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Photographer-owned advice

55 photo booth props people will actually use

A good prop changes posture, starts a joke, or gives a shy person something to do. A bad prop is a tiny paper mustache that blocks half a face. Let's build the first kind of table.

Start with restraint

How many photo booth props do you need?

For most events, twenty to thirty good options are plenty. Put eight to twelve on the table at once and rotate more in if needed. Guests make faster choices, the booth stays tidy, and the photographs feel less like a costume-store explosion.

The useful mix

Aim for roughly one-third wearable pieces, one-third handheld objects, and one-third event-specific or surprising props. Include options that work without touching the face or hair.

The idea list

55 props worth putting on the table

Wearable props

Choose pieces that are fast to put on, adjustable, and easy to clean.

  1. 01Statement sunglasses with tinted or geometric frames
  2. 02Clear oversized eyeglass frames
  3. 03Cowboy and wide-brim hats
  4. 04Sequined caps and sailor hats
  5. 05Short wigs in distinct shapes and colors
  6. 06Flower crowns and leafy headbands
  7. 07Birdcage veils and tiny fascinators
  8. 08Oversized bow ties
  9. 09Soft feather boas
  10. 10Chunky costume necklaces

Handheld props that create a pose

The best object gives guests something to do instead of simply covering their face.

  1. 11A vintage telephone handset
  2. 12An inflatable or toy microphone
  3. 13A lightweight mirrored disco ball
  4. 14An oversized key
  5. 15A large empty portrait frame
  6. 16Favorite record sleeves
  7. 17A folding fan
  8. 18A dramatic artificial bouquet
  9. 19A film clapperboard
  10. 20A reusable speech-bubble chalkboard

Props that make the event feel specific

A few custom details create more personality than fifty generic signs.

  1. 21Hometown or neighborhood pennants
  2. 22Cardboard cutouts of beloved pets
  3. 23A tasteful inside-joke sign
  4. 24A school or company mascot
  5. 25A recreation of a favorite album cover
  6. 26Illustrations of signature food or drinks
  7. 27Props tied to the hosts’ hobbies
  8. 28Oversized destination postcards
  9. 29Team scarves or rally towels
  10. 30Anniversary or graduation year numbers

Wedding photo booth props

Keep names, dates, and colors coordinated with the invitation suite rather than a separate theme.

  1. 31A fabric “Just Married” pennant
  2. 32A small flag with the wedding date
  3. 33A comically oversized ring box
  4. 34Floral hoops that frame one or two faces
  5. 35Guest-book prompt cards
  6. 36A honeymoon destination sign
  7. 37Printed copies of the couple’s childhood photos
  8. 38Oversized handwritten love letters
  9. 39A custom monogram paddle
  10. 40Reusable fabric streamers

Good-looking DIY props

Use a tight palette and repeat materials so homemade feels intentional.

  1. 41Painted cardboard suns, moons, and stars
  2. 42Felt clouds with simple stitched faces
  3. 43Long fabric ribbon wands
  4. 44Large folded-paper fans
  5. 45Painted abstract foam shapes
  6. 46Illustrated portraits of important people
  7. 47Simple fabric superhero capes
  8. 48Hand-lettered neighborhood or venue names
  9. 49Thrift-store frames painted one color
  10. 50Oversized event tickets

Five wonderfully unexpected objects

One strange, well-chosen object often becomes the most photographed prop of the night.

  1. 51A dignified rubber chicken
  2. 52An enormous fish
  3. 53A convincing fake baguette
  4. 54A mysterious framed portrait
  5. 55A very serious fake award trophy

Presentation matters

Make the prop table part of the installation

Use shallow trays, a hat stand, or a few open containers rather than one deep bin. Keep handles facing guests. Separate glasses from headwear, and leave enough empty surface to put something back without starting a pile.

  • Place the table beside the booth—not inside the posing area.
  • Use washable or wipeable materials near faces.
  • Remove anything broken, sharp, shedding, or difficult to sanitize.
  • Assign the attendant or a helper to reset the display occasionally.

The polite no list

Props that usually make photographs worse

Tiny text signs, skinny sticks, masks that hide expressions, objects requiring both hands to assemble, and anything with a joke that needs explaining tend to slow the line and weaken the photograph. Avoid culturally reductive costumes and accessories that turn someone's identity into a gag.

If a prop appears in nearly every online party kit, buy one to test before ordering twenty. Scale and construction are hard to judge in product photos.

For company events

Brand the environment, not every object

A well-designed print template, one beautiful sign, and a few props tied to the product or occasion feel confident. Putting a logo on every pair of glasses, paddle, and hat usually feels like an assignment. Give guests room to make a photograph they actually want to share.

Want us to bring the flattering lights?

Tell us your date and venue. We’ll make the booth part easy.

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