Who says you need to spend a fortune to create a photobooth that pops? With a little creativity and the right mix of personality, you can slay your photo setup without torching your budget. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, hosting a wedding, or running a small business event, these budget-friendly photobooth prop ideas are guaranteed to bring the fun—and the Instagram likes.
1. DIY Speech Bubbles
Make your own cardboard or foam core speech bubbles and write fun phrases like “Where’s the cake?”, “Work hard, pose harder,” or “#NoFilterNeeded.” Add chalkboard paint if you want guests to customize their own.
💸 Cost: Under $10 for several.
2. Printable Props = Instant Win
There are tons of free and low-cost photobooth prop printables online. Print lips, mustaches, glasses, crowns, and more on cardstock and glue them to sticks.
💡 Pro tip: Use a laminator (or packing tape) to make them reusable.
3. Dollar Store Divas
You’d be surprised how much party gold you can score at the dollar store. Think plastic tiaras, oversized sunglasses, feather boas, pirate hats, and funky wigs—all for a buck or two.
💸 Cost: $10–15 for a full set of fun props.
4. Framed Fun
Old picture frames (thrifted or DIYed) make hilarious handheld props. Spray paint them gold, neon, or glitter for added flair. Guests can peek through them like they’re on the cover of a magazine.
5. Custom Signs with Cardstock + Markers
Want props that fit your exact theme or inside jokes? Make your own! Print or handwrite signs like “Team Bride,” “Boss Babe,” “Party Crasher,” or custom hashtags. Mount on sticks and go.
🖍️ Tip: Use bold, high-contrast fonts for maximum camera impact.
6. Fabric Scraps = Instant Costume
Cut up old scarves, bandanas, or shirts to make headbands, superhero capes, or faux bow ties. Bonus points if you coordinate them with your event colors.
7. Balloon Props
Balloons can double as props and backdrops. Draw faces on them, spell out phrases, or attach sticks and use them like oversized emojis.
🎈 Budget-friendly and super visual.
8. Mini Chalkboards or Whiteboards
Let guests write their own captions, jokes, or doodles. Great for personalized pics and loads of laughs.
📷 Reusable, and adds an interactive element.
9. Cardboard Cutouts of Celebs (or the Host!)
Print a photo of the birthday person or company founder and glue it to a cardboard cutout. Bonus: It's hilarious. Extra bonus: You don’t need to pay for a celebrity appearance.
10. DIY Flower Crowns or Headbands
With faux flowers, a glue gun, and some elastic, you can make trendy headpieces that scream “festival vibes” or “boho chic” without the hefty Etsy price.
💐 Cost: Around $5–10 for materials to make several.
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impression. With a little creativity, your photobooth can look luxe, feel fun, and totally slay—without spending more than a few bucks. Whether you're planning a bash or building your prop stash for your photobooth business, these ideas prove you can have high impact for low cost.