Why wedding decor hire can save you money, stress and storage headaches.
Planning your wedding comes with countless decisions, and one of the biggest is whether to buy or hire your décor. While purchasing may seem tempting at first, many couples quickly discover that buying hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars worth of styling pieces often means blowing the budget, storing bulky items before the wedding, and trying to resell everything afterwards.
That’s where wedding décor hire becomes a game changer.
At The Pretty Prop Shop, we help couples create beautifully styled celebrations without the overwhelm of buying everything outright. Here’s what to hire instead of buy for a stunning wedding day that feels effortless and elevated.
1. Candleholders & Candelabras
Candlelight instantly transforms a reception space, but purchasing dozens of candleholders can add up fast.
Instead of buying, hire:
- Gold candleholders
- Vintage silver candelabras and candleholders
- Candle Shade and candle holder sets
- Hurricane vases
- Glass votives and tealights
- Floating candle vessels
Hiring allows you to mix heights, layer textures, and achieve that luxe tablescape look for a fraction of the purchase cost.
Why hire?
- Much cheaper than buying multiples
- No cleaning wax afterwards
- Access designer pieces you may not otherwise splurge on
- Create a high-end look without the high-end spend
2. Tableware & Glassware
Quality table settings can make or break your reception styling.
Consider hiring:
- Dinner and side plates
- Charger plates
- Cutlery
- Champagne coupes
- Glassware
- Cake stands and serving pieces
Buying for 80–150 guests is rarely practical — and premium tableware is expensive. Hiring gives you beautiful coordinated pieces without the post-wedding clutter.
3. Champagne Towers
A champagne tower is one of those statement pieces you’ll use for a few hours… and likely never again.
Hire it instead.
Not only do you avoid purchasing dozens of coupes, you also get a show-stopping reception moment without worrying where to store all those glasses afterwards.
4. Ceremony Arbours & Backdrops
Arbours, arches and ceremony backdrops are classic “looks gorgeous, takes up a garage” purchases.
Better to hire:
- Wedding arbours
- Fabric backdrops
- Floral plinths
- Welcome sign displays
- Easels and sign stands
- Photo backdrops
These pieces create impact but make far more sense as hired items.
5. Table Styling Props
This is where couples often overspend buying “little extras.”
Hire:
- Bud vases
- Compotes
- Decorative bowls
- Table runners
- Linen napkins
- Pedestals
- Decorative styling objects
- Vintage vessels
Those small details create the editorial layered look, without needing to purchase dozens of individual pieces.
6. Signage Displays
Many couples buy easels, frames and signage holders for one day.
Instead hire:
- Welcome sign easels
- Seating chart displays
- Card and gift signs
- Menu stands
- Table number holders
- Photo guestbook signage
- Wishing Wells
It’s often the supporting display pieces that complete the styling.
7. Plinths & Pedestals
Perfect for:
- Ceremony florals
- Cake displays
- Welcome installations
- Champagne towers
- Product or dessert styling
These can be expensive to purchase and awkward to transport — ideal hire items.
8. Vases & Centrepieces
Buying centrepieces is one of the biggest hidden wedding costs.
Hire:
- Glass vases – cylinder vases are perfect for adding candles to
- Sand Candles
- Compote bowls
- Urns
- Bud vase collections
- Statement centrepieces
You get variety, scale and flexibility without committing to ownership.
9. Specialty Decor Pieces
Those “wow” pieces are often the best items to hire.
Think:
- Vintage props
- Statement Cake Table Linen Tablecloths
- Decorative urns
- Statement candle installations like Sand Candles
- Display ladders and shelves
- Styling props for lounges or bars
- Unique one-of-a-kind decor pieces
These add personality without unnecessary spending.
What Is Worth Buying?
Some things may be worth purchasing:
- Personal signage keepsakes
- Custom neon signs (if you’ll reuse them)
- DIY sentimental details
- Favours
- Personal accessories
But for large-scale styling items? Hiring usually wins.
Why Hiring Wedding Decor Makes Sense
Save Money
Hiring premium pieces is often far more affordable than buying everything outright.
Save Time
No sourcing dozens of individual items from multiple suppliers.
Save Storage Stress
No garage full of candleholders after the honeymoon.
Get a More Cohesive Look
Hire collections are curated to work together beautifully.
Access Luxury for Less
Use elevated pieces that may be outside your purchase budget.
A Simple Rule:
If you’ll only use it once — hire it.
That applies to most wedding decor.
Popular Wedding Decor Items Couples Love Hiring
At The Pretty Prop Shop, some of our most popular hire pieces include:
- Candleholders and candelabras
- Sand Candles
- Decorative Urns
- Statement cake table linen tablecloths
- Champagne towers
- Tableware
- Coloured Cutlery
- Crystal Glassware
- Table runners and linen napkins
- Arbours and backdrops
- Plinths and pedestals
- Vintage styling props
- Reception table décor
- Wedding signage displays
These are often the pieces that make the biggest visual impact.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding decor should feel beautiful, intentional and stress-free, not leave you with overspending, storage problems and Facebook Marketplace listings after the wedding.
Hiring allows you to create a luxury wedding look while staying practical and budget-conscious.
If you’re deciding what to hire instead of buying for your wedding, start with the big-impact styling pieces and let the professionals help you build the rest.
Looking for wedding decor hire in Auckland, Coromandel or the Waikato? Explore our collection of curated wedding and event hire pieces at www.theprettypropshop.co.nz and start styling your dream day.
