Events

Event decor and small event planning

Decorate and plan birthdays, baby showers, umembeso, weddings and year-end functions, with decor you own or hire.

Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR1 000 to R20 000
First randabout 4 weeks
WhereIn person
Effort Some skill needed

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Creative, organised people who enjoy styling and can handle clients and suppliers under pressure.

In South Africa: Strong everywhere.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 8 hours a week · age 18+
Graphic design (learning or better) or Admin & organising (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published SA price list for decor packages; quote per event from supplier hire prices (for example a 6 x 12 m tent R3,500 and chairs from R6 each at Linda Events).

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R1 000 to R20 000
Every month: Decor stock, flowers, transport, helpers.
Payment fees: Deposit to book; balance before the event.
Margin: Good on owned decor; hired items carry a mark-up.

How it is paid: Package per event plus hire items. Our viability score for it: 55 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Style one event for a friend and photograph it
- Write three packages
- Success signal: two paid events a month
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- List decor you own and what you would hire
- Get hire price lists from two suppliers
- Write three packages with deposits
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Style your first paid event
- Post the set-up photos
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Buy the decor you hire most often
- Partner with a caterer and a DJ for joint packages

A first styled event for friends builds your portfolio. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Event decor and small event planning: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Families and companies planning events.

A beautiful event without the stress of organising it.

Is there demand?

Event hire suppliers publish prices you can quote from (for example a 6 x 12 m tent R3,500 and chairs from R6 each at Linda Events). We found no published price list for decor packages, so quote per event.

Birthday and baby shower stylingTraditional ceremoniesWeddingsYear-end functions

Getting customers

Instagram and WhatsApp photos of every set-up, and referrals.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesResponding to enquiriesPartnerships with other businesses

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Damaged or lost decor: a breakage deposit
Late suppliers: confirm everything in writing two days before
Underquoting set-up and pack-up time

Competition: High; style and reliability decide.

Room to grow: Grows with stock to hire out and a team.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start event decor and small event planning in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 000 to R20 000. Recurring costs: Decor stock, flowers, transport, helpers.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. A first styled event for friends builds your portfolio.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Linda Events: hire price list 2025 (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Decorvent: stretch tent hire (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

Free tools for this

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