Wedding Decor Budget Calculator
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$2,000
Pro Tip: For a small wedding, 40% of your budget should go to florals - but you can save 70% by using seasonal flowers and DIY.
How much should you really spend on wedding decorations? It’s a question that pops up right after you pick the venue and before you even think about the cake. You see Instagram posts with floating lanterns, custom neon signs, and floral arches that look like they came from a magazine - and suddenly, your budget feels like a suggestion, not a plan. The truth? You don’t need to break the bank to make your wedding feel beautiful. The average Australian couple spends between $2,000 and $5,000 on wedding decorations, but that number can swing wildly depending on your style, venue, and how much you’re willing to DIY.
Where Does Your Decoration Money Go?
Wedding decorations aren’t just about flowers and candles. They’re the entire visual story of your day - from the ceremony backdrop to the table centerpieces, the aisle runners to the welcome signs. Here’s how most couples split their budget:
- Floral arrangements (bouquets, centerpieces, arches): 40-50% of the total
- Lighting and ambiance (string lights, lanterns, candles): 15-20%
- Tableware and linens (plates, napkins, runners, chargers): 10-15%
- Signage and stationery (welcome boards, seating charts, directional signs): 5-10%
- Special pieces (photo backdrops, neon signs, hanging installations): 10-20%
- Delivery, setup, and removal: 5-10%
Most people overestimate how much they need to spend on florals. A single large floral arch can cost $800-$1,500 if you hire a pro. But if you buy blooms from a local market, arrange them yourself, and use greenery from your backyard, you can cut that cost by 70%.
What’s a Realistic Budget for Different Wedding Sizes?
Your guest count directly impacts your decor needs. More people means more tables, more centerpieces, more signage. Here’s a breakdown based on real weddings in Sydney over the past year:
- Intimate wedding (20-30 guests): $800-$1,800
- Small wedding (50-70 guests): $1,800-$3,500
- Medium wedding (80-120 guests): $3,500-$6,000
- Larger wedding (130+ guests): $6,000-$10,000+
These numbers assume you’re using a mix of rented, bought, and DIY items. If you’re going all-out with custom lighting, imported flowers, or hired designers, you’ll be at the top end - or higher.
How to Save Without Sacrificing Style
You don’t need to be a Pinterest queen to make your wedding feel luxe. Here are the most effective ways couples are cutting costs and still getting stunning results:
- Use seasonal flowers. Peonies in winter? Expensive. Chrysanthemums in autumn? Local, abundant, and half the price. Ask your florist what’s in season - it’s the biggest money-saver.
- Repurpose ceremony decor for reception. That floral arch at the altar? Move it behind the cake table. Aisle markers become cocktail table accents. One purchase, two uses.
- Go DIY on small items. Make your own signage with chalkboard paint and frame it from IKEA. Create napkin rings with ribbon and dried citrus slices. These take a few hours, not days, and cost under $20.
- Use candles instead of flowers. A dozen tea lights in glass jars cost less than $15 and create more warmth than a $100 centerpiece. Mix with fairy lights for a soft glow.
- Borrow or rent. Instead of buying vases, lanterns, or candle holders, check out local rental companies. Many offer full decor packages for under $500.
- Focus on one statement piece. Don’t try to decorate every corner. Pick one focal point - maybe a floral wall behind the dance floor - and keep the rest simple. Less is more.
What to Avoid Spending On
Some decor trends look amazing in photos but are terrible for your wallet. Here’s what most couples regret spending on:
- Single-use props - like giant inflatable numbers or themed photo booths that only get used for 20 minutes.
- Custom monogrammed everything - napkins, programs, favours. Guests don’t remember them. They remember how the space felt.
- Overly complex lighting rigs - unless you’re hiring a pro, LED string lights and lanterns do the job better and cheaper.
- Imported or exotic flowers - orchids flown in from overseas? You’re paying for the flight, not the bloom.
One couple in Newcastle spent $1,200 on custom calligraphy place cards. They later admitted no one looked at them. They could’ve used printed tags for $15 and saved $1,185.
When to Splurge (and When It’s Worth It)
Not everything should be cheap. Some things make a lasting impression - and are worth the extra cash:
- Lighting - the right lighting transforms a dull space into something magical. A few dozen battery-powered LED string lights cost under $100 and change the whole vibe.
- Signage - clear, well-designed signs (welcome board, bar menu, seating chart) prevent confusion and look polished. A good printer and design template can make this $100-$200.
- Floral arch or backdrop - if you’re having photos taken, this is the one piece guests will remember. A well-made arch lasts through the whole day and becomes a photo staple.
- Table linens - a simple white linen tablecloth looks more expensive than a $20 polyester one. It drapes better, feels nicer, and doesn’t wrinkle under lights.
Real Example: A ,800 Sydney Wedding
Last month, a couple in Bondi got married at a beachside hall with 65 guests. Their total decor budget was $2,800. Here’s how they spent it:
- $400 - local autumn flowers (daisies, eucalyptus, chrysanthemums) bought from a wholesale market
- $350 - rented 12 glass vases and 60 tea lights
- $200 - DIY welcome sign and seating chart (printed on cardstock, framed)
- $600 - 3 large string light installations (one over the dance floor, two over the food tables)
- $150 - linen table runners (rented)
- $1,100 - floral arch for the ceremony (made with dried flowers and greenery, reused as a photo backdrop)
- $200 - delivery and setup by a friend with a van
They didn’t have a single custom monogram. No expensive imported blooms. No hired florist. And their photos? The most liked on Instagram that week.
Final Tip: Start With a Vision Board
Before you open your wallet, gather images of spaces you love. Pin them to a board. What do they have in common? Are they all soft and romantic? Minimalist and modern? Rustic and earthy? Your decor should match your vibe - not the trend.
Once you know your style, you can shop smarter. A rustic wedding doesn’t need silk roses. A modern wedding doesn’t need lace doilies. Your budget stretches further when you’re intentional.
Remember: your wedding isn’t judged by how much you spent. It’s remembered by how it felt. A simple space with real laughter, good music, and warm lighting will outlast any $10,000 floral installation.
What’s the average cost of wedding decorations in Australia?
Most Australian couples spend between $2,000 and $5,000 on wedding decorations. This range covers everything from florals and lighting to tableware and signage. Smaller weddings (under 50 guests) often stay under $2,000, while larger events (100+ guests) can reach $6,000-$8,000 if they include professional design or imported elements.
Can I do wedding decorations myself?
Yes - and many couples do. DIY decorations can cut costs by 50% or more. Popular DIY projects include making your own signage, arranging flowers from local markets, using candles and string lights for ambiance, and repurposing ceremony decor for the reception. Just plan ahead: you’ll need at least 2-3 weekends to gather materials, assemble, and test setups. Don’t wait until the week before.
Are rented decorations cheaper than buying?
Usually, yes. Items like vases, lanterns, table runners, and chair covers are expensive to buy and often used only once. Renting them from a local wedding supplier typically costs $50-$150 for a full package. Some companies even offer delivery and setup. Compare rental prices to buying new - you’ll often save 60-80%.
How much should I budget for flowers?
Flowers usually make up 40-50% of your total decor budget. For a small wedding (50 guests), $800-$1,500 is typical. To save, choose seasonal blooms, use greenery heavily, and skip large centerpieces. A single floral arch or bouquet can cost $300-$800 if professionally made, but you can make one yourself for under $200 using local flowers.
What’s the most cost-effective way to light a wedding?
Battery-powered LED string lights are the most affordable and effective option. They cost $10-$25 per 10 feet, are easy to hang, and create a warm glow without electricity needs. Add a few dozen tea lights in glass jars for $15-$30 total. Avoid expensive lighting rigs or hired technicians unless you’re doing a large-scale event.
Should I hire a wedding decorator?
Only if your budget allows for it and you’re overwhelmed. Professional decorators typically charge $1,000-$3,000 for a full-service package, plus the cost of materials. For most couples, hiring a decorator isn’t necessary. With a clear vision, a few helpers, and a little time, you can create a beautiful space yourself. Save the pro for your venue’s in-house coordinator if they offer decor support.