In recent years, photo booths have become the highlight of parties, weddings, and corporate events. They’re an interactive, creative way to keep guests entertained while giving them a keepsake to take home. The best part? You don’t need to spend thousands to create something fun. Whether you’re looking for picture booth ideas, or want to set up an inexpensive photo booth at your celebration, there are endless ways to get creative without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll share fun and affordable budget photo booth ideas, plus styling tips to transform a low cost photo booth into a feature guests will rave about.

Why photo booths make events memorable

A well thought out photo booth can do more than simply take pictures. A great photobooth adds; 

• Entertainment factor: Guests love dressing up, striking poses, and sharing laughs between songs on the dance floor.
• Keepsakes: Instant prints or digital copies become treasured reminders of your celebration.
• Personalisation: A booth can be themed to your wedding, birthday, or corporate event.
• Inclusive fun: Kids, grandparents, colleagues — everyone gets involved.

Pairing a photo booth with other entertainment like a DJ or live band entertainment ensures there’s always something happening to keep the atmosphere lively.

Photo booth ideas to wow your guests

1. DIY backdrops

Backdrops are the foundation of every great photo booth. Some inexpensive but stylish ideas could be:

• Flower walls: Use artificial flowers and greenery to create a luxe look for weddings.
• Balloon garlands: Great for birthdays or kids’ parties. Mix colours that match your theme.
• Fabric drapes: Use sequins, velvet, or fairy-light curtains for a glamorous effect.
• Chalkboard wall: Guests can write messages or doodles before snapping a photo.

Tip: Position your booth near good lighting or hire inexpensive ring lights to ensure quality photos.

2. Themed props and accessories

Props are where the fun begins. Normally photo booth companies provide props, but to make the photo booth more unique to your event, consider…

• DIY signs: Create speech bubbles with classic phrases the host / couple / bride of guests say! 
• Hats and wigs: Buy wigs that make people look like guests at the party! 
• Oversized glasses and masks: Always a hit, especially at corporate parties.
• Themed props: Make them bespoke to your party theme. For example, a 1920s party could have feather boas and fedoras; or for a beach themed party, think sunnies and inflatable beach balls.

3. Vintage-style photo booth corners

Make your photo booth even more unique, even if you’re hiring one, you can create a set up which throws your guests back in time and to an old-fashioned studio! 

How to transform your booth into a vintage studio: 

• Add a velvet chair or antique couch to make people feel relaxed.
• Add a vintage camera or gramophone as décor.
• Provide sepia or black-and-white filters via an app or photo booth software.

This is an inexpensive photo booth idea that works beautifully for weddings or milestone birthdays. Give your guests a relaxing but fun experience! 

4. DIY Polaroid frames

If you don’t want to hire a photobooth, you can make one yourself. Check out our DIY guide here for a full guide on how to make a photo booth on a budget. But if you already have an idea and just need a frame… 

You can DIY a polaroid style frame by: cutting out a large cardboard frame and painting it to look like Polaroid borders. Quick and easy, and then your guests can hold the polaroid up for quirky, Instagram-worthy snaps.

You can even brand them with your names, event date, or company logo for personalised flair! 

5. The digital sharing booth

If you choose to hire a photo booth, not all providers will offer printed photos (which might make them a little cheaper for smaller budgets). But most will offer a digital drive which instantly uploads the photos, your guests will just need to scan a QR code for instant access - so much easier to put straight onto their Instagrams! 

If you’re DIY-ing a photobooth, for a low cost photo booth option, set up a tablet with a tripod stand and photo app that allows instant sharing to guests’ phones. It cuts printing costs while still delivering instant fun. Then your guests can print their favourites in their own time! 

To make the party more of a hit, consider pairing your photo booth with a DJ so guests can share their pictures while the music plays, keeping the energy high.

6. Outdoor-inspired booths

Hosting your event outdoors? Use the natural scenery as your backdrop. The lowest cost way of creating a photo booth for your event! 

Some ideas for outside venues: 

• Beach: Set up a surfboard and deck chairs for laid-back vibes.
• Garden: Use fairy lights and flower arrangements.
• Rustic barn: Hay bales and barrels double as seating and props.

These setups make for unique picture booth ideas that highlight Australia’s outdoor beauty.

7. Photo booth with entertainment integration

To make your booth stand out, link it to your other entertainment. For example:

• A live band can pose in photos with guests during breaks.
• DJs can theme the booth props to their music style (e.g., disco balls, glow sticks, headphones).
• Use the booth as a “pre-dance warmup,” encouraging guests to snap silly group shots before hitting the floor.
• Take your bartenders into the photo booth for a cocktail show on film! 

8. The guestbook booth

Something we love doing at any event is having a memory book, instead of a traditional guestbook, set up a memory book stand next to your photo booth. Each guest can stick their photos into the memory book and write a message to the happy couple / host(s). It’s a wonderful keepsake for milestone birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.

This idea is both interactive and inexpensive, you only need a scrapbook and glue sticks.

9. Green screen fun

To your hired or DIY booth a low cost photo booth option is to add a green sheet as the backdrop. Then once you have all the digital shots, with green screen technology, your backdrop can be anything… Sydney Harbour, outer space, or even your favourite sports stadium. Guests will love choosing where their picture takes them.

Affordable apps and software make this a budget photo booth option with big impact.

10. Selfie stations with instant printers

If you want the feeling of a photo booth but don't have the time to DIY or the budget to hire one, you can create a low cost photo booth by combining a smartphone tripod, a Bluetooth remote shutter, and an instant printer. Guests can use their own phones but still walk away with physical prints! 

A simple but very effective way of capturing the fun at your next event! 

Tips for setting up an inexpensive photo booth

1. Lighting is everything: Even the best props won’t work if the photos are dark. Ring lights or natural light are your friends.
2. Keep it simple: A strong backdrop and a few quirky props are enough.
3. Use DIY materials: Cardboard, fairy lights, and fabric can be transformed with creativity.
4. Leverage technology: Free or low-cost apps replace expensive software and printing gear.
5. Work with your DJ or band: Ask them to help announce or encourage guests to use the booth throughout the night.

Conclusion: You have so many options 

When it comes to photo booths, creativity always outweighs cost. Whether you opt for quirky DIY backdrops, themed props, or digital sharing stations, you can design an inexpensive photo booth that feels unique and stylish. Paired with entertainment like DJs and live bands, your booth will become a central hub of fun, and ensure your guests leave with photos, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Or you could hire a photo booth with a provider from Bark, compare up to 5 professionals’ quotes and have a memorable addition at your next event!