Photo booth props, backdrops and print templates: a Toronto planner’s checklist

Short answer: A good photo booth corner has three parts: a backdrop that matches the decor, a prop box built for the guests, and a print template that carries the names, the date and the colours. Choose the backdrop first, the template second and the props last, and approve the template at least a week before the event.

Backdrops: pick the one that fits the room

The backdrop sets the look of every print. Sequin walls in gold, champagne, silver, white, black or rose gold catch the booth lighting and suit weddings, galas and milestone birthdays. Plain fabric in a brand colour suits corporate events where the logo on the print is the point. Greenery and floral walls suit garden receptions and quinceañeras; our flower decor team builds them. A balloon garland or arch around the backdrop turns the corner into the party backdrop for birthdays and showers. Match the backdrop to the uplighting and the linens, and keep it away from windows and strong coloured wash.

Print templates: what to send and when

The template is the strip or the 4 by 6 print your guests take home. Standard formats are the 2 by 6 strip with three or four photos, the 4 by 6 portrait and the 6 by 4 landscape; the print templates page shows designs for each. Send the invitation or the brand files, the names, the date, the colours and the wording in every language you want, and we design a proof. Approve it a week before the event so there is time for one round of changes; on the night the attendant loads the approved file and nothing is improvised.

Props: build the box for the guests

1. Weddings: signs with the couple’s names, glasses, hats, frames and a few props from the theme; nothing that hides the dress.
2. Corporate: branded signs with the event hashtag, sunglasses, clean hats, no costumes.
3. Kids parties: character-free props in the theme colours, oversized glasses, crowns, number signs, soft items only.
4. Sweet 16 and quinceañera: tiaras, crowns, number signs, flowers and glasses in the party colours.
5. Proms and formals: school signs, year signs, glasses and hats that pass the dress code.
6. Holiday parties: winter props, snow, sparkle and signs with the year, nothing religious in a mixed office.

The planner’s checklist

• Backdrop chosen to match the decor and placed on an inside wall, out of window light and coloured wash.
• Template proof approved a week before the event, in every language the guests read.
• Prop box built for the age and the dress code; the attendant resets it every hour.
• Booth spot confirmed with the venue: eight by eight feet, an outlet, a load-in path and a sightline to the dance floor.
• Hours set from the end of the formal programme, not the clock.
• Sharing decided: text, email, a shared gallery or prints only.
• Scrapbook station beside the booth with a pen and a copy of every strip, if you want a guest book.

When to book a booth and sort the extras

The Signature Classic Photo Booth page lists what is included, the print templates page shows the designs and the services page lists every booth and add-on. Send the date, the venue and the theme and the quote comes back with the backdrop, the template and the props planned.

Questions people ask

Can we bring our own props?

Yes. Add them to our box or replace it; tell us at booking so the attendant plans the table.

How far ahead do you need the template details?

Two weeks before the event is comfortable; the proof is approved a week out.

Can the backdrop match our wedding colours exactly?

Sequin and fabric backdrops come in a fixed range of colours; floral and balloon backdrops can be built to match a swatch.

Is the template design included?

Yes. A custom template is part of every booking, with one round of changes after the proof.