Photo booth for a christening or communion: the complete guide
A christening or a communion is a moment of joy and sharing with the family. It is often one of the few occasions in the year when three generations come together in the same place. And what better than a photo booth to capture these moments with the grandparents, cousins and godparents?
On average, 92% of guests use the photo booth when there is one at a family event. Why so popular? Because a photo booth takes no effort: you walk up, you smile, and you leave with a printed keepsake. Even the shyest end up giving in.
Contents
- Why a photo booth for a christening or communion?
- Theme and decoration ideas by event
- How to organise the photo booth corner
- Creating a family photo album
- Preparation timeline
- Which package should you choose?
- Budget: the photo booth vs other entertainment
- A gift idea for godparents
- FAQ
Why a photo booth for a christening or communion?
The whole family together, at last
A christening or a communion is often the only occasion in the year when the whole family is together in one place. The paternal grandparents meet distant cousins, uncles catch up with nephews they have not seen for months. The photo booth captures moments you would never have thought to photograph:
- All four grandparents together in front of the lens
- Cousins of the same age getting back together
- Three generations in the same photo
- The godfather and godmother with the child
- The parents’ childhood friends who rarely see each other
Without a photo booth, these photos simply do not exist. People think of the official photographer for the ceremony, but not of spontaneous, joyful photos at the reception.
Entertainment for all ages
The photo booth has the rare quality of appealing to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest:
- Children aged 3 to 10 love seeing themselves on screen, pulling faces and pressing the button
- Teenagers try out Instagram poses and share the GIFs
- Adults rediscover their inner child with the animated emojis that follow faces
- Grandparents enjoy leaving with a printed photo, a tangible object to put on the mantelpiece
Testimonial: “We rented the Badabooth for our son’s christening. My 87-year-old grandmother went in front of the booth 6 times! She kept all her photos and shows them to all her friends. It is the best memory of the day.” (Marie, christening in Lyon)
Instant, lasting memories
Every guest leaves with a printed photo of the day. It is a small keepsake that often ends up:
- Framed on a shelf
- Stuck on the fridge
- Slipped into a wallet
- Posted to family members who could not attend
- Stuck in an album or guest book
And beyond the prints, all the photos are available digitally via a transfer link, to share with the whole family, including those who could not come.
Theme and decoration ideas by event
A christening and a communion are two distinct events, with different atmospheres and codes. Here are theme ideas suited to each.
Themes for a christening
| Theme | Colours | Frame style | Suggested props |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft and pastel | Powder pink, sky blue, cream | Floral, watercolour | Flower crowns, bow tie |
| Nature and country | Sage green, beige, white | Foliage, eucalyptus | Wooden signs, greenery garland |
| Stars and moon | Gold, midnight blue, white | Moon and stars | Cardboard stars, magic wand |
| Cute animals | Soft multicolour | Animal illustrations | Animal masks, cuddly toys |
| Chic minimalist | White, black, gold | Elegant typography | No props, clean backdrop |
| Rainbow | All the pastel colours | Rainbow and clouds | Multicoloured balloons |
Themes for a communion
| Theme | Colours | Frame style | Suggested props |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elegant classic | White, ivory, gold | Gold cross, calligraphy | Angel wings, gold crown |
| Boho chic | Terracotta, cream, green | Feathers and dreamcatchers | Woven crowns, feathers |
| Flower garden | Pink, lilac, green | Lush floral frame | Bouquets of flowers, butterflies |
| Nautical | Navy blue, white, red | Anchor and rope | Sailor hat, cardboard binoculars |
| Vintage | Sepia, cream, bronze | Ornate, old-style frame | Retro hats, lorgnettes |
Tip: At Badabooth, the personalised photo frame is included free of charge in every package. You create it online in our editor, in the colours of your decor.
Example wording for the photo frame
For a christening:
- “Louise’s christening, 15 March 2026”
- “Welcome Louise, christening day”
- “Louise, surrounded by love, 15.03.2026”
For a communion:
- “Thomas’s communion, 18 May 2026”
- “A blessed day: Thomas’s communion”
- “Thomas’s communion: thank you for being here”
How to organise the photo booth corner
The right spot
Where you put the photo booth is crucial to getting all your guests to use it. Here are the best spots depending on the venue:
Indoors (reception hall):
- Near the buffet or drinks area: this is where people naturally gather and wait between courses
- In a visible but unobtrusive corner: guests should see it from their table, but it must not block a walkway
- Next to the dance floor (if there is one): guests in the mood for music naturally walk past it
Outdoors (garden, terrace):
- Under a tree or an awning to avoid direct sunlight (important: it affects the screen)
- Near the chill-out area (sofas, deckchairs) where guests come to relax
- Always close to an electrical socket, or bring an extension lead
Decorating the photo corner
Create a welcoming space that makes people want to stop:
- A decorated backdrop: flower wall, bunting, ribbon curtain, white sheet with fairy lights
- Balloons in the colours of your decor
- A small piece of furniture or a table for the props
- Gentle, suitable props: flower crowns, bow ties, small hats, signs with messages (“Team godfather”, “Cake auntie”, “Doting grandad”)
- A sign or chalkboard with instructions (“Smile, you’re on camera!”)
Allow enough space
The photo booth needs 2 to 3 metres of space in front of the lens so groups can pose comfortably. Also make sure the area is well lit (natural light or fairy lights) and that there is enough room for guests not to trip over each other while waiting their turn.
Creating a family photo album
The photo booth is not just for entertaining guests in the moment. It also lets you create a real family album that you will treasure.
The photo guest book
Print each photo twice: one for the guest and one for the guest book. Guests stick their photo into a beautiful album and write a short message next to it. It is a priceless keepsake, especially for a christening, as the child will be able to look back on it years later.
To find out more about this idea, read our dedicated article: How to create a guest book with a photo booth. The tips apply to a christening or communion too.
The digital album to share
Thanks to the transfer link provided after the event, you can:
- Create an online photo album to share with the whole family
- Order a photo book from a printing site (Cewe, Photobox, etc.) with the best photos
- Send a selection to family members who could not come
- Keep an archive of the day for the child as they grow up
Idea: For a christening, create an album called “Your christening day” with the photo booth pictures. Give it to the child on their 18th birthday. Guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye.
Preparation timeline
For a stress-free big day, here is a typical timeline for including the photo booth in your christening or communion.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 months before | Book your Badabooth on our configurator |
| 1 month before | Send your frame design (or ask Badabooth to create it) |
| 2 weeks before | Prepare the decoration for the photo corner (and your own props if you want some) |
| 1 week before | Confirm where the photo booth will go in the hall/garden |
| 1-2 working days before | Receive the Badabooth package |
| The morning of the big day | Set up the photo booth in 5 minutes and do a test |
| During the event | Enjoy yourself, the photo booth runs on its own |
| After the event | Switch off, pack up, stick on the return label |
| The next day | Drop the package off at a UPS access point |
| A few days later | Receive the transfer link and share it with the family |
Which package should you choose?
The package you choose depends on the number of guests and how intensively you expect it to be used.
For an intimate christening or communion (20-30 guests)
The Smart package at €144, delivered anywhere in Belgium, is ideal:
- 50 printed photos: more than enough for every guest to have a photo, or even several
- Unlimited digital photos: take as many photos as you like, only the prints are limited
- GIFs included: fun animations on top of the photos
- Free personalised frame: in the colours of your event
- Transfer link: share all the photos with the family after the event
- 5-minute setup: no stress on the big day
For a large family (50-100 guests)
The Happy package at €275 is a better fit:
- 150 printed photos: enough for every guest to have several goes
- All the benefits of the Smart package in a large-family version
- Ideal for communions, where there are often more people than expected
For a very large event (100+ guests)
The Smile package at €399 offers 400 printed photos and can cover up to 200 guests. It is the ideal choice for large families or if you are combining the religious ceremony with a big party.
Quick package comparison
| Smart | Happy | Smile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (delivered in Belgium) | €144 | €275 | €399 |
| Printed photos | 50 | 150 | 400 |
| Recommended guests | Up to 30 | Up to 100 | Up to 200 |
| GIFs | Included | Included | Included |
| Personalised frame | Free | Free | Free |
| AirDrop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Discover all our packages in detail
Budget: the photo booth vs other entertainment
For a christening or communion, the budget is often tight. Here is how the photo booth compares with other family entertainment.
| Entertainment | Average price | Duration | For which audience | Tangible keepsake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badabooth photo booth | €144 - €399 | All day | All ages | Yes (printed + digital photos) |
| Magician | €300 - €600 | 1h - 1h30 | Mainly children | No |
| Balloon artist | €150 - €300 | 1h - 2h | Mainly children | Yes (short-lived balloon) |
| Children’s face painting | €200 - €400 | 2h - 3h | Mainly children | No (short-lived) |
| Professional photographer | €400 - €1,000 | 2h - 4h | Family | Yes (after editing, 2-4 weeks) |
| DJ / Music entertainment | €400 - €800 | 3h - 5h | All ages | No |
| Bouncy castle | €200 - €400 | All day | Mainly children | No |
The photo booth is the entertainment that offers the best value for money for a family event:
- It is the cheapest of the entertainment options that last all day
- It is the only one that produces instant keepsakes to take home
- It is the only one that appeals as much to children as to grandparents
- It is the only one that requires no outside provider on the day
Tip: Rather than choosing between a photo booth and another form of entertainment, combine a Badabooth (running in the background all day) with a one-off activity for the children (a magician or balloon artist for 1 hour). You cater for everyone without blowing the budget.
A gift idea for godparents
Are you a godparent looking for an original gift for the christening or communion? A photo booth is a perfect idea, and here is why.
Why it is the ideal gift
- It is original: everyone gives jewellery, books or money. Nobody thinks of a photo booth.
- It is for everyone: unlike a toy or clothing, the photo booth benefits all the guests. It is a collective gift that creates memories for the whole family.
- It is memorable: the photo booth pictures will be looked at and shared for years. It is a gift people will remember.
- The budget is under control: between €144 and €399 delivered, it is in the usual range for a nice christening or communion gift.
How to give it
- Book the Badabooth on our configurator, giving the parents’ delivery address
- Personalise the frame with the child’s first name and the date of the ceremony
- Let the parents know so they know they will receive the package and no longer need to worry about entertainment
- On the day, help with the setup (5 minutes) and enjoy the surprise
Bonus idea: Pair the photo booth with a beautiful blank album for the guest book. Guests will stick in their photos and write a short message. It is the perfect combination.
After the event
Share the memories
Thanks to the transfer link, share the photos with the whole family, even those who could not come. It is a lovely way to keep the event alive beyond the day itself. Send the link to the family WhatsApp group and watch the comments pour in.
Returning the equipment
The return is as easy as the delivery:
- Switch off the booth and unplug the cables
- Put everything back in the original box
- Stick on the prepaid return label (supplied in the box)
- Drop the package off at a UPS access point
No extra charges, everything is included in the rental price.
FAQ
From what age can children use the photo booth?
From 3-4 years old, children love the photo booth. They instinctively understand that they need to tap the screen and stand in front of the lens. For the youngest, an adult goes with them, and it is often a chance to take wonderful spontaneous family photos.
Does the photo booth work outdoors?
Yes, the Badabooth works outdoors as long as it is placed in the shade and sheltered from rain. Avoid direct sunlight, which affects the touchscreen and reduces photo quality. A tree, an awning or a gazebo does the job perfectly.
Do I need a WiFi connection?
No. The Badabooth works without WiFi. The booth and the printer communicate directly with each other. This is a considerable advantage for events in community halls, gardens or reception venues without a reliable internet connection.
How many photos should I plan for a christening?
For a christening with 20 to 30 guests, the Smart package with 50 photos is generally enough. Allow on average 1 to 2 prints per guest, plus a few group photos. For large families, go for the Happy package (150 photos) for peace of mind.
Can the frame be personalised with a religious theme?
Absolutely. The photo frame can be personalised without limits. You can include religious elements (cross, dove, chalice), the child’s first name, the date of the ceremony, and any decorative element that matches your theme. Personalisation is free at Badabooth.
Is the photo booth noisy?
The photo booth is very discreet. The printer makes a slight noise when printing (a few seconds), but nothing that disturbs conversations or the ceremony. You can switch it on from the start of the reception without any problem.
How does returning the equipment work?
A prepaid return label is supplied in the box. After the event, you put everything back in the original box, stick on the label and drop the package off at a UPS access point. The return is included in the price, with no extra charges.
Ready to capture this very special day? Book your Badabooth and create memories that will last a lifetime. And if you are still unsure, discover our packages to find the one that is perfect for your event.
