How much does an event decorator cost?

Whether you're just working with an event designer, or you've sprung for a full package of event planning services, here's what you can expect from your decorator:

Initial consultation

First, you'll meet for an initial consultation. You should meet with the event designer at least four to six weeks before your event. During the initial consultation, you'll discuss the type of event you're hosting (wedding, birthday party, corporate event, etc.), guest count, venue, theme, and event budget.

Party design plan and budget

Once the designer has a sense of your vision for the party, they will come up with a décor plan. In the plan, they will suggest color schemes, lighting, décor, party favors, and a list of items you'll need to rent, like tables, chairs, photo booths, or even a dunk tank for some carnival-themed fun. They may share a mockup, mood board, or samples of items they're including in the event décor to give you a sense of how it will all look.

The decor plan will also include a quote for their event planning services, decorations, vendors, and other materials. They can even include suggestions for getting the most out of your event planning budget.

Rent and buy decorations

Once they have your approval and a deposit in hand, the decorator will buy or rent all of the items in your party design. They will source, order, and fabricate everything you need, and stay in touch with you to give you updates on progress.

Party setup

On the day (or eve) of your event, the event designer will oversee the set up of the party. They'll manage the floor plan, and make sure everything arrives on time and is unpacked and put in its correct place, from tables and chairs to seating cards and flowers.

Breakdown

When the event's over, they will take the décor down, return the rental items, and clean up the mess—so you don't have to.

Event designers usually structure their fees in one of the following ways:

Flat package rate

When a designer charges a flat rate for their services, they'll base this fee on the number of attendees or the type of party you're hosting. For example, a Thumbtack pro in Atlanta offers wedding design packages that start at $1,250 for an outside ceremony and $1,650 for indoor, not including materials.

Hourly rate

It's also common for decorators to charge an hourly rate, which averages $60 to $80 an hour, not including materials, nationwide.

Percentage of expenses

Some charge 15-20% of the total price of the event. This is a common fee structure if the designer offers event planning as well as event decorating services. They may take a cut of the fees paid to vendors like the DJ, venue, or the caterer.

Hourly rate plus a percentage of expenses

Some charge an hourly rate plus a commission of 10-20% of the cost of any vendors they hire. Again, this is a common fee structure if the pro is planning and decorating the party.

The amount you'll pay an event decorator will depend on the size and type of event, location, your decorator's rates, and whether or not you want any custom elements.

For example, below are prices for event decorating services from a Thumbtack pro in Vancouver, WA for three different events they designed. The total costs include delivery, setup, breakdown, and removal of everything.

Bat mitzvah: $580

• 45 hanging lanterns: $375
• 12 pieces of glassware for a candy bar, actual candy not included: $95
• Custom-made glitter signs: $25
• Labor for setup and breakdown of items from other vendors: $85

Wedding for 305 guests: $2,120

• 9x20 foot sequin reception backdrop: $775
• 305 chair sashes: $442
• 9x10 foot ceremony backdrop: $400
• 305 cloth napkins: $305
• 33 table runners: $198
• Required a $1,060 (or 50%) deposit.

Intimate but luxe wedding: $1,773

• Cake and candy buffet package: $425
• Draped ceremony archway: $345
• 45 hanging paper lanterns with LED lights: $375
• 20 table runners: $190
• 95 gold plate chargers @ $1.25 each: $118.75
• Two buffet tablecloths: $60
• Sashes for bride and groom seats: $15
• Labor for setup and breakdown of items from other vendors: $245
• Required an $886 deposit.

The number of guests

The more attendees for your event, the higher the price for designing it. You'll need more table centerpieces—not to mention tables—, party favors, and space for a bash for 150 than an intimate gathering of 15. Your event decorator will also spend more time sourcing, setting up, and taking down everything, so they may charge a higher rate or bill for more hours.

Location

Supplies and rentals for parties cost more in large cities and resort areas than in small towns or regions with a lower cost of living. For example, a Thumbtack pro in Portland, Oregon, charges an average of $2,000 for wedding décor, while a Thumbtack pro in Macon, Georgia, charges an average of $800 for wedding decorations. If your event decorator needs to travel a significant distance to the venue, they may charge a travel fee as well.

Custom pieces

Items handmade just for your event cost more than off-the-shelf items that can be rented, since they require specialized skills and (usually) more expensive materials. You also have to pay for the time the event decorator spends shopping for materials that can't be easily ordered or rented.

If your event budget won't allow for a full event design package, but you still want help creating everything, just hire a designer for a consultation to get a professionally designed plan for your event's decor. Most event decorators will charge an hourly rate for consultation. A Thumbtack pro in Vancouver, Washington, charges $60 an hour for event design consulting.

After the consultation, you'll then have to do the leg work of sourcing, shopping, setting up, breaking down, and returning the rental items yourself. It's a cost-effective way to throw professional-looking parties at a DIY price.