Why pay for a photobooth when you can make one yourself?

Brides ask me all the time if they should rent a photobooth for their wedding. I have a few thoughts on that question.

First, is it really necessary? If you have already hired two terrific photographers (Oggi!) who are going to take candid (and often hilarious) photos of all of your guests - why then do you need a photobooth when you have already maxed out your wedding celebration budget?

• Anonimity - guests love the idea of scooting behind a curtain and making goofy faces while being photographed. (do you really need these photos?)
• New trend - but trend-driven isn't always budget-sound. Nor do these images make lasting memories (for most of the brides I have spoken with who used a photobooth).
• "But my friend Jane did it" Be original. Be a smart bride and use your budget where it counts.

But, sometimes it really is necessary and lot's of fun. But you can Do It Yourself!

This bride and groom set up a backdrop using a beautiful print fabric. They hung it on a stand (that they made) off to the side of the reception site where guests could see it, but they also had enough distance from the tent that the participants could be goofy if they wanted to. They set up a camera on a tripod and had a good friend help with the 3 frames of each guest. Almost everyone tried it - the couple mounted the images on a website so if guests wanted to they could order photos. Whoever wanted to got photos at no expense to the bride and groom.
Here's what it looked like:

Now for those of you that are tech saavy and want your photobooth to be more like a "photobooth" click here and read this great blog on how to set up your Mac and a printer to make a perfect photobooth. Be a smart bride and spend your money where it counts!