A wedding photo booth with props is one of the easiest ways to break the ice, get guests laughing, and create keepsakes they’ll actually take home. From elegant sunglasses to personalised speech bubbles, the right props turn a simple photo into a memory.
At Mad Hat Photo Booth, we’ve photographed weddings for nearly 15 years. We know exactly which props work in real wedding conditions, not just in styled shoots, but during busy evening receptions with guests of all ages.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why props matter
- Which props photograph best
- What to avoid
- Our most-recommended prop styles
- DIY vs professional props
- How props work with prints, backdrops, and guest books
Why Add Props to Your Wedding Photo Booth?
Props aren’t about being silly (unless you want them to be). They’re about giving guests permission to relax.
A wedding photo booth with props:
- Encourages guests to jump in together
- Helps shy guests feel comfortable
- Creates variety across hundreds of photos
- Keeps energy high throughout the evening
This is especially true once evening guests arrive or straight after the first dance, the moment we usually recommend starting the booth.
If you’re still deciding on a setup, you can explore our full wedding photo booth hire options here.
What Makes a Good Wedding Photo Booth Prop?
From experience, the best props share three things:
- They photograph well (matte finishes, no glare)
- They suit multiple guests (not too niche)
- They’re easy to grab and return
Cheap novelty props often look fun at first, but under flash lighting, they crease, reflect, or hide faces completely.
That’s why all our Retro and Icon booths include a curated prop selection by default, chosen specifically for photography.
You can compare both booths here: The Icon vs The Retro
Best Wedding Photo Booth Props by Style
Classic & Elegant Weddings
Perfect for manor houses, barns, black-tie celebrations, and timeless themes.
Heart-Shaped Sunglasses (Neutral or Champagne Tones)
Timeless. Photogenic. Always popular.Shop neutral heart-shaped sunglasses – Amazon UK
Minimal Gold or White Photo Frames
Great for couples who want props without going “full fancy dress”.
Shop wedding photo booth frames – Amazon UK
Fun, Party-Led Weddings
Ideal once the dance floor fills up.
Disco Ball Hats
They catch light beautifully and add instant movement to photos.
Buy disco ball hats for photo booths – Amazon UK
Retro Glasses (Clear or Pastel)
Big enough for group shots. Never overpower faces.
Buy Retro Glasses here – Amazon UK
Personalised & Sentimental Props
High emotional value. Great for albums and keepsakes.
Custom Speech Bubbles
“Team Bride”, “Just Married”, wedding date, or venue name.
TEAM BRIDE Sunglasses – BUY HERE
Pet Face Cut-Outs
A crowd favourite. Surprisingly popular across all ages. BUY HERE
Small Prop Accessories Couples Forget (But Shouldn’t)
These tiny details make a big difference and convert well as affiliates:
- Open wicker or wooden baskets (keeps props tidy) – BUY HERE
- Acrylic signs: “Grab a prop & jump in”
- Microfibre cloths (clean lenses = better photos)
- Bride Captain Hat- BUY on AMAZON
DIY Wedding Photo Booth Props vs Professional Props
Many couples ask if they should buy their own props.
DIY props can work but there are trade-offs.
DIY props are often:
- Glossy (causes glare with flash)
- Lightweight (bend or crease quickly)
- Randomly sized
- Hard to store neatly during the event
Professional photo booth props are:
- Selected for flash photography
- Large enough for group shots
- Neutral enough to suit every guest
- Tested at real weddings, not styled shoots
At Mad Hat Photo Booth, our props are used week after week at busy weddings which means they’re chosen for performance, not trends.
What Props Actually Photograph Well (Photographer Insight)
From behind the camera, these rules always apply:
- Matte > glossy finishes
- Bigger props > tiny novelty items
- Neutral colours > novelty colours over a full evening
- Avoid mirrors or chrome surfaces
This is why some “fun” props rarely make it into our kits ,they simply don’t hold up in prints.
Props + Prints = The Perfect Keepsake
Every Mad Hat Photo Booth package includes unlimited prints, so guests leave with a physical reminder of your day.
Props add personality to those prints, especially when paired with:
- Custom print designs
- Matching backdrops
- Duplicate copies (one for guests, one for your album)
Explore:
Don’t Forget the Guest Book
Props really shine in guest books.
Guests take a photo, stick it in, and leave a message, often funnier and more relaxed than formal cards.
You can view examples here: Photo booth guest books
Booth Packages That Include Props
All our wedding packages include props as standard.
You don’t need to add them separately.
Want something extra? We can:
- Adjust the prop style
- Remove props entirely for a clean look
- Style the booth to match your colour palette
See what’s included here: Wedding photo booth packages & pricing
Extra Tips for Planning a Wedding Photo Booth with Props
- Keep props visible and reachable
- Avoid overcrowding the prop table
- Match props to your backdrop
- Fewer, better props beat lots of novelty items
For inspiration, explore our real events: Photo booth party setup gallery
Final Thoughts
A wedding photo booth with props isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about creating a relaxed space where guests feel comfortable being themselves.
When props are chosen well, they:
- Elevate photos
- Encourage interaction
- Create keepsakes guests actually keep
If you’d like help choosing the right booth or setup, get in touch, we’re always happy to guide you based on your venue, guest count, and style.
