Should You Buy or Rent Your Wedding Décor? Here’s What to Consider.

Meant to Bee
5 days ago
3 min read

Planning a wedding involves a lot of decision-making, and one big question that often comes up is: should you buy or rent your wedding décor? From table linens and candle holders to arches and signage, your décor sets the tone for your big day—so it’s worth figuring out what makes the most sense for your style, your budget, and your long-term plans. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of buying vs. renting décor to help you make the best decision.

When to RENT Your Wedding Décor

Pros of Renting:

Less Stress, Less Clutter: Renting means you don’t have to figure out what to do with 80 charger plates or 12 lanterns after the wedding. No storage, no reselling, no hauling—just return and done.
Professional Setup & Breakdown: Many rental companies offer delivery, setup, and breakdown services, saving you time (and sanity) on the big day.
Budget-Friendly for Big Items: Large-scale items like lounge furniture, draping, lighting, or ceremony arches are much more affordable to rent than buy.
Consistent Aesthetic: Rental companies maintain inventory in good condition and often offer cohesive collections, so your look stays polished and coordinated.

Cons of Renting:

No Long-Term Ownership: You can’t keep anything for memories or reuse.
Availability Can Be Limited: Popular items can book out fast—especially in peak wedding seasons.
Damage Fees: You may be charged for any broken or missing items.

When to BUY Your Wedding Décor

Pros of Buying:

Total Creative Freedom: Buy exactly what you want, mix and match styles, DIY unique elements—it’s your vision, your way.
Keep for Sentimental or Practical Use: Want to decorate your home with your wedding candles or signage? Buying lets you reuse those pieces.
Great for Intimate or Backyard Weddings: If your wedding is smaller or more casual, it may be just as affordable (or cheaper) to buy certain items outright.
Resale Potential: Many newlyweds recoup costs by selling their décor after the wedding on marketplaces like Facebook or wedding-specific buy/sell groups.

Cons of Buying:

Time-Consuming: You'll need to shop, store, transport, and potentially clean all the items.
Storage Issues: Do you really have room for 15 table runners and 10 vintage suitcases?
Upfront Cost: You pay everything at once, which can be tough if you’re managing multiple wedding expenses.

What Items Are Better to Rent?

Arches and arbors
Lounge furniture
Lighting
Large floral vessels
Chargers and tableware
Ceremony seating (if not provided by the venue)

What Items Are Worth Buying?

Personalized signs
Guestbook and card box
Table numbers (if customized)
Candles (especially if you can reuse them)
DIY centerpieces
Small décor with resale value (e.g., lanterns, vases)

Final Thoughts: Buy, Rent… or Both?

The truth is, most couples end up doing a mix of both—renting large, practical items and buying smaller, personal touches. The key is to decide early what’s most important to you: cost, convenience, personalization, or sustainability. If you’re crafty and have time, buying and DIY-ing can be rewarding (and fun!). If you’re aiming for a seamless, stress-free experience, rentals may be your best friend.

Either way, think about your budget, venue, style, and timeline, and don’t be afraid to ask vendors for advice—they’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Happy Planning!