“What’s your budget?”
It’s probably one of the most uncomfortable questions when planning an event. And we totally get it.
You might be thinking:
“If I tell them my budget, will they just charge me that much?”
“Should I keep my budget to myself?”
“What if I say $900 and suddenly my quote is $900?”
But here’s the thing… Everyone has a budget.
Whether you want to spend $300, 500, $1,000 or more, there is a number you’re comfortable investing.
And being upfront about it can actually make the quoting process much easier.
Your Budget Helps Us Help You
When you tell your stylist your budget, you’re not saying, “Please spend every dollar I have.”
You’re saying, “This is what I’m comfortable investing. What can we create within that?”
That gives us a starting point.
Maybe your budget allows for a large statement balloon installation.
Maybe it means choosing a single backdrop and putting more money elsewhere.
Maybe there are a few things we can adjust to create the biggest visual impact without going over budget.
Without knowing your budget, we’re essentially guessing.
And that can mean going backwards and forwards with quotes that don’t actually suit what you’re comfortable spending.
Don’t Be Embarrassed About Your Budget
A $5,000 budget isn’t automatically better than a $500 budget. They’re simply different budgets.
Our job isn’t to make you spend as much as possible. It’s to help you work out what will give you the best result for the investment you’re comfortable making. And if your dream setup isn’t achievable within your budget, that’s okay too. We can talk about what can be changed, reduced or prioritised.
The Biggest Mistake? Comparing Apples to Oranges
This is where we really encourage clients to look beyond the final number.
You might receive three quotes:
Quote A: $350
Quote B: $495
Quote C: $600
It seems obvious which one is cheapest. But what does each quote actually include?
Are they using the same type and quantity of balloons?
Are they standard balloons or custom double stuffed balloons?
Is delivery, setup and return collection included?
Are the backdrops and props the same?
Is the signage personalised?
Are you receiving the same level of skill, quality and styling?
If not, you’re not comparing prices. You’re comparing apples and oranges.
A cheaper quote isn’t necessarily better value if you’re getting less.
So, Should You Tell Your Stylist Your Budget?
We think you should.
You can simply say:
“I’d like to stay around $800, but I’m open to suggestions about where i could spend more/less.”
That’s incredibly helpful.
It allows your stylist to recommend options that actually make sense for you rather than designing something completely outside your budget.
Let’s Make Talking About Budgets Normal
There shouldn’t be anything awkward about talking about money when you’re planning an event.
Your budget helps set expectations, gives your stylist direction and allows you to make informed decisions.
Whether your budget is $500 or $5,000, the goal is the same: Create something amazing that you’re happy to invest in.
So next time a supplier asks: “What’s your budget?”, Don’t panic. Tell them.
And when you’re comparing quotes, remember: Don’t compare the price. Compare what’s actually included.
That’s how you compare apples with apples, not apples with oranges.
Planning an Event?
If you have an event coming up and you’re not sure what your budget can achieve, we’d love to chat.
Whether you’re working with $300, 500 or $1,000, get in touch with us and let us help you work out the best way to bring your vision to life.
Get in touch with Peachy Keen Events today to start planning your event 🍑
Peachy Keen Events
Melbourne Balloon & Event Styling
Thoughtfully styled celebrations, stress free, designed for you.