Prom Photo Booth Guide for a Night to Remember

Prom is the moment high school students have been waiting for. The dresses are dramatic, the suits are sharp, and everyone’s ready to make memories. But the truth? Most students won’t remember even half the songs that played or who won prom court—they’ll remember the photos.

That’s why your prom photo booth needs to do more than just snap a few pics. It should set the tone, bring people together, and give them something they’ll want to post, print, and look back on for years to come. With tools like Simple Booth HALO®, it’s easier than ever to create a sleek, digital photo booth setup that’s totally on trend for prom 2025.

Whether you’re on the school planning committee, a fun-loving parent, or a party planner helping to pull off the big night, this guide has you covered. From creative trends to tech-friendly features, here’s how to make your 2025 prom photo booth totally unforgettable.

2025 Prom Trends to Watch 👀

This year’s prom trends are serving bold personality and modern nostalgia. Think disco meets drama, moody meets maximalist, and Y2K vibes colliding with TikTok-core.

Need some visual inspo? Check out our prom photo booth mood board on Pinterest for backdrop ideas, prop examples, and all the over-the-top energy you need to bring your booth to life.

Top prom photo booth trends for 2025:

• Glitz & glam: Gold shimmer curtains, velvet drapes, mirrored props, and metallic accents.
• Nostalgia throwbacks: Soft lighting, “awkward” vintage poses, and yearbook-style overlays (intentionally cheesy, obviously).
• Color-forward themes: Neon signs, bold florals, chromatic gradients—more is more.

Want something unexpected? Set up a faux photo studio corner, complete with stool, feather boa, and instructions for “your best awkward pose.” Instant classic.

Features That Make It Share-Worthy 💖

Students aren’t just taking photos—they’re creating content. So give them the tools to make it personal, creative, and totally on-brand.

Must-have features for a scroll-stopping prom booth:

• Boomerangs & GIFs: Because movement makes everything more fun.
• Glam filters: Soft-focus and glam filters are still going strong—no editing needed.
• Custom overlays: Mix it up with multiple designs that show off your school pride, prom theme, or class year.
• Stickers & digital props: Add custom props or stickers featuring crowns, sparkles, sunglasses, school mascots, and popular slang or slogans.
• One-touch sharing: Let students scan a QR code for instant access to their photos, no app required.
• Print options: Instant prints are a crowd-pleaser—perfect for lockers, scrapbooks, or memory boxes. You can print on-site or offer downloadable versions students can print later (we even recommend a few printers to make it easy).

The HALO app includes all of these features and more, so you can customize every detail and make sure the photos feel as fun, creative, and memorable as the night itself.

Poses, Prompts & Party Energy 🔥

Even the most camera-ready guests need a little inspiration sometimes. These pose prompts strike the perfect balance between fun, fashionable, and full-send energy—so nobody’s left standing awkwardly in front of the booth.

Here are a few trending prompts to help guests loosen up and strike a pose:

• “Main Character Moment” – solo shot, smize activated, wind machine vibes.
• “Trend Alert: Awkward Prom Pose” – go full retro with stiff arms and dramatic side eye.
• “POV: The DJ Just Played Your Song” – grab your date, your bestie, or your glow stick.
• “We Ate and Left No Crumbs” – pure confidence, pure camp.
• “Kiss Cam Energy” – sweet, silly, or full send—it’s your moment.

A few printed signs or digital prompts can turn “uhhh what do we do?” into big laughs—and even bigger memories.

Build, Buy, or Rent: Your Photo Booth Game Plan ✅

When it comes to your photo booth setup, you’ve got options—and each one comes with its own vibe, budget, and level of effort. Here’s how to figure out what works best for your event.

Option 1: Build Your Own DIY Photo Booth

This one’s for the DIY-ers and tech-savvy teams. With a little time and creativity, you can build something totally unique without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Total creative control over your look and setup
• Budget-friendly if you already have the gear
• Super customizable (you can choose every detail!)

Cons:

• Requires more planning and setup time
• You’ll need a decent camera, lighting, and software
• Features might be limited without the right tech

Pro tip: If you decide to go this route, check out our DIY Photo Booth Guide for gear recommendations and steps for getting started.

Option 2: Buy an All-in-One Photo Booth

Thinking long-term? Investing in a photo booth setup can pay off—especially if your school or committee hosts multiple events throughout the year.

Pros:

• Professional, polished look every time
• Reusable for future events (think: homecoming, graduation, reunions)
• Easy to setup, break down, and transport

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• You’ll need someone to store and manage it
• Slight learning curve if you’ve never used one before

What we love: With the HALO hardware, you get studio lighting built right in (no tripod light kits!), a sleek design, and easy portability. It’s durable enough for any kind of event—and stylish enough to blend into any environment.

Option 3: Rent a Photo Booth for the Night

Short on time or don’t want to manage the tech yourself? Opting for a photo booth rental could be your stress-free solution.

Pros:

• No setup or teardown worries (many rentals include delivery and setup)
• Great for one-night events like prom or grad parties
• Certain packages include a dedicated photo booth attendant

Cons:

• Higher cost per event (especially if you opt for an attendant and/or prints)
• Rental availability may be limited during peak seasons
• Less flexibility with customizations and more coordination required

Easy win: You can get started with the HALO software for just $9 a week and use your own iPad and ring light—perfect if you want something affordable, fun, and fully branded without the commitment.

Let Prom Night Live On ✨

At the end of the night, it’s not about the playlist or the centerpiece—it’s about the memories. A great photo booth helps students feel seen on one of the biggest nights of their high school experience.

And when it looks amazing, runs seamlessly, and makes sharing easy? That’s a win for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a luxe, themed-out prom or a simple but meaningful celebration, Simple Booth HALO can help bring the experience to life—with stunning photos, instant sharing, and custom options that match your vibe.

So let the lights sparkle, the glam shine, and the memories roll.