It is time to celebrate — you want to throw a top-notch party full of happy memories. Why not include a photo booth experience full of props and photo strips for guests to take home? 

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a wedding, or just throwing a summer bash, adding props to a photo booth can help spice up the party and memories. Even better, including fun accessories might help the crowd loosen up and get their imaginations running wild. 

We created this guide to share how and why the right photo booth props could take your event to the next level.

Table of Contents

• Do You Need Props for Your Photo Booth?
• 13 Categories of Photo Booth Prop Ideas
• Looking To Spice Up Your Event? Book a Photo Booth From Julian Ribinik Photography

Do You Need Props for Your Photo Booth?

We don’t want to tell you that you need photo booth props at your party, but they’ll probably add some pep to the festivities. It all depends on the vibe you are going for. 

In some cases, props may not fit in with the type of event you are throwing. Some people don’t think props are necessary for:

• Formal parties
• Corporate events; or
• Black-and-white photo booths

But props can be a fun way for other bashes to liven up the party and add some personality.

Not only do props help people loosen up and have fun, but they can also make memorable keepsake photos. And kids especially enjoy using props; in their case, the sillier, the better. 

There are an endless variety of props available, so consider your party goals before deciding which props will best enhance them.

Where Can I Get Photo Booth Props?

The revenue earned from the photo booth market is on the rise. In 2021, this industry was valued at $421.74 Mn, predicted to increase to $1007.51 Mn in 2029. 

Since many people are jumping on the prop bandwagon, you can find these accessories in many places, such as: 

• Party supply stores
• Craft stores
• Etsy
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target 

If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make props yourself. Pinterest boards are always a great source of inspiration if you’re in the mood for a DIY project. 

Or you can save yourself the hassle of figuring out props when you book Julian Ribinik Photography’s photo booth in NYC. We have props for all occasions and parties. Contact us today to check availability and learn more about our services.

Photo Booth Prop Ideas: 13 Categories To Match Your Occasion

Depending on the occasion, you may want to choose different types of photo booth paraphernalia. We are excited to share our favorite ideas, but let your own creativity loose when deciding what to include for your occasion.

Photo booths are a great addition to any party. For example, you might consider booking one for your:

• Wedding
• Holiday party
• Birthday celebration
• Bar-Mitzvah
• Bat-Mitzvah
• Corporate Event
• Conference
• Bridal or baby shower

#1: Wedding Photo Booth Props

Weddings are a special occasion full of love and merriment. And a delightful way to capture moments of the special day is by setting up a photo booth for your guests.

Here are some ideas to spice up a wedding photo booth:

• Wooden signs with fun expressions
• Balloons matching the wedding colors
• Feather boas
• Hand fans
• Sunglasses
• Flower crowns
• Whiteboards and markers to send a special message
• Hashtag sign
• Oversized frames
• Colored rice or confetti to throw into the air during the shots

Another fun idea is asking each guest to add a photo booth picture to a photo album you provide, along with a little note. This album makes a great keepsake and a way for the newlyweds to get some special messages they can read together on future anniversaries.

#2: Indoor Backdrops

Backdrops are a fun way to dress up a background, helping photos be more visually appealing. Adding color and textures to a wall can add luster and shine to any picture. Matching the backdrop to the party’s theme is an easy way to bring everything together.

Which one of these ideas is your favorite?

• Angel wings
• A wall of hanging CDs
• A wall of living plants
• A paper chain wall
• A giant heart made out of paper butterflies
• A group of handing origami animals or flowers
• A hanging array of paper plates
• A variety of colored pom poms on a wall
• A wall of paper flowers mimicking the bride’s bouquet
• A fringe background made from streamers
• A tinsel backdrop

#3: Outdoor Backdrops

If you are going to be partying outside, you can still set up an aesthetically pleasing area to be the background for your photo booth. Remember, the idea is to create a specific atmosphere or match the theme of your party.

Backdrops can be simple or elaborate — whichever flows more with your style. 

• Heart-shaped balloons
• A vintage couch or chair
• Trees and plants found on the property
• Waterfalls
• Fountains
• Create your own custom backdrop and hang it on a stand

Julian Ribinik Photography can set up a photo booth anywhere! If your venue has a stunning view or gorgeous architecture, we can work to use it as a backdrop for your photo booth.

Contact us today, and we can find the best place to put a photo booth during your celebration.

#4: Themed Props

Add some glam and fun to your event by using props to help the theme come to life. These props may match the event theme — like a sporting event or a high school dance — or use props to reflect the personality of the person you’re celebrating.

The following are some ideas to make your theme pop during the celebration:

• Colored wigs
• Graduation hats
• Wine and wine glasses
• Favorite alcohol bottles
• Sports equipment
• Signs with the year
• Custom fan faces — a way to add the guest of honor to every photo 
• Custom big heads of people or pets

#5: Classic Props

Don’t forget the classics! This category includes generic props that may enhance any celebration. 

No party is complete without some of the following accessories:

• Hats
• Boas
• Masks
• Balloons
• Confetti
• Glitter
• Bubbles
• String lights
• Leftover party favors from past celebrations
• Playing cards
• Mirrors 
• Lollipops

#6: Digital Props

Julian Ribinik Photography offers a unique feature that many photo booths may not have: our photo booth has virtual props! 

In this virtual version, you utilize our special software to choose from many prop options, such as:

• A variety of masks
• Bear ears
• Dog ears
• Black sunglasses

Even better, the props will move with you in the pictures and videos so you can really be  part of all of the fun. Take advantage of the technology available and have fun with virtual props at your next party.

#7: DIY and Personalized Props

You can make your own props  — perfect for all you Pinterest and craft lovers. The sky’s the limit, anything goes!

Which could you make for your next celebration? 

• Chalkboards where guests can write messages to include in the photo
• Mr. and Mrs (your name here) signs
• Mustaches
• Star glasses
• Funny expression signs
• Big lips
• Glitter crowns
• “X” and “O” on a stick to add some love to each photo

#8: Natural Props

Natural elements can also enhance your photo booth pictures. 

Add in the following to bring a bit of nature into your photos:

• Flowers
• Driftwood
• Large plants
• Trees and plants on the property
• Wooden baskets
• Personalized signs made from sliced wood pieces
• Seashells
• Stones and rocks
• A wooden swing
• Bamboo
• Wooden planks or benches

#9: Frames

Frames are always a fun addition to a photo booth. 

Here are our top ways to use frames to create memorable photos everyone will cherish: 

• Hold frames around guest’s faces in photos
• Hang frames so guests can stand inside of them
• Make oversized cardboard frames people can hold up in the photos
• Choose from wooden frames or metal frames 
• And names and hashtags to the frames
• Decorate frames with the following:
  • Flowers
  • Glitter
  • Leaves
  • Colored buttons

Enlist the help of friends and set a day to make frames together; this activity is a great way to showcase your creativity and craftiness.

#10: Metallic Glam

Metallic glam could be your desired look if you have a more formal event and still want a photo booth.

Here are our top metallic glam ideas:

• All gold props
• All silver props
• A glittery backdrop
• Stars balloons
• Hanging stars from the ceiling
• Sequins

#11: Old Hollywood

For an old Hollywood party, the following accessories may be the perfect addition:

• A red carpet
• Velvet curtains
• Vintage props
• Stars
• A Hollywood sign
• Palm trees
• Director signs
• Oscar award replica

#12: Creative and Silly Props

Getting creative and silly is especially fun when many kids attend your event. 

The following ideas may help get everyone feeling like a kid again:

• Inflatables
• Food
• Trophies
• Oversized props, such as sunglasses and mouths
• Temporary tattoos
• Beards
• Glow-in-the-dark paraphernalia
• Pirate goodies
• Under the sea props
• Hawaiian luau props

The options are endless. Ask the kids in your life what they think would be fun to see what they come up with.

#13: Special Occasion Props

There are so many occasions we love to celebrate. And a photo booth is one way to take your events to the next level. 

Could a photo booth compliment the next time you celebrate one of these events?

• Christmas
• The Fourth of July
• New Year’s Eve
• Thanksgiving
• Baby showers
• Wedding showers
• Bachelorette parties
• Graduations
• Retirement parties, etc.

Take it one step further and add themed props to enhance your celebration.

Looking To Spice Up Your Event? Book a Photo Booth From Julian Ribinik Photography

Parties are a time to let your hair down and have fun, and photo booths, along with the right props, may help jazz up your special day. Decide which props best fit your theme and use them to help lighten up the party.

When you use Julian Ribinik Photography’s photo booths, you and your guests have access to both our professional equipment and our props. You also can experience instant gratification by enjoying the photos right away.  

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

1. Snap a photo, Boomerang, GIF, or video.
2. View it instantly on the live gallery.
3. Share it by email to text. 

With a photo booth, your guests can enjoy the occasion without the pressure of taking pictures themselves. It is a fun addition to any party; learn more about our photo booths today.