A fabulous "faux-to" booth

It is safe to say that I have started a lot of different projects for the wedding at this point. However, now that we have hit "crunch time" before the big day, it is essential to either 1) complete them, or 2) scrap them. So, I have created a list of the DIY projects I have on my plate, and placed them in order of importance. As you can imagine, the projects that are higher up on the list get priority. In the beginning of the planning process, it is easy to gather a plethora of inspiration, and projects pile up. However, I have had to come to the realization that I might have to part with some of my ideas in order to remain sane.

One of the projects that lands smack dab in the middle of the "importance scale" is a faux-to booth. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place on this one...because I have seen some amazing results from previous Bees' booths...such as

Mrs. Cowboy Boot

Mrs. Mouse

Mrs. Quiche

And, out in the blogosphere there has also been some amazing inspiration. You may be familiar with this particular booth, as it was making its way around the Internet a few months back. I was instantly inspired...and hooked.

Following photos from kiss the groom:

I saved the pictures in my inspiration folder, and sat on it for a few months. Now, as the wedding swiftly approaches, it is time for me to actually get started! My mom works at a school, and a few of the guys who work in maintenance have been kind enough to offer to help me! We are going to start with an 8'x4' piece of plywood, and my "helpers" are going to cut out 2-3 rectangles/squares for our guests to peek through. We are going to create "frames" by painting pieces of wood trim cut to the size of the openings. I am going to wallpaper the board, and add picture frames featuring family wedding photos! Sounds simple, right? Maybe...we'll soon find out!

But, where shall we set up this lovely contraption? When my mom and I visited our venue the other day, we scouted out a few potential locations. We came up with two options. First: a cabana:

There are a few cabanas set up in the pool area outside (where we will have cocktail hour). They are 10 foot square, and as you can see, they are supported by metal framing.

In an ideal world, we would suspend the faux-to booth from the framing of a cabana. We would close the back of the cabana to give a solid background.

Guests would be able to walk around the back of it, and they wouldn't have to worry about knocking something over (if it was placed on a table, or supported by a frame from the floor)!

Another placement option would be inside the "bird cage" area where our cocktail hour will be served.

Once again, there is metal framing that we could suspend the booth from. This location would be much more noticeable for our guests, but it might also be in the middle of the action...

I'm going to let the idea simmer for a little while, but I'm starting right away on creating the board!

Did you/are you planning to create a faux-to booth for your reception? How did you make it? Where do you place it?

Photo booth fanatic!

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Although it is still somewhat early for major detail planning, I can't help but dream of the little things I want to add to my wedding day! Now, I'd say that for the most part I want a traditional feel to my wedding...but I do have the urge to include something that is at least a twist to what everyone is used to running into.

Lately, all I hear is "photo booth," "photo booth," "photo booth!" It really is a big trend right now, and it seems like everyone is having one set up at their reception in some shape or form! I love the idea of giving guests the opportunity to be a goofball in front of the camera, and potentially giving them some funny props to pose with!

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I've seen prop options used from feather boas, to funny glasses, to sombreros...even little mustaches on a stick! There are tons of companies out there that provide photo booth rentals...hmmmmm...

However, practical me begins to ponder the cost of such a booth. I did some research and quickly realized that although they are very fun, these photo booths are not exactly cheap to rent! And, at closer inspection, it seems as though you could easily create your own...and save some money in the process! Score!

Brain storm...commence!!!!!

I've seen many pictures of homemade photo booths, and it got me thinking, "Hey, if someone else can do it, why can't I?"

I could go the "less is more" route, and embrace the simplicity of creating my own backdrop with a printed sheet, fabric, etc...

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It is fun. It is quirky. It is colorful! I love how something so ordinary as a sheet can turn into the backsplash of a photo booth! You could make your own box with various props (hellllloooo day after Halloween sales anyone?). A booth like this could be relatively wallet-friendly. Ah, the bargain shopper's dream!

***Gulp***...but then...I came across the fabulousness of this photo booth, and I was inspired...wayyyyyyy inspired. So inspired in fact that I've been dreaming about this particular booth for days now, and thinking up how I am going to replicate it...

Begin ooh'ing and ahh'ing.....NOW!

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***Sigh***

I love so many things about this! Shall we list them? Oh yes, we shall!

1: Although it looks elaborate, I think it could be accomplished if you are crafty enough! 3 custom frames (or popping out the frame from some older pieces) to use as the frames your guests pose in, various small frames for pictures (I love the idea of framing pics of your relatives' weddings, as I believe the couple who made this particular booth did), and some wallpaper! Should be a cinch, right?

2: Even though it is technically a photo booth, it is definitely not one that I've ever seen for a wedding! I think that guests would be quite excited to see something different...

3: Guests can still be creative/goofy/etc, but there is also the option of a nice pose for those who don't feel comfortable hamming it up for the camera.

4: You could send your favorite photo booth print of each guest inside the "Thank You" cards you sent out later!

Oh yes, there are more good things I can think of, but I'm going to cease and desist at this. There are definitely more details to be determined (hmmm probably should see if I can get my photographer on board for this as well? Just a thought...) I am going to let the cogs continue to turn in my little head about this project for the time being...but mark my words I will revisit this at a future time...

Did you have a photo booth at your wedding, or have you attended a wedding with a photo booth? What did you like or dislike about them? Are you planning on including one in your wedding???