DIY vs professional event styling: which is right for your event?
Some events are small enough, and your vision is specific enough, that you can handle them yourself. Other times, the guest list, budget, venue size, and specific branding can stretch your time and patience thin.
Either way, there are pros and cons to both DIY and professional event styling. These are the benefits of each and when to lean on extra support.
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What are the pros and cons of DIY vs professional event styling?
With DIY, the big pro is that you’re carrying out your vision exactly the way you see it, which usually comes with a smaller bill. But the con is that you’re doing all the work. While you’ll pay more, the benefits of event styling may outweigh the cons if you’re running on less time or there’s a lot to get done.
| Factor | DIY styling | Professional styling |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low upfront cost, especially if you’re using pieces you have already | Higher upfront cost, as you pay for the styling as well as hire |
| Hidden cost | Transport, storage, disposal and last-minute extras can all be costs that are easy to overlook | Few, as most costs are in one quote |
| Time required | High time investment as you source and set up everything | Low, with most of the time spent briefing or approving plans rather than carrying out the work |
| Creative control | Full control over every detail | Shared, with the stylist working to your brief |
| Access to furniture and décor | Limited to what you own or can source yourself | Wide, with a full hire range and custom options |
| Delivery and bump-in/out | You organise and staff it | The hire team handles it for you |
| Risk on the day | You have to solve any problems yourself | An experienced team manages the set-up |
Benefits of DIY event styling
There’s a lot to like about doing the event styling yourself. You get to have the final say on every detail, and it can leave more room in the budget for other things. For smaller celebrations, the DIY party setup vs professional setup debate often gets settled on these benefits alone.
Where DIY often gets underestimated
The time and logistics that go into planning and executing an event are usually bigger than they look on paper. Everything still has to get to the venue, be set up and then packed down once the night is over. Plus, you have to account for solving problems along the way.
Benefits of professional event styling
When there’s a lot riding on an event, having a professional stylist means you can really focus on the areas that need your attention the most. The biggest benefit of event styling, though, is having a look that feels cohesive across every zone and far less to manage on the day. For example, Valiant’s stylists work with more than 150,000 pieces that can be delivered to your venue with bump-in/out taken care of for you.
What that looks like in practice
At the Australian Open 2026, Tennis Australia invited Valiant to design three areas across Grand Slam Oval, linking them with one cohesive selection. There’s also the Howard Smith Wharves menu launch in Brisbane, which you can see in our events gallery.
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The biggest benefit of event styling, though, is having a look that feels cohesive across every zone and far less to manage on the day.
How much does event styling cost compared with DIY?
A stylist can cost more upfront. However, DIY costs can be harder to predict, such as needing more furniture and décor than you originally planned.
What DIY costs can add up:
| • | Furniture and décor you buy and might never use again or be unable to sell for its original value. |
| • | Van hire to transport furniture and decorations. |
| • | Your own hours setting up and packing down, as well as dealing with problems as they happen. |
| • | Somewhere to store everything before and after the event. |
What goes into a stylist’s quote?
Event styling pricing varies depending on the number of guests and the size of the space you’re working with. How long you need to hire for can also change the price. This is why quotes are priced per event. With Valiant, you receive one freight fee covering delivery, set-up, cleaning and collection, with a minimum hire order of $500 + GST.
How to decide which option suits your event
The decision should come back to how much is riding on the day. Being honest with how much time you really have can help guide you on which is the option for your event.
Choose DIY if:
| • | It’s a small event in a simple venue. |
| • | Brand stakes are low. |
| • | You have the time and already own most of what you need. |
| • | The budget comes first. |
Choose a stylist if:
| • | The guest list is long. |
| • | There are several zones to fill or the venue is a tricky one. |
| • | Your brand is on show. |
| • | Nobody on the team has hours to spare, and there’s no furniture to start with. |
| • | It has to be right the first time. |
Or, do a bit of both.
There is a third option that doesn’t get mentioned much. Hiring pieces, such as through Valiant’s Online Hire Shop lets you get the pieces you need for your event, and then style them yourself. Just make sure you cover the key considerations for outdoor events if you’re planning outdoor spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
What is event styling?
Event styling refers to the elements of designing and setting up an event that affect the look and feel of the space. This can include furniture, layout, décor, lighting and theming, and how they work with one look. Event planning is the other side, involving the schedule and suppliers.
What is the difference between décor setup and full-service styling?
Décor setup is having someone who places items you’ve already chosen, while full-service styling also helps with the concept for the event, sourcing items, the layout and bump-in/out. This difference between décor setup and full-service styling can make a big impact when your furniture has to reflect your brand identity.
How far in advance should you book an event stylist?
As early as possible. Stock is subject to availability, so the sooner you book, the more you have to choose from. It also gives you more flexibility with delivery dates and times, which can also feed into event styling pricing. Valiant can also help with last-minute requests.
Plan your next event with Valiant
At Valiant, we have more than 60 years behind us as a Certified B Corp event styling service. Whichever way you’re leaning, tell our events team what you’re planning so we can help you style the whole venue or set you up with event furniture hire so you can do things your way.
Whichever way you’re leaning, tell our events team what you’re planning so we can help you style the whole venue or set you up with event furniture hire so you can do things your way.
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