Planning your wedding in Greater Vancouver involves many choices—and one of the most common is whether to buy or rent your wedding decor. While buying offers full ownership and creative control, it often comes with higher costs, time-consuming logistics, and post-wedding clutter. Renting, on the other hand, is typically more affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly—especially when working with experienced vendors like Viva Events & Decor.
You can always count on Viva Event for top-quality event decor rental Vancouver clients love and trust.
Here’s a quick overview to help you compare:
| Factor | Buy | Rent |
| Upfront Cost | High (purchase price for all items) | Lower (rental fees only) |
| Logistics | DIY sourcing, setup, teardown | Managed by professionals |
| Storage/Transport | Required before and after | Not needed |
| Quality & Consistency | Varies by supplier | Professionally curated and maintained |
| Eco-Friendliness | Often single-use | Reused and sustainable |
| Flexibility | Limited (especially for large items) | Can adjust quantity or style pre-event |
| Time Investment | High (DIY projects, cleaning, etc.) | Minimal – handled by rental vendor |
In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the pros and cons of buying vs. renting wedding decorations, offer a cost breakdown, and explore which decor items are worth purchasing. We’ll also explain how Viva Events & Decor can help you achieve a beautiful, stress-free wedding day—without the commitment of owning everything.
Viva Events main services:
- Wedding Decor Rentals
- Corporate Event Decorations
- Party Supply Rentals
- Persian Wedding Sofreh Rental
Buying vs. Renting Wedding Decor: Which One Fits Your Vancouver Wedding Best?
When weighing the decision between buying vs. renting wedding decor, the answer often comes down to your budget, available time, and creative vision.
Buying Wedding Decor Offers:
- Full ownership and creative control
- Option to repurpose, resell, or gift items after the wedding
- DIY potential for a personal touch
But also comes with:
- Time-consuming logistics: sourcing, storing, transporting, setting up, and tearing down
- Post-wedding clutter or need to resell
- Risks of inconsistent quality or delivery delays
- Higher upfront costs
- Additional labor for washing, ironing, and cleaning items like linens, plates, and charger plates
Renting Wedding Decor Provides:
- Professionally curated and cohesive design
- Access to high-end items like Chiavari chairs, luxury linens, and chandeliers
- Setup, takedown, and cleaning handled by experts
- Flexibility to adjust quantities or switch colors closer to the date
- Peace of mind with backup support and quality control
For most couples in the Lower Mainland, renting is the more cost-effective, stress-free, and practical option, especially for larger guest counts and full-service decor.
Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Buying Wedding Decorations in Vancouver
Let’s take a closer look at actual pricing and what that means for your budget:
| Item | Buy (DIY/Online) | Rent (Viva Events) |
| Chiavari Chairs (100) | $5,500–$8,000 | $850–$950 |
| Table Linens (15 tables) | $700–$950 | $300–$400 |
| Centerpieces (per table) | $50–$100 each | $20–$40 each |
| Arch or Backdrop | $500–$800 | $120–$250 |
| LED Uplights (10–12 units) | $900–$950 | $350–$450 |
What You Should Know:
- Renting saves an average of 50% to 80%, not including time, labor, or resale hassle.
- Purchased items require cleaning, packaging, and transport, often adding hidden costs.
- Rented items from Viva Events come clean, polished, and ready to impress—plus setup and teardown are included.
What Type of Wedding Decor is Worth Buying—If Any?
While renting makes sense for most items, some personalized or keepsake pieces may be worth purchasing, especially if they hold sentimental value or are easy to DIY.
Consider Buying:
- Custom signage with your names or wedding hashtag
- Guestbooks or keepsake mementos
- DIY wedding favors or personalised table numbers
- Cake toppers or heirloom decor
- Personalized welcome signs
Just keep in mind: even small DIY projects can add up in both cost and time, especially if you’re managing many details.
Why Renting is the Eco-Friendly and Hassle-Free Choice
Weddings can be surprisingly wasteful. When decor is bought, used once, and discarded, it creates unnecessary landfill waste. Renting is not only smarter—it’s also greener.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of Renting:
- Reusable inventory: Items are used across events, reducing single-use waste
- Professional maintenance: Everything is cleaned, repaired, and repurposed
- Less packaging waste: No excessive wrapping or boxes from online orders
- Cleaner materials: Viva Events offers powder candles (luxurious, reusable, mess-free) as a better alternative to wax candles that leave residue in glass holders
By choosing wedding decor rentals, you’re supporting a sustainable, environmentally responsible wedding industry.
We offer a wide selection of rental items for weddings and events throughout Vancouver:
- Chair and Table Rental
- Wedding Arches Rentals
- Centerpiece Stand Rentals
- Faux Flower Rental
- Charger Plate Rental
- Tableware Rental
- Backdrops Rentals
- Table Cloth Rental
- Candle Holders Rentals
- Drape Curtains Rentals
- Vases Rental
- Lighting Rental
- Chair Cover Rentals
When It Makes Sense to Mix Both: Buy Some, Rent the Rest
The good news is—you don’t have to choose just one. A balanced approach allows you to add personal touches while leaving the heavy lifting to professionals.
Smart Hybrid Strategy:
Buy:
- Personalized signage
- Guestbook and wedding favors
- Name/place cards
- DIY welcome board
Rent:
- Chairs, tables, linens
- Artificial floral centerpieces
- Ceremony arches
- Backdrops, lighting, and statement pieces
At Viva Events, we frequently help couples blend their own items with our rental inventory for a seamless and professional look.
Viva Events Rental Services: Stunning Decor Without the Commitment
At Viva Events & Decor, we offer a wide range of wedding and party décor rentals across Greater Vancouver. From intimate backyard weddings to grand hotel ballrooms, our services are designed to be flexible, stylish, and stress-free.
What You Can Expect from Viva:
- Curated collection of chairs, tables, linens, centerpieces, arches, candlelight, and more
- Complimentary mock-up session (with full-service decor) so you can see and refine your look in advance
- Reliable setup, delivery, and teardown
- Supportive team with experience at top venues in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Shore, and beyond
- Flexibility to adjust your order quantity as your guest list evolves
Want a Pinterest-worthy wedding without the post-wedding clutter? Viva Events & Decor makes it possible.
FAQ
- Is it cheaper to buy or rent wedding decor?
Renting is typically far more cost-effective, especially when factoring in labor, delivery, setup, and flexibility. - Can I mix rental and DIY wedding decor?
Yes! Many couples combine DIY signs or favors with Viva’s rental décor. We help tie it all together. - What décor items are worth buying?
Custom signs, favors, guestbooks, and keepsakes are commonly purchased. Large items like chairs, linens, and centerpieces are better rented. - Is renting wedding decor better for the environment?
Absolutely. Rentals reduce waste, reuse resources, and promote sustainable practices. - What does Viva’s rental service include?
Our service includes curated decor, delivery, full setup, teardown, and optional mock-ups. - How far in advance should I book?
We recommend securing your rentals 6–9 months in advance, especially during peak seasons. - Can I update my order after booking?
Yes! You can adjust quantities or switch styles (subject to availability) as your plans evolve. - Do you offer design consultations?
We do. Viva offers layout guidance and mock-up sessions as part of our full-service experience. - Can Viva work with my personal décor items?
Absolutely. We’ll coordinate your items with ours for a cohesive final look. - What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Greater Vancouver, including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Maple Ridge, and the North Shore.
Need help deciding what to rent and what to buy for your wedding decor?
Let Viva Events & Decor take the guesswork out of planning. We offer high-quality decor, expert setup, and custom guidance—so you can focus on enjoying your big day.
Browse our rental collection or contact us today for a custom proposal tailored to your wedding vision.