Questions You Should Know about party decoration manufacturers

Do you love designing beautiful things? Are you always the one to plan the parties and decorate for them? If so, event decorating might be the perfect career for you – or the perfect addition to your existing design business! Event decorators are responsible for adding that special touch to events, making them look extra special.

For more information, please visit our website.

But what does an event decorator do exactly? How much do they make? Where do they find clients? And most importantly, is it the right career for YOU?

In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about event decorating and help you decide if it’s the right path for you. So, let’s get started!

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What IS an “Event Decoration”?

First thing’s first: what constitutes an “event decoration”? Let’s break it down. Event decorations are the physical elements added to an event space to make it look and feel special – from colors and materials, to furniture and lighting.

What are the 7 Elements of Event Design?

In every event, there are seven key elements of design that you must consider when decorating:

1. Space – The physical space of an event is the foundation upon which all other decorations are built. When designing a space, think about how people will move through it and engage with one another.
2. Lighting – Lighting sets the mood and can be used to create atmosphere and drama in an event space.
3. Forms – Forms are the shapes and structures that make up an event space. Think of tables, chairs, sofas, and other furniture pieces.
4. Textures – Texture adds visual interest to a space and helps create a comfortable atmosphere.
5. Lines – Lines are the paths that people take when they move through a space. Think of pathways, walls, and pathways between tables.
6. Colors – Color adds life to a space, bring together themes, and can be used to set the tone for an event.
7. Pattern – Patterns can be used to add visual interest and help guide guests through a space.

By considering all seven elements when designing an event, you can create beautiful spaces that wow your clients.

Event Decorator Job Description

What is the Role of an Event Decorator?

In a nutshell, event decorators are responsible for creating memorable and aesthetically pleasing designs for events. They use a variety of techniques to create unique spaces that reflect the theme of the event. They might choose any of the following elements to bring an event to life:

• Flowers
• Balloons
• Backdrops
• Streamers, etc.

As an event decorator, you must be creative, artistic, and have an eye for detail. Plus, you should also be able to work quickly and efficiently, as events are often time-sensitive.

Pro Tip: Here are just 10 reasons why adding event decor services to your design business will benefit your career!

What Do Event Decorators Do?

As an event decorator, you’ll have many duties, tasks, and responsibilities when booked by a client. This will often include:

• Meeting with clients to create a vision;
• Planning the design;
• Sourcing materials and supplies (such as furniture, fabrics, props, and decorations);
• Hiring additional staff if necessary;
• And overseeing installation of the final displays.

Furthermore, you may also be asked to coordinate other services such as catering, entertainment, florists, and so on.

What Other Names Do Event Decorators Go By?

Event decorators are also known as event planners, design coordinators, or party designers. Additionally, if you were to graduate from QC Design School‘s self-paced, online Event Decor Course, you’d also be to call yourself an International Event Decorating Professional (IEDP).

(But we’ll talk more about this later!)

How Much Can You Make?

Just like with any field, the amount of money you can potentially make can vary widely. After all, salary is impacted by:

• Experience;
• Location;
• Skills;
• Whether you’re offering event decor services full-time or part-time;
• And more.

Generally speaking, however, you can expect to make anywhere from $15-$50 per hour as a beginner. With experience and a solid portfolio, you’ll more than likely make significantly more as your career progresses.

Examples of Event Decorator Salary Ranges

In the United States, the annual salary typically ranges between approx. $19,500 and $41,500 USD per year. If you reside in the United Kingdom, that number is between approx. £22,000 and £55,000 GBP per year. Over in Australia, decorators usually earn between approx. $45,000 and $90,000 AUD annually.

Now, if you live in Canada or New Zealand, finding specific salary ranges online can be a bit trickier. This is because, in some countries such as these, event decor services are lumped under the event planner title.

However, to give you an idea, the annual salary range for event planners in Canada is between approx. $39,000 and $57,400 CAD. Over in New Zealand, the event planner salary typically ranges between $61,000 and $64,350 NZD per year.

How Much Do Event Decorators Charge?

When it comes to pricing, the cost of hiring an event decorator typically depends on several factors. This includes:

• Type and size of the client’s event;
• Number of decorations required;
• Any additional services requested;
• And more.

So, if you’re a professional event decorator, then your rates will vary depending on all of the above. (In other words, there isn’t a set rate for event decorators!)

Types of Pricing Structures

That said, and much like you probably already do with your existing design business, there are different ways you can charge your clients.

The most popular pricing structures include:

• Flat Fee – This sets the same cost for every task or event;
• Day Rate – You’ll be paid a certain amount per day of work;
• Hourly Rate – This option pays you for each hour spent on the job.

Furthermore, some designers also offer package deals to their clients. This is when they combine a few of their services together and offer them at a discounted rate.

Of course, the pricing strategy you choose will depend on you and your particular business needs. Remember: it’s always important to be competitive with your rates while still making sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth!

Pro Tip: Make sure to AVOID these 5 critical mistakes when pricing your business services!

Do You Need to Be Certified?

No, you don’t technically need to be certified in order to become an event decorator. However, the pros to getting certified definitely outweigh the cons! For instance, having an official certification proves your expertise and reinforces the trust of potential clients.

Plus, you may also be able to charge more for your services if you have a credible certificate or diploma. And not to mention, your certification could be the very thing that sets you apart from competing event decorators in your area!

How to Become a Certified Event Decorator

Honestly, the single best way to become certified is to attend a course or program from a reputable school. This can be online or in-person, depending on your preference.

Simply do some research and look for courses that cover topics related to event decorating. For example, you may want to take classes on floral arranging, centerpieces, wedding design, and more!

QC Design School’s Event Decor Course

As previously mentioned, when it comes to event decor courses and certifications, QC Design School is one of the best in the business. Our self-paced, online Event Decor Course covers all the fundamentals of event decor design, including:

• Design principles and color theory;
• Tabletop accessories and event styling;
• Composing centerpieces and unique decorations;
• Starting your very own event decorating business;
• And SO much more!

Plus, once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be awarded with an internationally-recognized certification AND official designation in professional event decorating. Not only can this be used on your resume and in all of your marketing materials – it’s also the perfect way to stand out as true industry expert!

Pro Tip: Learn more about QC’s online Event Decor Course by reviewing our full syllabus!

How to Find Event Decorator Jobs

Once you have your certification, the next step is to start looking for jobs. Fortunately, there are many ways this can be accomplished! Here are just 12 ideas to keep in the back of your mind…

1 – Develop a Solid Event Decorating Portfolio.

As with any design-related job, the best way to find new clients is by showcasing your work! So, make sure you have a solid portfolio that includes photos of your previous projects. It’s also important to include client testimonials and industry reviews in order to boost your credibility.

2 – Start a Website.

Another obvious way to find work is to create a website for yourself. This will allow potential clients to learn more about you, your services, and view any images or portfolios of past events.

Importantly, make sure to include all of the following information on your website:

• Your qualifications, certifications, and awards;
• An About Me page so prospective clients can get to know you;
• A full list of your services and rates;
• Photos or videos of previous projects;
• Contact information for booking inquiries;
• Links to your social media pages;
• And an online booking option.

Furthermore, it’s important that your website is mobile-friendly and easy for people to navigate. Your website could have all the right info – but if it’s not user-friendly, people likely won’t stay very long!

3 – Join Online Directories.

Another great option is to join directories like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit. On these websites, people post jobs and you can then apply for them! If you’d like more online directory suggestions, this article by HubSpot lists their Top 50!

4 – Utilize Social Media.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your social media accounts! Firstly, this is a great way to showcase your work. And secondly, many potential clients may reach out to you through these channels. Just be sure to keep your pages professional and up-to-date.

5 – Seek Out Networking Opportunities.

Next, consider attending industry events in your area. This is a great way to meet other professionals who may be able to refer jobs to you or even collaborate on projects together!

6 – Start an Event Decorating Blog.

You can also attract clients through blog-writing. Writing articles will help you to build credibility and demonstrate your knowledge in the industry. Furthermore, you can share your posts on social media pages and other online forums – potentially leading new clients right to your doorstep!

7 – Make Sure ALL of Your Online Content is SEO-Friendly.

Since a lot of what you post is likely going to be online, it’s important to develop all of this content for the best possible Search Engine Optimization (a.k.a. SEO). For example, use SEO-friendly keywords. This will help potential clients find you more easily when they search for specific terms related to event decorating.

Furthermore, there are a few more SEO-related steps you’ll need to take – particularly on your website’s and blog’s backends. For example, you’ll want to include meta descriptions and page titles for every page of your website. Additionally, make sure all of the content on each page is relevant and up-to-date.

8 – Invest in Paid Advertising.

These days, paid advertising is one of the most utilized forms of marketing. This could include anything from Facebook ads and Google AdWords, to print materials such as flyers or business cards. Yes, paid advertising can be expensive… But it’s is a great, tried-and-true way to get your name out there and attract even more clients!

9 – Run a Social Media Giveaway.

Social media giveaways are a great way to reach new audiences and potentially bring in new clients. Make sure to include pertinent information about your services, such as what type of events you specialize in, the sizes of parties you can accommodate, etc.

10 – Turn to Your Friends and Family.

Word-of-mouth referrals are still one of the best ways to attract clients. So, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help too! Make sure they know exactly what you do and encourage them to share your services with others.

11 – Offer Competitive Client Incentives.

Another idea worth considering is offering incentives and discounts to your clients. This could look like:

• Discounts for returning customers;
• Discounts for first-time customers;
• Group discounts;
• Free services or upgrades;
• Discounts on additional services after any one service has been booked with your business;
• Referral programs, etc.

These types of incentives can help you to stand out from the competition and encourage people to give you a try!

Pro Tip: Provide even better customer service with the help of these 5 insider secrets!

12 – Always Follow Up With Potential Clients.

Finally, it’s important to remember that sales is still a numbers game. So, don’t forget to follow up with potential clients after your initial contact. This could be as simple as sending an to thank them for their time and see if they have any further questions or would like to book an appointment.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Great Time sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Event Decorator Must-Haves

Next, let’s take a brief look at some of the must-haves you’ll need to run a successful event decorating business.

1 – Professional Equipment and Tools.

The right equipment is essential for any event decorator. This could include decorations, tables and chairs, linens, centerpieces, etc.

2 – Access to Wholesale Suppliers.

If you plan on providing decorations and other event-related materials, then it’s a good idea to develop relationships with local wholesale suppliers. This will help you get the best prices for these items so that you can pass those savings on to your clients.

3 – Professional Transportation and Storage.

In order to transport all of your supplies from event to event, you may need access to a truck or van. Additionally, you’ll also need adequate storage for all of your supplies and equipment.

4 – An Event Decorator’s Price List.

Next, it’s important to have an established pricing list for your services. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you know exactly how much each event costs – including all of the supplies involved.

5 – Contracts for Event Decorators.

You’ll also need to have contracts in place for each of your events. This will ensure that both parties are aware of any and all expectations before the event takes place. If you’ve never put together a legal contract before, we recommend this How-To Guide by People’s Law School.

6 – A Creative Eye.

Finally, don’t forget that the best event decorators have a great eye for detail! Being able to go beyond what is expected and come up with creative solutions to take the event up a notch is what will make you stand out from the competition.

Final Thoughts

Running an event decorating business can be a rewarding experience. Furthermore, if you’re already a working designer, this could be a great way to expand your current client base and make some extra income!

Just remember that it’s important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you start taking on clients, such as contracts, pricing lists, and access to wholesale suppliers. Once those are taken care of, don’t forget to use various marketing methods – such as word-of-mouth and social media – to get the word out about your services.

A little bit of creativity, hard work, and networking can go a long way in the event decorating business. And by following the tips outlined above, you’re sure to find success in this line of work! With enough hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to grow your event decor services into something amazing.

Good luck and thanks for reading!

Become a certified event decorator in as little as 12 short weeks! Enroll with QC Design School and start your journey today!

In a world where celebrations are abundant, the demand for party decorators continues to rise. From birthdays to weddings, corporate events to baby showers, people constantly seek professionals to transform their venues into dreamy, thematic spaces. If you possess a creative flair, an eye for detail, and a passion for celebrations, starting an event decorating business might just be the perfect venture for you. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of launching your own party decorating business step-by-step.

What Does Party Decorating Business Do?

A party decorating business specializes in transforming event venues into visually appealing and thematic spaces for various occasions and celebrations. The primary goal of a party decorating business is to create memorable atmospheres that align with clients' visions and event themes. This involves conceptualizing designs, selecting appropriate decorations and props, and executing setup and arrangement tasks to enhance the ambiance of the event.

Party decorators work closely with clients to understand their preferences, themes, and budget constraints. They offer creative input, suggest design ideas, and provide recommendations for décor elements such as balloons, streamers, table settings, centerpieces, backdrops, lighting, and floral arrangements. Whether it's a birthday party, wedding reception, corporate event, or holiday celebration, party decorators have the expertise to elevate the aesthetics of any occasion.

In addition to designing and arranging decorations, party decorating businesses may also offer related services such as event planning, coordination with other vendors, rental of décor items, and on-site management during the event. By combining artistic flair with organizational skills and attention to detail, party decorators play a crucial role in bringing clients' event visions to life and ensuring a memorable experience for hosts and guests alike.

How to Become a Party Decorator?

Becoming a party decorator involves a combination of creativity, practical skills, and business acumen. While there's no strict path to becoming a party decorator, here are some steps you can take to pursue this career:

Develop your creativity

Cultivate your creativity by exploring different artistic mediums, experimenting with colors and textures, and staying updated with current design trends. Attend workshops, take art classes, or simply practice decorating spaces for family and friends' events to hone your skills.

Gain experience

Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in event decoration. This could involve working part-time for an established party decorator, interning with event planning companies, or volunteering to decorate for community events or charity functions. Practical experience will help you refine your techniques and build a portfolio of your work.

Learn the basics of event planning

While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of event planning principles can be beneficial for party decorators. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as budgeting, timeline management, vendor coordination, and client communication to provide comprehensive services to your clients.

Invest in training or certification

Consider enrolling in courses or workshops specifically focused on event decoration. Many organizations offer certification programs or online courses covering topics such as design principles, color theory, floral arrangement, and venue styling. These credentials can enhance your credibility and differentiate you from competitors in the industry.

How to Start a Decorating Business for Parties Step-by-Step

If you aspire to run your own party decorating business, take the necessary steps to establish your venture. Develop a business plan outlining your services, target market, pricing structure, and marketing strategies. Register your business, obtain any required licenses or permits, and set up accounting systems to manage finances effectively.

Moreover, the event industry is constantly evolving, so staying informed about current trends, technologies, and best practices is important. Continuously seek opportunities for learning and professional development to stay competitive in the field. Now, let's take a closer look at the steps that will bring you closer to opening a party decorating business.

Choose Your Niche

Choosing a niche is a pivotal decision when starting a decorating business for parties. It dictates the direction of your business, your target market, and the types of services you'll offer. Here are some potential niches to consider:

• Party decoration. Focus specifically on providing decoration services for parties, including birthdays, themed celebrations, graduations, and other social gatherings. This niche lets you showcase your creativity and flair for designing festive and vibrant party atmospheres.
  Home decoration. Offer decoration services for intimate gatherings and celebrations held in private residences. This niche involves transforming homes into stylish and welcoming spaces for events such as dinner parties, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations.
• Event decorator. Focus on providing decoration services for various events, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate functions, and more. This broad niche allows you to cater to various clients and events, offering versatility in your services.
• Event decorator agency. Establish an agency that provides comprehensive event decoration services, including design, planning, and coordination. As an agency, you can offer a one-stop solution for clients seeking professional assistance in creating memorable event experiences.
• Corporate event decorator. Specialize in decorating corporate events, such as conferences, seminars, product launches, and corporate parties. Tailor your services to meet the specific branding and image requirements of corporate clients, focusing on professionalism and sophistication.

When choosing your niche, consider factors such as your interests, skills, target market, competition, and profitability. Select a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise while also fulfilling the needs and preferences of your target audience. By specializing in a specific decoration area, you can differentiate your business, attract clients seeking your particular services, and establish yourself as a trusted expert in your chosen niche.

Choose a Decorating Business Name

Choosing the right name for your decorating business is crucial as it will make the first impression for potential clients and represent your brand identity. Begin by brainstorming a list of words, phrases, and concepts that reflect the essence of your decorating business. Consider keywords related to parties, events, decoration, creativity, and style. Use a thesaurus for inspiration, and jot down any ideas that resonate with you. Choose a name that reflects your unique style, personality, and design aesthetic. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern chic, whimsical charm, or bold creativity, ensure that your business name aligns with the image you want to convey to clients. 

Examples of decorating business names:

• Festive Fusions
• Enchanted Events Decor
• Chic Celebration Creations
• Elegant Affairs Decor
• Whimsy & Wonder Events

Choose Your Business Model

Your business model will determine how you deliver your services, generate revenue, and interact with clients. Here are some common business models to consider:

• Sole Proprietorship. As a sole proprietor, you own and operate the business entirely on your own. This model offers simplicity and full control over decision-making but also means that you are personally liable for any business debts or legal obligations.
• Partnership. If you prefer to share ownership and responsibilities with another individual or entity, you can form a partnership.
• Partnerships can be beneficial for pooling resources, sharing workload, and combining complementary skills, but it's essential to have a clear partnership agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC provides limited liability protection for its owners while offering flexibility in management and taxation. This business structure combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation, making it a popular choice for small businesses.

Create Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan serves as a roadmap for starting a party decorating business, outlining your objectives, strategies, and operational details. Here's how to create a comprehensive business plan for your party decorating venture:

• Executive Summary
• Business Description
• Market Analysis
• Organizational Structure
• Products and Services
• Marketing and Sales Strategy
• Operational Plan (Outline the operational details of your decorating business, including your workflow, production process, and resource requirements. Describe how you will manage projects, source materials, and supplies and ensure quality control. Consider logistics, scheduling, and project management tools to streamline operations.)
• Financial Projections (Prepare financial forecasts for your decorating business, including income statements, cash flow projections, and balance sheets. Estimate your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections for the first few years of operation.)
• Funding Requirements (Determine how much funding you need to launch and grow your decorating business. Identify potential sources of financing, such as personal savings, loans, investors, or crowdfunding.
• Appendices

Build a Website and Showcase Your Portfolio

A well-designed website with a polished portfolio conveys professionalism and credibility to potential clients when starting a decorating business. It showcases your expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality, instilling confidence in your ability to deliver exceptional decoration services for their events.

Your portfolio serves as a visual representation of your creativity and skill as a decorator. High-quality photographs of your past projects allow potential clients to see the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail you bring to each event. It helps them visualize how their own event could be transformed under your expertise.

A website makes your services accessible to potential clients 24/7, regardless of their location or time zone. They can browse your portfolio, learn about your services, and contact you for inquiries or bookings at their convenience. This accessibility enhances the client experience and increases the likelihood of securing new business.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing plays a crucial role in the success of a party decorating business. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and X (Twitter) provide an opportunity to showcase your decoration work to a wide audience. By regularly sharing photos and videos of your past projects, you increase your visibility and attract potential clients who may be seeking decorating services for their upcoming events.

Moreover, social media allows you to engage directly with potential clients by responding to comments, answering inquiries, and participating in conversations related to event planning and decoration. By actively engaging with your audience, you build relationships, establish trust, and position yourself as a knowledgeable and approachable expert in your field.

Use Free Resources

Starting a decorating business for parties doesn't have to be expensive. There are many free resources available that can help you launch and grow your business without breaking the bank. Here's how to leverage free resources effectively:

• Attend networking events, industry conferences, and local meetups to connect with other professionals in the event industry. Building relationships with vendors, event planners, and venue managers can lead to collaboration opportunities, referrals, and valuable insights into the industry.
• Stay informed about industry trends, tips, and best practices by reading blogs and participating in online forums and communities related to event decoration.
• Take advantage of free business support services offered by government agencies, chambers of commerce, and small business development centers.

Event Decoration Materials List

Having an event decoration materials list is essential for ensuring preparedness, professionalism, efficiency, cost control, customization, client communication, and scalability in your party decorating business. It serves as a foundational tool that enables you to deliver exceptional decoration services and exceed client expectations with every event you undertake.

Event Supplies

Having a wide range of event supplies demonstrates professionalism and ensures that your business can deliver high-quality decorations to clients. By investing in quality supplies, you can create visually stunning and memorable decorations that leave a lasting impression on event attendees.

As your party decorating business grows, having a well-stocked inventory of event supplies is essential for scaling your operations and taking on larger projects. It allows you to handle multiple events simultaneously, expand your client base, and grow your business without compromising on the quality of decorations.

Tools

Creating a comprehensive list of event decoration materials is essential for ensuring that you have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life for parties and events. Here's a detailed list of materials commonly used in party decorating businesses:

• Decorative fabrics (tablecloths, table runners, chair covers, chair sashes or bows, drapes and curtains, fabric backdrops)
• Tableware (plates, bowls, glasses, cups, cutlery, napkins)
• Centerpieces (vases, candleholders, floral arrangements, LED candles or fairy lights, table mirrors or trays)
• Balloons (latex balloons, mylar balloons, balloon arch kits, balloon pumps, balloon weights)
• Themed Decorations (themed props and décor items (e.g., beach balls for a beach-themed party, fairy lights for a fairy tale theme), character cutouts or standees, scene setters, or wall decals.
• Lighting (string lights, fairy lights, LED candles, uplighting, spotlights), etc.

Transportation

Transportation provides flexibility and adaptability in handling various types of events and venues. Whether it's a wedding at a remote outdoor location, a corporate event in a downtown hotel, or a birthday party at a private residence, having transportation allows you to transport decorations and supplies to any location, regardless of accessibility or distance.

Moreover, Transportation helps protect event supplies, decorations, and equipment from damage during transit. By having dedicated vehicles or transportation arrangements, you can ensure that delicate items such as glassware, floral arrangements, and fragile decorations are transported safely and securely to the event venue.

Additional Staff

In a party decorating business, additional staff may be needed to support various aspects of operations, especially as the company grows. For example, a setup crew may be helpful in transporting decorations to the event venue, setting up furniture, installing lighting, arranging centerpieces, and ensuring that everything is in place before the event begins. Additional setup crew members may be needed for larger events or events with complex decoration requirements.

Moreover, additional staff may be needed to support marketing and sales efforts, including promoting the business, generating leads, and securing bookings for events. This may involve roles such as social media manager, content creator, sales representative, or marketing coordinator. This is a short guide on how to start a decorating business - not much effort, but an excellent opportunity to unlock potential and earn money.

Promote Your Decorating Business

Promoting your decorating business increases its visibility to potential clients. By marketing your services through various channels, such as social media, online advertising, and networking events, you can reach a wider audience and attract more clients to your business. Effective promotion helps build brand awareness for your decorating business. By consistently showcasing your work, highlighting your unique style, and communicating your brand values, you can create a memorable impression in the minds of potential clients, making it more likely that they'll choose your services when planning their events.

Effective promotion helps differentiate your decorating business from competitors in the market. By highlighting your unique selling points, such as your creative approach, attention to detail, customer service, or specialization in specific types of events, you can stand out in a crowded market and attract clients who resonate with your offerings.

Start your Business Now

Now you know how to start a party decorating business from home. It is an exciting opportunity to tap into a growing market, unleash your creativity, and build a fulfilling and profitable career. With increasing demand for event decoration services, low startup costs, and access to technology and resources, there has never been a better time to embark on this entrepreneurial journey. By leveraging your passion for design, embracing flexibility in your business model, and tapping into community support, you can launch a successful decorating business that brings joy, beauty, and unforgettable experiences to clients' special occasions.

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