
How many people do you anticipate will want to be in one photograph together?
How much floor space between the booth and the camera do you have?
How much horizontal and vertical space do you have for your backdrop?
These questions all factor in when choosing your backdrop size. At the end of the day, we know you can make anything work – but opting for a larger backdrop if you have the space may take some of the hassles out of the planning.
How are you getting your backdrop? Now’s the time to pop to your local craft store or photography store and grab everything you need.
Alternatively, you can also rent one of Pixilated’s backdrops right along with your photo booth!
3. Choose the Right Color Scheme and Design
The right color scheme and design will depend largely on the theme of your event.
For a corporate function, a green screen photobooth to give you a branded background (maybe with some fun props) usually does the trick. For weddings, light and floral themes are always popular.
We can’t tell you what to do though! If your wedding’s theme is “cowboy in space”, you can have just as much fun with a starry backdrop and big hats!
Always keep the lighting you have and your planned dress code in mind. You want your backdrop to contrast with and complement your guests.
When in doubt, keep it simple! Solid black, white, or light gray backgrounds are always a safe option. Work from there and add elements of interest such as logos or slogans, props, or decorative features.
Is your glam photo booth shooting in color or black and white? There’s no point in going all out for a magenta backdrop if it’s going to be gray in the photos!
4. Set up a Frame or Structure to Hold the Backdrop in Place
You don’t want your backdrop to fall down on the big day!
Make sure to follow all the instructions that come with your backdrop stand and tighten screws well to prevent any last-minute disasters.
Double-check that the ground where you're setting up is even, especially if you’re outside.
If you think that it’s going to be windy, it may be a good idea to add some weight to the stand’s base and devise a plan to move somewhere more sheltered.
5. Attach the Chosen Material to the Frame and Smooth Out Any Wrinkles or Creases
If you’re using a traditional backdrop stand, make sure that your material is firmly in place by pushing the pocket of the backdrop smoothly onto the stand’s crossbar during assembly.
For a backdrop that doesn’t have a top pocket, you can hang it over the bar and clamp it firmly in place on the top.
Stretchy materials or those prone to wrinkling can be pulled taut using backdrop clips on the sides of your frame.
If you’re using a fabric background, you may want to iron it first – but be sure to do your research so as not to damage the material!
6. Add Props, Lighting, and Decorations as Desired
These little touches really add to the magic!
Classic props include funny hats and costumes, speech bubble signs, and flower bouquets—but they can also be anything you want.
Make sure to have a designated place for your props, such as a table or bucket, near the photo booth area, so that they don’t get lost (or “borrowed” by your cheekier guests!).
Having direct lighting is key if you can swing it. Even outside, it’s a good idea to have a backup light source – especially if your event goes well into the evening.
Depending on your theme, having indirect secondary lights can also be super fun and appealing!
Fairy lights always add a flair of whimsy to any occasion, and battery-powered lanterns or candles always add some intrigue to vintage events.
Have fun with the decorations around your backdrop, but don’t go too overboard!
You don’t want to take away the focus from the people, nor have bulky objects that need to be moved in and out of the frame and awkwardly worked around for group shots.
Stick mainly to the outside of your backdrop, and frame guests with a maximum of one or two other pieces of decor in the middle if you prefer.
7. Test the Setup and Adjust as Needed
It’s time for some practice shots!
Make sure that you have adequate spacing. Remember that the closer you are to the camera, the smaller the backdrop will look in comparison.
You want to be able to give guests a good idea of where to stand for the perfect shot!
Check if the backdrop fully takes up the whole frame as you certainly don’t want any awkward corners of the wall poking through.
Lastly, also check if your logos and branding are clearly visible regardless of whatever poses your guests might do during the event. In case you don't want to worry about people blocking your logo, consider the option to add custom design as an overlay to your photos.
Most importantly: take your time! It’s important to catch any potential issues or mistakes now so that everything will be fun and smooth later on.
Some Customized Backdrop Ideas to Take Inspiration From!
Still searching for ideas? Here are some of our favorite creative custom backdrops!
Floral Wall
This backdrop option is a classic for a reason. Surround your guests with nature just as beautiful as they are!
Floral walls can be customized to fit any color scheme—choose from a monotone color, a varied bouquet explosion, or a pared-down, leafy green wall with some decorative flowers on the edges.
What about a stunning sunflower wall for a summer event or a quirky succulent scene? Whatever idea you might have, don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
There will likely be several vendors nearby where you can purchase or rent a floral wall backdrop. Make sure you find a place that is reasonably priced and has plenty of customization options.
While most people opt for a faux flower wall, you could really elevate your event by using real flowers!
If you go this route, remember to consider the amount of time that the flowers will look their best, the potential petal cleanup, and any possible allergies.
A Vintage/Retro-Inspired Backdrop
Hosting a themed event? Have your photos really match the mood with a vintage backdrop at your booth!
While there’s a lot of variety here depending on the era you’re going for, ornate wallpapers are always an easy option. Add in a pedestal (or a cloth curtain if you’re feeling really fancy) and let the old-timey vibes begin!
If you don’t want to blast too far in the past, tap into the awkward glory of the family photoshoots in the seventies and eighties!
Just grab a “hand-painted” blue backdrop or one with some cool, neon laser beam patterning and let your guests do the rest!
We’d recommend providing props such as sweatbands, mustaches, and wigs to really sell it.
A Classic Movie Theater or Red Carpet Backdrop
Get your moment on the red carpet, host the event of the season, and let your guests feel like they’re the stars of the show!
This custom backdrop is super easy to set up—just grab some red material of any kind for the floor, put up a white backdrop, and you’re good to go!
Direct, bright lighting is the key to really giving your photos that paparazzi feel.
For a personal touch, put your event branding or corporate logos on the backdrop to mimic the Hollywood sponsors!
Want to elevate the atmosphere? Add in some red velvet ropes for people to pose behind and add some microphone props for friends to poke into the sides of the shots!
Alternatively, a classic movie theater backdrop puts your guests right on center stage! To capture the vibe, make sure to feature a cinema screen or closed red curtains.
Add to the cinematic hype with 3D glasses, popcorn boxes, and comically large drinks!
A Pop-Art Style Comic Book Backdrop
Want everyone at your event to know that you think they’re super? Let them see for themselves with a comic book backdrop!
These DIY backdrops are easy to set up as they feature flat, bright colors and dots. You can go the extra mile by adding some black grid lines to mimic a comic strip panel as well!
Add some adjustable decoration to the panel that can be taken on and off quickly if you like, such as visual sound effects (think “BOOM!” or “SMASH!”), stars, and clouds.
Props such as speech bubbles or superhero masks and capes are always fun as well!
Experience the Best DIY Photo Booths with Pixilated!
By now, we’re sure that you’ve got the basics under your belt and that you’re ready to dive into making your own custom backdrop!
Custom backdrops add value and unique touch to your event, making it more memorable while also being an easy way to create marketing opportunities. They’re also just so creative and fun too!
Because they’re easy to design and set up, customized backdrops can be made to suit your event’s needs.
There are so many different backdrop options—the hardest part might be choosing what to pick.
Keen to get your photo booth sorted so you can dive in?
Read everything you need to know about renting a photo booth and head over to Pixilated, the top pick for photo booth rentals, and get your super modern, photo booth that’s easy to set up and operate delivered straight to you!
And, to sweeten the experience – shipping is free both ways too!
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with your upcoming backdrop build, don’t worry. We also offer backdrops and props as well, sent right along with your photo booth.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to make your event as memorable as possible!
References
- Making photography backdrops: https://www.katebackdrop.com/pages/handbook-of-photography-backdrop#type_style
- Building a floral wall: https://education.teamflower.org/learn/design/ssl/how-to-build-a-flower-wall
- Red carpet photo booth ideas: https://www.pinterest.nz/mkmagnets/red-carpet-photo-booth/
