15 DIY Backdrops for Every Occasion

If you don't take a photo with a backdrop, did the party really even happen?

Let's face it. No party's complete without an ultra-chic backdrop for photo ops. So when it comes time to plan an event — whether it's a wedding or a birthday bash — the question's not, "Should I have a backdrop?" It's, "What kind of backdrop should I have?" I've rounded up 15 gorgeous options you can make yourself. Scroll through to see which one works best for your occasion.

Driftwood + Japanese Cherry Blossoms

DIY Wedding Backdrop
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Romantic and organic, this Japanese cherry blossom backdrop is perfect for a wedding or an elegant party.

Colorful Paper Chains

DIY Paper Backdrop

Paper Backdrop

Photo by: Brandy Brown

Brandy Brown

Energize a laid-back get-together with this quick and easy paper chain backdrop.

Fluffy Clouds

Travel Theme Baby Shower

Travel Themed Baby Shower

Floating DIY clouds and paper airplane garland complete the look. Always remember about the space above the table too. Either a pretty backdrop, or in this case hanging decor, bring the eye up to create a sense of variety.

Photo by: Michelle Edgemont

Michelle Edgemont

Make these fluff balls with paper lanterns and polyester fill to add whimsy to a baby shower or themed party.

Hanging Floral Installation

Hanging Floral Installation
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This hanging floral installation is so beautiful it could easily serve as a wedding ceremony backdrop. Talk about dreamy photos!

Personalized Photo

Original_Chelsea-Costa-Photo-Mural-Beauty3_v

Transform any high-resolution photo into a personalized party backdrop with a few easy steps.

Balloon Photo Booth

DIY Balloon Photo Booth
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Make your own photo booth with this super-cute balloon DIY.

Illuminated Constellation

Create modern art that doubles as ambient lighting from plywood, trim and twinkle lights.

Create modern art that doubles as ambient lighting from plywood, trim and twinkle lights.

Photo by: Rustic White Photography, LLC

Rustic White Photography, LLC

Create instant ambiance with an illuminated backdrop displaying your favorite constellation or zodiac sign. The best part? This backdrop is chic enough to display as wall art.

Neon String Art

Neon string art in the shape of a diamond makes for a cool, modern backdrop.

DIY Neon Diamond String Art
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Whimsical Wax Paper

Recreate this dreamy, wedding-worthy backdrop using string, ribbon and wax paper.

Hanging White Backdrop

Wax Paper Backdrop

Soft and airy, this wedding backdrop definitely doesn’t look homemade. Lucky for you, it is, and you can recreate it with string, ribbon and wax paper.

Photo by: Allie Rae Photography, Project By: Katie M. Kulper

Allie Rae Photography, Project By: Katie M. Kulper

Pom-Pom Garland

Craft a few of these pom-pom garlands, and string them along a wall to create a bright, lively photo backdrop for any occasion. All you need is yarn!

Bring texture, shape and color to your next event in a larger-than-life way with giant pom-pom garland made from yarn.

How to Make a Giant Pom-Pom Garland

Bring texture, shape and color to your next event in a larger-than-life way with giant pom-pom garland made from yarn.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Make This: Pom-Pom Garland

Colorful Circles

This backdrop is super-simple to make and totally customizable. Choose any paper you'd like to match the theme of your party.

DIY Photo Booth Backdrop
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Pretty Wreath Grouping

Group floral wreaths together to make an elegant, organic backdrop for a wedding or formal event.

Three Green Wreaths With Light Pink and Fuchsia Flowers

Silk Flower Wreath

This project is ideal for the DIY bride because you can get started months before the chaotic wedding week arrives. The best part? The silk flowers look so real that guests won’t know they aren’t. Hang these gorgeous wreaths as a ceremony backdrop, or display them at the reception.

Cork Board Creations

Though a cork board obviously works great in an office, it can also work great as a photo backdrop at your party. Get inspired with these three cork board decorating ideas.

3 Cork Board Backdrops
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Coffee Filter Florals

That's right — this striking, textural backdrop is made from coffee filters.

DIY Photo Booth With Tripod, Camera and Colorful Floral Backdrop

DIY Photo Booth With Tripod, Camera & Colorful Backdrop

A basic digital point-and-shoot camera works perfectly for a DIY photo booth. You’ll also need a tripod that’s tall enough to extend to eye level and a remote shutter release for the camera (available online or at camera shops.) A remote shutter release allows guests to take their own photo, letting you enjoy the party instead of playing photographer all night. Some attach to the camera with a cable, others operate wirelessly.

Wrapping Paper Magic

Use your favorite wrapping paper to make this simple, inexpensive backdrop. The versatile project is perfect for holidays or themed parties.

DIY Hanging Frame
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Sledding Marshmallow Snowman Holiday Place Card Holders

Add a dash of whimsy to your Christmas table with these tasty sledding marshmallow snowmen. They are easily assembled using familiar Christmas candies and nostalgic sweets. Add a personalized handwritten gift tag to each for edible place card holders that holiday guests of all ages will love.

How to Make Giant Gift Bows

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Easy-to-Make Easter Bunny Place Cards

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3 Wooden Bead Wreaths to DIY for Fall

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