Hey, party planners! Are you on the hunt for creative party decorations? Would it be a bonus if they were easy to execute AND budget-friendly? As a follow-up to my article on the top photo booth apps, I thought the perfect complement to that resource would be a round-up of some of the best DIY photo backdrop ideas I could find. So, that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
But, before we get into that, make sure you download my free printable party checklist! It’ll help make planning a breeze and stress-free!
The Best DIY Photo Backdrop Ideas
The following DIY photo backdrop ideas range from super simple (meaning anyone can pull these off, no DIY experience necessary!) to more intensive (better suited for a more confident DIYer). Wherever your comfort level is, I’ve got GREAT ideas for you to elevate your event and capture those picture-perfect memories.
To make it easy to find exactly what you are looking for, simply click one of the links below to take you to the specific DIY tutorial.
- DIY Balloon Photo Backdrop
- Make Your Own Flower Wall
- Hanging Flower Backdrop
- DIY Tablecloth Photo Backdrop
- Wooden Arch Backdrop
- DIY Pallet Backdrop
- Greenery Backdrop with Boxwood Panels
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DIY Balloon Photo Backdrop
Let’s start with an easy one. Looking to add some flair to your next birthday party or celebration? Create a stunning balloon backdrop with just a few simple materials! This is seriously such a genius idea for low-budget party decorating by Lovely Indeed. Of all the DIY photo backdrop ideas, this is the easiest option. Perfect for birthday parties, holiday parties, or even graduation celebrations.
Here’s What You Need: Shop the supplies here!
- Balloons (for an 8’ x 8’ space, you’ll need about 80)
- Pro Tip: If you want your balloon backdrop to hold up, I highly recommend splurging for higher-quality balloons. My balloon artist Sister-in-Law recommends Kalisan for indoors and Tuftex for outdoors.
- Removable Glue Dots
- Optional: balloon pump
- Blank wall
DIY Balloon Backdrop Assembly:
- Step 1: Inflate the Balloons. Start by inflating your balloons. Use a balloon pump to make this process quicker and easier, especially considering you might be inflating up to 80 of them! With a pump, it should take you under an hour.
- Step 2: Mount the Balloons. Begin mounting the balloons on your wall by applying a removable Glue Dot to one side of the balloon, peeling away the backing, and sticking it to the wall. (Yes, it’s that simple!!)
- Step 3: Continue Adding Balloons. Keep sticking balloons onto the wall until you’re satisfied with the coverage. Aim to cover the wall from floor to ceiling for a dramatic effect and alternate your colors for a more organic look.
- Step 4: Add the finishing touches. Once your backdrop is complete, get creative with confetti and props for extra photobooth fun. The balloons will stay inflated for a long time, providing a vibrant backdrop for your celebration.
With this easy DIY balloon backdrop, your party is guaranteed to be a hit!
Make Your Own Flower Wall
This DIY photo booth backdrop idea is for the ambitious DIYer (not gonna lie). But, if you’ve been to a recent bridal shower or wedding, floral wall backdrops are hugely popular and it’s not hard to see why. They truly steal the show.
So, if your calling to create your own decorations is strong, and you don’t want to shell out over 500 dollars to rent a flower wall for your event, follow along with this tutorial summarized from Zamos Family Diaries.
DIY Floral Wall Materials: Shop the supplies here!
- Plastic grid wall frames (enough to fit the size of your space)
- Silk flowers of your choice
- Wire cutters
- Floral wire or hot glue gun
- Command hooks or picture-hanging strips
- Measuring tape
- Optional: faux foliage, ribbons, or decorative elements
Flower Wall Assembly Instructions:
- Step 1: Measure and Prepare. Measure the area for the flower wall and gather enough materials to cover it.
- Step 2: Prepare the Plastic Grid Wall Frames. Assemble the frames according to the instructions and ensure they are securely attached.
- Step 3: Arrange and Trim Silk Flowers. Experiment with different flower arrangements directly on the frames and trim excess stem length.
- Step 4: Attach Silk Flowers to the Grid. Use floral wire or a hot glue gun to attach the silk flowers to the grid.
- Step 5: Fill the Grid and Add Depth. Continue attaching flowers until the grid is fully covered, and consider adding depth with additional decorative elements.
- Step 6: Hang and Display. Use command hooks or picture-hanging strips to hang the flower wall securely on the wall.
With these steps, you can create a beautiful flower backdrop for your shower, wedding, or special event without breaking the bank!
Delicate DIY Hanging Flower Backdrop
Next in our lineup of DIY photo backdrop ideas is a floral option that is a bit more forgiving, as it will take you less time and fewer materials, yet the result is nothing short of STUNNING. A DIY hanging flower backdrop gives ALL the boho vibes and a more delicate effect for a picture-perfect handmade photo backdrop.
These floating flower wall steps were summarized from a tutorial by Jacquelyn Clark and are an easy-to-follow guide for recreating this beautiful, romantic photo backdrop.
What You Need: Shop the supplies here!
- Fishing wire
- A bucket of flowers and greenery in your chosen colors
- Scissors
- A 3-4′ length metal rod or wooden dowel (or washi tape as an alternative)
- 2 x Command Strip Hooks
Hanging Flower Backdrop Assembly:
- Step 1: Cut the fishing wire. Trim the fishing wire to your desired length (around 4′ long) and prepare 8 strands per 4’ length of backdrop.
- Step 2: Trim each flower. Leave a 2-3″ stem, and remove excess leaves.
- Step 3: Tie your flowers. Take a strand of fishing wire and tie individual blooms to it, leaving some space between each. Experiment with textures, colors, and sizes for variety. Try orienting them in different ways to add interest for a more organic look.
- Step 4: Repeat the process. Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining strands of fishing wire.
- Step 5: Secure flower garlands. Once all strands are ready, tie them evenly to the metal rod.
- Step 6: Hang the rod. Hang the completed floating flower backdrop on the wall using command strips spaced evenly apart and level. You might need an extra hand (or a pair of eyes for this step!). Alternatively, if you prefer to go a little bit lower tech, you can try washi tape to attach each strand directly to the wall.
With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful DIY hanging flower backdrop for your event, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space.
Tablecloth Backdrop DIY Tutorial
We’ve all ogled a gorgeous flowing tablecloth backdrop on Pinterest and wondered, “How the heck did they do that?!” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This tutorial, summarized from Sweet Red Poppy, breaks it down into simple-to-follow steps.
Not going to lie, this DIY photo backdrop idea is a bit time-intensive, but the end result is completely worth it. This will be the focal point of the party. Plus, when all is said and done, you can repurpose this for future events, or even sell it on Facebook Marketplace. Ready to dive in?!
Materials Needed: Shop the supplies here!
- Variety of colored tablecloths from Dollar Tree
- Mesh fencing from a local hardware store (Lowes)
- Rotary Cutter
- Scissors
- Acrylic Ruler
- Self Healing Mat
- Zip Ties (for attaching to the backdrop stand)
Optional Supplies:
- Backdrop Stand (or alternative)
- Balloon Strips (for tying mesh fencing)
Tablecloth Backdrop DIY Assembly:
- Step 1: Prepare Backdrop Frame. Begin by tying the mesh fencing to the backdrop stand using zip ties and balloon strips. Ensure the mesh ends are positioned correctly at the top and bottom of the stand.
- Step 2: Cut Strips. Cut 1 1/2-2 inch strips from each tablecloth, leaving them unfolded for efficiency. Utilize an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter for clean, straight lines. Cut strips of various sizes for added texture.
- Step 3: Attach Strips. First, wrap a strip around every loop at the bottom and top of the fencing to conceal the green wax strip. Then, starting from the bottom, attach the strips to the mesh fencing as follows:
- Bottom Layer: Layer two pieces of tablecloth, alternating colors, and loop-tie the strips to each hole of the mesh fence along the bottom.
- Middle Layers: Repeat the tying process, but loop-tie the strips to every other hole in the fence, ensuring partial coverage of the bottom layer.
- Top Layer: Repeat the bottom layer process for the top layer, ensuring even coverage and color distribution.
- Step 4: Complete Finishing Touches. Step back and assess the overall arrangement, adjusting as needed, to achieve the desired coverage and aesthetic. Ensure knots are secure but not too tight to avoid stretching the fabric.
Follow these steps to create a stunning and customizable tablecloth backdrop that adds a touch of charm and elegance to any event or occasion.
Create Your Own DIY Arch Backdrop
Looking for chic and distinctive DIY photo backdrop ideas for your wedding ceremony or special event? Forget the traditional arch and opt for something unique with this fun and modern DIY project! You’ve likely seen these all over the gram. That’s because the effort is relatively low. The cost for materials is CHEAP. And the result is super duper chic.
DIY with Danielle shared a fantastic tutorial for how she made her wooden arch backdrop, which I’ve summarized here for you.
Materials:
- Three 3/4″ 4 ft.x8 ft. MDF boards (or finished grade plywood for a lighter option)
- Router and Router Circle Jig
- Circular Saw
- Straight Edge Guide or 1×2 + clamps
- Orbital Sander
- 120 grit sandpaper discs
- Six L-shaped brackets
- Six 25″ 2×4 pieces
- Primer and Paint
- 4 inch roller brush + paint tray
- N95 mask (for protection)
Dimensions of the Arches:
- Smallest (5ft. x 3.5ft.)
- Middle (6.5ft. x 3.5ft.)
- Largest (7.5ft. x. 3.5 ft.)
Step-by-Step DIY Arch Backdrop Guide:
- Step 1: Cut the Boards. Trim each board to the required dimensions using a circular saw or table saw.
- Step 2: Create the Arches. Utilize a router and circle jig to cut the arches on the top of each board, following precise measurements.
- Step 3: Sand and Prime. Smooth the edges of the arches with sandpaper, then clean thoroughly. Apply two coats of primer to each arch to ensure even coverage.
- Step 4: Paint. Once the primer is dry, paint the arches with your chosen color. Opt for Behr Premium in Satin for a sleek finish.
- Step 5. Build the Stands. Attach metal L brackets to the arches and 2×4 legs to create sturdy stands. Secure sandbags to the legs for added stability.
With these simple steps, you can craft a stunning DIY arch backdrop that adds a touch of elegance and charm to any occasion!
Build Your Own Pallet Photo Backdrop
Ready to create a rustic-chic photo backdrop for your birthday, graduation party, or wedding? If you scoured Pinterest for the perfect DIY photo backdrop ideas, you likely found a variety of beautiful inspirational photos for pallet backdrops like I did. But, I was challenged to find a tutorial that actually demonstrated the step-by-step process.
Finally, I found a great video tutorial by Inspiring Builds that I’ve summarized here and linked below that I found really helpful. Follow these steps to build your very own pallet backdrop!
Pallet Backdrop Tools and Materials:
- Quick clamps
- Hammer
- Five-in-one painting tool
- Reciprocating saw with a nine-inch blade
- Gloves
- Hearing and eye protection
- Pallets
- Six 2x4s (one pressure-treated for ground contact)
- Circular saw
- Multi-purpose screws
- Brad nailer
- Battery-powered tools (optional but convenient)
Step-by-Step DIY Pallet Backdrop Guide:
- Step 1: Prepare the Pallets. Secure the pallet on a table or sawhorse using quick clamps. Use the five-in-one painting tool and hammer to create gaps between the slats and stringer to ease slat removal.
- Step 2: Remove the Slats. Utilize a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails and remove the slats from the stringers. This process may vary depending on the pallet size and number of stringers.
- Step 3: Construct the Frame. Measure and cut the 2x4s according to the desired height and width of the frame. Use multi-purpose screws to assemble the frame, ensuring it’s sturdy and square.
- Step 4: Attach the Slats. Lay out the slats and arrange them for the desired look. Secure the slats to the frame using a brad nailer, ensuring each slat is straight and flush with the frame.
- Step 5: Complete Your Final Touches. Once all slats are attached, add any decorations like signage, lights, or greenery to personalize your pallet backdrop.
Follow these steps to create a stunning pallet photo backdrop that is perfect for any occasion!
DIY Greenery Photo Backdrop
Looking to create your own stunning DIY Greenery backdrop without breaking the bank? Here’s a cost-effective option that will save you several hundred dollars off the cost of rental. Plus, you’ll OWN this beautiful boxwood wall to use for future events.
This perfect if you’re planning a wedding and also want to use this for a bridal shower. Or if you’re a frequent party hostess, make it the feature wall for every occasion! So, use this easy-to-follow DIY greenery backdrop tutorial, summarized from Cake and Confetti, to create a DIY photo backdrop that’ll be the talk of the event.
Materials Needed: Shop the supplies here!
- Artificial boxwood panels
- 3-pack of brass hinges
- 1/4 inch plywood cut into two pieces 40×80 inches
- Screwdriver
- Staple gun
- Assorted flowers (real or artificial)
DIY Greenery Backdrop Assembly Guide:
- Step 1: Prepare the Panels. Ensure a proper fit between your boxwood panels and your plywood, cutting the plywood to size, if necessary.
- Step 2: Attach the greenery panels. Secure the boxwood panels to the plywood by stapling the border every 6-8 inches.
- Step 3: Assemble the Backdrop. Lay both plywood pieces boxwood side down about 1/4 inch apart. Attach the three hinges evenly along the top, middle, and bottom to connect the two pieces. This allows the backdrop to fold in half for easy transport and storage. You may need some support with this to flip the panels over – don’t be a hero!
- Step 4: Add Flowers (if desired). Flip the backdrop back over with the boxwood facing up. (again, grab a friend for that!). Then, attach your chosen flowers to the boxwood by cutting the stems to 2-3 inches and insert them into the boxwood backing. Secure the stems in place with staples.
By following these steps, you’ll have a stylish and budget-friendly greenery photo backdrop that’s perfect to add a pop of pizazz for any occasion!
More DIY Photo Backdrop Ideas
OK friends, there you have it. My round-up of DIY photo backdrop ideas – from simple DIY balloon backdrops to over-the-top floral walls. I hope you found the perfect fit to elevate your celebration. And before you go, be sure to check out the following resources.
Any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by dropping them in the comments below or sending me a message through our contact form.
Happy Planning!
Kels