How to Charge for Wedding Decorations: A Clear Pricing Guide for 2025

Charging for wedding decorations isn’t just about slapping a price on a few lanterns and table centerpieces. It’s about valuing your time, creativity, logistics, and the emotional weight of one of the most important days in someone’s life. If you’re asking how much to charge, you’re not just pricing supplies-you’re pricing peace of mind.

Start with your costs-not your gut

Before you even think about profit, break down what you actually spend. Many new decorators underestimate this and end up working for pennies. Here’s what to count:

• Materials: Flowers, candles, drapes, signage, lighting, rentals (chairs, arches, vases)
• Delivery and setup: Fuel, van rental, labor hours for installation and breakdown
• Storage and prep: Space to clean, sort, and store decor before the event
• Insurance and permits: Public liability insurance is non-negotiable in Australia
• Admin time: Meetings, emails, contracts, revisions, site visits

For a medium-sized wedding in Melbourne (80 guests), materials alone can run $1,200-$2,800. Add 10-12 hours of labor at $45/hour, and you’re already at $1,650 in costs. That’s before profit.

Know your pricing models

There are three ways to charge-and only one works consistently long-term.

Option 1: Hourly rate - $40-$70/hour is standard in Australia for skilled decorators. This works for small events or consultations, but it’s risky for full weddings. Clients hate watching the clock. You hate chasing extra hours when they change the layout last minute.

Option 2: Flat fee per package - This is what most pros use. Bundle services into tiers:

• Basic: 5 centerpieces, aisle markers, welcome sign - $1,500
• Standard: 12 centerpieces, arch, lighting, ceremony backdrop, table numbers - $3,200
• Premium: Full venue transformation with hanging installations, custom props, LED elements, day-to-night transition - $6,500+

Package pricing makes it easy for clients to choose. It also protects you from scope creep. Add a 15% surcharge for weekend bookings (Friday-Sunday) and 20% for public holidays like Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve.

Option 3: Percentage of total wedding budget - Some decorators charge 8-12% of the overall wedding budget. This feels fair if the couple is spending big, but it backfires if they’re budget-conscious. Use this only if you’re working with high-end clients who already have a $50K+ budget.

What makes your price go up

Not all weddings are created equal. Here’s what adds real cost-and justifies higher fees:

• Remote venues: A beach wedding at Cape Schanck requires extra transport, weather-proofing, and setup time. Add $500-$1,200.
• Custom pieces: Hand-painted signs, 3D floral walls, or bespoke lanterns take hours to make. Charge $200-$800 per custom item.
• Lighting design: Uplighting, string lights, or lanterns on trees aren’t just pretty-they need wiring, generators, and safety checks. Add $800-$2,000.
• Same-day changes: If the couple moves the ceremony to the garden last-minute and you have to reconfigure everything? Charge a rush fee of $400-$700.
• Seasonal demand: October to March is peak season in Australia. You can raise rates by 10-15% during this window.

What you should never do

Don’t fall into these traps:

• Undercutting competitors: If someone charges $2,000 and you charge $1,500, clients assume you’re less experienced. Quality isn’t about the lowest price-it’s about trust.
• Working for free for friends: You’re not a hobbyist. Offer a 15% discount to family, but never zero. Set boundaries early.
• Not requiring deposits: Always require 50% upfront. No exceptions. This covers your material costs and filters out flaky clients.
• Not having a contract: Use a simple one-page agreement that lists what’s included, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and liability. Google has free templates you can adapt.

Real examples from Melbourne weddings (2025)

Here’s what actual clients paid last season:

• Eliza & Tom: 70 guests, garden ceremony at Yarra Glen. Standard package: $3,400 (includes floral arch, 10 centerpieces, candle lighting, table numbers). Deposit: $1,700. Final payment: $1,700 due 7 days before.
• Mia & James: 120 guests, industrial warehouse in Collingwood. Premium package: $7,200 (includes hanging greenery, custom neon sign, 20 LED lanterns, day-to-night lighting shift). Deposit: $3,600. Rush fee: $500 for last-minute layout change.
• Maya & Liam: 40 guests, rooftop in Southbank. Basic package: $1,800 (5 centerpieces, string lights, welcome board). Added $600 for weather backup plan (indoor contingency setup).

Notice how the prices reflect effort, not just stuff. Mia and James paid more because the decor transformed the entire space. That’s value.

How to present your pricing

Don’t send a spreadsheet. Send a visual PDF. Include:

• Photos of past work (with permission)
• Package names and prices
• What’s included in each
• What’s NOT included (e.g., flowers not sourced by you, travel beyond 30km)
• Payment schedule and deposit policy

Make it look professional. Use Canva. It’s free. Clients judge your business by how you present your prices.

When to say no

Not every wedding is right for you. Walk away if:

• The budget is $800 for a 100-person wedding. That’s not a job-it’s a charity case.
• The couple wants you to source everything from Kmart and call it "boho chic." You’re not a bargain bin.
• They want you to work 16-hour days for $1,000. Your time has value.

Saying no protects your business, your energy, and your reputation.

Next steps: Build your pricing system

1. Calculate your break-even point: What’s the minimum you need to charge to cover costs?

Build three clear packages with photos and descriptions.

Set your deposit policy: 50% upfront, non-refundable.

Write your contract template.

Update your website and Instagram with your new pricing.

Once you do this, you’ll stop guessing. You’ll stop feeling guilty for charging what you’re worth. And you’ll start attracting clients who value your craft-not just your cheapest quote.

Charging for wedding decorations isn’t about being the cheapest. It’s about being the most reliable, the most creative, and the most professional. When you price yourself right, you attract clients who respect your work-and that’s worth more than any extra dollar you might squeeze out of a lowball offer.