Starting an event decorating business is a practical way to turn creativity into income without a large upfront investment or formal experience. Event decorators focus on the visual setup of events, such as table linens, backdrops, centerpieces, and lighting, rather than managing vendors or schedules, which makes the business easier to start and run. With steady demand from weddings, parties, and corporate events, many decorators begin small, work part-time, and scale by reinvesting into better inventory and larger setups as they land more clients.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Events You Want to Decorate
Before buying decor or promoting your services, decide what types of events you want to focus on. Event decorating can include weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers, and seasonal celebrations, but starting with one main event type makes everything easier, from choosing inventory to setting prices. Pick events that fit your budget, local demand, and comfort level, then expand later once you have experience and steady bookings.
Step 2: Understand the Cost to Start an Event Decorating Business
Starting an event decorating business can be done on a small budget, but it’s important to understand where your money will go before you begin. Your startup costs will depend on the type of events you plan to decorate and how much inventory you want to own upfront.
Common startup costs include:
- Basic decor items like table linens, chair covers, and backdrops
- Storage space for decor inventory
- Transportation for delivery and setup
- Basic marketing, such as a website or social media presence
Many decorators start with only the essentials and reinvest profits as they book more events, instead of spending heavily upfront.
Step 3: Register Your Event Decorating Business
Once you have a clear idea of your focus and budget, it’s time to make your business official. Proper registration helps protect you legally and makes you look more professional to clients, venues, and vendors.
Basic setup steps usually include:
- Choosing a business name
- Registering your business based on local requirements
- Opening a separate bank account for business income and expenses
- Getting basic liability insurance
You do not need to overcomplicate this at the start. Handle the essentials so you can confidently take bookings and get paid, then upgrade your setup as your business grows.
Step 4: Buy the Essential Event Decorating Supplies
With your business set up, the next step is building a basic decor inventory. Start with versatile items that can be reused across different event types, instead of buying trend-based pieces that only work once or twice.
Essential decor items for beginners include:
- Tablecloths and table linens
- Chair covers and sashes
- Backdrops or simple draping
- Centerpieces or centerpiece bases
- Basic lighting
- Storage containers for organization
Focus on neutral colors and flexible pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. You can always add specialty decor later as your bookings and budget grow.
Step 5: Decide Whether to Buy or Rent Decor Items
When starting out, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy decor items or rent them as needed. Buying gives you more control and higher profit margins over time, while renting can help you take on larger projects without a big upfront investment.
A simple way to decide:
- Buy versatile items you’ll use often, like table linens and basic backdrops
- Rent specialty or large decor pieces for one-off events
- Avoid buying trend-heavy items until you see consistent demand
Most beginners use a mix of both. Start small, learn what your clients request most, and build your inventory gradually as your business grows.
Step 6: Set Your Event Decorating Prices
Pricing your services correctly is key to building a sustainable event decorating business. Your prices should cover your costs, time, and effort, while still leaving room for profit.
Common pricing approaches include:
- Flat packages based on event size or decor level
- Per-item pricing for rentals and add-ons
- Custom quotes for larger or more complex events
Avoid underpricing to “get experience.” It often attracts the wrong clients and makes it harder to raise prices later. Start with fair, realistic rates and adjust as your demand and experience grow.
Step 7: Build a Portfolio Before You Have Paying Clients
You do not need real clients to start building a portfolio. What matters is showing clear, well-styled setups that demonstrate your decorating style and attention to detail.
Simple ways to build a starter portfolio:
- Create styled setups at home using your own decor
- Decorate events for friends or family and photograph the results
- Partner with photographers, venues, or small vendors for mock setups
Focus on clean photos and consistent styling. A small but polished portfolio is more effective than a large collection of unfocused images.
Step 8: Get Your First Event Decorating Clients
Once you have basic inventory and a small portfolio, focus on getting your first few clients. You do not need complicated marketing to start, just consistent visibility where your ideal clients already spend time.
Beginner-friendly ways to find clients include:
- Posting your work on Instagram and Pinterest
- Asking friends, family, and past contacts for referrals
- Reaching out to local venues, photographers, or planners
Your first bookings help build experience, confidence, and word-of-mouth. From there, attracting clients becomes easier with each event you complete.
Step 9: Plan for Setup, Storage, and Transportation
As your bookings increase, having a plan for logistics becomes essential. Decor items need to be stored safely, transported efficiently, and set up on time to avoid stress on event days.
Key logistics to plan for include:
- Storage space for linens, backdrops, and decor items
- Reliable transportation for deliveries and pickups
- Setup and breakdown time at event venues
Organizing these details early helps you work faster, look more professional, and handle larger events as your business grows.
Step 10: Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes
Many new event decorators struggle not because of lack of talent, but because of avoidable early mistakes. Knowing what to watch out for can save you time, money, and frustration.
Common mistakes to avoid include:
- Buying too much decor before you have steady bookings
- Pricing services too low to compete or gain experience
- Skipping contracts or basic insurance
- Poor storage and inventory organization
Starting small, tracking what works, and reinvesting carefully will help you build a more sustainable business from the beginning.
Getting Started With Your Event Decorating Business
Starting an event decorating business from scratch is less about having everything figured out and more about starting with the right basics. By choosing a clear focus, understanding your costs, building a simple inventory, and working with a reliable event decoration supplier, you can grow at a pace that fits your budget and goals. Many successful decorators begin small, learn from each event, and gradually expand as demand increases.
