Photo Booth Props in Australia: Money Props, Party Themes and Setup Tips

What makes good photo booth props

A photo booth works because it gives guests permission to be silly. The props do the work: they give people something to do with their hands and a reason to pull a face. Searches for photo booth props, photo props for a photo booth, photo booth accessories and wedding party photo booth props all come from the same need: an interesting set of things that make a photo worth keeping.

The best props share three traits. They are visible, which means large enough to read in a small photo. They are safe, with no sharp edges or small parts that could break. And they are easy to understand: a guest should know what to do with a prop within a second. Money props tick all three: a fan of notes is instantly readable, and a lei or a cheque makes a bold shape.

Money props for a photo booth

We sell several money-themed props that work well in a booth. All prices include GST and shipping is free.

Together these create a "money" theme without costing much. A prop table with a pile of notes, a stack of leis and a basket of confetti is a ready-made set.

Photo booth with props: party themes that work

A theme gives the booth direction. Here are the themes where money props fit best, which also cover the party ideas we used to publish separately.

Casino and poker night. Money props are the natural choice for a casino theme: fan the notes, wear a lei, hold a big cheque for the "jackpot". Combine with a plain dark backdrop for a classic look.

Roaring Twenties and gangster. Notes in hand, braces and a hat. Money props add to a costume photo without a lot of extra effort.

New Year's Eve. Confetti and a lei set the mood for a midnight photo. A pile of shredded cash looks good against a dark background and under party lights.

Halloween. A pirate treasure or "bank robber" costume with notes in hand. Keep the notes obviously props, and avoid any costume that could alarm people in public.

Wedding and engagement. A big cheque with a joke message, a lei for the wedding party and confetti for the exit photo.

Birthday and 21st. A big cheque, a lei and a framed note set as the backdrop. See our guides to 21st birthday gifts and wedding gifts for more.

Photo frames for photo booth pictures

Many people also search for photo frames for photo booth pictures, a photo booth picture frame or a strip photo frame. These are the printed borders added to a photo strip, and they are normally supplied by the photo booth operator or created in a design tool. We do not supply photo booth frames or hire booths. What we supply is the props to go in front of the camera.

If you are designing a photo strip, match the frame to the theme: a gold border and a "jackpot" caption for a casino night, a simple white border with the couple's names for a wedding. Keep the design simple enough that the faces still dominate.

Setting up a photo booth with props

Choose a backdrop. A plain backdrop in a dark or neutral colour makes colourful props stand out. Avoid busy patterns, which compete with the props.

Light the booth. Use soft, even light from the front, and avoid harsh overhead light that casts shadows under the eyes. If the booth is outdoors, check that the sun is not directly behind the guests.

Stock the props. Lay props on a table at hand height, with a sign explaining the idea. Replace damaged props during the event, and keep spares in a box.

Plan the notes. For a 100-guest party, a couple of fanned stacks and a bag of confetti are plenty. Notes that are thrown or fanned wear quickly, so keep spare notes handy.

Plan the clean-up. Confetti and shredded paper get everywhere. Ask the venue about their rules, and have a broom ready.

Photo booth accessories: buy or make

Many props can be made at home, from paper moustaches to cardboard speech bubbles. The advantage of buying money props is the look: the notes follow the colours and layout of Australian currency closely enough to read as money at a glance, and they are marked as props. The advantage of making your own is cost and customisation.

A mix is often best: make the signs and speech bubbles, and buy the notes, lei and cheque. That keeps the booth personal and the money props authentic.

Rules for money props at events

The Reserve Bank's rule for reproducing banknotes says a physical reproduction must be smaller than three-quarters, or larger than one and a half times, the length and width of the genuine note, and printed on one side only. You can read the full wording on the RBA's page on reproducing banknotes, and the offences sit in the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981. Our notes are reduced-scale, marked NOT LEGAL TENDER on every note, and carry no replicated security features. At events, never use prop notes as payment, and never let a guest believe they are receiving genuine money. Label a prop table clearly, for example "Props only: not genuine money".

Photo props for a photo booth: a prop table checklist

A well-stocked prop table makes a photo booth more fun. A good checklist of photo props for photo booth setups has a mix of wearable items, handheld items and signs. Wearables include hats, glasses, leis and boas. Handheld items include fans of notes, big cheques and speech bubbles. Signs carry the jokes: "Rich and famous", "Make it rain", "Jackpot".

Aim for around ten to fifteen props for a small party, and more for a large one. Include a mix of sizes so that groups of different sizes can find something to hold. Replace props that wear out, and keep a box of spares.

Prop photo booth: hire or do it yourself

A prop photo booth can be hired as a package, with the booth, the camera, the backdrop and a set of props, or built yourself. A hire package is convenient and usually includes staff to run it. A DIY setup costs less and lets you choose the props, but you will need to manage the camera, the lighting and the printing.

If you hire a booth, ask the operator whether you can add your own props. Many operators welcome additions, particularly themed ones. If you are going DIY, a smartphone on a tripod with a plain backdrop and good light is enough for a fun party.

Photo booth and props: a setup checklist

Use this list for a photo booth and props setup. Choose a corner of the room with enough space for groups. Set up a plain backdrop at a comfortable height. Position a soft light in front, at roughly face height. Mount the camera or phone at chest height and check the framing. Put the props on a table beside the booth, with a sign. Test with a few photos before guests arrive.

Assign one person to keep an eye on the booth, replace props and tidy up. At the end, pack the props away carefully, and keep any notes that are still in good condition for the next event.

Picture booth props for different ages

Picture booth props need to suit the guests. For a party with children, choose big, soft, safe props, and avoid anything with small parts. For a party with adults, add more costume-style props, such as hats, glasses and money items. For a mixed gathering, offer both so that everyone can find something to hold.

Money props work across ages because the idea is simple. A child understands a lei of notes as a game, and an adult enjoys the joke. Keep the notes clearly marked as props, and explain to young children that they are for fun and not for spending.

A quick prop shopping list

If you are short on time, a minimal list is enough: one money lei per guest of honour, one Wedding & Event Pack for the prop table, one Money Confetti Pack for the finale and one big cheque for the "winner" photo. Add paper signs and a couple of hats, and the booth is ready.

What to check before you order

Our minimum order is $350 in goods, which applies to every order. A booth kit of a Wedding & Event Pack, a lei 3-pack and a big cheque comes to $131.90, so add items or additional packs to reach it.

Timing. Notes are printed to order, so order well ahead of the event. We dispatch within one business day of confirmed payment, and delivery by tracked Australia Post usually takes three to five business days, free on every order.

Returns. If an order arrives damaged, misprinted or incorrect, contact us within 14 days of delivery for a replacement or refund, and returns by mail are free. Notes are printed to order, so change-of-mind refunds are not offered once an order has shipped.

Payment. We accept PayID/Osko, bank transfer via Osko, and crypto with 10% off the goods subtotal. Payment details are sent after your order request is confirmed.

For more ideas, see our guides to funny gifts, money guns and movie props, or browse the party favours range. Prop notes are for film, theatre, education and novelty use only. They are reduced-scale, marked NOT LEGAL TENDER, and cannot be spent.