Decor hire means renting the things that make a venue look finished: centrepieces, candles, vases, draping, arches, backdrops and lighting accents, set up and taken down by the decor company. You pay to hire rather than to own, which suits one-off weddings, functions and launches. Tell us the date, the venue, how many tables and the style you like, and decor companies and stylists near you will send you a quote. Most also work alongside your caterer, tent and furniture suppliers on the day.
Centrepieces, draping and backdrops
The elements most often hired are:
- Centrepieces: low floral arrangements, tall vases on stands, candle clusters, lanterns or mirror plates. Low pieces keep sightlines open; tall ones add drama above eye level.
- Draping: white or coloured fabric across ceilings, walls and tent poles. It hides a plain hall, a bare tent or an ugly view.
- Backdrops and arches: floral arches, hoops, pampas stands and fabric walls for the ceremony, head table or photos.
- Accents: runners, candles, napkin rings, charger plates, signage stands and welcome tables.
Ask for photographs of a similar room, not just a mood board, since a design that works in a 300-seat hall may look thin in a marquee.
Hire, buy or a bit of both
Hired items such as vases, mirrors, candle holders, lanterns and stands are returned after the event. Fresh flowers and some foliage are bought and cannot be reused, so they appear as a separate line. Many hosts hire the structures and pay for flowers on top, or choose faux florals and greenery to save money. Faux can look good in photographs, but guests often notice dust and plastic shine in good light. Ask whether the quote includes flowers or only the containers, and what the substitution policy is if a flower is out of season.
Setup time, access and the venue
A good styling job takes time: a 100-guest reception can need three to five hours with a crew of two to four. Check when the venue lets suppliers in, and what has to be finished first, such as tables, linen and lighting. Tell the decor company about candle and naked-flame rules, fixing restrictions (some venues don't allow nails, tape or hooks on walls), stairs and lifts, and whether there is a second event the same day. If your function is under a tent, ask your tent company where draping can be hooked, and if you want more lighting, see lighting hire.
What affects the price
Decor is priced per item, per table or as a package for the full room. The cost rises with the number of tables, flower choice, the height and volume of arrangements, ceiling draping, travel, the number of setup hours and whether the team stays to collect candles and pack down after midnight. Quotes should show hire items, consumables such as flowers and candles, delivery, setup and strike. For smaller home celebrations, party decor hire is often cheaper, and for a whole-event brief see event planners.
What to include in your request
- Date, venue and the hours you can access it
- Number of tables and guests
- Style, colours and photographs you like
- Which items to hire and which to buy, such as flowers
- Your budget range and any restrictions on fixing
Decor Hire for different events
- Weddings and traditional ceremonies: a ceremony arch, table centrepieces, candles and a draped head table
- Corporate functions and year-end parties: branded colour themes, stage backdrops and centrepieces for gala dinners
- Conferences, launches and expos: stage dressing, registration desk styling and simple table arrangements
- Birthdays and private parties: a theme-matched table, backdrop and statement piece for a 21st or 50th
- Kids' parties and baby showers: a character or colour theme with backdrop, table styling and a dessert table
- School events and matric dances: matric dance themes, stage dressing and entrance features
- Funerals, church and cultural gatherings: simple white draping, flowers and candles for unveilings and memorial teas
- Festivals, markets and sports days: hanging installations, flags and lounge areas to make a market feel finished
Frequently asked questions
How much does decor hire cost in South Africa?
Do hired items come with flowers?
How far ahead should I book a decor company?
Can the decor company set up before the venue opens?
Decor Hire by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg