Happy Hump Day Twirlers!

Truth be told, event design is up there on wedding expenses as one of the big costs.  I constantly get asked how much decor would cost for a wedding, a question that doesn’t have a clear cut answer.  Let me try and break it down;

 

 

 

 

 

Your event design budget depends on so many variables that are unique to each event and individual.  Factors that affect the budget (apart from personal tastes & preferences) are the venue (indoor, outdoor, size of venue, amount of transformation needed for space, etc.), location of venue (this determines transportation cost for rental items), number of guests, types of flowers (fresh or artificial), size of centrepieces, types of furniture (there’s an endless list of options here from glass furniture to wooden, etc.), lighting, trusses, ceiling hangings (size, design detail, etc.), flooring, etc.

 

 

The list truly is endless and you may or may not know what you might need or want for your event.  So follow these 3 steps to help you minimise the runaround and search for just any designer and book your preferred event designer.

 

Decor by Let’s Be Seated  Photo by Steve Morris

 

 

Decor by Let’s Be Seated  Photo by Steve Morris

 

 

Decor by Let’s Be Seated  Photo by Steve Morris

 

1) Keep your options to a minimum

To avoid getting confused and overwhelmed, keep your vendor options to a minimum of 2 or 3 during your search.  Contact vendors and be ready to give them some details about your event.  There’s very little they can do with information about just your guest number.  Having inspiration pictures of how you’d like your event can help guide the designer to see your vision. If you’re able to decide which decorator you want after initial conversations with each, request a quote for their services.  If you’re still undecided, request a quote from all three.

 

 

2) Review quotes/invoices

Unless you’re very specific to the T with your decor request, event designers typically would create quotes or invoices for you based on your initial consultation.  If you did not give them a budget (this is key for this step), they’re usually working with an unlimited budget and would add everything to your quote based on your conversation and inspiration photos only.  Once you see the invoice, you’ll know how much you’d want to spend on decor.  If your preferred decorators quote is much higher than you expected, don’t cancel or leave them hanging. Go back to them and let them know how much you’d rather spend and let them adjust the quote to suit your budget.  It is also important that you let them decide what needs to be taken out of the initial quote as they have the overall vision of the design.  Sometimes, there are cheaper alternatives to items listed and you might miss out on it completely if you take them out.  If the vendor is unable to work with your now decided budget, then you can move to your second or third option.

 

 

 

 

3) Make a deposit

Finally decided on pricing with your decorator? Be sure to make a deposit as soon as possible to lock them in for your date.  Finalise payment terms as well so you’re both on the same page when final payment will be done.  Remember that event design is a creative process and especially on the day, some minor (emphasis on minor) changes may be done by decorator to help the overall look of the space.

 

 

I hope this was helpful. Trust the process. 🙂