16 Backyard Wedding Ideas on a Budget—Straight From the Pros

One of the best parts about planning a wedding? It's all about you and your significant other. When you have a backyard wedding, it's even more about you because it offers you more flexibility to have your wedding look exactly how you want it and to incorporate backyard wedding ideas on a budget. At an official venue, you might have to compromise on colors, look, feel, vibe, food options, etc., but when you do it in a backyard, you're creating your entire look and feel from the ground up. A home wedding can also add sentimental value. "Hosting your wedding in a backyard, especially if it's a family home, adds an emotional layer to your special day," says Jennifer Cortiella of Jennifer Cortiella Photography based in South Florida. "The place where you exchange vows will hold a deeper meaning because of the personal connection to the location."

Of course, planning a backyard wedding from the ground up can cost quite a bit, so we tapped the experts for some wedding ideas on a budget you can totally steal. Then head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to hire pros to help make it happen. As you incorporate the ideas below, explore average wedding costs near you with The Knot Budget Tool.

1. DIY Decorations

Having a backyard wedding means there aren't built-in decorations like there might be at an all-inclusive venue, but that doesn't mean it'll be expensive to have them. "You can create a magical atmosphere by using DIY decorations such as string lights, lanterns and candles," Cortiella recommends. "Upcycle items like old jars, vases and wood pallets for rustic centerpieces or signs. Start by shopping at dollar stores, thrift shops or online marketplaces for affordable items. Enlist the help of friends or family members for a fun crafting night to create personalized decorations that fit your wedding theme."

2. Simple and Elegant Florals

The cost of wedding flowers can easily stack up, but you don't have to sacrifice them completely. "Instead of hiring a florist, consider buying flowers in bulk from a local market or wholesaler," Cortiella advises. "You can create your own bouquets and arrangements using seasonal blooms, which tend to be more affordable and plentiful." Worried you don't have what it takes to arrange them yourself? "Ask a friend with a knack for arranging flowers to help you on the wedding day or watch tutorials online to create your arrangements."

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3. Repurpose Furniture

You don't have to rent furniture if you have stuff around the house that can easily be repurposed for your affordable backyard wedding. "Move outdoor furniture like benches, picnic tables or patio chairs into your wedding space. For additional comfort, add throw pillows and blankets," Cortiella says. "Mix and match seating options to create a cozy, eclectic vibe or borrow items from friends to fill in any gaps." Consider this an opportunity to create your own aesthetic with meaningful items that double as inexpensive wedding decorations.

4. Customized Decor

You can still opt for personalized decor on a budget. "A couple of ideas could be to customize smaller items like handkerchiefs for you and your partner," recommends Colleen Corcoran, owner of The Handkerchief Shop. "Instead of customizing linens for all of your guests, customize items only for the wedding party or head table."

5. Tent Plan

The weather is unpredictable, so you should be prepared with a backup plan in case it doesn't cooperate on the day of your backyard wedding. "Have a backup plan like renting a tent or setting up a covered area in case of rain or excessive sun. Portable fans or heaters can also help guests stay comfortable," Cortiella says. Head here to find a tent rental near you.

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6. Potluck Style Catering

Catering can easily eat up a large portion of your budget, especially if you're having a wedding in a backyard where a makeshift kitchen needs to be built. "Create a menu and assign dishes to different people based on their strengths," Cortiella recommends. "You can provide the main course or beverages while your guests bring sides, appetizers or desserts. Be sure to coordinate so there's a balanced variety of food." Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or serving a themed menu, this is a great way to involve your guests in a unique and heartwarming way.

7. Provide Alcohol

Instead of hiring a bartending service that brings their own alcohol with higher price tags, consider a BYOB situation as a backyard wedding reception idea on a budget. "Provide mixers, non-alcoholic beverages and glassware. Set up a self-serve bar with ice buckets and label stations to make it easy for guests to mix their drinks," Cortiella suggests.

8. Use a Venue's Backyard

Don't have access to a backyard or one that fits the number of guests you desire? Don't worry, there are plenty of venues available with their own backyards so you can still fulfill your dream of an intimate, backyard wedding.

9. Involve Your Pets

One of the perks of getting married in a private backyard? Animals are definitely allowed. If you've got pups, cats or any other kind of animal, you can incorporate them into the wedding. They can serve as the flower girl, ring bearer or even join the wedding party. The best part is that when they're done with their role in the wedding, they can head back inside the house and rest knowing they crushed their role.

10. Throw an After-Party

At traditional venues, they typically have a time that you have to leave so they can begin the clean-up process. However, in a backyard wedding, you can stay as long as you'd like. "You have more control over the timeline of your wedding," Cortiella says. "You can start the celebration earlier or continue it late into the evening without worrying about curfews or closing times." Once the band or DJ closes up shop, you and your late-night party guests can take on the role of DJ. Order some food and dance the night away.

11. Incorporate Yard Games

It's only natural that a backyard wedding would also have backyard wedding games. Cornhole, bocce, life-size Jenga and horseshoes are all fun options to put out for people to play during cocktail hour. It's also a great thing to keep out during the wedding for those who'd prefer not to dance or want a break.

12. Have a Campfire

Another affordable backyard wedding idea with a more relaxed vibe is gathering around the campfire and roasting s'mores. Once the dancing is done, circle up by the fire with your nearest and dearest. Play some chill music and enjoy some sweet treats.

13. Get Ready in Your House

Whether it's your home or your spouse's home, there's something so sentimental about getting ready at a house versus a hotel or wedding venue. Enjoy all the comforts of home while you prepare for your big day. You can also easily run back into the house if you have an outfit change or want to put more comfortable shoes on.

14. Use the House as a Photo Backdrop

Make sure you include getting a picture of you and your significant other in front of your home on your photography checklist. If it's your childhood home, get pictures with your parents and siblings for an emotional moment.

15. Make the Front Door Your Entrance

Looking for a unique grand entrance idea? Just walk out your front door. Set the ceremony up on the front lawn and emerge from the front door for your big walk down the aisle.

16. Incorporate Decor From Home

For a backyard wedding decoration idea on a budget, use old pictures of you as a kid, keepsakes that are a meaningful part of your life and tableware you've used every holiday. These are just a few ways to incorporate sentimental things into your wedding day decor. Anything that has meaning behind it will only make the day that much more special.