No budget? No problem. Contrary to what the wedding industry might want you to think, it’s possible to plan the outdoor wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune.
From choosing your venue to selecting your decorations and everything in between, there are many ways to DIY your outdoor wedding. These creative and effective ideas will help you cut costs so you can enjoy your special day to the fullest, whether your wedding is months away or just around the corner.
Venue selection
Did you know that the average couple spends around $12,800 on their wedding venue, according to a study conducted by The Knot? It’s no surprise that many couples might want to lower prices. Hosting your wedding in a public space or backyard is a clever way to save money without compromising quality.
Although easily overlooked, local parks are excellent options for outdoor weddings. If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, you may also want to consider hosting your wedding there. Just check whether your local authorities require any permits.
Backyard weddings are a cozy, intimate option for those looking to maximize charm and minimize costs. Don’t have your own backyard? Your friends or relatives might be willing to host. You can also look into renting a backyard through a third-party online platform at a much lower cost than a traditional venue.
Decorations
From fairy lights to fresh flowers, there are seemingly limitless options available for your wedding decor. Instead of purchasing items that may only be used once, think about creative ways to reduce your decor costs.
Leah Ingram, author of 15 books on shopping, wedding planning, gift giving and saving money, recalls how she made the most out of her wedding decorations. “At my wedding reception, my mother and I potted perennial flowers and clustered them at the center of each table,” remembers Leah. “During the event, they were the decorations.” And when the wedding was over? “We asked the guests to take them home so they could plant them in their gardens.”
Something old, something borrowed
Check local resale, trade and buy-nothing groups to see if any gently used decorations are available at lower prices. If you live in a major city, contact wedding rental services to see whether their prices make sense for your budget.
Don’t be shy to ask your friends and family if they have extra decorations to loan you for the big day. Golden Christmas lights, for example, are beautiful additions to an evening reception outdoors.
Willing to try out the DIY life?
Handmade decorations are a thoughtful way to add a personal touch to your celebrations. They can also be a fun activity for your wedding party to create together. A balloon arch, homemade signs, floral centerpieces made from thrifted bottles, DIY paper flowers and handwritten name cards are just a few of the many decorations you and your friends can make.
Catering and food
A wedding reception just wouldn’t be complete without food. But with the average cost of catering at $85 a head, according to The Knot, can you serve your guests a high-quality meal while keeping prices down?
Leah’s secret weapon for entertaining a crowd is wholesale clubs like Costco and BJ’s. “Use your membership to get wine and spirits on the cheap,” she advises. “They have some of the best prices around.”
Plus, you might be able to find a “super affordable” cake while you’re there. “Sure, it won’t have the layers traditional wedding cakes have,” Leah says. “But those cakes are delicious.”
Potluck style
If you’re planning a backyard wedding, lean into the casual atmosphere by inviting guests to bring their favorite dishes to a collective buffet. Have some ideas ready for guests who might feel unsure about what to contribute. A wedding charcuterie board, for example, is an easy crowd-pleaser. At the end of the night, encourage everyone to swap dishes so that each guest takes home something new.
Backyard barbecue
Who can say no to an I Do BBQ? From hamburgers to faux-burgers to grilled seafood, there are a plethora of options to satisfy any guest. Elevate your menu by adding some unique dressings and sides. For example, tiger sauce pairs well with any type of protein. Bonus points: provide disposable bibs and wet wipes to help your guests keep themselves spotless.
Drinks
When planning your food menu, don’t overlook drinks. Batched cocktails or mocktails in large pitchers are a great option for a crowd. Offering bottled or canned drinks? Embrace the backyard vibe by filling a wheelbarrow with ice to make a DIY drinks cooler.
Apparel
Finding the perfect outfit for the big day can be a lot of fun — or a lot of financial stress. Thankfully, thrift stores, online marketplaces and your family’s closets are all more affordable places to shop for wedding attire.
Don’t give up on a custom fit just because you aren’t buying apparel from a bridal boutique. If you buy clothes off-the-rack or second-hand, you can invest some of the money you saved in alterations at your local tailor.
Photography
Instead of a professional photographer, consider hiring a talented photography student to capture your big day. Or, for a more personal touch, purchase some disposable cameras for your guests to enjoy in the moment.
Wedding favors
Continue the DIY theme by creating handmade favors for your guests. Homemade jams, seed packets, soaps and body scrubs are all cost-effective ideas that your guests will actually use.
Closing thoughts
An outdoor wedding, from its natural decor to its casual setting, is the perfect way to throw a budget-friendly bash. But with a million and one details to plan, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. When you look back on your big day, will you regret not spending thousands of dollars on custom floral centerpieces? No — you’ll remember celebrating with your friends and family without any worries. And most of all, you’ll remember that a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to break the bank.
Jessica Haggard is the creator of the blog Easy Homemade Life. She inspires and supports homemakers with easy recipes, natural home cleaning tips and DIY tutorials for personal care products to promote a happy and healthy home environment.