Short answer: for a 50th, put the year they were born on the template, add a few throwback props from that decade, and choose a backdrop that photographs well in a dim party room, like gold sequin or black. A self-serve booth runs all evening, so guests come back to it after dinner and again once the dancing starts.
Make the template about them
- “Fifty and fabulous”, their name and the date is the classic layout.
- Add their birth year, for example “Est. 1976”, so a 4×6 print reads like a keepsake.
- Ask family for one old photo of the guest of honour to place on the template. It gets people talking at the booth.
Browse layouts on the backdrops and templates page.
Props that suit a 50th
Keep the prop bin small and on-theme. Signs work better than hats for a crowd that wants to look good:
- Speech bubbles: “Still got it”, “50 never looked this good”, “Vintage”.
- Big “5” and “0” number cut-outs for group shots.
- Glasses and a crown for the guest of honour only.
Pick a backdrop for an evening party
Birthday parties often run in a dimmer room or a restaurant's private space. The booth's flash handles the light, but a backdrop with sparkle or a solid dark colour keeps photos looking finished. Gold Sequin, Black Geometric and Classic Black all work well. See all 12 on the backdrops page.
How many prints do you need?
For a birthday, plan on about 0.8 sessions per guest: about 80 for 100 guests. Prints are unlimited with Snap & Print and Complete, so that is covered many times over. Use the print calculator to see your number.
Self-serve or attended?
If the party runs four hours or more, self-serve usually costs far less, because there is no hourly rate. Guests figure out the touchscreen in seconds, and the booth texts photos to their phones. More on birthday photo booths in Niagara, or plan the rest of the night with these adult birthday party ideas.
Quick answers
Can we put an old photo on the template?
Yes. Send it with your booking and we'll design around it.
Will older guests use it?
The screen is large and simple, with one button to start. Grandparents tend to be the most enthusiastic users.
Does it work at a house party?
Yes, on flat ground near an outlet, indoors or under cover.
Still have a question? See the photo booth FAQ, or browse booths for birthdays, proms and parties.