What does a full wedding setup cost?
Most Melbourne couples spend somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000 on event hire decor. The range is wide because guest count, item selection, and whether setup is included all change the total significantly.
Here's how different budget levels typically look.
- Simple ($600 to $1,200): a backdrop, a few statement chairs, and basic tableware for around 40 guests.
- Mid-range ($1,500 to $2,800): a full backdrop, Tiffany chairs, tablecloths, charger plates, and centrepieces for around 60 guests.
- Premium ($3,000 to $5,500+): full styling with an arch, florals, gold tableware, and photobooth for 80 or more guests.
Cultural and heritage weddings tend to sit in the mid-to-premium range. Larger guest counts and more complex setups push the total up.
Delivery and setup costs
Most Melbourne hire companies charge separately for delivery, setup, and pack-down. The total you see on a quote isn't always what you pay on the day, so always ask what's included before signing off.
If you're in Melbourne's outer southeast or west (Berwick, Cranbourne, Melton, Werribee, Tarneit), check that your supplier services your suburb before you spend time on quotes. Some cap out at the inner suburbs. We cover all of these areas. See our service areas page for the full list.
What actually drives the price up?
Guest count
More guests means more chairs, more table settings, more centrepieces. It compounds quickly once you pass 60 people.
Delivery distance
Suppliers in Melbourne's inner suburbs often charge more to travel to Berwick or Melton. Always confirm travel fees upfront.
Setup vs. drop-off
A hire company that drops off items is cheaper than one that sets up and packs down. If you want zero stress on the day, pay for full setup. If you have a reliable team on the ground, drop-off saves a few hundred dollars.
Hire duration
Some companies price by the day, others by the event. A Friday wedding that runs into Saturday can attract an extra day's charge on some items. Confirm the cutoff when you book.
How to get more from your budget
Focus on what guests see first
The ceremony backdrop and reception head table get the most attention. Spending on those and keeping the rest simple often looks better than spreading the budget evenly across everything.
Hire, don't buy
A centrepiece that costs $250 to buy will hire for $80 to $150. For a one-day event, hire wins on cost almost every time. You also don't have to store or sell it afterwards.
Use a package
Backdrop packages that bundle the arch, draping, and florals together are almost always cheaper than hiring each piece separately. Ask what's included before comparing prices. See our hire packages.
Read every quote carefully
Some quotes include delivery and setup. Others don't. Two quotes at similar prices can be very different once you check the fine print. Ask specifically: "Does this include delivery, setup, and pack-down?"
Is a full styling package worth it?
If you don't want to manage multiple suppliers or direct a team on the day, yes. One company handles everything — hire, delivery, setup, and pack-down. You pay more for that, but you take a significant amount of coordination off your plate.
If you're comfortable sourcing a few items separately and have reliable people to help on the day, you can save money that way. It takes more planning, but it's manageable if you start early.
We offer both at Ideal Events Hire — individual items or full packages, delivered across Melbourne. Browse our hire shop or view our packages to see what fits your event.
Ready to get a quote? Send us your date, suburb, and rough guest count and we'll come back to you with a breakdown that fits your budget.
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