How to Make Photo Booth Props: Fun and Easy DIY Ideas

petercarballo
Sep 3
3 min read

Making your own photo booth props is a fun and creative activity that adds personality to any event. This guide will show you simple ways to create amazing props using basic craft supplies. You'll learn about materials, design ideas, step-by-step instructions, and decorating tips. A top-rated photo booth rental might offer professional props, but making your own gives you complete control over the style and theme. These homemade props will bring joy and laughter to your guests while creating memorable photos.

Materials Needed

Start with colorful cardstock as your main material for cutting out shapes and designs. You'll need wooden dowels to create handles that make props easy to hold during photos. Strong craft glue will attach the cardstock pieces to the wooden handles securely. Sharp scissors help you cut clean, precise shapes for professional-looking results. Stock up on markers, glitter, and stickers to add personality and flair to each prop.

Choosing Your Prop Designs

Pick designs that match your party theme and guest preferences. Classic options include mustaches, oversized glasses, and speech bubbles that work for any occasion. Think about specific themes like birthdays, weddings, or holidays when selecting your prop ideas. Modern touches like emoji faces, animal shapes, or popular movie references appeal to different age groups. Mix serious props with silly ones to give guests plenty of creative options for their photos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow this simple process to create your photo booth props:

Gather Your Materials: Collect colorful cardstock, wooden dowels, glue, scissors, and any decorations you want to use.
Choose Your Designs: Select fun shapes like lips, mustaches, glasses, or speech bubbles for your props.
Trace and Cut: Draw your designs onto the cardstock and carefully cut them out with scissors.
Decorate: Add glitter, stickers, or other decorations to make your props stand out.
Attach to Dowels: Use glue to attach the wooden dowels to the back of your props, then let them dry completely.

These steps will give you a collection of unique props ready for your next party!

Decorating and Personalizing

Make your props special by adding decorations that reflect your style and event theme. Glitter, sequins, and colorful markers can transform basic cardstock into eye-catching accessories. Paint adds bold colors and patterns that photograph well under different lighting conditions. Small decorative elements like rhinestones or ribbon create texture and visual interest in photos. Personal touches such as names, dates, or inside jokes make props memorable for guests and create lasting keepsakes from your event.

Adding Handles and Sticks

Proper handles make props comfortable to hold and easy to position for great photos. Here's how to attach them correctly:

Choose strong wooden dowels or plastic sticks that won't break during use.
Apply hot glue or strong craft adhesive to attach handles securely to your props.
Position handles at comfortable angles that feel natural when holding.
Add decorative tape or ribbon around handles to match your prop designs.
Test each prop to make sure handles are secure and comfortable before your event.

Photo Booth Prop Ideas

Create variety with different prop categories that appeal to all your guests. Start with classic items like oversized sunglasses, fake mustaches, and colorful lips on sticks. Add themed props such as superhero masks, funny hats, or seasonal items that match your celebration. Speech bubbles with popular phrases or blank ones allow guests to create custom messages, giving them creative freedom. Don't overlook texture variety - feather accessories, sparkly crowns, and foam shapes add visual depth to photos. Mix permanent props with reusable chalkboard signs that guests can customize throughout your event.