Throwing a birthday party, shower or even a wedding? 

There are so many local photo booth companies to choose from in Kansas City, like KC Photo Booth, Booth Crazy or Lucky Few Photo Booths.

But if you're like me and love to do it yourself (and save some money along the way), a simple DIY photo booth might be for you. Below are five fun, unique and simple photo booth ideas to try at your next event.

1. Oversized Polaroid Photo Booth (less than $5)
Buy a white sheet of foam core from any craft store (at least 20-by-30 inches in size), and using a ruler and exacto blade, cut out a rectangle inside to simulate the shape of a Polaroid photo. Add graphics or party details to the bottom for added personalization. If you want larger sheets of foam core, you can buy them at Creative Cold Snow.

2. Pretty Fabric Photo Booth (less than $20)
Go t your local fabric store and pick up some pretty fabric (large enough to fit two to four people in front of. I love Sarah's Fabrics in Lawrence). Simply hang it on your wall if indoors or to tree with rope if outdoors. If you want to save even more money, use a favorite sheet or shower curtain that you already have on hand. 

3. Chalkboard Photo Booth (less than $40)
Buy some plywood in whatever size you need, and spray-paint it with two coats of chalkboard spray paint. You can draw a pretty background with chalk or let guests write their own messages on it.

4. Interactive Build-Out Photo Booth (less than $50)
Buy a 4-by-6-foot piece of plywood and create an easel back using a 2-by-4 board cut in half so it sturdily stands up. Visit a favorite thrift store or go through your basement to find fun frames, chairs, wall decor and other props. I created this booth for my wedding. I covered mine with tacky wallpaper and mismatched frames. Cut rectangles in the plywood so your guests can interact with the wall frames. Learn more on how to create an easel back and to cut the frame holes here.

5. Party Decor + Props Photo Booth (less than $5)
Simply use some balloons and crepe paper or party banners to create a festive backdrop for a kids' party. You can use an existing wall or hang some fun wrapping paper for some color. Click here to print your own props!

For each of these photo booth setups, you can hire a photographer, let guests snap their own photos or take photos yourself with a point-and-shoot camera in natural lighting. If you want to give the photos as a favor at your event, you can buy an easy-to-use instant printer.

Photo credits: 1. (left) babyrabies.com (right) brooke kelly photography // 2. marthastewartweddings.com // 3. Jenny Jimenez // 4. Scott Wolfe/Audrey Kuether // 5. hip hip hooray blog

   Audrey Kuether is the creative force behind Oh So Lovely, a Kansas City-based graphic design, photography and event planning company. She specializes in wedding design, photography and styling and planning. She lends her entertaining expertise every month for KC Magazine's Web-only "Entertaining Made Lovely" blog.