In the Booth, Author at In The Booth

Golden Hour Photos

Golden Hour Photos

EVENT PLANNING

Golden Hour Photos

Every couple dreams of soft, glowing wedding portraits. You know the ones – those glowing images at sunset on Pinterest that get you lost in a wedding day daydream! Those dreamy images often happen during Golden Hour. Golden Hour is the short period before sunset or after sunrise. During this time, natural light looks warm, soft, and flattering. You’d be hard pressed to find a photographer without Golden Hour photos in their website gallery!

Golden Hour Photos create romantic skin tones and beautiful golden highlights. Additionally, they give wedding galleries a timeless and cinematic feel. However, these photos need thoughtful planning to work perfectly. It’s common knowledge that wedding day schedules often don’t run to plan. People are late, things go wrong and the schedule gets behind.

By working with your photographer and wedding planner, you can count on creating incredible Golden Hour Photos without feeling rushed.

Talk to Your Photographer Early

Start discussing Golden Hour during your wedding planning process. Sunset times change throughout the year. Therefore, your photographer can recommend the best timing for portraits. Listen to their advice and work your wedding day schedule around this. Remember, the day will pass but you’ll have your photos forever. Some extra time worked into your schedule for Golden Hour photos is so worth it.

Summer weddings often have later sunsets. Meanwhile, winter weddings usually reach Golden Hour much earlier. Because of this, your timeline should match the season and venue location. You may need to be flexible to make everything work together. For example, a summer Golden Hour may mean dinner starting later for your guests as your reception arrival will be later after photos. How can you keep your guests fed and happy while they wait?

Your photographer has most likely been to your venue before. Ask their advice for the best locations on property to capture Golden Hour. When couples trust their photographer’s advice, the results are always worth it!

Build Extra Time Into Your Timeline

Wedding days move quickly. Family photos, speeches, and dancing can fill your schedule fast. Therefore, adding breathing room is extremely important. Instead of rushing portraits, schedule dedicated time for Golden Hour Photos. Even 15 minutes can completely transform your wedding gallery.

If Golden Hour falls later, perhaps schedule 15 minutes with your photographer outdoors after the reception has started. Many couples hesitate to leave guests during the reception. However, your photographer will be conscious of this and keep things moving. They also give couples a quiet moment together. Pause, breathe, and enjoy your wedding day sunset together.

Stay Flexible During Sunset

Light changes quickly over minutes and even seconds. Weather conditions will also effect Golden Hour photos on your day. The movement of the light means no two photos will be the same and your photographer will use this to your advantage.

Be prepared to be flexible and be ready to move! If your photographer says “quick!”, there’s a reason why. They’re trying to capture that perfect light and sunset waits for no one!

Choose the Right Locations

Be practical about your locations for your Golden Hour photos. If you’re in love with a beach sunset image, your photographer won’t be able to recreate this for you in a rainforest setting. It’s important to work with your available landscape and not against it.

You might have a particular idea in mind for your photos, but let your photographer lead the way. Your idea may not necessarily work well with the available light. Be prepared to hustle to where your photographer places you. Asking questions takes up valuable time when the sun is setting – just trust and go!

Capture Golden Hour Candids With Guest Cam

In the Booth’s Guest Cam always gets a work out during Golden Hour! It’s a great activity to keep guests busy while you’re off having your photos taken. Guests often get a bird’s eye view of your reception or photo time and some of the most beautiful candid pictures will be waiting to surprise you on your USB folio.

Let your guests know via your invitation that Guest Cam will be available so they can download the app and be ready to go. Trust us – once one guest gets snapping, that’s all it takes! Their printed photos make the perfect keepsake if you’re looking for a way to keep costs down too.

Budget Catering Ideas

EVENT INSPIRATION

Budget Catering Ideas

Without a doubt, one of your largest invoices for your wedding or event will be for catering. Feeding people is just expensive, full stop. Eating and drinking at weddings and events go hand in hand! Guests arrive and they’re almost instantly looking for food and water!

In addition, you know what’s more expensive than feeding a few people? It’s feeding a lot of people! The average wedding guest list is approximately one hundred people. Imagine if each guests takes three canapés – that’s a bill for 300 canapés. You can see how costs can add up quickly.

Today on the blog we’re looking at the best ideas we’ve seen for keeping catering within budget. With some small sacrifices, you can keep your catering bill under control and guests’ bellies full too. Remember to Google suppliers in your local area to keep delivery costs down and support your local small businesses!

Wood-fired Pizza

Pizza is a fantastic catering option for feeding a crowd on a limited budget. Most pizza trucks will keep making pizza until your crowd stops eating. Some even offer dessert pizza options so you can kill two birds with one stone. All you’ll need is some outside space for the crew to set up. Don’t forget your guests will need to visit the pizza truck themselves to be served so just allow time for this in your evening’s schedule.

Budget Catering Ideas

BBQ Buffet

A BBQ buffet can cut down on costs but keep bellies full. Most BBQ offerings will involve a buffet where the food keeps coming out and guests can visit the buffet to serve themselves. Just remember to chat about the details such as serving ware and table clearing. You may be able to hire additional wait staff to clear tables but just remember this may not be included. Cleaning up after buffet can be a task in itself so you may require extra helpers.

Budget Catering Ideas

Taco Bar

Mad about Mexican? You and most people! A taco bar is an easy and inexpensive way to feed your mob. Chicken, beef or pork fillings can be kept warm in slow cookers for guests to serve themselves into warmed taco shells or wraps. Other items for your tacos such as cheese and lettuce are budget friendly and can be bought in bulk cheaply at places like Costco. A taco bar gives an interactive buffet vibe. A few corn chips on the side and – ole!

Budget Catering Inspiration

Grazing Table

Grazing tables can be a fantastic way to feed your crowd. Guests can pick and choose their favourites and there’s way more variety than “chicken or fish”. Grazing tables are fantastic as a substitute entree or dessert. There’s so many ways they can be themed to suit. From cheese to cannoli there’s literally endless ways to create a delicious grazing table that will keep guests coming back for more.

Grazing Table

Dessert Night

If your budget is tight, consider starting your event a little later. Clearly communicate on your invitation that the event is for dessert only. Dessert is such a fun way to spoil your guests without the expense of a full sit down meal. DIY a pavlova bar or gelato station. If dessert only has opened up your budget, splurge on an ice cream truck or other dessert supplier to do the worrying for you!

Dessert Table

Soup Buffet

There’s nothing better to fill people up and keep things under budget than some delicious soups. This is a great option especially if your event is in winter. Put out some bowls, spoons and baskets piled high with crusty bread and let your guests go to town! There’s so many options for soups available or ask your friends and family to pot luck and bring their favourite along in a slow cooker.

Budget Catering

Wedding Planning Events

WEDDING PLANNING

Wedding Planning Events

Planning a wedding feels exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Thankfully, attending a few helpful events can make the process much easier. These events are designed connect couples with experienced suppliers, fresh ideas, and practical planning advice.

Wedding expos remain one of the most popular planning events. These large showcases feature venues, photographers, florists, entertainers, and In the Booth in one location. Additionally, couples often enjoy live demonstrations, fashion parades, and exclusive event discounts. Instead of searching online for hours, couples can meet suppliers face-to-face and compare services quickly.

Venue open days also offer valuable planning inspiration. During these events, venues display ceremony setups, reception styling, and catering options. Furthermore, couples can explore the space while speaking directly with venue coordinators. This experience helps couples visualise their wedding day more clearly.

Bridal workshops and planning seminars continue growing in popularity as well. These smaller events focus on practical advice and current wedding trends. For example, couples may learn budgeting tips, timeline planning strategies, or styling techniques. In addition, many workshops encourage questions and personal interaction. You’re sure to depart leaving more organised than when you arrived!

Local wedding markets create another exciting opportunity for engaged couples. These relaxed events often feature boutique suppliers, handmade products, and creative services. Meanwhile, couples can discover unique ideas that larger expos sometimes overlook. This personal approach helps couples create weddings that feel authentic and memorable.

Online wedding events also provide convenient planning support. Virtual expos, supplier showcases, and live-streamed Q&A sessions allow couples to research from home. As a result, busy couples can continue planning despite packed schedules.

Every wedding planning event offers different benefits. However, each one helps couples gain inspiration, confidence, and valuable industry connections. Most importantly, these events transform wedding planning into an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Bridal Expo

You’ve probably heard of this one! Most major cities will host bridal expos every few months. Smaller areas may hold a yearly event. Google wedding expo organisers in your area. Wedding expos are often linked to bridal magazines or other advertising initiatives. Wedding expos are fantastic for wedding planning because you can see, touch and chat with prospective vendors.

Wedding Planning

Venue Open Day

Venue open days are usually more intimate and specific to the venue at hand. These can be great to visit before you book your venue to find out more but also afterwards. Venue open days will have a more personal feel and you will be able to chat with their staff about the specifics of your day. View their event spaces in more detail and suppliers are usually the venue’s preferred team.

Wedding Venue Open Night

Tasting Dinner

Tasting dinners are hosted by venues as an opportunity for their couples to test out their menu and make those tricky decisions! Plan a lovely evening out with your betrothed to lock in some menu decisions your coordinator is probably chasing you for! A tasting dinner will often have the opportunity for you to chat with the chefs themselves and ask any specific questions,

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Workshop

A creative workshop can be fantastic to help solidify your wedding planning. Florists, cake makers and more are all known for running simple workshops to help you with ideas and options. Slightly less fun perhaps, but a budget workshop can remove a lot of stress from wedding planning and ensure yourself and your partner are on the same page when it comes to wedding expenditure.

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Wedding Market

If you live outside of the big smoke, a wedding market can bring a hometown and more relaxed feel than a inner city wedding expo. Wedding markets are more likely to have some items for sale such as napkins, centrepieces or other styling options. Buying handmade and local is more important than ever and you’re sure to meet some amazing small business at your local wedding market.

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Venue Tours

Don’t be afraid to request a venue tour! You’re sure to receive some one on one time with the venue coordinator and trust us, there’s no one more qualified to help with your wedding planning questions! They will have seen it all; what ideas work and what don’t. Remember to trust their experience – they only want the best possible outcome for your day.

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Country Queensland Wedding for Justin & Ali

IN THE BOOTH MACKAY

Country Queensland Wedding for Justin & Ali

Justin and Ali’s wedding redefined what a true Queensland country wedding can be. Set against the rustic charm of the Glenden Rodeo Grounds, their celebration marked a milestone. Not only did they embrace a relaxed, authentic country style, but they also became the very first couple to ever host a wedding at this gorgeous country Queensland location. As a result, their day carried a sense of home that their guests aren’t likely to forget.

From the moment celebrations began, the atmosphere felt welcoming and undeniably Australian. Akubras met polished details, while wide-open spaces created a breathtaking backdrop. Furthermore, every choice reflected Justin and Ali’s vision. They leaned into a genuine Australian country theme, blending natural textures with simple, thoughtful styling. Because of this, the setting felt both effortless and super sweet.

A wedding more Aussie than The Castle

In addition, the Glenden Rodeo Grounds offered something truly special. Instead of a traditional venue, the couple chose a space rich in character and local spirit. Consequently, their wedding stood out as more than just a celebration. It became an experience that honoured Queensland’s rural charm – complete with cows!

Meanwhile, guests enjoyed the relaxed pace that defines a Queensland country wedding. Laughter carried across the grounds, and the open air invited everyone to unwind in the marquee. As the day unfolded, each moment felt connected to the the story Justin and Ali were beginning together.

It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite image from Justin and Ali’s wedding gallery. The colours, the light and those flower girls – it was all breathtaking! How is it possible that Justin and Ali even seemed to coordinate their gorgeous auburn feature colour with the cattle!

It’s difficult to picture a better backdrop for Justin and Ali’s ceremony than the Glenden Rodeo Grounds cattle yards. Towering gums and their stunning arbour created the backdrop for hay bale seating and spring Australiana florals. The bridesmaid gowns in rust were nothing short of eye catching and seemed to carry through the warmth of the colour palette through to the sunset. Groomsmen in crisp blue jeans, grey jackets and Akubras finished off their theme like something out of a Queensland Country Wedding magazine!

Justin & Ali’s Wedding at Glenden Rodeo Grounds

As the sun started to go down, it only painted the landscape more beautifully. How perfect are the shots of Justin and Ali in the old ute? Their reception marquee was all pallet timber, expansive florals and rust features. In the Booth Mackay settled into the adjoining hay shed for the evening as the drinks and the instant prints started flowing!

Justin and Ali made the perfect choice of our Sparkler Love design which was paired with our Gold backdrop – one of our favourite combinations! The party vibe meant the Guest Cams kept snapping outside while the booth captured the traditional photo booth memories.

Thank you so much for choosing In the Booth Mackay, Justin and Ali! We feel truly privileged to have shared in your amazing wedding day. Ultimately, your wedding proved that with creativity and heart (and two beyond gorgeous flower girls!) any space can transform into something unforgettable. Therefore, Justin and Ali didn’t just host a wedding—they set the stage for many more to come.

A note from the Bride…

Glenden Rodeo Grounds Wedding

“Our wedding day was uniquely ours because this was the first wedding that the Glenden Rodeo grounds has ever hosted. Our country rustic theme for the wedding complimented the rodeo grounds perfectly!”

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Let’s get you boothing!

Planning your own wedding in country Queensland? We’ll help make it even more awesome!

Seating Chart Ideas

EVENT INSPIRATION

Seating Chart Ideas

Your wedding seating chart sets the tone before guests even find their tables. It is much more than a list of names. Instead, it becomes part of your overall styling and guest experience. As guests arrive, they naturally gather to find their allocated seat. Therefore, this moment offers a perfect opportunity to create something memorable and personal.

Traditionally, seating charts follow a simple printed format. However, modern weddings invite more creativity and personality. Couples now use this detail to reflect their theme, tell their story, or surprise their guests. For example, a well-designed seating chart can double as decoration and even entertainment.

Beyond practicality, seating charts offer a chance to showcase your wedding style. Whether you prefer elegant, rustic, modern, or playful, it can be anything you want it to be. Furthermore, it allows you to incorporate meaningful details that connect to your relationship or wedding theme.

At the same time, flexibility remains key. Different venues, guest counts, and layouts all influence your approach. Consequently, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the best seating chart balances function with personable creativity. Check out the below to get you started!

Keep it Classic

Ideas are great but can also be overwhelming. An easy to read, stunning seating plan will make a classic statement and allow your guests to quickly and easily find their seats. Check out Officeworks for large format poster printing which you can then mount on foam core. Or, paint a piece of play cut to size in your choice of colour and get Cricut happy with your guest list!

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Go Unique

The rules are there ain’t no rules. It’s your day, your way. Your seating chart is only limited by your imagination. From song lyrics to objects that communicate who you are as a couple, the sky’s the limit. Check with your venue for any space limitations and make sure you run any out-of-the-box ideas past them first. Sun, wind and rain can all cause unexpected effects!

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Choose a Theme

Choose a fun item that can be repeated uniquely for each table. Mini bottle of your favourite tipples such as the below are super fun. Then there’s photos of you at different ages i.e. Table 5 would have photos of you at five years old. We’ve seen lego people, stuffed animals, movies and records. Think about what’s important to you as a couple and play around with it.

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Go Luxurious

Your seating chart will usually have pride of place at the entrance to your reception and sets the tone. Candles, flowers and other items will create an extravagant feel for your day and cause your guests to take pause on the way into the room to drink it in. Chat to your florist about ideas and don’t forget ceremony flowers are the perfect thing to repurpose for your reception entrance.

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Make it Fun

How about a seating chart that carries through to your table numbers? For example, the wedding below used DVD cases of their favourite movies as table numbers to tie in with their seating chart. Throw in some movie trivia and you’ve got guest entertainment as well! Plus, if you need to call a table to dinner, calling out ‘Pulp Fiction’ is so much more fun than ‘Table 6’!

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Custom Sunnies

Sunglasses have been a favourite gift idea for guests at weddings for a while now and for good reason. They’re inexpensive and they’re just plain fun. Find them in every shape and colour of the rainbow. Customise further by roping in that crafty friend with a Cricut! Best of all? They double as a photo booth prop. This gorgeous custom stands takes it to another level!

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Guest Book Table Styling

WEDDING GUEST BOOK

Guest Book Table Styling

Guest book table styling is one of those tiny details that can add another sweet corner to your wedding or celebration. With In the Booth, a guest book package is included with all private events at no additional cost. We also can include a small table specially designed to hold your guest book and prop kit. However, many of our customers choose to designate their own guest book table in conjunction with their stylist or venue.

A FAQ we receive is “will a guest book table be provided?” The answer is yes, we always have our kit ready. In the Booth customers can let us know via their client portal if they would like to make use of our table, or have their venue provide one. Whichever your preference, your attendant will be on hand to ensure it’s looking inviting and ready for your guests to create some photo booth magic!

Location, location, location

The location of your table is important. It should be in close proximity to the booth, but not direct in the way of guest traffic. Your attendant will ensure guests know where to find the guest book, but obviously having it closer to the booth will help this flow naturally.

Guest Book Table

Space is at a premium

Your photo booth guest book is a busy area at your celebration. The table shouldn’t be too small as several guests will be trying to write in the book, replace props and have a gander all at once! We understand function space is at a premium which is why we find a happy medium is 1200mm x 600mm.

Photobooth Guest Book

Let there be light

Your guests will need enough light to be able to write their message. Consider allowing space for the guest book table under a downlight or wall sconce at your venue. If you’re using mini table lamps in your styling, allocate one for the guest book table as this will ensure the guest book table perfectly matches your theme.

Wedding Guest Book

A solid surface

You don’t want your table to be wobbly with guests trying to write. Make sure your guest book table is solid. Folding tables often require additional bracing due to guests pushing down on the middle.

Photo Booth Guest Book

Add some florals

If your florist is preparing bouquets for your guest tables, consider counting one for the guest book area as well. This will bring your wedding style over to the booth. A matching tablecloth or even a napkin used as a small table runner also incorporates your colours.

Celebration Guest Book

Hold my beer!

Drinks aren’t permitted in the photo booth for safety reasons – excited guests, liquids and a bride’s dress do not mix! Your attendant will politely ask guests to leave their drinks outside the booth. A dry bar or similar is preferred to avoid any spillages.

Photobooth Hire

Rainy Wedding Day

WET WEDDING DAY PLANNING

Rainy Wedding Day Ideas

You’ve woken up to rain on your wedding day. First, allow yourself a few minutes to deal with the understandable disappointment. We get it. A rainy wedding day can feel stressful at first. However, it often creates unexpected beauty and unforgettable moments. Now you’ve allowed yourself a moment, change your mindset. It’s your wedding day and it’s going to be gorgeous, no matter what! You’re marrying the love of your life, and that’s always going to make a perfect day. With the right mindset, you can turn a rainy wedding day into something magical.

No, we’re not going to break into song with Alannis Morrissette! But we are going to encourage you to accept the weather and shift your perspective. Rain symbolises good luck and new beginnings in many cultures. Therefore, it can add deeper meaning to your celebration. Instead of worrying, embrace the atmosphere and stay present.

Your photographer will be happy

Yep! A skilled photographer will be excited about the addition of rain. Sure, it comes with it’s challenges but if the couple has an awesome attitude, the photographer will know it’s an awesome opportunity. Rainy day wedding photos are just fun, full stop. Think brollies, gum boots, moody skies and puddles. The light on rainy days is also more even and can have a unique glow. Trust your photographer and run with their ideas!

Rainy Day Photographer

Always have a back up plan

Of course there will be certain things that are more challenging. For example, your outdoor ceremony. Chat to your local marquee hire about the situation and find out some options. Ask how close in advance you can book. Check different sizes and availability. Reach out to all your vendors and ask for their recommendations and experience regarding the weather. No doubt they have attended a wedding previously at your venue.

Rain On Your Wedding Day

Tell your guests to have fun with it

Instead of their normal shoes, send out a Wet Wedding Update once you’ve settled on your Plan B. Encourage your guests to pick out their favourite gumboots instead of their ‘fancy’ shoes! Suggest a change of clothes in case disaster strikes. Many friends and family will ask how they can help. Save yourself the cost of clear umbrellas and ask if your guests would be so kind as to bring their own clear ( or white or rainbow!) umbrella along.

Rainy Day Wedding

Rainy day wedding gifts

Your defer to Plan B will most likely be close to your wedding day. As part of your back up, purchase some very inexpensive clear ponchos from Temu or Amazon to hand out to guests. It will keep their outfits looking tip top. After all, most people are more comfortable dry than wet in their good clothes! Another very inexpensive idea is a small towel to dry off any damp spots. Find some at Kmart for next to nothing in a rainbow of colours.

Wedding Day Rain

Hot Chocolate Station

Rainy weather always brings out the feels for a hot drink, even in summer. Consider adding a simple hot chocolate station to your day. Guests could make their own hot chocolates using sachets and a urn while you’re off having photos. Add a packet of scotch finger biscuits and Nan will be happy as a clam! Your venue may be able to assist with this idea or ask a trusted family member if they would consider handling things as their gift.

Tea Coffee Station

Be inspired!

Keep those rainy wedding day thoughts positive! Make a Plan B Pinterest board of all your ideas. Watch the movie ‘About Time’ with Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson – there’s no better rainy day wedding scene! Chat to your wedding party about your plans and get them on board to dream up ideas with you. Last but not least, a wedding day is known as ‘tying the knot’. It’s common knowledge that a wet knot is even stronger!

Aberfeldy Rainy Wedding

Blue Mountain Hotel Wedding for Marco & India

IN THE BOOTH TOOWOOMBA

Blue Mountain Hotel Wedding for Marco & India

Perched on the escarpment, Blue Mountain Hotel offers a wedding setting that feels both relaxed and unforgettable. Toowoomba couples and those from further abroad choose this venue for its sweeping views and welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, the location creates a natural backdrop that needs little extra styling. Why style when nature provides all the beauty you need for your wedding photos?

From the moment guests arrive, the venue is inviting. Meanwhile, the panoramic scenery provides endless photo opportunities throughout the celebration. The hotel’s versatile spaces allow couples to tailor their wedding to suit their vision. Whether you prefer an intimate gathering or a lively reception, the space adapts with ease.

Not only does the Blue Mountain Hotel deliver stunning views, but it also offers exceptional dining experiences. Therefore, your wedding menu becomes a highlight that guests remember long after the day ends. Above all, weddings here feel personal, genuine, and beautifully curated. Ultimately, Blue Mountain Hotel Toowoomba blends charm, Darling Downs scenery, and service into one memorable celebration. If you’re at the start of your planning, this venue should definitely be on your visit list.

Marco and India’s late summer wedding day was quite simply a joyful one!

Have you considered not having a bridal party? It’s not something we see frequently however Marco and India rocked it and reminded us why it can be awesome! To get started, can we just a moment for the bride and her awesome wedding gown? India’s absolutely stunning frock paired with her chapel length veil bought such a fun and unique vibe to their wedding. With a gorgeous beaded bodice and satin skirt, it showed off India’s showstopper wedding heels to perfection! The dapper groom was resplendent in his navy three piece suit, with the jacket and tie removed to bring a relaxed feel to their photos.

Marco & India’s Wedding at Blue Mountain Hotel Toowoomba

The moody sky and textured clouds created the perfect backdrop for their formal portraits. With no bridal party to worry about, the photographer can put all their focus into wall-enlargement worthy portraits. And boy did The Finches deliver! The green rolling hills and dramatic sky form the ideal backdrop for the stars of the show.

Guest Cam took care of al the informal snaps (we’re loving the barefoot India cutting the cake!). Marco and India’s guests, many of whom had travelled from Italy, were treated to In the Booth Toowoomba, a lolly bar and a delicious BBQ dinner. It was a wedding day done right.

Our lovely couple took dare to be different to new height with selecting our blue backdrop for their photo booth snaps. Again, it’s not a colour we bring out often for weddings but we absolutely love the bright, happy vibe it bought to their photos. Your booth backdrop can make such a statement to your photo booth memories so don’t ever be afraid to go outside the box!

It was our pleasure to help celebrate your wedding day, Marco and India! Wishing you both every happiness for the years ahead. We hope your wedding photos continue to bring you so much joy in years to come.

A note from the Bride…

Blue Mountain Hotel Toowoomba Wedding

“Our wedding day was perfect! To see my friends and family enjoy themselves was important to us, especially since we had friends and family travel from Italy. Our day was colourful, loud, fun and filled with love!”

Blue Mountain Hotel Wedding

Let’s get you boothing!

Planning your own wedding at the Blue Mountain Hotel Toowoomba? We’ll help make it even more awesome!

Wedding Planning Tool Box Tips

EVENT PLANNING TIPS

Wedding Planning Tool Box Tips

Wedding planning can get a bad rap. With the right wedding planning tool kit at your disposal, wedding planning doesn’t have to be the nightmare it’s advertised to be. Granted, being organised definitely helps. However, we live in digital worlds and we are digital girls (or boys!). Let’s get your tool kit set up correctly from the start and you’ll have your co-brides asking you how you make it look so easy!

Wedding Planning Tool #1: Wedding Email Address

You are going to receive a lot of information via email. It’s vital that you keep it all in one location or inbox. Either create a specific wedding Gmail for all your wedding enquiries or create a folder in your mail client to keep your wedding emails together. You will save so much time if you’re not madly searching for emails.

Wedding Planning Tool #2: Wedding Email Address

Create an address book or contact list just of your suppliers. In the beginning you can even do this to keep track of enquiries and their responses. We encourage our couples to keep track on how long it takes a company to reply to your initial enquiry. The speed of their reply is a sign of things to come! Create a spreadsheet of your suppliers with their website, contact number and email address once you have made decision and bookings. It will be a life saver as you get closer to your day.

Wedding Planning Tool #3: Trello

Trello is an awesome tool for managing moving parts! Think Pinterest, but like a library. You can store all your wedding links and brochures under topics or ‘boards’. Create contact cards for your suppliers and keep all invoices and information together. Better yet, it can still have a visual component with images and videos. It’s a bride’s planning dream!

Wedding Planning Tool #4: Guest List Spreadsheet

A guest list spreadsheet is going to save your bacon along with your sanity. Create your guest list within a spreadsheet with the following:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Contact phone
  • Email
  • Street address
  • Suburb
  • State
  • Postcode
  • Dietary

If you’re sending formal invitations in the post, you’re going to need all those details. Need to follow up with a guest on their RSVP? You’ll need those details. If you have to reach someone urgently about a dietary requirement, you guessed it – you’ll need those details! You guest spreadsheet will have a multitude of uses from importing into your wedding website to creating place cards to assisting your venue.

Wedding Planning Tool #5: Wedding Website

This is a big one. Choose a wedding website that also doubles as RSVP management. Look for a service that allows you to upload your guest list and then tracks RSVP’s as they come in. Ask any couple that has recent planned a wedding and we guarantee they’ll say managing RSVP’s was the worst!

Wedding Planning Tool #6: Be Efficient

We know your to-do list is a million miles long but do everything you can to send prompt replies to your suppliers. You’ve employed them to look after the details on one of the most special days of your life. Give them the information they need promptly so they can do their job. Be respectful of deadlines and understanding that set requirements are there for your protection.

Life Sized Cut Out Prop

PHOTO BOOTH PROP

Life Sized Cut Out Prop

If you want your reception to feel unforgettable, add a life sized cut out to your photo booth setup. These bold props instantly grab attention. They spark conversation, create laughter, and give guests something interactive to pose with. Best of all, they just look awesome in photo booth photos!

In the Booth’s 2026 magazine features Brenda and Joel’s wedding as our cover! The highlight? A life sized cut out of Taylor Swift standing proudly beside the booth “Taylor Swift” as a guest at their wedding! Naturally, guests lined up all night to snap photos with “Taylor.” Even better, the cut out matched the couple’s playlist perfectly. As a result, their photo booth gallery felt cohesive, fun, and completely personal.

So, how can you use life sized cut outs at your own wedding? Let’s break it down.

Why a Life Sized Cut Out Works So Well

Firstly, they create an instant focal point. When guests walk into your reception, they’ll immediately notice a familiar face. “”Bob, is that you?!” From a celebrity to an overseas guests who unfortunately can’t attend, a life size cut out creates a super fun “guest” of honour.

Secondly, they suit any theme. For example, you might choose a favourite relative, a movie character, or even a custom cut out of your pet. Or put the focus fully on the reason for being there and select an engagement photo of yourselves. Alternatively, go full pop culture and channel Brenda and Joel’s Swifty-inspired celebration.

Additionally, they encourage shy guests to loosen up. Instead of awkward poses, people interact with the cut out. They hug it. They’ll kiss it. They pretend to sing into a microphone beside it. Therefore, your photo booth prints capture genuine personality and so.much.fun.

Finally, they elevate your theme. A life sized cut out adds that perfect point of difference. All your real guests are sure to get a chuckle out of your special guest addition.

DIY: How to Make Your Own Life Sized Cut Out

If you love a hands-on project, you can absolutely create a life sized cut out yourself. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Image

Select a high-resolution photo. Make sure the subject stands upright and remains fully visible. The clearer the image, the sharper the final result.

Step 2: Remove the Background

Use an online background removal tool or editing software. Carefully refine the edges around hair and clothing. This step makes your cut out look professional.

Step 3: Resize to Life Scale

Adjust the image height to match real-life proportions. Most adults range between 160cm and 185cm tall. Therefore, confirm your measurements before printing.

Step 4: Print in Large Format

Upload your file to a large format printing service. Request thick poster paper or adhesive vinyl. If possible, choose matte finishing to reduce glare in photos.

Step 5: Mount to Foam Board

Adhere the print to sturdy foam board or corflute. Smooth out bubbles as you press it down. Then, trim around the outline carefully using a craft knife.

Step 6: Add Support

Attach a cardboard easel stand to the back. Alternatively, secure a timber brace for extra stability. This ensures the cut out stays upright throughout the reception.

Step 7: Transport and Protect

Wrap the cut out in protective plastic during transport. Once at your venue, position it beside your photo booth with enough space for group shots.

Bringing It All Together

Ultimately, a life sized cut out transforms your photo booth from simple entertainment into a statement feature. The ideal photo booth prop invites creativity and that’s exactly what a life size cut out will do. It encourages interaction. Most importantly, it creates hilarious photos and videos from the booth as well as popping up on Guest Cam.

Brenda and Joel proved that one well-chosen prop can define the night. Their Taylor Swift cut out didn’t just decorate the space. It became part of the celebration. We guarantee their guests are still talking about “her”!

Last but not least, whether you choose a pop icon, a beloved pet, or yourselves in superstar form, don’t underestimate the power of going larger than life with your life sized cut out props!