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Category: Weddings

How to Sell Custom Photo Folders to the Wedding Market

Photo Booth Owners: want to grow your bottom line? Add custom photo folders to your event packages! They’re a great upsell and make affordable, personalized party favors. They also protect your prints!

In this video, we chat about how to sell Studio Style photo folders to brides and the wedding market.  We came back from the 2017 Photo Booth Expo last month, and wanted to address a question we heard from some photo booth owners: “Now that we have our photo folder sample kits, how do we sell these to our customers?”

Here are some of the big takeaways:

  1. Chat with your bride about her theme. Mention that you can offer custom photo folders to match the colors and style of the wedding.
  2. Photo folders protect the prints. Slip the prints inside to keep them safe from fingerprints, creases, and food/drink spills.
  3. Pitch the photo folders as inexpensive party favors. This ensures that all guests get a nice personalized keepsake to take home.
  4. Our designs are fully customizable. Change the colors, the text, or add a special message from the bride and groom.
  5. Offer a discount when they book. As a photo booth owner or photographer, you get wholesale pricing, so you can use these as an incentive to get brides to book with you, or offer them at a special price to thank them for choosing your photo booth service.
  6. Quick turnaround time (7-10 business days for production). Assure the bride that you’ll gather all of the details she wants to be printed on the folders, and you’ll take care of the ordering process for her.
  7. Get to know our themed designs. You can use our product photos on your website and in your marketing materials to showcase. Have samples on hand to show your prospective clients, and let them feel the quality and durability of the cardstock first-hand.
  8. Call us at (800) 346-3063 or chat with us online at StudioStyle.com if you have any questions, or are ready to order!
White portrait folder with gold foil wedding imprint
Shown: Horizontal White Portrait Folder (with personalization)

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How to Add Vintage Flair to Your Event Photo Booth

How to Add Vintage Flair to your Photo Booth

Ah, the photo booth.

Invented in the early twentieth century by an ambitious Russian immigrant, the photo booth quickly won over the American public with it’s quick printing capabilities and intimate booth atmosphere.

Enclosed photo booths started appearing in cities across the U.S. wherever crowds gathered. They grew in popularity over the next several decades, and saw such famous visitors as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Truman Capote.

But in the later decades of the 20th century, Americans’ fascination with the photo booth declined. The once-popular photo booths were relegated to dusty corners at malls and shopping centers.

But all that changed about 10 years ago.

As the saying goes, “what’s old is new again,” and this couldn’t be more true for the humble event photo booth. Now they are at weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, retail grand openings, first birthday parties, and graduation parties. Photographers across the U.S. are adding them as a package option for their event photography, and DIY photo booth tutorials abound.

But the fun part for you, the party planner, is all the glamorous details, and what’s more fun than a vintage 1920s photo booth theme? Whether you’re throwing a gala reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, hosting a small art deco-inspired soirée, or just want a 1920s-themed photo booth, we’ve searched high and low to bring you some of the best 1920s vintage photo booth ideas and inspiration.

Vintage Photo Booth Backdrop Ideas

  • Strips of wrapping paper. Sound silly? It’s not! Put one strip black, another of a subtle black and gold geometric pattern. Just be careful not to clash patterns or create something too loud.
  • Black table cloth. This is perhaps the easiest and thriftiest option, which is why it’s usually the most popular. A simple black table cloth from your local party supply store is a simple but great background.
  • Streamers. Choose two or three colors, and tape streamers to the wall, keeping them all straight, twirling all of them, or keeping some straight while twirling others.
  • Velvet. We’re thinking a red or black velvet curtain reminiscent of the theater. While an actual theater curtain might not fit your budget, check your local fabric store, especially the bargain bins. Or, hang a simple black backdrop, and put on red velvet curtain on each side, pulled back with a gold rope tie. Where to buy: Jo-Ann
  • Clear balloons filled with gold glitter. Easy and fun glitter balloons! Just add a spoonful of glitter to a clear balloon, blow it up (with helium), tie on a gold ribbon, and tape the ribbon to the floor. Fill up enough balloons to cover a wide enough area, and tie on varying lengths of ribbon. You can either buy these pre-made, or make your own glitter balloons.
  • Patterns to look for. Whether it’s a piece of fabric, a table cloth, wrapping paper, or wallpaper, look for big, regal patterns like damask or brocade, or for true art deco style, be on the lookout for bold geometric patterns.

Prop Ideas for your 1920s-Themed Photo Booth

  • Hats, hats, hats. Find period-style hats for the guys and the dames. For guys, look for bowler, derby, fedora, top hat, panama, gambler, or homburg. For dames, look for cloche, beret, toque, turbans, and of course, the flapper headband. Where to buy: Candy Apple Costumes
  • Mustache on a stick. Make your own, find some at the party store, or download some vintage-style photo booth printables.
  • Bow ties for the guys. You can either find a few clip-on bow ties (skip the over-sized ones for the vintage theme), or use a printable. Where to buy: Tie Bar (feeling crafty? Learn how to make your own clip-on bow tie.)
  • Lace gloves for the ladies. So that you’re fit for your elegant affair. Where to buy: Historical Emporium
  • Lace parasol. Look at pictures of people picnicking in the 1920s and you might see some women with lacy parasols, meant to shelter the sun. While a full-size parasol won’t work to well in a confined space, a child-sized or petite parasol would be perfect.
  • Feather boas and playful fans. Time to hit the party store again! Think glitz and glam.
  • Rotary Phone. Why not? Look on eBay or ask around; you might be surprised at who has one of those sitting in their attic.
  • Colorful silk flowers. Not your ordinary prop, but why should the bride and bridesmaids be the only ones with bouquets?

DIY Vintage Photo Booth Signs

  • Pointing to the photo booth. Free photo booth sign printables abound online. Check out some at Elegance and Enchantment. Creating your own? Look up some 1920s slang to make it even more authentic.
  • How to use the photo booth. Avoid the risk of losing pictures, having damaged equipment, or just confusing your guests. Kelly from A Side of Sweet provided a simple list of instructions for guests at her wedding.
  • How to pose and use props. Yes, this might sound silly, but it could be another way to add some vintage flair. Find some old photo booth pictures (old family photos from the 1920s will work, too), put them in a gold frame, and place them on the props table.

Several vintage-designed photo booth folders

Protect Your Prints! Personalized Photo Booth Favors

  • Photo Booth Strip Folders. Help your guests protect their 2″ x 6″ photo booth prints. Personalize with your event details. Where to buy: Studio Style
  • Photo Holder for 4″ x 6″ Photo Booth Collage. Perfect for the larger prints! Choose a vintage design, or create one of your own. Where to buy: Studio Style (Psssst… the Vintage Props is our most popular design for events like this.)
  • An envelope. Get envelopes to coordinate with your color or design theme. Leave them blank, add a label, or personalize with some fancy calligraphy. Find these at any stationery supply store. For 4″ x 6″ photos, look for the A6 envelope size.

DIY Photo Booth Tutorial List

If you’re one of the brave individuals looking to set up your own photo booth, check out this list of tutorials from experts and beginners alike.

  • Offbeat Wed. No expensive camera needed, just your computer and a web cam. The ultimate budget-friendly option.
  • Simple Booth. Have an iPad? Here’s a really easy one for you. Buy the app, and set your iPad up on a tri-pod.
  • Photography Concentrate. Photographers Lauren and Rob Lim share their photo booth setup. This one is perfect if you have a dSLR and a separate flash unit.
  • dslrBooth. Photo booth software (Mac or PC) for those with Nikon, Canon or Sony dSLR cameras. Also works with webcams.
  • Viget. For a more professional setup with dSLR, lights, and live photo slideshow, see how the staff at Viget set up their photo booth.

If You’re Hiring a Photographer…

Sometimes it’s more fun to let someone else handle the technical side of setting up a photo booth, and that’s ok! You can still choose props, backdrops, and other photo booth decor. We’ve found that photo booth owners love working their clients’ ideas into their booth to help personalize the experience, so if you are hiring a professional, ask them if you can use your own props and backdrop.

Ready, Set, Go!

Whether it’s for your wedding or your kid’s birthday party, your photo booth will bring out the goofiness in your guests, and there’s nothing like a vintage theme to really get them to open up.

Are you doing a vintage photo booth theme? Let us know what your set up looks like—we’d love to see it!

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DIY Free Photo Booth Strip Template Download

Say cheese! Download our free template to create DIY photo booth strips.

We love photo booths. Old is new again, and photo booths have seen a resurgence at wedding receptions, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthdays, bars, restaurants, parties, and events everywhere. It’s instant photo fun—what’s not to love?

While nothing can replace that old school fun of jumping into a photo booth and hamming it up with your friends, sometimes you just want the old fashioned photo strip look without renting a booth.

We know the feeling, and that is why we created this freebie just for you. Below are step-by-step instructions to create your own Photo Booth Strip Template in Photoshop.

Editing the photo booth picture strip template in Photoshop
This is what the template looks like when you open it. Add your photos underneath the top layer titled “Photo Booth Template”.
Free photo booth 2x6 template for Photoshop

Download Free Photo Booth Strip Template

This download is a layered PSD (Photoshop) file, just open and place your photos behind the template layer. Who knew it could be so easy to make your own 2″ x 6″ photo booth picture strip?

To save your finished design for printing, you can flatten the layers and save it as a JPG. You can also save it as a PNG or TIFF, but JPG is a widely-used and widely-accepted image format.

Try making your pictures black and white or sepia tone for a vintage look by applying your favorite Image Adjustment or Photoshop Action.

This photo booth template is for more than just photo booth pictures

Be creative! Print and cut them out to make your own DIY save the dates or wedding thank you cards, birthday party favors, or simply combine your favorite photos to post to Facebook and share with friends.

If you enjoy nature photography, add some of your favorites and print your own 2″ x 6″ nature-themed bookmarks (an inexpensive Christmas present!).

Or add photos of your kids a recent vacation, your dog at the park, or even a night out on the town. While you can frame these, 2″ x 6″ photo booth strips also look great hung on a fridge or cabinet with a magnet.

How to frame your 2″ x 6″ picture strips

If you’re printing a large volume of photo booth pictures, be sure to check out our inexpensive paper photo booth frames, available in more than 60 themed designs, including red carpet, sports, Christmas, and vintage.

Picture strip folders are perfect for photo favors, handing out as photo souvenirs to event attendees, wedding guests, or using as a thank you card. Customize a printed photo booth picture holder for any event or occasion.

2x6 Photo Booth Frames to Hold Picture Strip Templates
Design and print your own 2″ x 6″ photo booth picture strips. Shown here in our photo booth folders.

PS – Not sure if your event needs a photo booth? Here are 10 reasons why photo booths can boost an event’s success.

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Create a Candy Buffet for your Wedding in 5 Easy Steps

Creating a DIY self-serve candy station at your wedding reception party is an easy and creative alternative to traditional candy wedding favors.

Jordan almonds wrapped in organza or tulle and tied with ribbon have long been the traditional wedding favor choice for many brides and grooms. TheKnot.com explains the cultural significance for these sugarcoated candies. While this tradition will always be popular, wedding candy buffet bars are becoming the colorful, interactive, and completely customizable candy favor choice for many brides.

Creating your own candy table at your wedding is easy and affordable, and requires only a few supplies. From the candy buffet jars to the favor bags to the tasty candy itself, we outline the 5 steps it takes to create your own colorful and personalized candy bar dream.

Step 1 – Choose Your Candy & Colors

This is the most fun part! First think about what colors you want to have.

A couple planning their wedding will choose colors that match the rest of their wedding. Jelly beans and M&M’s both come in a rainbow of colors. Don’t forget licorice, gum drops, chocolates, gummy bears, and taffy which come in many flavors. Online retailers often organize their candy by color making it easy to find choices that will work with your wedding colors.

Step 2 – Buy Glass Jars & Candy Scoops

Candy buffet glass jars
Create a decorative candy buffet with glass jars

Big glass jars work best to show off your colorful candy. Similar to the jars used at old-fashioned bulk candy stores, these often have removable lids to keep the candy fresh. You may want to remove and store the lids right before the guests start to fill their bags up!

Glass flower vases and trifle bowls also work nicely. Don’t forget the scoops (or tongs, depending on what kind of candy it is). Scoops discourage guests from dipping their hands directly into the jars. Use one scoop per candy jar.

Step 3 – Hand Write Labels

Handwritten labels are elegant and help identify what is inside the jars. Choose plain labels or ones with a pretty border that ties in with your wedding theme. If you have messy handwriting, go ahead and print labels on your home inkjet printer or ask a friend to write them for you.

Clear cello bags with Halloween candy for candy buffets
Clear cello bags are perfect for guests to fill up and take their candy home.

Step 4 – Buy Favor Bags

Just like clear glass jars work best for displaying the candy, clear cello bags work best for filling. Don’t forget twist ties or pre-cut ribbon so guests can tie their goodie bags shut!

Step 5 – Set Up Your Candy Bar Buffet

Now that you have your candy fill, labeled jars, scoops and bags, you are ready to set everything up! Cover your candy table with a table cloth and add bunting to the front of the table, if desired. A vase of flowers also looks nice amongst the jars of delicious sweets.

On your big day, your guests will love filling their bags with their favorite candy, and you’ll love knowing how easy it was to create!

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Turn Your Wedding Photo Into a Christmas Card

Share the happiness and joy of your wedding day with Christmas photo cards.

The holiday season is a time for sharing memories with friends and family. While many people choose to share the highlights of their year with a traditional holiday letter, a picture is worth a thousand words! Chances are that your wedding day was one of the major highlights of your year, and likely a day where you both looked your best. Why not use one of your favorite wedding photos as a holiday card this year?

Custom Christmas Cards with Wedding Photo
Hey newlyweds! Use your wedding photo on custom printed holiday photo cards, and fall in love with the holiday season all over again. You can also put your engagement photos on a Christmas card.

Photo cards also double as a great way to get a photo out to everyone that asked for one. And for those greeting card recipients who didn’t attend your wedding, its a way for them to feel like they were there.

But we got married last March! Is it still okay to use our wedding picture for our holiday card?

Absolutely! As long as you were married within the last year, it is perfectly acceptable to share your wedding photo during the holiday season. After all it was a big event for the year, and Christmas is a time to reflect on those joys.

Can I use the photos from our wedding photographer?

Remember to check with your photographer to make sure you have the rights to reproduce their photo onto cards. If you purchased digital copies of the photos, check to see if the photographer included a digital print release.

Having a digital print release from your wedding photographer means you can have your wedding pictures printed anywhere. Just provide the print release when ordering your photos. In most instances, you just email the print release to customer service and they will keep it on file in case you order more prints.

Photo print centers require these releases if using professional images or copyrighted graphics—Studio Style also requires a digital print release if you choose custom printed Christmas photo cards. Not sure if you need a digital print release to order photos? Just ask your photographer.

How to use printed wedding photos in Christmas cards

If you received printed photos instead of the digital copies, you can always take 4″ x 6″ prints that you purchased from your photographer and slide them into photo frame style cards. It’s an easy DIY way to create instant photo cards! Studio Style offers photo insert christmas cards and custom printed holiday photo cards.

A pocket style photo insert card makes it easy to remove the picture and frame it long after the holiday season is over.
A pocket-style photo insert card makes it easy to remove the picture and frame it long after the holiday season is over.

Sending a custom wedding photo Christmas card is a unique and personal way to keep in touch this holiday season. With many designs to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find one that fits your style.

We can help you find the best Christmas photo card

If you need help finding the best Christmas photo card for your wedding picture, Studio Style is here to help. Our graphic designers can either help you find the best Christmas card design for your newlywed picture—or we’ll design it for you. Call us at (800) 346-3063 or send us an email with your design ideas. We’re here to help!

Merry Christmas!

Products featured in this post: custom printed Christmas photo cards, Snow White Photo Insert Card, Green Holly Photo Insert Card, and Candy Cane Photo Insert Card.

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