What are Average Wedding Decor Costs? Prices and Tips for Saving on Decor 

Planning a wedding involves many exciting decisions, from choosing the perfect venue to selecting the dream outfit. However, one aspect that often comes with a hefty price tag is wedding decor. From centerpieces and floral arrangements to lighting and signage, the average cost of decorations can quickly add up. But we have good news! You can save on wedding decor costs without compromising on style and ambiance. Whether you're working with a tight budget or simply looking to be more savvy with your spending, get ready to discover the secrets to creating a stunning wedding atmosphere while keeping costs in check.

Wedding Decors Costs FAQ

First things first, let’s talk about what wedding rentals you need and whether it’s worth it to DIY your decorations. 

What Decorations Do You Need for a Wedding?

Here’s the thing: you don’t actually need any decorations for your wedding. However, there are some common elements most couples incorporate into their wedding decor to elevate the ambiance and add special touches to the day. Here’s what we see as wedding decor “needs” vs “wants.”

Needs: The Basics

  1. Venue Decor: This is where your wedding's overall theme comes into play. Your venue decor includes table centerpieces, chair covers, aisle runners for church weddings, and other elements that add a touch of personality to your venue.

  2. Lighting: Never underestimate the power of good lighting. It sets the mood and can transform even the simplest venue into something magical. Consider fairy lights, lanterns, or even candlelight for a romantic ambiance.

  3. Signage: Make sure your guests know where they're going. Directions to the ceremony, reception, restrooms, and any other key locations are a must.

  4. Table Settings: This includes tablecloths, napkins, dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery. If your caterer doesn't provide these, you'll need to.

Wants: The Extras

  1. Floral Arrangements: Beyond the basic centerpieces, additional floral installations like arches, hanging displays, or flower walls can be breathtaking but aren't always necessary.

  2. Personal Touches: Monograms, personalized favors, photo booths, or custom cocktails–these are all wonderful ways to make your wedding uniquely yours, but again, they're not essential.

  3. Draping: Fabric draping can add an elegant touch to your venue, but it can also be quite costly.

  4. Specialty Lighting: Think monogram lighting, uplighting, or a spotlight for the first dance. These can add a wow factor, but they're definitely more of a want than a need.

Learn more by checking out our Ceremony Decor Checklist and Reception Decor Checklist!

How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Decor?

How much you spend on wedding decor is totally up to you! On average, couples spend between:

As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You can go with budget wedding reception decorations and allocate more of your funds elsewhere, or go all-in with decor and spend upwards of $20,000 total. How much you should spend depends on your budget and wedding vision.

Is It Cheaper to Decorate Your Own Wedding?

After learning the average cost of wedding decorations, you may be inclined to DIY your decor. But is that actually cheaper? Maybe, maybe not. It's important to consider your level of creativity, craftiness, and the amount of time you have available. DIY can be a budget-friendly option if you keep things simple and focus on grassroots efforts. We’ve outlined the best items to DIY and which ones to leave to the professionals to help you decide the best choice.

Average Cost of Wedding Decor: The Breakdown

So, we threw some big numbers at you–that you could spend close to $20,000 on decor. But that’s not the average cost of wedding decorations. So, what is? Here is a breakdown from Zola. Keep in mind that wedding decor costs, on average, vary depending on the size of your venue, the number of guests, and your personal budget. 

  • Flowers: $500 to $12,000

  • Centerpieces: $50 to $500 per table

  • Tablecloths or runners: $20 to $80 per table

  • Chargers: $8 to $10 each

  • Lighting: $200 to $5,000

  • Candlesticks: $10 each

  • Photo booth backdrop: $100 to $1,500

  • Welcome sign: $10 to $50

  • Aisle runner: $30 to $200

  • Ceremony arch: $75 to $1,000 (with flowers)

At Mountainside Events, we offer a large selection of wedding decorations available to couples planning their weddings with us. We make our wedding decor costs highly affordable to ensure you can bring your wedding vision to life within your budget. For example:

  • Our table numbers/placeholders range from $1 to $5 per piece.

  • Our wedding signs are $5 to $15 each, on average.

  • We have three arch options ranging from $100 to $200.

  • Our candle and lighting options range from $1 to $10 each.

  • We have tons of photobooth decor, including backdrops and props, for $5 to $50.

From napkins and linens to beverage dispensers and dessert stands to lawn games to make your reception fun, you can get nearly all your wedding decor for less when you work with us to plan your wedding. 

Check out all our items with wedding decor costs, and learn more about our wedding planning services in Colorado!

5 Tips to Save on Wedding Decor Costs

We’ve talked about money; now, let’s talk about saving money. You can lower your average cost for wedding decorations by following these budget-savvy tips. 

1. Opt for Minimalist Decor

Embrace simplicity by using minimalist decor. For example, instead of elaborate floral centerpieces, consider using single-stem flowers in bud vases or candles for an elegant touch. There are also tons of ways to incorporate Colorado culture into your wedding and use the beauty of the area as natural decorations!

2. DIY Projects

Engage your creative side and save money by taking on DIY projects. Create your own table numbers, signage, or even a photo booth backdrop. This personal touch adds charm and reduces the need for expensive rentals or purchases. 

3. Repurpose and Recycle

Look for ways to repurpose items you already have or borrow from friends and family. For instance, repurpose mason jars as candle holders or use vintage frames for table numbers or seating charts. This is also an eco-friendly way to make your wedding better for the environment.

4. Rent or Borrow Decor

Instead of purchasing expensive decor items, consider renting them from a rental company, borrowing them from friends and family, and purchasing them second-hand. This can significantly reduce costs while still achieving a beautiful ambiance. 

5. Use Greenery

Incorporate lush greenery into your decor as a cost-effective alternative to flowers. Eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy can be used as table runners, chair decorations, or even as part of your ceremony backdrop.

Plan Your Wedding with Mountainside Events and Save on Your Average Cost of Wedding Decor

At Mountainside Events, we love being able to help our couples cut back on wedding decor costs with our extensive list of decorations available for rent at an affordable price. Of course, that’s not the only reason to work with us, but it’s definitely a perk.

You want to know the other reasons? We’ll let Sarah tell you:

“Taylor and her team were very professional, attentive, mindful, encouraging, intentional, and supportive in so many ways! They helped plan our schedule for the day, ran the rehearsal and day-of coordination, helped refer me to several vendors, took over communication with our vendors, helped decorate and set up on the day of, as well as clean up and our wedding oversight. We had some unexpected weather-related troubles with our outdoor bathroom and tent, and they took care of it very quickly so there was barely any worry before our ceremony started. I appreciate and value them all! Our day was really wonderful, and their help was monumental in this!!”

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you plan your dream Colorado wedding!