Event Decor: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you’re planning an event and trying to decide whether to DIY your own decor or hire a professional, it can be overwhelming! On one hand, DIY event decor has the potential to save money. On the other hand, hiring a professional could mean that you get access to higher quality materials and designs.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of DIY event decor vs. hiring a professional event decorator in order to help you make the best decision for your event.
So, let’s dive in!
DIY Event Decor
First, let’s consider the do-it-yourself approach.
Pros
DIY has become increasingly popular in recent years, and event decor is no exception. After all, it has the potential to save money on materials and labor costs, which can be attractive for those on a budget. Furthermore, DIY event decor also allows you to customize your decorations, giving you full control over the design and look of your event.
Cons
However, DIYing your celebration also comes with some potential drawbacks. Firstly, it can be time consuming to create your own decorations. Secondly, it may also require a certain level of skill and craftsmanship that not everyone has. And finally, DIY decor can be more costly than hiring a professional if you make any mistakes or buy materials that you don’t end up using.
The Best Types of Events for DIY Decor
DIY event decor is best suited for smaller events with a limited budget, such as birthdays, showers, or smaller weddings. DIY decorations also work well for outdoor events such as picnics and barbecues.
If you have basic skills and can dedicate the time, DIYing your event decorations can be a great way to save money and get creative with your design!
Where to Buy Event Decor Supplies
If you’re considering DIY event decor, it can be a good idea to research where to buy the supplies for your decorations. Some popular online stores include Amazon and Etsy. That said, you can also find decorations in local craft stores or hardware stores. And don’t forget the power of thrift stores and garage sales, too!
Event Decor Wholesale Suppliers
If you’re looking to save even more money, you should consider using event decor wholesale suppliers. These are companies that specialize in providing decorations for businesses and organizations. As such, they often carry a wide variety of items, including everything from tablecloths to balloons.
Event decor wholesale suppliers also typically offer discounts for bulk orders. So, it can be a great way to save money if you’re planning a large event!
Rental vs. Buying
Another option to consider is renting your decorations instead of buying them. Event decor rental companies can be a great way to get access to high-end decorations without having to purchase them. Plus, you can often find some great deals on rentals if you shop around.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with renting decorations, such as delivery fees and setup costs.
PRO TIP: Want to learn more about renting vs. buying event decor? This Ultimate Guide will tell you everything you need to know!
DIY Event Decor FAQs
Q: What are the 7 elements of event planning – and how does this apply to my decorations?
A: Event planning typically involves seven elements, which are:
- Your target audience;
- Event infrastructure;
- The venue;
- The guests/attendees;
- Your event concept;
- Organizers;
- And media.
When considering your event decor, it’s important to think about how each of these elements will factor into your design. For example, you may need to think about if the venue has specific requirements or if there are any restrictions on decorations.
Q: How can I decorate my own event?
A: There are a few different ways you can go about DIYing your own decorations. First, you’ll need to determine your budget and then start gathering supplies. Next, you’ll want to create a plan and decide on a design. Finally, it’s time to get creative and start assembling your decorations!
Q: If I DIY my event decor, how much should my budget be?
A: That depends on the size, scope and type of event you’re planning. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to budget around 10-20% of your total event budget for decorations.
Q: What kind of materials do I need for DIY event decor?
A: The materials you’ll need will depend on the design and look you’re going for. However, some common items include:
- Streamers
- Balloons
- Table cloths
- Garlands
- Lights
- Tissue paper
Q: Where can I find DIY event decor ideas?
A: Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are all great places to find inspiration. You can also check out wedding websites and magazines for even more ideas.
Q: How do you make a party look expensive?
A: If you want your event to look expensive without breaking your budget, try focusing on the details. Carefully select lighting and decorations that will make a statement. You can also add some carefully placed flowers or greenery to give it an extra luxurious touch.
Q: Any tips on how to decorate a room for a party on a budget?
A: Absolutely! One of the best ways to decorate a room on a budget is to get creative with what you already have.
Try using items from around your home or repurposing items to create unique decorations. String lights, paper lanterns and tablecloths can also be inexpensive but effective decorations. Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of seasonal deals and discounts for even more savings!
Q: How long should I wait before decorating my event?
A: This will depend on the size and scope of your event. If it’s a large event with many decorations, you may want to start decorating a couple of days in advance. For smaller events, you can usually get away with starting the day before.
Q: Is it really worth it to DIY my decorations?
A: That depends on your budget and what you’re looking for.
DIY event decor can be a great way to save money and be creative with your decorations. However, if you don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself, hiring a professional decorator may be the way to go.
DIY Event Decor Ideas:
- 14 Easy and Fun DIY Party Decorations for Every Event [Greenvelope]
- 55 Easy DIY Decorating Ideas for Your Next Party [HGTV]
- 150 DIY Party Decor Ideas [Pinterest]
- 60 DIY Wedding Decorations Ideas for Every Wedding Style [Brides.com]
- Certified Wedding Planner, Afton Romrell: My 3 Favorite DIY Trends [QC Event School]
- DIY Spring Decor Ideas for the Budget Event Planner [QC Event School]
Hiring a Professional Event Decorator
Next, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hiring a professional event decorator.
Pros
To start, professional decorators have access to high quality materials and supplies, which can significantly enhance the look of your event. Because they are literally experts in their field, event decorators can take the stress out of designing and creating decorations. Instead, you can simply sit back and relax, knowing that everything is being taken care of.
Furthermore, event decorators are experienced in creating stunning visuals with minimal effort. They also have a lot of contacts and resources, which can be very useful in finding materials at discounted prices.
Cons
The downside is that event decorators tend to charge more for their services than DIY decorations. Therefore, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of supplies and labor when you’re budgeting for your event. Some event decorators may also come with a particular style and aesthetic, so hiring the wrong one may mean sacrificing some of your own ideas.
(That said, the right event decorator should have the knowledge, expertise, and flexibility to accommodate YOUR style and vision!)
The Best Types of Events to Hire an Event Decorator For
In all honesty, event decorators can be used for ANY kind of event. After all, their knowledge and experience can help you create an unforgettable experience!
That said, there are certain types of events where the ability to DIY becomes less realistic, and hiring a pro is the better choice. For instance, if your event requires intricate and complex designs, or if you’re having a big, formal wedding, hiring an experienced decorator is the way to go.
Moreover, here are other kinds of events that would benefit from a professional event decorator’s expertise:
- Large corporate events
- Grand openings
- Fundraisers
- Award ceremonies
- Launches or product reveal events
Hiring an Event Decorator: The Process Broken Down
While hiring a professional event decorator might seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s what you can expect:
- Do your research before contacting anyone! Look around online, check out business websites and reviews, and even ask people you know for their recommendations (if they have any).
- Once you have a list of event decorators you’re interested in, get in touch with them to set up a consultation.
- During the consultation, discuss your event, ask the important questions, and find out if they’re available for the date of your event.
- Ask for a price quote and explain what type of decorations you’re looking for (as well as your budget).
- Agree on terms, such as payment structure and deadlines, then sign a contract.
- Finally, relax and let the event decorator do their job!
Hiring a Professional Event Decorator FAQs
Q: What is an event decorator?
A: Event decorators are professionals who specialize in creating beautiful and stunning decorations for special occasions. They have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to help you achieve the look and feel you want for your event.
Q: What is another name for an event decorator?
A: Event decorators are also commonly known as event designers, wedding decorators, or party stylists.
Q: What is the role of an event decorator?
A: Event decorators are responsible for creating a visually appealing and stunning event space by designing, planning, and sourcing decorations. They collaborate with clients to create a unique event that is tailored to their vision.
Q: What does an event decorator do?
A: In terms of the decor side of things, event decorators help you choose the right materials, colors, and textures to create a stunning event atmosphere. Event decorators are also responsible for sourcing decorations and setting up the event space according to your specifications.
PRO TIP: Learn even more about what an event decorator does on a day-to-day basis!
Q: What is the difference between an event planner and an event designer?
A: Event planners focus more on the logistics of an event, such as finding a venue, creating a budget, and managing vendors. On the other hand, event designers focus more on the aesthetic aspects of an event, such as decor and styling. It’s important to note that many event planners are also event decorators (and vice versa) – although this is not automatically the case.
Q: What is the average cost of hiring an event decorator?
A: Event decor costs depend on a few factors, such as the size and type of event, the materials used, and how long it takes to set up the decorations. On average (in the United States), event decorators usually charge between $60 and $80 per hour. But this number can vary greatly depending on the company and the scope of the project.
Q: What questions should I ask an event decorator?
A: When interviewing event decorators, there are a few key questions you should ask. These include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have any event decorating experience?
- What is your design process like?
- What type of decorations do you specialize in?
- Can I see examples of past projects or events that you’ve decorated?
- Can I get references from previous customers?
- Based on what I’ve told you about my event, what type of decorations would you suggest?
- Is your design style flexible, in that you can accommodate my specific tastes and preferences?
- Do you offer any additional services, such as lighting or sound systems?
- Do you offer any discounts or special packages?
- What are your rates?
- Are there any hidden fees, such as delivery fees or setup fees?
- When is the final payment due?
By asking all of these questions during the consultation, you can ensure that you hire the right event decorator for your needs!
Q: Why do we need an event decorator?
A: Event decorators bring the vision of your event to life by creating a stunning atmosphere. An experienced and knowledgeable event decorator can provide you with the perfect decorations that will make your event look professional and polished. Plus, they can also save you time and money by taking care of all the details for you.
Basically, event decorators are invaluable for those who want to make their event extra special and memorable!
Q: Is hiring a professional event decorator really worth the cost?
A: Absolutely! Event decorators are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can take your event to the next level. With their expertise, they can help you create a stunning atmosphere for your event and save you time, money, and stress in the process.
How to Become an Event Decorator
If you’re interested in becoming an event decorator yourself, all you need to know are these two simple steps:
- Give our How-To Guide on Becoming an Event Decorator a read!
- Enroll in QC Event School’s self-paced, online Event Decor Course to earn YOUR internationally-recognized certification in as little as 3-6 months!
Helpful Resources to Bookmark:
- How to Start an Event Decorating Business
- My Honest Review of QC’s Event Decor Course
- How to Use Event Decor to Boost Your Salary
- The 10 Most Profitable Careers in Event Planning
- 6 Tips for Getting Clients
- How to Brand Your Business
- The Best Tools to Grow Your Business
- 10 Marketing Tips for Your Business
- How to Network Like a Pro
- How Stylized Photoshoots Can Lead to Jobs
So, Should You DIY Your Event Decor or Hire a Professional?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to DIY your event decor or hire a professional is up to YOU!
Event decorators provide the expertise and knowledge necessary to create the perfect atmosphere for your event that will wow all of your guests. Plus, it can save you time, money, and stress in the process. On the other hand, DIY event decor can be a great way to add personal touches to your event and have fun while doing it.
Whichever path you choose, make sure that you do your research beforehand, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts!
Good luck with your event planning and thanks for reading! Happy decorating!
