Most decoration disappointments do not come from bad decorators. They come from questions nobody asked: whether helium was included, what time setup would start, or whether the photo was of a real past setup.
Here are the 15 questions worth asking before you pay anything, grouped by what they protect you from. Copy them into your chat with the vendor.
Questions about what's included
QUESTION
WHY IT MATTERS
A GOOD ANSWER SOUNDS LIKE
Can you list every item with quantity and size?
“Balloon arch” can mean 40 balloons or 200
“Arch of 100 balloons, 6×4 ft backdrop, 2 foil letters”
Are the balloons air-filled or helium?
Helium is often extra
A clear yes or no, with the cost if extra
Is the cake table, cloth or stand included?
Commonly missed
Listed, or priced as an add-on
Which add-ons cost extra?
Neon, LED letters and name boards are often paid add-ons
A price list, not “we'll see”
Questions about timing and setup
QUESTION
WHY IT MATTERS
A GOOD ANSWER SOUNDS LIKE
What time will the team arrive, and how long will setup take?
A surprise fails if setup runs late
A specific window and duration
How many people will come?
Affects society gate entry and lift booking
A number, and names for the gate pass if needed
What do you need from me?
Power points, ladder access, wall permission
A short list
Who removes the decor, and when?
Removal is not always included
Included, or the cost and timing
Questions about price and payment
QUESTION
WHY IT MATTERS
A GOOD ANSWER SOUNDS LIKE
Is the price final, including travel?
Distance charges are common outside the vendor's area
“Final, including travel to your sector”
How much advance, and when is the balance due?
Protects you if something goes wrong
A clear split and a receipt
Questions about proof and quality
QUESTION
WHY IT MATTERS
A GOOD ANSWER SOUNDS LIKE
Are these photos of your own past setups?
Reference images can mislead
“Yes, from last month in Sector 57”
Can I see reviews from recent customers?
Recent reviews reflect the current team
Reviews from the last few months
What happens if a balloon pops or a light fails during the event?
Shows how they handle problems
Spares are left, or a clear answer
Questions about changes and cancellations
QUESTION
WHY IT MATTERS
A GOOD ANSWER SOUNDS LIKE
Can I change colours or the date after booking?
Plans change
Up to a clear cut-off time
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Protects your advance
A written policy
A decorator who answers in specifics before you pay will usually deliver in specifics on the day.
— Eventory
Extra questions for specific occasions
The 15 questions above apply to any booking. Each occasion also has one or two questions that matter more than the rest.
OCCASION
ALSO ASK
Can you finish setup within my window, and can you work quietly late at night?
Do you handle stage, entrance and seating decor, or only the backdrop?
Have you set up at this venue before, and does the venue allow outside decorators? What is the plan if it rains or gets windy on a rooftop?
Can you provide a comfortable decorated chair for the mother-to-be, and gender-neutral design options?
Can you set up on short notice around the hospital discharge, and avoid strong scents, glitter and loose confetti near the baby’s room?
Red flags to walk away from
No inclusions list, only a photo and a price
Refuses to say whether photos are their own work
Asks for full payment upfront with no receipt
Vague arrival times such as “evening” for a surprise setup
Price changes after you share your address
Decorator booking checklist
Copy-and-send questions for any decor booking
what's included
timing and setup
price and payment
proof and quality
changes and cancellations
Skip half the questions on Eventory
Eventory decorator packages list the inclusions, price and reviews before you book, and you pick your date and time slot when you check out. That answers most of the first ten questions upfront, so your chat with the vendor can focus on the details that are specific to your event.
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Keshav, Event Manager
Ensuring real-time resolution, proactive coordination, and high client satisfaction. His team serves as the dedicated bridge between organizers and vendors, providing rapid operational support whenever questions or issues arise.
