Wedding Decorations Cost Calculator 2026 – Tables, Arch & More

FAQ

How much do table decorations cost per table in 2026?

Table décor includes linens, chargers, napkin rings, table numbers, and small accent pieces (excluding floral centerpieces, which are calculated separately).

Table Style Tier	Price Per Table (2026 USD)	What's Included
Simple	$30	Basic linen, simple table number, tea lights
Standard	$80	Premium linen, charger plates, napkin rings, table number, candle grouping
Luxe	$200	Designer linen, gold/silver chargers, crystal accents, custom table number, candle arrangement

Guest Count	Tables (8 pax/table)	Simple Total	Standard Total	Luxe Total
80 guests	10 tables	$300	$800	$2,000
120 guests	15 tables	$450	$1,200	$3,000
200 guests	25 tables	$750	$2,000	$5,000

What does a ceremony arch or backdrop cost?

The ceremony arch is often the most photographed décor element and sets the tone for your wedding aesthetic.

Arch / Backdrop Type	Price Range (2026 USD)
Simple wooden arch (bare or minimal greenery)	$300 – $400
Draped fabric arch with florals	$400 – $600
Circular / moon gate arch	$500 – $700
Luxe floral arch (full bloom)	$700 – $800
Custom-built backdrop (geometric, neon, etc.)	$600 – $1,200

How much do candles, signage, and balloons cost?

These accent elements complete the overall look and can be mixed to fit any budget.

Décor Item	Price (2026 USD)
Candles (pillar + votives per table)	$15 per table
Welcome sign (acrylic or wooden)	$150
Seating chart display	$100 – $250
Balloon installation (entrance or ceiling)	$200
Balloon arch (8–12 ft)	$250 – $500
Neon sign (custom, rental)	$150 – $350
Fairy lights / string lights (venue draping)	$200 – $600
Aisle runner	$50 – $150

How much does a full decoration package cost?

Here's what a complete decoration budget looks like for a 150-guest wedding (19 tables).

Decoration Element	Budget Tier	Mid-Range Tier	Luxury Tier
Table décor (19 tables)	$570	$1,520	$3,800
Ceremony arch	$300	$500	$800
Welcome sign	$150	$150	$150
Candles (19 tables)	$285	$285	$285
Balloons / installations	$200	$350	$500
String lights	$200	$400	$600
Total decorations	$1,705	$3,205	$6,135

Can I save money by doing DIY decorations?

Yes — DIY is one of the best ways to cut decoration costs, especially for table accents and signage.

DIY Project	DIY Cost	Professional Cost	Savings
Table numbers (20 pcs)	$30 – $60	$100 – $200	50–70%
Welcome sign	$40 – $80	$150 – $250	60–70%
Candle arrangements	$8 – $12/table	$15 – $25/table	40–50%
Balloon arch	$50 – $100	$250 – $500	70–80%
Favor boxes / tags	$1 – $2 each	$3 – $5 each	50–60%

How much do lighting and draping cost in 2026?

Lighting transforms a venue and is one of the most impactful decoration investments. Prices vary by venue size and complexity.

Lighting Element	Price Range (2026 USD)	Best For
String lights (perimeter draping)	$200 – $600	Barns, tents, outdoor venues
Uplighting (per fixture, 10–20 units)	$300 – $800 total	Ballrooms, blank spaces
Chandelier rental	$150 – $500 each	Formal indoor receptions
Gobo projection (monogram)	$200 – $400	Dance floor focal point
Candle wall / pillar grouping	$100 – $300	Ceremony backdrop
LED dance floor	$800 – $2,500	High-energy receptions

What percentage of my wedding budget should go to décor?

Industry benchmarks help you allocate without overspending on styling at the expense of food or photography.

Total Wedding Budget	Décor Allocation (8–12%)	Recommended Spend (2026 USD)
$20,000	8–12%	$1,600 – $2,400
$35,000	8–12%	$2,800 – $4,200
$50,000	8–12%	$4,000 – $6,000
$75,000	10–15%	$7,500 – $11,250
$100,000+	10–15%	$10,000 – $15,000+

Remember: floral centerpieces are usually calculated separately from table décor. Combine both line items for your true styling budget.