18 Photo Booth Backdrops to Buy or DIY for Your Big Day

Nicole Jahns
May 14, 2015

Even though wedding planning has its rough patches, it is important to remember that you are planning a giant, dazzling, wonderful party to celebrate one thing: LOVE. And of course, if you’re like us, a photo booth is a must-have for any party. It’s entertaining for guests and fun to document all the wacky, cute moments that go on behind the scenes (while you’re busy kissing your now-legal lover). So whether you have a few weeks or a few months before it’s time to say “I do,” these wedding-worthy backdrops are sure to make a statement on your big day.

1. DIY Clay Pod Backdrop: This is utter magic. Made by stringing clay pods together, this whimsical backdrop has a delicate, flower-like effect, allowing the background to peek through just so. It’s ideal for an outdoor garden- or woodland-themed wedding. (via Ruffled)

2. Sequin Backdrop ($36-$500) Crank the shimmer up a few notches with this giant, glittering backdrop. If you’re not a fan of gold, you can choose from 45 other colors.

3. Chevron Tinsel Backdrop: Up the razzle-dazzle factor with this gorgeous and unique tinsel background. Because let’s be real, why would you choose one sparkly tinsel color when you could have three? (via I Spy DIY)

4. Big Fringe DIY: Big curtains of fringed paper pack a punch and are easy to make! (via Oh Happy Day)

5. DIY Ombre Tissue Paper: Apparently, knowing how to handle tissue paper will serve you well as you plan your big day. Feel free to choose monochrome, ombre or color blocking to go with your color scheme. (via Lovely Indeed)

6. Balloons and Banners: This one’s for all you golden brides out there. This backdrop is minimal magic with DIY cardstock banners and weighted balloons, which are placed at varying heights to make them really pop (but not actually pop). (via Free People)

7. Chalkboard Photo booth: Chalkboard paint, plywood and a little elbow grease — those are the only things you need to construct this personalized photo booth. (via Averie Lane)

8. Easy and Affordable Heart Backdrop: Two things we never thought would meet: chicken wire and napkins. Together, they join to create a bold heart, which is obviously perfect for any wedding. (via DesignLoveFest)

9. Yarn Banners: If you’re embracing your inner boho gal, these DIY yarn banners are your forever photo booth friend. Not only are they easy to make (if you’ve got yarn and a few wooden dowels, you’re set), but, when layered together, they create a uniquely bright backdrop. Major bonus: After all the dancing is done and the cake‘s been consumed, you can take them home and hang them on your walls to admire forever. (via Creative Bug)

10. No-Sew Wedding Backdrop: This DIY abstract backdrop was made for the modern bride. All you need is acrylic paint, a canvas and love (of course). (via A Practical Wedding)

11. Tissue Pom Pom Wall: Never did you imagine those tissue paper flowers you made in grade school would come in handy in your adult life, but now they have. Tissue pom poms and chicken wire is all it took to make this pink flower wall. (via Margot Madison Creative)

12. Pinwheel Wall ($595): If you’re short on time, never fear! Etsy is always here. This beautiful pinwheel backdrop is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the sizes of the pinwheels, the color scheme and whether you want the pinwheels to be tied or pinned up. This leaves you with a little extra time to relax and just enjoy the ride as an almost-bride.

13. Mirror Garland and White Lights: Everyone loves sparkly lights. They’re so simple, but have such a fairytale-like quality that make every single photo glitter with wedding-day romance. (via Apartment Therapy)

14. Succulent Wall: Whether you buy the succulents right before the wedding or collect them over time (as this bride did), the small plants make a beautiful, outdoorsy wall that feels at home inside. Once all the photos are taken, the succulents can then be given away as favors to your guests. Two for the price of one! (via Green Wedding Shoes)

15. Tissue Paper Garland ($175+): Feminine with a touch of bohemian, these garlands can be yours in just a few clicks.

16. DIY Pinwheels: If you’d prefer a hands-on approach to the pinwheel backdrop, this DIY details exactly how to achieve a patterned backdrop that will add some fun texture to your photo booth photos. (via Click and Blossom)

17. Floating Heart Backdrop: If you have a basic cream or white wall, this backdrop is for you. Sweet little hanging heart garlands let you blend into the background, yet still stand out. (via Hank and Hunt)

18. DIY Easy Yarn Backdrop: This gorgeous banner poses as an unexpected photo booth backdrop, especially when contrasted against a stark white wall. Adjust for a larger crowd by using a longer dowel. P.S. This is also one that would look great hanging up in your living or dining room. (via Ruffled)

Okay, dish. Have you had a photo booth at your wedding? Or are you planning to have one? Share in the comments below.

Light Up Your Next Party With LED Balloons

At your next evening soiree, skip the staples like candles, lanterns, or string lights. You are the the hostess with the mostest, and that means having your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing from the moment they walk in to the time they leave.

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Timeless and appropriate at any age, balloons are a must-have for any celebration. But as a tech geek and lover of anything with an on-off button, I couldn’t help myself when I realized that LED lights paired with balloons would result in instant glowing lanterns!

Materials for LED Balloons

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Step 1: Gather your LEDs

This part can be as simple or complicated as you desire. One option is to craft your own LED lights, while the other is to purchase them powered and ready to go.

If you choose to get geeky and craft your own LEDs, you’ll need the following:

Step 2: Add the lights

To assemble the LEDs, place the “legs” of an LED on either side of a battery. It should light up right away. If it doesn’t, flip the battery around. On the day of the party, tape the LED to the battery to secure it in place. Repeat this process until all your LEDs are lit.

If you choose to purchase powered LEDs, head to your local Dollar Store or party supply store and hunt for LED accessories. I was able to find LED keychains that pulse a variety of colors when powered.

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Step 3: Assemble the balloons

If you plan to blow your balloons up with helium, grab your LEDs and head to the party store. Before you fill a balloon with helium, turn on an LED light and insert it into the balloon.

Once they’re tied and attached to some string, scatter the balloons around the party and watch as your glowing balloons light up the scene.

The life of any given LED will vary, but expect your LED balloons to last at least 24-48 hours.

If your LEDs are still glowing by the time your party ends, pop the balloons, remove the LEDs, turn them off, and save them for your next celebration.

How do you add a dose of geekery to your party decor? Send ideas our way by leaving a note in the comments below or by sending pics to us on Twitter or Facebook!

As CNET’s resident How To expert, Sharon Vaknin covers technology tutorials and guides. With her geek knowledge and a knack for layman’s terms, she shows the tech-savvy and tech-phobic how to make the most of their personal gadgets. Be sure to follow her on Twitter and Facebook for more techie tutorials.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Give Them Something One-Of-A-Kind With These DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

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If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

Etsy

If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

4. DIY Home Decor

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Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

DIY Jewelry

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Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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19 DIY Valentine’s Day Decor Ideas To Make Your Home More Romantic

Whether you think Valentine’s Day gives you an excuse to watch romantic movies or is a true testament of love, we don’t doubt that you’ll be celebrating in some form on February 14. Are you hosting a Galentine's Day brunch with wine and chocolate galore or will you go all-out for a private night in with you and your sweetie? Maybe, just maybe, you want to DIY Valentine's Day cardsto hand out to loved ones or that one co-worker you have a crush on.

Whatever your plans may be, we have you covered with 19 sweet decor ideas to get your pad all decked out.

DIY Conversation Heart Care Packages

The best thing about these packages is that they're way prettier than your average brown box, meaning they make great Valentine's Day decor ideas to add to your coffee table! (via Brit + Co)

Gem-Inspired Brunch

Remind your best gals how valuable they are with everything from crystal name cards to rock candy Cupid's arrows. This is one brunch theme that is sure to be a hit. (via Brit + Co)

Air Plant Wall Art, Valentine’s Edition

Our cute kit has all you need to make a pink, red and white masterpiece. Try using roses or other blossoms for a splash of color, then swap ’em out with air plants for a more permanent exhibition. (via Brit + Co)

Galentine's Mailboxes

There are so many treats you can send to your gals' mailboxes: funny meme cards, chocolates, or handwritten notes. Whatever gift you choose, these are definitely the cutest way to deliver them. (via Brit + Co)

Heart Piñatas

A classic heart-shaped box, plenty of pink fringe and a confetti surprise inside? What’s not to love about these Valentine's Day decor ideas? (via Brit + Co)

Paint Chip Garland

The main reason why we heart this gorgeous DIY? The fact that you can get your supplies practically for free. (viaBrit + Co)

Honeycomb Heart Art

This honeycomb-textured wall piece has us swooning. Use this awesome strategy for all sorts of geometric shapes to up your decor game year-round. (DIY and image via Minted)

Cross-Stitch Heart

You can hang this pretty, rustic art piece on your wall for Valentine’s Day or display it as a funky piece of neon artwork all year round. (via Oleander and Palm)

XO Marquee

It doesn’t get flashier than this. If you’re going for a Moulin Rouge vibe, this is definitely the piece to consider when thinking about Valentine's Day decor ideas. (via Kristi Murphy)

Giant Ombre Heart

Hang this pretty eye-catching piece in the middle of your room to tie the space together. You could even use it as a framing device for a photo booth sesh. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

Moss Hearts

While we’re showing some love to greenery for V-Day, how ’bout checking out these living art pieces made with moss? (via Alisa Burke)

“Cross-Stitch” Valentine Art

A blank canvas is all you need to whip up this abstract take on the classic heart motif. (via Craftberry Bush)

Valentine’s Chandelier

Is your party lacking a little sophisticated charm? Not to worry; we’ve got you covered with this heart-filled DIY chandelier. It'll put your other Valetine's Day decor ideas to shame. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

Conversation Heart Banner

Borrow from the classic conversation heartsayings or make your own inspired quotes. If it’s just you and your sweetie, line the hearts with inside jokes and favorite phrases to show how much you care. (DIY and image via Hello Little Home)

Heart Balloon Piñata

How sweet is this idea? You and your love write your favorite memories from the past year on strips of paper, then blow them up in heart-shaped balloons. Spend the night popping each one and revealing and reliving the memories together. (via Kristi Murphy)

Giant Geometric Wall Art Heart

Pink and gold paper make for a color scheme that’s equal parts sweet and sexy. A bold piece of artwork like this is sure to set some hearts aflutter. (via Oleander and Palm)

Cupid’s Arrow Garland

Take the heart garland up a notch with this charming take on some of Cupid’s action. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Valentine Heart Wands

These cute DIY Valentine's Day decor ideas are a nod to your former Sailor Moon binge-watching days. (Kelsey Bang)

DIY Heart Wreath

Create your own pink floral wreath in less than 10 minutes! (The Crafted Life)

Which of these Valentine’s Day decor ideas are you most excited to try? Tell us all about it in the comments below and follow us on Pinterest for more party planning inspo.

This post has been updated.

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Thank God, Another Jacob Elordi Movie Is Coming Super Soon

It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.

Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.

What is the Oh Canada movie about?

Oh, Canada Plot

Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.

"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."

How to watch Oh Canada?

Oh, Canada Release Date

Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!

Who's in the movie?

Kino Lorber

Oh, Canada Cast

The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!

What has the cast said about the movie?

Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.

"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."

That sounds like my kind of movie.

Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!

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15 Flattering Winter Wedding Guest Dresses You'll Wanna Wear Again & Again

If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!

Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!

Nordstrom

Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown

I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress

Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)

Anthropologie

Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress

I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress

I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.

Lulus

Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress

I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.

Target

Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress

Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!

Nordstrom

Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown

My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!

Free People

Elliatt Calypso Dress

Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress

Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)

Anthropologie

Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress

Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.

Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress

Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition

I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!

Nordstrom

Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown

Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress

She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.

Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress

In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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