Wall Draping Melbourne Guide: Costs, Styles and What to Expect
Wall Draping Melbourne Guide: Costs, Styles and What to Expect
Draping for weddings & events is one of the most effective ways to change the look of a venue.
Many venues have walls that don’t really suit the atmosphere people want for their wedding or event. You might be dealingwith dark timber panels, mirrors, dated curtains, or plain conference room walls. Wall draping solves this by covering thewalls with soft fabric panels, creating a clean backdrop that works with the rest of the styling.
For weddings, corporate events and private parties, it can completely change how the space feels. Instead of the venue dominating the room, the draping becomes the visual background for lighting, tables, florals and other styling elements.
In this guide we’ll explain how wall draping works, when it’s worth using, what it typically costs in Melbourne, and the important things to know before booking it.
- Cost: $600 to $8,000+ depending on size of venue
- Best for: covering walls, creating atmosphere, improving venue look, creating a luxury feel to the space
- Works in: most venues using freestanding rigging
- Install time: 1 to 8 hours depending on size
- Biggest mistake: not adding lighting to highlight drape
Quick Summary - Draping for Weddings & Events in Melbourne
Quick Summary - Draping for Weddings & Events in Melbourne
What is Wedding & Event Wall Draping?
What is Wedding & Event Wall Draping?
Wall draping involves installing long panels of fabric along the walls of a venue.
The fabric is usually hung using a freestanding rigging system called pipe and drape. These adjustable metal frames sit on weighted bases and allow fabric to be installed without attaching anything to the venue walls or ceiling.
The fabric hangs in soft pleats across the wall, creating a smooth and consistent backdrop.
Wall draping is commonly used to:
- Cover unattractive walls, mirrors, artwork etc
- Create a softer and more elegant atmosphere
- Introduce colour or texture into the space
- Define certain areas of the room
- Make your event space smaller for larger venues
- Provide a backdrop for lighting effects
When combined with lighting, the fabric can also create depth and atmosphere throughout the room. Lighting is typically overlooked when hiring wall draping. Lighting is critical if you want to get value for your money when hiring draping so that you can see it all night, especially when the in house lights are dimmed.
When is Wall Draping Worth Using?
When is Wall Draping Worth Using?
Wall draping can be used in many venues, but it tends to make the biggest difference in spaces where the existing walls are visually distracting.
It’s commonly used when:
The venue walls don’t suit the event style
Many function venues have conference style walls, heavy curtains or mixed materials that don’t match the look couples, event or party planners are trying to create.
You want the room to feel more intimate
Large ballrooms or Melbourne warehouse-style venues can feel empty or cold. Draping softens the space and makes it feel more enclosed.
You want to create a consistent colour palette
Draping provides a neutral background so flowers, lighting and table styling stand out.
You want to hide mirrors, windows or existing architecture
Mirrors can reflect lighting and hire decor in ways that distract from the event design. Draping provides a simple solution.
Popular Wall Draping Styles for Weddings & Events in Melbourne
Popular Wall Draping Styles for Weddings & Events in Melbourne
Wall draping can be installed in several ways depending on the space and the desired look.
Full Room Draping
This covers all walls of the venue with fabric.
It’s often used for weddings and gala dinners where the goal is to completely transform the room. When paired with lighting, the result can feel very different from the original venue.
Feature Wall Draping
Instead of covering the whole room, sometimes just one section is draped.
Common feature walls include:
- behind the bridal table
- behind the cake table
- behind a stage or band
- behind a photo area
This option creates a strong focal point while keeping costs lower.
Gathered Wall Draping
Pleated wall drape:
Pinched Wall Draping
Drape pinched to create a unique look.
Scalloped Wall Draping
Draped swags either along the top or hanging down that can be overlapped at different heights.
Organic Style Wall Draping
A mix of scalloped pinched and kriss cross drape to create a more unique style.
Draping with Lighting
One of the most popular combinations is wall draping with uplighting placed along the floor behind the fabric.
The lighting shines up through the drapes and adds colour and depth across the room. This works particularly well for weddings and gala events.
How Wall Draping Works?
How Wall Draping Works?
Wall draping is installed using freestanding structures designed specifically for events.
These systems usually consist of:
- heavy base plates to support the structure
- adjustable vertical poles
- horizontal bars that hold the fabric
The fabric panels are attached to the bars and spread evenly across the wall to create soft pleats.
Does Wall Draping Need to be Attached to Venue Walls?
Does Wall Draping Need to be Attached to Venue Walls?
No – In most cases of wall draping it will all be attached to its own custom rigging which can be adjusted in size. This then means it can be set up anywhere with no damage to the venue.
For roof draping the venues existing beams or hooks if the venue has them maybe suitable for attaching roof drape. If the venue doesn’t have any existing attachment points or beams it is usually very hard and expensive to do roof drape.
For more information about roof draping click here.
How Long Does Wall Draping Take to Install at Events?
How Long Does Wall Draping Take to Install at Events?
The installation time depends on the size of the room and how much draping is required.
As a rough guide:
Feature wall draping
Usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to install.
Partial room draping
Often takes around 2 to 4 hours depending on the length of the walls.
Full room draping
Large venues may require 4 to 8 hours and multiple staff.
Installation times also depend on access to the venue. Tight bump in windows or difficult loading areas can increase setup time and staff required.
Wall draping is usually installed during the main bump in period for the event.
Because it runs along the walls, it normally needs to go in before other styling elements such as tables, staging, or dance floors.
In many venues the installation happens:
- the morning of the event
- during the afternoon bump in period
- sometimes the day or night before if access allows
If a venue has very limited setup access, additional crew may be required to complete the installation quickly.
Types of Materials Used for Draping Weddings & Events In Melbourne:
Types of Materials Used for Draping Weddings & Events In Melbourne:
Most event draping uses lightweight fabrics because they hang well and work nicely with lighting. There is no hard rules on what type of material use and all these types of materials can be used for any type of wedding or event.
Common fabrics include:
Organza Fabric
A soft sheer fabric that creates smooth pleats and allows lighting to shine through.
Best for:
- weddings
- soft, elegant styling
- events using uplighting
Chiffon Fabric
Most commonly use chiffon drapes are lightweight and elegant, often used for wedding styling.
Best for:
- weddings
- classic and modern styles
- feature walls and backdrops
Velvet Fabric
For more dramatic looks, heavier fabrics like velvet are a versatile material commonly used for large installations and for events that want a more blocked out look. Velvet can also come in different types such as crushed or penne.
Best for:
- formal events
- darker or moodier styling
- blocking out walls completely
If you are planning a theme for your event metallic fabrics work well for these types of events. Silver colour works well for themes like disco, or space themes.
Best for:
- themed events
- high energy or party environments
- statement feature walls
Lycra Fabric
Lycra fabrics are becoming more popular for weddings as they create a more luxe look. Easy to scallop or pinch to create a unique wedding or event style.
Best for:
- modern weddings
- clean, structured looks
- custom draping styles
Sequin fabric is perfect is you like a bit of sparkle and your event to be more glitz and glam. This type of material works well with lighting and is perfect for weddings or themes like 1920s or Hollywood.
Best for:
- glam or luxury events
- weddings with a more styled look
- themes that need some bling
Typical Wall Draping Costs For Weddings & Events in Melbourne
Typical Wall Draping Costs For Weddings & Events in Melbourne
The cost of wall draping varies depending on the size of the space, ceiling height and installation complexity.
Typical price ranges in Melbourne for drapes:
Individual 3m high x 3m wide sections
Depending on material type –
Approximately $250 – $450 per 3m wide section.
This includes labour and rigging to hang drape.
Feature Wall Draping 3m – 4m Wide x 3m high
Depending on material type this could be scalloped, pinched or a mix of both and how many pieces of drape are required to create the look you want.
Approximately $750 – $1,000
This includes labour and rigging to hang drape.
Best suited for bridal table backdrops or photo walls.
Partial room draping
Often used to cover one or two sides of the room. Depending on material type.
Draped Wall 3m – 4m high x 10m wide
Approximately $1,500 – $2,000
This includes labour and rigging to hang drape.
Full room draping
Often used to cover all walls of your event space. Depending on material type.
Draped Wall 3m – 4m high x 40m wide wall coverage.
Approximately $6000 – $8,000+
This includes labour and rigging to hang drape.
What Can Affect the Cost of Hiring Drapes?
What Can Affect the Cost of Hiring Drapes?
Lighting is often an additional cost but significantly improves the overall result. A big thing to keep in mind is that if you don’t use any lighting to highlight drapes once the venue lights are turned down the drape can become less of a feature. As draping is not a cheap decorating item, hiring some lights to highlight your drape is definitely a good investment.
Pinching and Scalloping – If you want your draping to be more dramatic and visually stimulating you can have the option of pinching and scalloping which can add more cost.
Room size
The longer the walls, the more fabric and rigging equipment is required.
Ceiling height
Higher ceilings require taller structures and additional fabric.
Venue access
Short bump in windows or difficult access points may require more crew.
Custom styling
Layered draping designs or custom sizes involve additional labour and costs.
Colour Of Drapes
If you are wanting a drape that is a unique or non-standard colour this may need to be custom made for you which can increase price. The upside to this though is your wedding or event will be more unique as it’s not something that everyone else is using.
Damage waiver and delivery costs are all extra on top of these prices and will depend on location.
Most Melbourne venues can accommodate wall draping, but there are a few things to check first.
Good questions to ask your venue include:
- What is the ceiling height of the room?
- Are freestanding structures allowed?
- When is bump in and out access available?
- Are there any fire safety requirements?
- Are there areas where installations are restricted?
Answering these questions early helps avoid surprises later in the planning process.
Can Draping Be Done Outside at Melbourne Weddings & Events?
Can Draping Be Done Outside at Melbourne Weddings & Events?
Can Draping be Done in Your Melbourne Venue?
Can Draping be Done in Your Melbourne Venue?
Outdoor draping is possible, but it comes with additional challenges. With Melbourne weather being so unpredictable sometimes it can definately be a challenge to use draping outside.There are many great images on Pinterest of drapes set up outside but in reality, draping events outdoors comes with a lot of possible issues.
Wind is the biggest issue, as large fabric panels can act like sails. Because of this, outdoor draping usually requires additional anchoring or structural support.
Even with heavy duty structures it is still very hard to stop drapes flapping which make it both visually less appealing but also annoying from a noise perspective of drapes flapping constantly.
Unless the wind is very light to no existent or your space is highly sheltered from wind for the whole time your event is running, it is very had to not have issues with drape outside.
Rain is also a problem to consider as it can ruin the look of the drape if it gets wet and, in some cases, can ruin the drape depending on the material.
Dirt or dirty surfaces outside that the bottom of the drape maybe touching can also cause issues and damage to drapes.
In many cases, draping is installed within marquees or covered structures rather than fully exposed outdoor spaces. In all honesty unless your whole event is outdoors from a value for money point of view, you are best to have the draping inside where your guests will see it the most.
Common Wall Draping Mistakes Clients Make
Common Wall Draping Mistakes Clients Make
Wall draping can make a big difference to a space, but there are a few common mistakes that can limit the result or lead to unnecessary costs.
1 – Not Using Lighting with Draping
This is the most common mistake.
Without lighting, wall draping can fade into the background once the venue lights are dimmed. It becomes less visible and doesn’t have the same impact.
With even simple uplighting, the draping becomes a feature of the room and adds depth, colour and atmosphere.
2 – Draping Too Little of the Room
Only draping one wall can sometimes make the rest of the space stand out more.
If other walls in the venue are visually distracting, leaving them exposed can take away from the overall look.
In many cases, it’s better to either:
- focus on a strong feature area
- or commit to covering the key walls properly
3 – Ignoring Ceiling Height
Ceiling height plays a big role in how draping looks.
In very tall venues, standard draping may not fully cover the wall or may not create the effect you’re expecting.
This can sometimes be solved with feature draping, layered designs, or combining with lighting rather than trying to cover everything.
4 – Underestimating Setup Time
Wall draping is not a quick install, especially for larger spaces.
It needs to be planned around:
- venue access times
- loading conditions
- other suppliers setting up
Leaving it too late in the schedule can create unnecessary pressure or require additional staff to complete the setup in time.
5 – Assuming Draping Works Easily Outdoors
Draping outside is much more complicated than it looks.
Wind is the biggest issue, as fabric can move constantly and affect both the look and noise of the event. Rain and dirt can also damage the material.
Unless the area is well sheltered or covered, outdoor draping is usually not the most practical option.
6 – Focusing on Fabric Instead of the Overall Look
Many people spend time choosing the exact fabric but don’t think about how the draping fits into the overall design of the event.
The final result is usually a combination of:
- draping
- lighting
- layout
- surrounding styling
Getting these elements working together will have a much bigger impact than the fabric choice alone.
Best Melbourne Venues to Use Wall Draping:
Best Melbourne Venues to Use Wall Draping:
Wall draping can work well in many Melbourne venues, particularly larger function spaces.
Some venues where draping is commonly used include:
- And many more
In these venues, draping is often used to soften large walls, create stage backdrops or introduce colour through draping.
Wall Draping vs Other Backdrop Hire Options:
Wall Draping vs Other Backdrop Hire Options:
If you’re looking to improve how your venue looks, wall draping is just one option. There are a few other ways to treat walls or create backdrops, and each has its place depending on the style and budget of your event.
Here’s how wall draping compares to other common options.
- Wall Draping
Wall draping uses fabric to cover large sections of wall space and create a clean, consistent backdrop.
Best for:
- covering large areas
- softening the room
- creating a neutral base for lighting and styling
Pros:
- flexible and can be installed in most venues
- works well with lighting
- scalable from small feature areas to full rooms
- hides walls, mirrors and architectural features
Things to consider:
- lighting is usually needed to get the full effect
- requires setup time and access
- Floral Walls or Greenery Backdrops
Floral walls or greenery installations are often used as feature backdrops.
Best for:
- photo areas
- bridal table backdrops
- statement styling moments
Pros:
- visually striking
- adds texture and colour
- works well for photos
Things to consider:
- usually limited to smaller areas
- higher cost per metre compared to draping
- not practical for full room coverage
- Hard Panel Backdrops
This includes timber panels, printed walls, or custom built structures.
Best for:
- corporate branding
- structured or themed designs
- stage backdrops
Pros:
- clean and structured look
- can include signage or graphics
- durable and reusable
Things to consider:
- less flexible than fabric
- harder to adapt to different wall lengths
- can feel more rigid depending on the design
- LED Walls or Screens
LED walls are often used for high end events, presentations or entertainment.
Best for:
- corporate events
- product launches
- high-impact visuals
Pros:
- dynamic content and visuals
- strong visual impact
- can be used for presentations or entertainment
Things to consider:
- significantly higher cost
- not designed to cover entire rooms
- more technical setup required
- Painted or Existing Venue Walls
Some venues rely on their existing walls or styling.
Best for:
- venues with strong existing design
- minimal styling setups
Pros:
- no additional cost
- quick setup
Things to consider:
- limited control over the final look
- may not suit your event style
- difficult to create a consistent atmosphere
Which Draping is Right for Your Melbourne Wedding or Event?
Which Draping is Right for Your Melbourne Wedding or Event?
In most cases, wall draping is the most practical option when you want to improve the overall look of a room.
It works particularly well when:
- you need to cover large areas
- the venue walls don’t suit your style
- you want to introduce lighting and atmosphere
Other options like floral walls or panels are often used alongside draping rather than instead of it, especially for feature areas.
The right option depends on how much of the room you want to transform and how important the backdrop is to your overall event design.
If you are interested in roof draping for weddings or events in Melbourne, click here.
Why Choose Feel Good Events for Event & Wedding Draping Hire?
Why Choose Feel Good Events for Event & Wedding Draping Hire?
At Feel Good Events we install professional draping for weddings, corporate events and private parties across Melbourne.
Our team has extensive experience working in many local venues and understands the logistics involved with installing large draping setups.
We also integrate draping with lighting and other styling elements, so the entire space works together visually.
If you’re considering wall draping for your wedding or event, we can help you determine the best approach based on your venue, style and budget.
Get a Quote for Wall Draping Hire in Melbourne
Get a Quote for Wall Draping Hire in Melbourne
Wall draping pricing depends heavily on the size of the space, the style of draping and the logistics of your venue.
To give you an accurate quote without going back and forth multiple times, we’ll need the details below upfront.
What We Need to Quote Your Draping:
- Event date
- Venue name and location
- Access time for setup
- Pack down or collection time
- Wall lengths you want draped
- Wall height
- Any doorways or access points that need to stay clear
- Type of draping style (pleated, pinched, scalloped or unsure)
- Preferred fabric type
- Colour of draping
- Whether you want lighting included
If you don’t have all of this yet, that’s fine, just send what you do have and we can guide you from there.
Send Through Your Details
Send Through Your Details
If you’re ready, send through your event details and we’ll come back to you with a tailored recommendation and quote.
FAQ Section
FAQ Section
How much does wall draping cost for a wedding in Melbourne?
Wall draping typically ranges from $600 for small feature areas to $8,000+ for full room installations. The cost depends on wall size, ceiling height, fabric type and installation time.
Can wall draping be installed in any venue?
Most venues can accommodate wall draping using freestanding rigging systems. However, it’s important to check ceiling height, access times and any venue restrictions before booking.
Do you need lighting with wall draping?
Yes, lighting makes a big difference. Without lighting, draping can become less visible once the venue lights are dimmed. With uplighting, the draping becomes a key feature of the room.
How long does it take to install wall draping?
Installation can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on the size of the space and access conditions. Larger venues or tight setup windows may require more staff.
Can wall draping hide mirrors and windows?
Yes, wall draping is commonly used to cover mirrors, ugly venue features, windows and other features that don’t suit the event styling.
Can you use wall draping outdoors?
It is possible, but not ideal. Wind, rain and uneven surfaces can create issues. Draping works best in indoor venues or within covered structures like marquees.
What height can wall draping go to?
Most standard systems can cover walls up to 3m to 4m high. Taller installations are possible but may require custom rigging and additional cost.
Is wall draping worth it?
Wall draping is worth it when the venue walls don’t suit your event style or when you want to create a more controlled and cohesive look. It is one of the most effective ways to change the atmosphere of a room.
What is the difference between wall draping and ceiling draping?
Wall draping covers the walls of the venue, while ceiling draping is installed overhead. Wall draping softens the room and creates a backdrop, while ceiling draping creates a more dramatic visual feature.
When should I book wall draping for my event?
It’s best to organise draping once your venue is confirmed and you have a clear idea of your layout and styling. This allows accurate quoting and planning around venue access times.
