National Day is upon us soon! Now that we’re in July, August is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start locking in those party plans. Whether you’re organising a school celebration, community event, or workplace party, every detail counts, especially when it comes to creating memorable experiences. One surefire way to capture the fun is by having a themed photo booth.
When done right, a photo booth becomes a centrepiece of laughter, creativity, and connection. And what better way to celebrate Singapore than to travel through time with photo booth ideas inspired by each decade of our nation’s journey? From the 1960s right through to the present day, here’s how you can infuse a touch of local history and culture into your instant photo booth setup.
1960s: Kampong spirit and first steps of independence
Let’s kick things off with the swinging sixties, which happens to be a pivotal decade in Singapore’s history. Independence was fresh, and the kampong spirit was alive and well. For your 1960s photo booth, create a set that reflects the rustic charm of a kampong house. Think woven mats, rattan chairs, and vintage bicycles.
Props can include tin lunchboxes, old-school tiffin carriers, and even kopi cups. Encourage guests to dress in retro sarong kebayas or white school uniforms, and include sepia-toned photo booth filters to complete the nostalgic vibe.
1970s: Disco, bell-bottoms, and pop culture
The 1970s brought in a wave of energy, colour, and a whole lot of style. Singapore saw rapid urbanisation during this time, but it was also the era of disco balls, bell-bottom trousers, and cassette tapes. Your 70s-themed photo booth should shine, literally.
Add a sparkly silver backdrop, neon signs, and colourful curtains. Props could include giant sunglasses, faux vinyl records, and feather boas. If you’re going for a cheap photo booth in Singapore, repurpose old materials creatively. You’d be surprised what some glitter and cardboard can achieve! For a finishing touch, play some Bee Gees or local 70s pop hits in the background.
1980s: Neon lights and HDB living
Singapore in the 80s consisted of high-rise living, local TV drama obsessions, and arcade games. This is the perfect decade for a throwback photo booth experience. Think of a typical 1980s HDB flat living room setup, complete with a retro sofa, standing fan, and chunky TV set.
For props, include oversized mobile phones, remote controls, and cassette tapes. Neon-coloured wigs and tracksuits add to the fun. A digital photo filter that mimics VHS static or “grainy camcorder” effect can add authenticity to your instant photo booth shots.
1990s: School days and bubble tea beginnings
The 90s is arguably one of the most beloved decades for millennials in Singapore. It was the era of Tamagotchis, pagers, and early bubble tea shops. Your photo booth could recreate a school canteen setting, complete with plastic stools and green tables.
Props may include exercise books, Walkmans, rollerblades, and movie ticket stubs. A chalkboard backdrop with Singlish phrases like “Don’t play play” or “Why you so like that?” is guaranteed to get guests laughing. Don’t forget to include polaroid-style photo prints to give a nostalgic touch to your photo booth output.
2000s: The tech boom and youth culture
The 2000s saw a boom in mobile phones, blogging, and MSN Messenger. It was also the time when Orchard Road was the weekend hangout spot for teens. To recreate this decade, design a booth with iconic mall features, such as an escalator cut-out, shopping bags, or even a mock Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf counter.
Props can include flip phones, USB sticks, and Avril Lavigne-style fashion accessories. A photo booth can be dressed up with printouts of old Facebook pages or Friendster profiles for that extra humour factor. Add a speech bubble sign that reads “BRB, mum calling” and watch guests crack up!
2010s to today: Social media era and national pride
From the rise of Instagram to TikTok dances and stay-home orders, the 2010s to now have been fast-paced and full of change. Celebrate today’s tech-savvy culture by setting up a photo booth with selfie ring lights, emoji props, and Instagram frame cut-outs.
This is also a great decade to embrace diversity and national pride. Incorporate multicultural fashion props like batik tops, songkoks, or cheongsams alongside National Day flags. Red and white balloons, Merlion plushies, and heart-shaped props that say “I ❤️ SG” tie in perfectly with the theme.
Tips for bringing each decade to life
- Use music: Create a playlist for each decade and rotate tracks throughout the event to set the right tone.
- Offer costumes: Simple costume racks with hats, wigs, and glasses make it easier for guests to immerse themselves in the theme.
- Design print templates: Customise your photo print layouts with decade-appropriate designs, from cassette tape borders to IG story templates.
- Mix and match: If you’re short on time or space, combine two decades into one booth corner. It creates variety and keeps guests engaged.
- Light it up: Proper lighting enhances photo quality. Even a cheap photo booth can feel premium with the right lights.
Remember, corporate parties don’t have to be boring, they just need a creative spark and a good photo booth setup to bring people together.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of event you’re planning this National Day, a decade-inspired photo booth adds fun, laughter, and meaningful connections to the celebration. Guests of all ages will enjoy dressing up, posing with creative props, and walking down memory lane.
For those looking to take their event to the next level, Cloud Booth is a premium photo booth and photography company that offers high-quality instant photo booth services. Whether you’re going for retro charm or modern flair, we’ve got you covered, so go ahead and make this year’s celebration one to remember!