What it costs
Stage backdrop, entrance, mixed fresh and artificial flowers, basic lighting and table centrepieces.
Designed mandap or stage, mostly fresh flowers, hanging installations, photo corners, fabric ceiling and ambient lighting.
Custom structures, imported flowers, full venue transformation, LED and truss lighting, multiple set changes.
Floor seating, colourful drapes, marigold strings, umbrellas, props and a photo backdrop.
What drives décor costs
Décor quotes vary more than almost any other category, because the same "floral mandap" can use ₹40,000 or ₹6 lakh of flowers. Four things drive the price. Flowers: fresh roses, orchids and imported blooms cost far more than marigold, rajnigandha and seasonal local flowers, and prices jump on peak muhurat dates. Structures: custom-built mandaps, arches and stages need carpentry, fabric and transport. Lighting: warm fairy lights, chandeliers, spotlights and truss rigs are often a separate line. Labour and time: an overnight set-up at a farmhouse needs a large crew.
In our budget calculator décor takes about 12% of the total. A venue that is already beautiful, like a heritage hotel, lets you spend much less; an empty lawn needs much more.
How to brief a decorator
- Share the venue layout and your guest count per function, so the scale is right.
- Collect 10–15 reference photos and say what you like about each: the colours, the height, the hanging elements.
- State a budget per function, not a total. It forces sensible choices.
- List what the venue provides — many banquets include a basic stage and chairs.
- Tell them where photos will happen: the mandap, stage, entrance and a portrait corner deserve the most attention.
Where to spend and where to save
Spend on what the camera sees and what guests touch: the mandap, the stage, the entrance and lighting. Save on areas guests pass through quickly and on elements that can move between functions. A floral arch from the morning pheras can become the reception entrance; hanging marigold strings from the mehendi can frame the haldi. Ask your decorator to design for reuse from the start rather than asking at the end.
Seasonal flowers are cheaper and fresher. In winter, marigold, chrysanthemum, gerbera and baby’s breath are plentiful in Delhi’s Ghazipur phool mandi supply chain; out-of-season imported blooms can double the flower bill.
Outdoor décor and weather
For lawns and farmhouses, ask how the decorator anchors structures against wind, what covers they carry for rain and how quickly they can move key elements under a shamiana. Fairy-light installations need weatherproof connections. In summer, fresh flowers wilt fast, so installations are usually done late in the afternoon.
Reading a décor quote
A good quote lists each element separately: the mandap structure and its flowers, the stage backdrop, the entrance gate, the aisle, table centrepieces, hanging installations, the ceiling treatment, lighting, photo booths, seating for mehendi, and labour and transport. Each line should have a reference photo so both sides agree on what "floral mandap" means. With that in hand, you can cut or downsize individual elements rather than asking for an unexplained discount on the total. Watch for items that duplicate what the venue already provides, such as chairs, stage platforms and basic lighting.
Ask too about the timeline. A large farmhouse set-up can take 24–36 hours, which may mean paying the venue for an extra day. Dismantling after a late reception usually happens overnight, and the venue may charge if it runs into the next morning’s booking.
Red flags
- A lump-sum quote with no item list.
- Only mood boards, never photos of their own completed work.
- No site visit before quoting a farmhouse or lawn.
- Vague answers about fresh versus artificial flowers.
Need ideas first? Browse the wedding décor gallery. Figures are WeddingStreet estimates; see How we estimate.
What to look for
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Itemised quoting | Lets you cut specific elements rather than accept a vague package. |
| Real photos of past set-ups | Mood boards show intentions; real photos show what they deliver. |
| Weather planning | Outdoor décor needs anchoring, covers and a wet-weather plan. |
| Coordination with lighting and photography | Décor that photographs badly under stage lights wastes money. |
Questions to ask before you book
- Can you give an itemised quote with a reference photo for each element?
- Which flowers are fresh and which are artificial?
- Is lighting included, or does it come from a separate vendor?
- What does the venue already provide that we should not pay for twice?
- How long do you need for set-up, and does that fit the venue’s timings?
- Can any structures be reused across functions to save money?
- Who will be the supervisor on site on each day?
- What is included in labour, transport and dismantling?
- How do you handle rain or wind for outdoor décor?
- What are the payment milestones and cancellation terms?
Example vendors
Genda Phool Décor Studio
Fictional example: colourful marigold-heavy décor for mehendi and haldi mornings.
Mogra & Moss
Fictional example: pastel florals and floral arches for farmhouse weddings.
Chandelier Works
Fictional example: indoor ballroom transformations with crystal and floral ceilings.
Rangrez Events
Fictional example: Rajasthani craft-led décor for heritage venues.