10 original photo booth activities for a successful wedding

The photo booth has become a wedding must-have. 92% of guests use it when one is available, and an average of 400 photos are taken per event. But for it to really make a difference, you need to go beyond a simple “take a photo”.

A photo booth with no activities around it is like a sweet bar with no sweets: the structure is there, but the soul is missing. With a little preparation and a few well-thought-out ideas, you can turn your photo booth into the main attraction of the evening, one your guests will still be talking about months later.

Here are 10 activity ideas built around the photo booth, each with details of the setup, the budget and the expected impact.

Contents

• 1. The couple’s timeline
• 2. A message to the newlyweds
• 3. The photo challenge
• 4. Interviewing the witnesses
• 5. The decades corner
• 6. Before / after the dance floor photo
• 7. The “I didn’t know that” wall
• 8. The photo wish box
• 9. The table photos
• 10. The first and the last
• Summary table of activities
• Combining several activities: our advice
• Props and activities budget
• Which Badabooth package for a wedding with activities?
• FAQ

1. The couple’s timeline

The concept

Next to the photo booth, display a giant timeline of your love story: first meeting, first date, first trip, moving in together, the proposal… Invite your loved ones to take a photo acting out one of these moments. The result is often hilarious, especially when Uncle Jean-Pierre re-enacts your first meeting in a nightclub.

How to set it up

1. Create a timeline on a large foam board (A0 or larger)
2. Illustrate each stage with a date, a title and a short description
3. Add an arrow or a number so guests can choose which moment to act out
4. Lay out props linked to each stage (sunglasses for “first trip”, a mini suitcase…)
5. Place the board in plain sight, right next to the photo booth

What you need

• 1 A0 foam board (around €15)
• Markers, printed photos, double-sided tape
• Themed props (reuse the ones from your props box)

Expected impact

Guests love discovering your story and making it their own in a comic way. It’s an excellent icebreaker early in the evening, when everyone is still a little shy.

2. A message to the newlyweds

The concept

Place a small whiteboard, a chalkboard or blank signs next to the photo booth. Each guest writes a message, a piece of advice or a wish for the newlyweds, holds it up to the camera, and the photo is printed with the message visible. It’s a far livelier and more moving keepsake than a simple note scribbled in a guest book.

How to set it up

1. Prepare 5 to 10 small reusable chalkboards or white signs
2. Put out dry-wipe markers (for the boards) or thick markers (for paper)
3. Add a small instructions sign: “Write a message to the newlyweds, show it to the camera, and keep your photo!”
4. Have a damp cloth ready to wipe the boards between guests

What you need

• 5-10 small chalkboards or signs (€10-20)
• Chalk pens or markers (€5)
• Instructions sign

Expected impact

“We read all the photo messages the day after the wedding and cried with laughter. The best idea we had!” Laura & Kevin, married in August 2025

This is one of the most popular activities because it combines emotion and humour. Messages range from philosophical advice to complete madness, and every photo has its own story.

3. The photo challenge

The concept

At the start of the evening, hand out a list of photo challenges to complete at the photo booth. The first guest (or the first table) to complete all the challenges wins a small prize. It turns the photo booth into a real party game.

The list of challenges (to adapt)

• Photo with the newlyweds
• Photo with someone you’ve just met tonight
• Photo re-enacting a famous film scene
• Photo with as many people as possible in a single shot
• Photo with the newlyweds’ grandparents
• Photo pretending to cry tears of joy
• Photo imitating the pose of the wedding cake toppers
• Photo with a silly prop you didn’t choose yourself
• Photo with someone from “the other family”
• Photo miming your favourite dance

How to set it up

1. Print the list of challenges on pretty cards (postcard size)
2. Hand out one card per guest or per table during the cocktail hour
3. Plan a small prize for the winner (a bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates)
4. Appoint a “referee” (a witness) to check the photos

What you need

• Printing of the challenge cards (€5-10 for 100 copies)
• A prize for the winner (€15-30)

Expected impact

The photo challenge is a party accelerator. It encourages guests to mingle, to be daring, and to use the photo booth creatively. Expect 30 to 50% more photos than with a photo booth without activities.

4. Interviewing the witnesses

The concept

The witnesses (and why not the parents, brothers and sisters) each take a turn at the photo booth to answer offbeat questions about the newlyweds. Each witness draws a question and poses in front of the photo booth with their answer written on a sign, or simply with a telling facial expression.

Questions to prepare

• “What’s the silliest thing the groom has ever done?”
• “How would you describe the bride in 3 words?”
• “What’s the secret the newlyweds don’t want anyone to know?”
• “What advice would you give the newlyweds for the next 50 years?”
• “If the newlyweds were a dish, what would they be?”
• “Which song best represents them as a couple?”
• “Describe their worst holiday together (in one sentence)“

How to set it up

1. Write the questions on individual cards
2. Put the cards in a pretty box or a hat
3. The witnesses draw a question and pose with their answer
4. Collect the photos to make a surprise slideshow

What you need

• Question cards (€5)
• A decorated box to draw from (upcycling possible)

Expected impact

The perfect activity for the drinks reception. Witnesses join in enthusiastically, and the photos often reveal juicy anecdotes that even the newlyweds didn’t know.

5. The decades corner

The concept

Invite your guests to recreate couple or group photos from different decades with props suited to each era. It’s a photographic journey through time, from the black and white of the 1950s to the ironic selfies of the 2020s.

The decades and their props

• 1950s: the classic elegant pose, gloves, cloche hat, cat-eye glasses
• 1960s-70s: peace and love, round glasses, flowery headband, flares (as a prop)
• 1980s: exaggerated poses, neon glasses, sports headband, cardboard shoulder pads
• 1990s: backwards cap, big sunglasses, “peace” sign
• 2000s: the ironic duckface selfie, emo scarf
• 2026: your own style! “Just Married 2026” sign

How to set it up

1. Create one sign per decade with the name of the era and the suggested pose
2. Group the props by decade in labelled boxes
3. Guests choose their favourite decade (or do them all!)
4. Display reference photos to inspire the poses

What you need

• Multi-era props kit (€20-40 on Amazon)
• 6 decade signs (foam board or A3 print, €15-20)
• Labelled storage boxes

Expected impact

This is the activity that generates the largest number of photos, as guests often want to try several decades. Allow for 20 to 30% more photos.

6. Before / after the dance floor photo

The concept

Encourage your guests to take two photos: one when they arrive at the cocktail hour (immaculate, hair done, elegant, tie neatly knotted) and one after a few hours on the dance floor (messy hair, loosened tie, shoes in hand, slightly smudged make-up). The contrast is always spectacular, and these photos become the most shared on social media.

How to set it up

1. Put up a “BEFORE” sign, visible as soon as the photo booth opens during the cocktail hour
2. Replace it with an “AFTER” sign from 11pm or after the first dance
3. Provide a noticeboard where guests can stick their two photos side by side
4. Alternatively, create a double frame with the words “Start of the evening” / “End of the evening”

What you need

• 2 BEFORE/AFTER signs (€5)
• Cork or foam board noticeboard (€10-15)
• Double-sided tape or drawing pins

Expected impact

“Our guests’ before/after photos went viral on Instagram. My witness in an immaculate suit at the start of the evening, then barefoot with a flower crown at 2am: that’s the photo everyone loved.” Elise & Romain, married in June 2025

A guaranteed hit with 25 to 40-year-olds, who love the social-media-inspired “transformation” concept.

7. The “I didn’t know that” wall

The concept

Prepare small cards with the phrase “I didn’t know that…” followed by a surprising, funny or moving fact about the newlyweds. Guests draw a card, discover the fact, and take a photo with their expression of surprise or fit of laughter. It’s a brilliant way to reveal anecdotes that even the closest friends and family don’t know.

Example cards

• “I didn’t know that… Paul failed his driving test 3 times before passing”
• “I didn’t know that… Marie won a dance competition at the age of 8”
• “I didn’t know that… their first date was at McDonald’s”
• “I didn’t know that… Paul cried for 20 minutes after the proposal”
• “I didn’t know that… Marie learned to cook specifically to impress Paul”

How to set it up

1. Write 15 to 20 facts on individual cards
2. Put them in a pretty jar or box
3. Guests draw a card, read it, react, and take the photo with the card
4. Include a mix of funny and moving facts for a variety of reactions

What you need

• Printed or handwritten cards (€5)
• A pretty container (upcycling possible: jar, wooden box)

Expected impact

An activity that works for all ages and creates real moments of connection. Grandparents discover anecdotes about their grandchildren, friends learn secrets… Every photo tells a micro-story.

8. The photo wish box

The concept

Place a pretty box next to the photo booth. Each guest takes a photo, keeps one copy for themselves, and slips the second copy into the box with a short note written on the back. The newlyweds open the box after the wedding (the next day, on returning from their honeymoon, or on their wedding anniversary) to discover all the messages.

How to set it up

1. Get hold of a beautiful box (wooden box, decorated urn, vintage suitcase)
2. Place it on a table next to the photo booth with some pens
3. Add a sign: “Take a photo, keep one, and slip the other into the box with a note for us!”
4. Provide pens that write on photo paper (fine-tip permanent markers)

What you need

• Decorative box (€15-30, or upcycled: old suitcase, hat box)
• Fine-tip permanent markers (€5)
• Instructions sign

Expected impact

This is the most emotional activity. The newlyweds discover the messages alongside photos of their loved ones’ faces, which makes every word infinitely more touching than in a traditional guest book. Many couples tell us it’s the most precious gift they received.

For an even more elaborate version, discover our complete guide to the photo guest book.

9. The table photos

The concept

Organise a table-by-table visit to the photo booth. Table 1, then table 2, and so on. You get a group photo of every table, which is ideal for having a keepsake of all your guests without exception, including the shyest ones who wouldn’t have dared to go alone.

How to set it up

1. Schedule this during dessert or just before the first dance
2. Appoint a witness or the DJ to call the tables one by one
3. Each table gathers in front of the photo booth for a group photo
4. Print two copies: one for the newlyweds, one to display on a shared board
5. Allow around 2-3 minutes per table so as not to break the rhythm

What you need

• A motivated witness or DJ to coordinate
• A noticeboard to stick up each table’s photos (€10)

Expected impact

A structuring activity that guarantees 100% of guests visit the photo booth. It’s also a collective moment that brings the whole room together. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for 8 to 10 tables.

10. The first and the last

The concept

The first photo of the evening is taken by the newlyweds alone, just after the photo booth is set up. The last photo is taken with all the guests still standing at the end of the night (often the biggest party animals!). Frame the two side by side: it’s a wonderful keepsake that sums up the whole evening in two images.

How to set it up

1. Take the first photo as soon as the photo booth is set up, before the guests arrive
2. At the end of the evening (around 1am-2am), announce the “last shot of the night”
3. Gather all the guests still there for a mega group photo
4. Have both photos printed in large format after the wedding and frame them

What you need

• Nothing special! Just a bit of coordination
• A double frame to display them after the wedding (€15-25)

Expected impact

Simple but emotionally powerful. The contrast between the newlyweds’ posed photo and the joyful chaos of the last photo of the night perfectly sums up the spirit of a successful wedding.

Summary table of activities

Activity	Difficulty	Budget	Impact	Best time
Couple’s timeline	Medium	€15-20	High	Cocktail hour
Message to the newlyweds	Easy	€10-25	Very high	All evening
Photo challenge	Easy	€10-40	Very high	All evening
Interviewing the witnesses	Easy	€5	Medium	Cocktail hour
Decades corner	Medium	€35-60	High	Evening party
Before / after the dance floor	Easy	€5-20	Very high	Cocktail hour + evening party
”I didn’t know that”	Medium	€5	High	All evening
Wish box	Easy	€20-35	Very high	All evening
Table photos	Easy	€10	Medium	Dessert
The first and the last	Easy	€0-25	High	Start + end

Combining several activities: our advice

You don’t have to choose just one activity. The best weddings combine 2 to 4 to keep things varied throughout the evening. Here are our favourite combinations:

The “emotion” combo (ideal for intimate weddings)

1. Message to the newlyweds during the cocktail hour
2. Photo wish box during dinner
3. The first and the last to frame the evening

Total budget: €30-60 on top of the photo booth.

The “fun” combo (ideal for big, festive weddings)

1. Photo challenge handed out at the cocktail hour
2. Decades corner during the evening party
3. Before / after the dance floor throughout the evening
4. Table photos at dessert

Total budget: €50-80 on top of the photo booth.

The “mixed” combo (the most balanced)

1. Couple’s timeline as a permanent backdrop
2. “I didn’t know that” during the cocktail hour
3. Photo challenge during dinner and the evening party
4. The first and the last to open and close

Total budget: €25-50 on top of the photo booth.

Important tip: don’t overdo it. 2 to 3 well-prepared activities are better than 10 rushed ones. Your guests also need to be able to take photos freely, without always following instructions.

Props and activities budget

Here is a summary of the budget to plan for props and activities, on top of the photo booth hire (Badabooth does not supply physical props; the booth offers animated emojis that follow faces):

Item	Estimated budget
Props kit (hats, glasses, moustaches)	€15-30
Chalkboards / message signs	€10-20
Photo challenge cards	€5-10
Decades props	€20-40
Decorative wish box	€15-30
Signs and signage	€10-20
Prize for the challenge winner	€15-30
Total (all activities combined)	€90-180

Budget tip: many props can be homemade or bought second-hand on Vinted or other second-hand marketplaces. Your friends’ previous weddings are also an excellent source of props to borrow!

To find out more about choosing and setting up your photo booth, read our complete wedding photo booth guide.

Which Badabooth package for a wedding with activities?

When you plan activities around the photo booth, the number of photos increases significantly (up to 50% more). Take this into account when choosing your package:

Wedding size	Without activities	With activities	Recommended package
30-50 guests	50-80 photos	75-120 photos	Happy (150 photos, €275)
50-100 guests	80-150 photos	120-225 photos	Happy or Smile
100-200 guests	150-300 photos	225-400 photos	Smile (400 photos, €399)

The Happy package at €275 is best suited to a classic wedding (80 to 100 guests), with its 150 fast prints and its classic, polaroid and 2-photo strip formats (up to 600 photos with a larger capacity). For large weddings (150+ guests) or weddings with lots of activities, go for the Smile package at €399 with 400 prints (or 800 photos for €519). All prices include delivery and return anywhere in Belgium.

All packages include animated GIFs, a free custom frame, unlimited digital photos and AirDrop. The Badabooth is made in France, sets up in 5 minutes, and works with no attendant and no WiFi.

Book your Badabooth for your wedding and turn your photo booth into a real evening attraction. You can also discover all our packages in detail.

And for an even more complete keepsake, consider combining your photo booth with a photo guest book: the perfect blend of photos and messages from your loved ones. Also see our dedicated wedding photo booth page to find out everything about this must-have entertainment.

FAQ

How many photo booth activities should you plan for a wedding?

We recommend a maximum of 2 to 4 activities for a wedding. Beyond that, you risk overwhelming your guests and making the photo booth too complicated. Choose complementary activities (one emotional + one fun) and also leave room for free, spontaneous photos.

Do you need an attendant to run the activities?

No, all the activities listed here work on their own with a simple instructions sign. The Badabooth itself doesn’t need an attendant. However, appoint a witness or a friend who can kick off the first activities and lead by example. Once the first guests get going, the others will naturally follow.

At what point in the evening does the photo booth work best?

The photo booth has two usage peaks: during the cocktail hour (guests discover the photo booth and the activities) and after dinner / the first dance (guests are uninhibited and take crazier photos). During the meal, usage naturally drops. Plan your activities around these two high points.

Can you combine a photo booth with a live painter or a caricaturist?

Absolutely! The photo booth and artistic entertainment complement each other. The photo booth captures the moment while the caricaturist or live painter offers an artistic interpretation. Place them in the same space to create a really attractive “entertainment corner”.

How do you make sure all guests use the photo booth?

The table photos activity guarantees that 100% of guests visit the photo booth. Beyond that, 3 tips: (1) place the photo booth on a route everyone has to take, (2) make an announcement on the microphone at the start of the evening, (3) lead by example by going first as the newlyweds.

Do the activities work for an outdoor wedding?

Yes, all these activities can be adapted to an outdoor wedding. Just make sure the photo booth is sheltered (under a tent or pergola) and that the signs and props are protected from the wind. Weigh the cards down with pebbles and use stable easels for the signs.

Where can you buy photo booth props for a wedding?

Props are not supplied with the Badabooth (the booth offers animated emojis that follow faces). Amazon offers complete wedding props kits for between €15 and €30 (glasses, moustaches, crowns, signs), and party shops also have a good selection. For custom props (name signs, hashtag), Etsy and local printers are excellent options. Also consider DIY for a unique result that reflects who you are.

Does the Badabooth print fast enough for the activities?

Yes, printing takes a few seconds after the photo is taken. For activities like the table photos or the photo challenge, the pace is perfectly suited. With the Smile package (400 photos), you have more than enough to keep a whole wedding evening going without counting.