Short answer: the props that show up in the best photos are big, bold and quick to grab: giant sunglasses, feather boas, hats, lips on a stick and a few short signs. Ten good props beat a bin of fifty, and nothing should cover a face.
The props that win every time
These come straight from the photos our booths take at real weddings, birthdays and galas.
- Giant sunglasses. The single most-grabbed prop. Oversized, bright frames read well even in a group of eight.
- Heart-shaped glasses. Red, pink or clear. They suit weddings, showers and Valentine's events.
- Feather boas. Instant glamour, and they add colour to a black or white backdrop.
- Hats. A top hat or a bowler turns a straight portrait into a character.
- Lips and moustaches on sticks. Classic for a reason. Hold them beside the face, not over it.
Signs worth printing
Short signs get held up; long ones get put down. Three or four words, big letters, dark on light.
- Weddings: “I Love Her”, “Team Bride”, “Just Married”, “I'm Here for the Cake”, “I'm Next”.
- Any party: “OMG”, “Cheers”, “We Love You”, a speech bubble with a dry-erase marker.
- Birthdays: the age in giant numbers, “Still Got It”, “Officially Old”.
- Office parties: your logo, “Survived 2026”, the team's inside joke.
Prop ideas by event
- Weddings: custom sunglasses with your initials, a sign with your names and date. See wedding photo booths.
- Proms and grad parties: leis, top hats, a “Class of” sign. Keep it school-friendly. See prom photo booths.
- Birthdays: crowns, number balloons, the guest of honour's favourite colour. See birthday photo booths.
- Holiday parties: Santa hats, tinsel boas and the ugly-sweater contest winner front and centre.
Props to skip
- Full masks. They hide the face, and the face is the point.
- Long, wordy signs. Nobody reads them in a strip.
- Flimsy paper props. They bend by 9pm. Card stock on a dowel or foam board lasts the night.
- Anything you would not want in a family photo. Grandma will see the gallery.
Pair the props with a backdrop from the backdrops and templates page, then check your date.
Quick answers
How many props does a photo booth need?
Ten to fifteen for most parties. Enough that a group of six can each grab one, few enough that guests aren’t digging through a bin.
Do you bring props?
Yes. A props kit comes with Snap & Print and Complete. For school events we pack a school-friendly bin.
Should we make custom props?
One or two are worth it: a sign with your names, or sunglasses with your initials. Leave the rest to the props kit.
Still have a question? See the photo booth FAQ, or browse booths for birthdays, proms and parties.