Your wedding decor helps set the aesthetic and ambiance for your entire celebration. But how much should you actually budget for your wedding decor in South Africa? The cost of wedding decor can vary widely based on your style, floral choices, rentals and other factors.
Some couples spend 10-15% of their total wedding budget on decor. For others, it may be 20% or more if you’re having an elaborate event. The national average spent on wedding decor in South Africa is approximately R35,000 – R60,000. However, you could spend more or less depending on your location, guest count and preferences.
In this guide, we’ll break down the major decor costs for South African weddings. You’ll get an idea of typical pricing for ceremony and reception decor elements. We’ll also share smart ways to save money on your wedding decor without compromising your style vision. Read on for tips to determine a realistic wedding decor budget and allocate your funds wisely.
Key Takeaways
Main tips for budgeting wedding decor costs in South Africa:
- Typical decor costs R35k – R60k or 10-15% of total budget. But many factors influence prices.
- Ceremony decor ranges R5k – R20k. Focus on backdrops and aisle details over small touches.
- Reception decor runs R20k – R50k+. Scale back less visible areas like lounge decor if needed.
- Flowers account for a large decor portion at R15k – R40k. Use in-season blooms.
- Rentals like furniture and lighting add up at R15k – R30k. Use venue items first.
- DIY smartly and rent lighting. Skip pricier drapes, runners if needed.
- Set priorities and allocate budget to details with maximum guest impact.
Factors That Influence Cost
Several key factors affect how much you’ll spend on your South African wedding decor. These include:
Your wedding style and formality – A glamorous, formal affair with luxe details will cost more than a casual backyard wedding. Styles like modern, rustic, or tropical dictate different decor pricing.
Your floral selections – Your flower choices impact cost significantly. Peonies, orchids andimported blooms are pricier than local, seasonal flowers.
Reception venue – Outdoor venues may charge less than 5-star hotels for decor. But outdoor sites require more rentals.
Guest count – Decorating for 300 guests costs more than an intimate 50 person event. Centerpieces, signage, lounge rentals scale up.
Season and time of year – Summer weddings with peak bloom seasons can increase floral costs. Off-peak dates can save money.
Extent of customization – Unique builds like floral installations or custom neon signs add expense versus stock rentals.
Amount of DIY – Doing aspects yourself like signs and favors reduces vendor fees. But DIY takes time and effort.
Location and delivery fees – Destinations like wineries or nature reserves may add delivery/setup charges versus urban venues.
Average Cost Ranges:
To give you an idea, here are typical decor cost ranges for South African weddings:
- Ceremony decor: R5,000 – R20,000
- Reception decor: R20,000 – R50,000
- Flowers: R15,000 – R40,000
- Rentals (furniture, linens): R15,000 – R30,000
- Lighting: R5,000 – R15,000
- Signage/stationery: R5,000 – R10,000
Keep these factors and averages in mind as you make your decor budget. Prices in major cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg may be higher. Now let’s break down specific decor costs…
Wedding Ceremony Decor Costs in South Africa
Your ceremony decor sets the tone for your wedding. Depending on your ceremony site and style, you may spend anywhere from R5,000 to R20,000 on decor. Here are typical costs for key ceremony decor elements:
Ceremony backdrop
- Simple greenery or fabric backdrops – R2,000 – R5,000
- Floral backdrop like chuppah or canopy – R10,000 – R15,000
- Custom builds like floral arch – R15,000 – R20,000+
Aisle decor
- Scattered rose petals – R500 – R2,000
- Lanterns or votive candles – R100 – R500 each
- Signs or signpost – R500 – R2,000
- Suspended greenery/garlands – R3,000 – R7,000+
Altar decor
- Basic altar arrangements- R2,000 – R5,000
- Premium designer pieces – R10,000+
- Candelabras/candlesticks – R200 – R500 each
- Aisle runner – R500 – R2,000
Seating decor
- Chair sashes- R20 – R60 each
- Signs for reserved rows – R50 – R150 each
- Greenery/florals for aisle chairs – R300+ each
Additional rentals
- Ceremony arch/mandap – R3,000 – R10,000
- Illuminated columns/lanterns – R500 – R1,500 each
- Ceremony chairs – R20 – R100 each
- White carpet – R3,000+
Typical total ceremony decor budgets range R5,000 – R20,000+. Prioritize backdrops and focal points over small details to maximize impact within your budget.
Wedding Reception Decor Costs in South Africa
The reception accounts for the biggest portion of your wedding decor budget. You’ll need to decorate the overall space in addition to each table. Here are typical reception decor costs:
Entryway decor
- Floral archway or installation – R5,000 – R15,000+
- Balloon columns/sculptures – R5,000+
- Custom neon signage – R2,000 – R5,000
Head table decor
- Floral arrangements – R2,000 – R10,000
- Greenery and candles – R1,000 – R3,000
- Suspended blooms or installation above – R5,000+
- Charger plates – R50 – R100 each
- Chiavari chairs – R100 – R200 each
Cake and dessert table
- Bold backdrop – R2,000 – R5,000+
- Florals, candles, cake stands – R500 – R2,000
- Glass riser – R500 – R1,500
Bar decor
- Neon signs – R2,000 – R5,000
- Suspended greenery, flowers, signs – R2,000 – R5,000
Lounge seating
- Stylish seating rentals – R300 – R1,000 per piece
- Coffee tables, decor – R500 – R2,000
Tablescapes
- Chargers, glassware, menus – R50 – R150 per setting
- Centerpieces – R300 – R2,000 each
- Table runners, overlays- R100 – R300 per table
- Table numbers – R50 – R300 each
Additional considerations
- Uplighting/dance floor lighting – R5,000 – R15,000
- Draping, lighting for ceiling – R10,000+
- Place cards, seating chart, signage – R2,000 – R5,000+
Budget R20,000 – R50,000+ for a fully decorated reception. Scale back less important areas like lounges or entryway if needed.
Ways to Save on Wedding Decor
If your wedding decor costs are above what you budgeted, there are creative ways to save:
Use venue decor
Many venues have in-house furniture, lighting features, and decor you can use at no extra charge. Take advantage of what’s included to reduce rentals.
Choose in-season flowers
Consult your florist on the best monthly blooms. In-season flowers cost less than imported or forced options.
Skip aisle runners
These offer minimal visual impact at up to R2,000. Use scattered petals instead for a pretty touch.
Group centerpieces
Place 1 statement centerpiece per 2-3 tables to cut costs by 50% or more.
Scale back linens
Floor length linens add cost. Go for simple polyesters and do overlays only on head/parent tables.
Buy basics like vases
DIY inexpensive glass vases for centerpieces rather than renting. Dollar stores and thrift shops are great sources.
Choose low or mixed flower
Opt for low, lush centerpieces over tall arrangements. Mix pricey blooms with budget friendly options.
Re-use ceremony pieces
Repurpose ceremony aisle decor, floral pieces and greenery garlands at the reception.
Rent lighting
String lighting rentals create dramatic ambiance at a fraction of installing permanent fixtures.
Multi-purpose DIY decor
Get crafty with one decor element like lanterns that can be used in both ceremony and reception.
Provide your own alcohol
Skip expensive drink packages and pay per bottle through your vendor. Supply your own wine, beer, and liquor.
With strategic planning, you can craft beautiful wedding decor within your ideal budget range. Prioritize the details with the most guest impact.
Read also: 33+ Best Wedding Décor Ideas in South Africa