DIY Event Decor Ideas on a Budget
EVENT PLANNING GUIDE
DIY Event Decor Ideas on a Budget
Updated on September 25, 2026 | Written by Rachella Thomas
DIY decor saves money. Everyone already knows that.
What you might not know is where to start and where to stop.
When the budget is small, don't try to decorate everything. Work out where people will actually notice it and concentrate your effort there.
A few well-chosen areas can do far more for an event space than decorations spread across every available surface. Start by scoping the venue, decide where you want the impact to be, and then work out what you actually need to create it.
Here are some practical DIY event decor ideas to help you do exactly that.
Start With the Space
Before you buy anything, look at what the venue already gives you.
Does it have great lighting? Interesting architecture? Beautiful gardens? Good furniture? A view that can be the highlight feature?
Work with the venue, not against it.
Then identify the areas where decorating will make the biggest difference. Depending on the event, that might be:
The entrance
A ceremony or stage backdrop
Guest tables
A bar or food area
A photo or feature area
Lighting
Once you know where you want the impact, you can start deciding what you actually need to put there.
Event Decor Shopping List
There’s an enormous amount of event decor available online, so we’ve put together a starting list of useful items to search for, depending on your event and venue. You certainly don't need everything on this list. Start with your event plan and choose the pieces that will make the biggest difference to your space.
Entrances, Backdrops & Feature Areas
Red Carpets/ Aisle Runners: View on Amazon
Wedding Arches/ Arbor: View on Amazon
Square Backdrop Stand: View on Amazon
Balloon Arch Kits: View on Amazon
Large-Format Letters: View on Amazon
Entrance Mats: View on Amazon
Photo Booth Kit: View on Amazon
Metallic Fringe Curtain: View on Amazon
Artificial Flower Arrangements: View on Amazon
Tables & Guest Areas
Table Runners: View on Amazon
Centerpieces: View on Amazon
Bud Vase Set: View on Amazon
Table Numbers: View on Amazon
Trestle Table Cloth: View on Amazon
Candle Holders/ Lanterns: View on Amazon
Styling & Larger Decor
Ceiling Drapes: View on Amazon
Decorative Pillars: View on Amazon
Tulle / Organza Fabric Rolls: View on Amazon
Artificial Greenery / Topiaries: View on Amazon
Event Inflatables: View on Amazon
Lighting & Effects
Event Lighting: View on Amazon
Festoon Lighting: View on Amazon
Signage Frames: View on Amazon
Fog/ Smoke Machine: View on Amazon
Stage Lighting: View on Amazon
Food & Drink Displays
Champagne Towers: View on Amazon
Drink Dispensers: View on Amazon
Glass Carafe: View on Amazon
Cake Display: View on Amazon
Ice Buckets: View on Amazon
Join Amazon Prime to get free delivery.
Amazon Prime is a monthly or yearly subscription that gives you fast, free delivery on millions of items, so you can order what you need and get it at your doorstep in a day or two without paying extra for shipping. I mostly keep it because the free delivery easily pays for itself if you order from Amazon even a couple of times a month.
Use this link to get it free for 30 days to see if it's right for you before you're ever charged.
Buy Less. Make It Count.
DIY decor can absolutely make a small budget go further. Just remember the decoration price isn't the only cost.
Think about what needs to be made, transported, installed, powered, stored and packed down afterwards. Sometimes buying a reusable piece makes sense. Sometimes hiring is easier. And sometimes the best decision is deciding the space doesn't need anything there at all.
Before you hit Buy Now, check the dimensions, venue restrictions, installation requirements and how you're actually getting everything to and from the event.
A little restraint can save you money, time and a surprisingly full car on event day.
If you're putting together your event-day supplies at the same time, our 25 Must-Pack Items for Your Event Planner Emergency Kit covers the practical things event planners need to troubleshoot during the event.
Read 25 Must-Pack Items for Your Event Planner Emergency Kit
→ If you found this useful, feel free to share it with a fellow event planner or your event network. They’ll appreciate you passing it on.
Affiliate Note: Event Kit may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. We’ve curated this list and only link to products we think are genuinely useful for event planning.
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Rachella Thomas is an award-winning event producer with more than 26 years of experience delivering major events. Her work includes the Australian Open, Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and other renowned large-scale events and festivals.
Rachella founded Event Kit, where she turns decades of professional event know-how into practical tools for event planners worldwide.
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