The Average Cost of Wedding Decorations, From Centerpieces and Signage to Table Linens

Putting together a budget for your wedding decorations is a huge task—and one that’s different for every couple. The average cost of wedding decorations vary by region and by market; are driven by the couple’s personal taste; and vary widely based on which design elements a couple chooses to include.

As the venue, guest list, and design decisions are finalized, couples will find themselves locked into décor quantities—like how many programs and centerpieces they’ll need—and into some unexpected costs (like importing the greenhouse-grown blooms that are the focal point of the florals). Other couples might choose in-season arrangements, a minimalist tablescape, and an opulent venue that needs little to no additional adornment. “Talk with your fiancé about it and decide what you both want to focus on and start there,” says event planner Jove Meyer. “Spend your décor budget on the things that matter most to you.”

Ahead, we (with the help of leading wedding planners from several markets) share the average cost of wedding decorations in the United States to help set the baseline for couples currently planning (and budgeting for) their big days.

The Average Cost of Common Wedding Decorations

• Centerpieces: $300 to $650 per table
• Aisle florals: $2100 to $5200
• Ceremony floral arches: $2000 to $7500
• Welcome table florals: $250
• Signage: $1000 to $4500
• Tablecloths and runners: $100 to $200 per table
• Plates and chargers: $10 to $22 each
  

Key Factors that Influence the Cost of Your Wedding Decorations

While most couples dedicate about 20 to 30 percent of their budget to wedding decorations, that number can vary wildly: Our experts say the overall costs can eat up anywhere from 10 to 45 percent of a couple’s spending. Some of the factors that drive up this number are obvious—you’ll need more rentals to host 200 people at your beach house—but others are hidden (like extra charges for weekend deliveries).

The Venue

You don’t need to be a math whiz to realize that a bare venue will require more substantial decorating. “If your venue is truly a blank slate, like a tent at a private home, or an industrial space, this will require more time and investment to intentionally fill the space and make it feel magical, hospitable and warm,” says Natalie Pinney, owner of Whim Events.

Getting married in your parents’ backyard, for example, can require mechanical and safety-related infrastructure: Not just a tent, tables, and chairs, but power sources, heat, and walkways. “You may need a hedge wall to cover the generator, flooring for both form (guest heels) and function (unpredictable weather), draping to create softness and warmth in the tent, or more lighting of the lawn and pathways at the exit and entry for both beauty and guest safety,” says Pinney. “Large industrial venues also typically need much more décor to fill the space: think draping to create intimacy, lounges to create warmth, floral installations for visual focal points, and large bars to create drama in an otherwise empty space.”

Labor Costs

When it comes to wedding décor, time is money. “The larger the scope, the more complex the scope, or the shorter the time frame to set up, the higher the price,” says Meyer. “Any time you decide to decorate things that are hard to reach—like hang things from ceilings or walls—the price will go up. Any time you need a team to set up, style, and strike, the price will go up.”

Expect to pay more to hire a team for weekends and late-nights—likely the only times your venue will allow vendors into the space (unless you reserve your room for the days before and after your wedding date, which also increases your costs). “Keep in mind, you will pay for more than just the items you want—you need people to make it happen, and labor costs are higher than ever!” says Meyer. “The more vendors needed to bring the décor to life, the more delivery fees and pick up fees the couple will pay.”

Your Guest Count

Whether it’s your grumpy great-aunt or your beloved best friend, every guest at your wedding adds to your overall décor costs: The price of providing tables, chairs, linens, plates, programs, menus, and more goes up exponentially as your guest list gets longer. “Definitely guest count plays a large role in the overall cost of rentals and florals, as well as the level of design and detail-driven elements,” says Heather Balliet of Amorology.

A three-course plated meal requires more plates; signature cocktails might call for specialty glassware; a dessert buffet alongside your cake means more flatware. “The higher the guest count, the more rental items will need to be brought in to accommodate,” says Balliet.

The Details

If you’re dreaming of personalized matchbooks, an elaborate escort card display, custom signage at every transition point, and monogrammed everything, expect to see your décor costs skyrocket.  “Choosing to include personalized details may affect the overall budget by a couple grand—they do add up!” says Kiersten Rooney of LB Events. “However, those details are often what guests remember most. They are not always crucial to the function of the wedding but they enhance the overall experience; those who really want to have a custom experience and brand their entire wedding understand and appreciate the importance of the décor and the details.”

How to Save Money on Your Wedding Decoration Costs

Most couples aren’t working with an unlimited budget—which means making design choices that give you the most bang for your bridal buck is a smart strategy. Our experts share their favorite ways to design a breathtaking space (without breaking the bank). 

Check your vibe before booking your venue.

While you may be charmed by the idea of outfitting a blank space from the ground up, Chanda Daniels, planner and designer at Chanda Daniels Planning & Design, recommends making the most of your budget by looking for a space that already—or mostly—fits your style. “Take the time to understand how you want to tell your love story first—it will be the most impactful decision you can make,” says Daniels. “It’s important to know your style, and then you can select a venue that goes along with that—instead of trying to create a vibe that’s totally different from the venue, which will cost you more in décor.” 

Request a floral drop-off. 

Meyer suggests asking your florist for a drop-off order—one constructed in the studio and transported to the venue, instead of built on-site—to stay within a tight budget. “Have your planner or the venue place the items for you, which will save you on labor costs for setup as well as breakdown,” he says. “The one thing to note is that most flower drop-offs do not include a ceremony arch or structure, as that requires a larger truck and setup and breakdown teams.”

Rent gorgeous, affordable chairs.

Renting chairs that match your wedding aesthetic is the most cost-effective way to make a major visual impact—even if you cut other elements from your final design, say the experts. “A chair can make or break the design, especially for the ceremony as there are so many of them in a row,” says Meyer. “If you do not love the chair your space comes with, see if you can upgrade it or rent another one—and ask if they can use the ceremony chair for the reception, so you only have to rent one per person (not two).”

A simple folding chair might cost as little as $5, while more elaborate seating can rise into the $45-and-up (per seat) range–plus delivery and setup costs. 

Incorporating beautiful custom seating into your reception is another personalized and thoughtful touch. “A good chair can make all the difference in the design, and has the ability to really elevate an event,” says Balliet. Pinney agrees: “From a design perspective, chairs make up the largest footprint in any room, whether it's a tent, ballroom, or loft,” she says. “Splurge on the luxury chairs for your reception, and be confident in your investment for the look you want!”

Curate a minimalist tablescape.

Streamline your rental costs by creating an intentional—not overdone—tablescape. “If you need to save a bit without sacrificing design, do so in the small things on your tablescape that are guest count dependent,” says Pinney. “Choose classic flatware versus specialty flatware, or, rather than upgrading all three sets of glasses on a table—water, wine and Champagne—upgrade just one of them with a texture or etched glass to stand out.” Keep your table décor subtle and sumptuous with luxe linens, specialty chargers, and extra candles. “This allows the minimalist table to feel intentional and meaningful, versus sparse or overlooked,” says Pinney.

Prioritize your linens over other tabletop items.

If your budget doesn’t have the flexibility to accommodate rental plates, flatware, glassware, and linens, Meyer recommends focusing on fabrics. “Linens are a great way to change a space; adding a color that makes you happy can change the feeling of the room for not a lot of money,” he says. “Sometimes the venue will have options for linens, so there is no additional charge.” Balliet offers another option: Swap out the standard place settings and tablecloths on just the newlyweds’, parents’, and bridal party’s tables. “Using specialty china and linens on the head and VIP tables really draws in all the impact,” she says.

Reuse and repurpose your florals.

Floral arrangements that can move seamlessly from your ceremony to reception are a money-saving—and more sustainable—option. “So long as they are able to stay in water so they continue to look fresh, moving a few florals to the reception is a great way to stretch your dollar!” says Rooney. “Not everything can be logistically moved, so you’ll want to incorporate the multi-function into the design from the get-go.” Pinney often moves aisle flowers to the reception, placing them by the stage, pathways, stairs, or head table. “This creates a luxe look and a brand new experience for guests,” she says.