Debs season is upon us, but that doesn't mean you have to go painting the kitchen ceiling. Just make sure the place looks Insta-ready and is picture-perfect, says Lauren Gray.
When it comes to getting the perfect pictures of your youngster in their gladrags, it is much more about using the home you have to your advantage, as opposed to panic-buying confetti and flower walls.
Lauren Gray, who works as a social media specialist at dmg Media, has shared her top tips to capture the perfect shots of your child's special moment (and it doesn't involve a marquee or a professional light box!).
"If you're taking debs photos at home, the biggest thing is lighting. Natural light will always make your photos look more expensive and flattering than using the flash on your phone," Lauren says.
"I'd always recommend standing facing a window rather than having the window behind you. When the light is hitting your face evenly, your skin looks brighter, your makeup photographs better, and you avoid those dark shadows under your eyes."
"If the window is behind you, you'll often end up as a silhouette unless your phone adjusts perfectly," she adds.
In terms of finding the perfect position in your home, Lauren advises: "You don't need to stand right up against the window either. About one to two metres back is usually the sweet spot, as it gives you softer, more even light."
You might feel you need to do a deep clean that would make Derry Girl's Ma Mary proud for the special occasion, but a simple, uncluttered space will work perfectly.
"Keep it as clean and uncluttered as possible. A plain wall, a hallway, a staircase or a simple doorway can all look really elegant on camera."
"If you have high ceilings, panelling or large windows in your home, they're great features to include because they naturally frame the photo."
"Wall colours also make a difference. White, cream, beige, light grey and other neutral colours reflect light beautifully and keep the focus on the outfit. Dark walls can make photos feel moodier and absorb light, while very bright coloured walls can cast unwanted tones onto your skin."
Lastly, make the most of your home's quirks.
"Things like door frames, arches, staircases or big windows naturally frame the person and make the photo look much more polished," Lauren says.
A good photo area is important, agrees Caterhire managing director, Gavin Divilly. “Photographs are often a main part of the gathering.”
Lauren suggests investing in the services of photobooth setup companies Picabooth or Selfie Box Ireland.
Based in Co Kildare, the former supplies vintage photo, selfie mirrors and backdrop hire that are ideal for a debs at home, while the latter, based in Killiney, Co Dublin, can supply retro booths, magazine booths and backdrop setups that fit really well into home spaces.
Another option is to hire a professional photographer. At a recent graduation gathering, Lynda hosted many of her son Finn’s friends from school.
She liaised with the other parents so that they all paid for a photographer to come to the house and take formal shots, using a spare room as a studio set up, complete with backdrop and flattering lights.
The photographer agreed to give all the digital pics rather than having to pay on a per-print basis.
She hosted about 30 people, her son’s favourite 10 people and their parents, and got disposable champagne flutes. Sharing the costs, people brought food and booze, which also helped.
For food, finger food and canapés work well because guests are moving around and socialising.
Mini bowls and supper bowls are also popular, as they allow something more substantial to be served without having a formal sit-down meal, Divilly adds.
A simple bar or drinks station, along with nice glassware, flowers and lighting, can help bring the whole setup together.
The main thing is to keep it colourful, relaxed and leave plenty of room for people to mingle.
For clients hiring equipment, tableware, stemware and barware, Divilly gives them the names of several caterers for buttery or canapé food options.
Whether you choose to self-cater or buy in those services, make sure the set-up includes someone to serve the wine, pick up bottles and glasses, and offer the mini bowls orcanapéss to guests, Divilly counsels.
Balloon displays are still a big feature, usually around the entrance, a photo backdrop or one main area in the garden.
Explains Orlaith Slater of The Party Shop in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. She sells lots of its organic demi arches that help to frame the photo ops.
These are often in school colours. Prices for this start from €260 for the smallest.
Bubble balloons that can be personalised to feature the name of the debutant or debutante hosting or the name of the school make a welcome sight at the house entrance.
These cost about €32.50 each.
Lynda did minimal decorating, she confesses, save for a couple of balloon bouquets, but was strict on the end time. “We had a very fixed and well-communicated end time as the party was right before the event.”
“A lot of families are looking to turn the house or garden into a small event space for a few hours, without making it too formal,” says Gavin.
He says its poseur or pod tables are very popular, often dressed in fitted spandex covers and matched with colourful bar stools. Pink is a particularly popular colour, along with greens, whites, and other bright colours.
“It creates a fun, modern look and works well for groups standing around chatting.”
The focus is on everyone having a good time. You can use existing garden furniture and even borrow seating and tables from neighbours – be sure to invite them in for a glass by way of thanks.
And after the kids depart for their milestone big bash, the parents usually stay on for a few hours, Divilly says
