Party decor hire covers the fun and affordable side of styling: balloon arches, themed backdrops, dessert tables, bunting, picnic setups and table sets for birthdays, baby showers and kids' parties. Most suppliers work from a home or small studio, bring everything in a bakkie and set up in an hour or two. Tell us the date, the age or theme, how many children or adults are coming and whether it is at home, in a hall or in a park, and party decor companies near you will quote directly.
Balloons, backdrops and dessert tables
Most party decor packages build around a few focal points:
- Balloon arches and garlands: organic or spiral shapes in your colours, from a small cluster at the cake to a 3 m arch over an entrance.
- Themed backdrops: a printed or painted panel, a round or arch stand, a fabric wall or a neon-style shape, for photographs and the cake table.
- Dessert tables: cake stands, trays, jars, risers and signage-free styling so the sweets, cupcakes and cake become the display.
- Table sets: cloths, plates, cups, napkins and bunting that match the theme.
Ask which parts are hired back and which are kept: balloons are single-use, while stands, risers and panels are collected after the party.
Picnic setups and small celebrations
Picnic parties are popular for toddlers, baby showers and small birthdays. A supplier brings low tables, floor cushions, rugs, a canopy or teepee, and styled snack boards. They suit a lawn, a park or a covered patio, and work for 6 to 20 guests. Check the ground first: damp grass and rough gravel ruin cushions, and pets or sprinklers can make a mess. For adults, a styled stoep with a long table and hanging flowers can cost less than a hall and still feel special. If you need chairs for older relatives, add table and chair hire to the same request.
Weather, wind and what to ask about
Balloons are the weakest link outdoors. Wind, hot sun and thorn trees pop them, and a Highveld thunderstorm can flatten an arch in minutes. Ask whether the supplier anchors arches with sandbags or weights, whether a shaded or indoor backup is available and how long the balloons last (latex usually 8 to 12 hours outdoors, foil longer). For kids' parties, keep decor out of reach of toddlers, since popped latex is a choking risk, and ask for fire-safe candles. If you are also booking a jumping castle, place the balloon arch well away from its blower and ropes.
What affects the price
Party decor is cheaper than wedding styling because the pieces are smaller and setups are quicker. The price depends on the size of the arch, how many balloons are used, whether the backdrop is custom, how many tables there are, travel and the time slot: Saturday mornings book first. Ask for the delivery fee, setup time, collection time and whether a deposit is needed, since many small suppliers want 30 to 50% to hold the date. For larger milestone events see decor hire, and for full parties with planning, party planners.
What to include in your request
- Date, start time and the venue or garden
- Age, theme and the colours you like
- Number of children and adults
- Which pieces you want: arch, backdrop, dessert table
- Indoors or outdoors, and whether you have a shaded backup
Party Decor Hire for different events
- Weddings and traditional ceremonies: a bridal shower, engagement or kitchen tea styled with balloons and a dessert table
- Corporate functions and year-end parties: a staff birthday, family day or casual team celebration with a simple backdrop
- Conferences, launches and expos: a welcome table with balloons or bunting for a small seminar or workshop
- Birthdays and private parties: a balloon arch, themed backdrop and cake table for a 21st or a milestone birthday
- Kids' parties and baby showers: a character or colour theme, balloon garland, party table and picnic seating
- School events and matric dances: a prize-giving or matric dance entrance arch and photo backdrop
- Funerals, church and cultural gatherings: a baptism, christening tea or church celebration with a simple balloon and flower display
- Festivals, markets and sports days: a kids' corner or family area at a market with bunting and balloons
Frequently asked questions
How much does party decor hire cost?
How far ahead should I book?
Is there a cheap option if my budget is small?
Who sets up and who takes the decor down?
Party 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