Couples today are more involved than ever in curating the look and feel of their wedding. From sourcing vases and candleholders to crafting signage and table numbers, the DIY and purchase-your-own décor route has be
come increasingly popular — especially for couples keen to save on costs.

But once the wedding is over, an important question remains: What happens to the décor?

The True Cost of “Saving”

At first glance, buying your own wedding décor can seem like a cost-saver. Amazon carts fill up quickly, and
Pinterest boards make it all look so easy. But couples often forget to factor in the hidden costs:

• Shipping & Customs Duties: If you’re ordering items into Jamaica, customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees can easily add 30 per cent to your budget. Suddenly that “deal” vase isn’t so inexpensive anymore.

• Local Delivery & Handling: Shipping to resorts or venues may come with added fees, especially for large or heavy boxes.

• Insurance: Protecting fragile items in transit is another cost to consider.

When you tally everything — purchase, shipping, duties, and delivery — the question becomes: Did you really save money?

Décor as an investment: Think of décor as exactly that — an investment. If you’re hosting a 200-person wedding, it’s unlikely you’ll need 20 matching table centrepieces again. But if you’re planning an intimate 40-person celebration and you love to entertain at home, repurposing those vases and candles for dinner parties may make the purchase worthwhile.

For other couples, resale is an option. But before you hit “buy,” ask yourself:

• Do you have a buyer lined up?

• Will you realistically have time to list and resell items after the wedding?

• Do you want to deal with storage costs while waiting for a buyer?

Storage & Sentimentality

Storage is often overlooked. Where will you keep 12 oversized lanterns or 150 glass chargers? If you live in an apartment, like I once did, that space fills up fast. There are couples who happily give their décor away to friends or family who are engaged.

On the flip side, some items can carry sentimental value. A monogrammed sign, custom table numbers, or a floral vase can find a second life as home décor.

Create a Memory Box – For the truly special keepsakes, consider a wedding memory box. Tuck away items like invitations, handwritten vows, jewellery, and photographs. You can even create a wedding memory box picture frame — a deep frame designed to hold three-dimensional objects. It’s a beautiful way to display your memories without clutter.

Practical Tips Before You Purchase

1. Estimate Shipping Costs

• Use online calculators from FedEx, UPS, or your shipping provider.

• Weigh and measure your boxes to avoid surprise fees.

2. Know the Customs Rules

• Research Jamaica’s duties and taxes before ordering.

• Consider working with a customs broker for larger shipments.

3. Budget for Insurance

• Fragile décor often requires protection during shipping. Breakage does happen.

4. Plan for Storage

• Decide beforehand whether you’ll keep, resell, or donate items.

• Be realistic about how much space you’re willing to sacrifice.

5. Think Long-Term

• Ask: Will I reuse this? Will it bring value to my home? Or will it become clutter?

The bottom line is, buying your own wedding décor can make sense for some couples, especially those with small weddings or frequent entertaining plans. But for many, the hidden costs and post-wedding logistics outweigh the savings. Whether you give it away, repurpose it, or turn a few keepsakes into a memory box, the key is to plan for after the celebration — not just the wedding day.

Shikima Hinds

Managing Director

at Shikima Hinds Events Concierge

tel. 876-925-4285 or 876-361-0910

email: shikima@shikimahinds.com

www.shikimahinds.com

Shikima Hinds Logo.

When buying wedding décor online, consider hidden costs like shipping and customs duties as well as taxes, and brokerage fees. (Photo: amazon.com)