Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget That Will Still Wow Guests
There are plenty of reasons to limit a budget for a wedding, and doing so can set a couple up for financial success in married life. That is probably why you've ended up here, searching for outdoor wedding ideas on a budget. We have our favorite ways to decorate, entertain and host a wedding outside that won't leave your accounts empty.
In addition, NYC-based wedding florist Courtney Bowden of Courtney Bowden Designs shared with us some top tips to keep outdoor weddings affordable, something close to her heart as she specializes in micro-weddings, elopements and similar intimate events in the Big Apple. So, at the end of this, you will feel confident in your outdoor wedding planning knowing that it is possible to have the day of your dreams without spending more than you need.
1. Choose an Affordable Outdoor Venue
One of the first steps of any kind of wedding planning is finding the right venue to accommodate your guest list. By looking for outdoor wedding venues with low rental fees, you'll save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. To help with your search, enter your marrying location on The Knot Vendor Marketplace and sort by "outdoor space" where you can choose either "outdoor event space", "covered outdoors space" or both. The best venues for affordable wedding planning are often community centers, religious buildings, parks, campgrounds and summer camps.
2. Opt for a Venue With Natural Beauty
While there can be a lot of expectations to go above and beyond with decor at any venue, choosing a naturally gorgeous outdoor spot will allow you to cut down your decor budget drastically. Bowden shares that, "depending on where you live, this could be on the beach, near the mountain range or in front of your neighbor's beautiful ivy-covered fence in their backyard." Tying the knot at a state park with a wildflower field or a local flower farm is one of the best outdoor wedding ideas for spring on a budget as you let nature do the decorating for you.
3. Keep the Party Small
When you're wondering how to save money on a wedding, the number one recommendation is usually to cut down your guest list. This minimizes costs across the board, from favors and food to flowers. Bowden suggests having "a small, intimate style ceremony at a city park, the courtyard of a beautiful restaurant in town or on a scenic street downtown. This way you won't have to worry about decorating a huge area."
She also notes this will allow you to invest in other areas, encouraging to-be-weds to "put that money towards the amazing photographer that was once out of your budget and get them to take stunning photos of the ceremony portion of the day. Have your floral designer go crazy making a bouquet that is beyond your wildest dreams now that you don't need a whole church decorated."
4. Repurpose Bridesmaid Bouquets as Table Centerpieces
If you have a large bridal party, you'll likely have quite a few beautiful bouquets that are only used for a few minutes during the ceremony. Rather than letting those bouquet's artistry go to waste, put them in a vase and use them as table centerpieces or accent pieces on the buffet.
5. Entertain Guests with Outdoor Games
Wedding receptions typically involve food and dancing, but that doesn't mean yours has to. Bowden encourages couples to "use outdoor games for reception entertainment. Have your guests bring their favorite outdoor activities to set up and play (like bocce ball, corn hole, spike ball, etc). It adds to a fun vibe much more than an empty dance floor!" If you're really feeling spunky, bring out games that would typically stay indoors, like foosball, ping pong or even a pool table.
6. Hire a Wedding Planner Who Adores Budget-Conscious Outdoor Weddings
It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a wedding planner when you're being budget-conscious, but these wedding experts are here for a reason. They know which vendors have lower prices without compromising on quality and how to prioritize getting you the day you want without getting pulled into excessive trends or contracts that break the bank.
7. Budget First, Spend Second
When you first enter into an engagement, it may be tempting to rush to make your first few purchases. However, by making your budget first using The Knot Budget Tool, you'll keep yourself from splurging on something that may not be as important to you as something else.
8. Choose a Weekend (or Weekday) Outside of Busy Season
While having a fall wedding in an apple orchard or a spring wedding in a tulip field sounds gorgeous, these are the peak seasons for these outdoor wedding venues, pushing rental costs to their highest. To avoid this, Bowden urges couples to "pick a weekend not in busy season, which is different for every area, but spring and fall are typically high seasons for weddings. Pricing and availability may be more flexible and vendors will likely be more willing to book a smaller budget wedding during that time than during high season." Alternatively, you can inquire about hosting a small wedding during the week, which is one of our favorite outdoor fall wedding ideas on a budget if you want to take advantage of the natural beauty of the season.
9. Lean Into Decor That Doesn't Wilt
Often, the most expensive part of the decor is florals. However, there are many inexpensive wedding decorations that still create an elevated ambiance to your day. Consider seasonal fruit, lanterns and candles or second-hand wedding decor you find from a friend or online to spruce up your outdoor tablescapes without spending more at the florist.
10. Keep Your Ceremony and Reception in the Same Spot
Many couples have to budget for wedding transportation when their ceremony and reception are in different spots or if their after-party is far away from their guests' overnight accommodations. To avoid this unnecessary budget line, keep your ceremony and reception close to each other. Feel free to ask your groomsmen to carry chairs from the ceremony to the reception to cut down on your rental needs as well.
11. Rent a Tent as Your Rain Plan
For any outdoor wedding, you need a rain plan. Many venues have a pavilion or indoor space prepped for bad weather, but many couples opt for renting a tent. On The Knot Vendor Marketplace, you can filter for tent rentals after entering your location. Many companies will allow you to cancel a few days out if you're positive you'll have blue skies on your wedding day. Have a few wedding tent decorations ready if you need them and you're good to go.
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12. Bring in a Food Truck
Catering is often one of the pricier components of a wedding budget, so many couples are opting to bring in a food truck to keep costs low at their outdoor wedding. This has a more casual feel but can still be incredibly festive. From your favorite taco truck or smoked BBQ trailer, there are so many budget-friendly options nowadays with incredible food that can feed a crowd.
13. Create Natural Escort and Table Cards
An affordable wedding doesn't mean you need to forgo classic wedding things, such as escort cards. Rather than splurging on a crazy display, lean into your outdoor wedding style and choose sturdy leaves or smooth river rocks to serve as an escort or table cards. Use a gold or silver permanent marker to stylize the names onto the leaf and use rocks to keep them from blowing away. Not only is it on theme, but this outdoor wedding reception idea on a budget doesn't cost a penny.
14. Use Circular Ceremony Seating or Have Most Guests Stand
The larger the ceremony, the more amplification and seating you need to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. However, you can get creative by hosting a circular wedding ceremony, giving all of your guests first or second-row seats and nixing the cost of microphones or speakers at your ceremony. Depending on your guests, you can also opt for a short, standing ceremony with seats reserved for those who need them.
15. Host a Bonfire With S'mores
Reception entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes, especially when you have plenty of space out of doors. Having a bonfire with s'mores for dessert is one of the more popular outdoor wedding ideas for summer on a budget. Not only will guests be entranced by the dancing flames, but a s'more bar with fun topping options is an instant hit with young and old alike. Plus, your catering team won't have to worry about keeping icing from melting on a pricey wedding cake.
16. Simplicity and Minimalism Are the Name of the Game
When it comes to planning an affordable wedding, remember the phrase "less is more." Opt for a few single-stem centerpieces or bridesmaid bouquets if there's a flower you really want to incorporate. In addition, use one or two main statement floral pieces rather than trying to put a little bit everywhere. Remember, you can reuse an archway from your ceremony as a photo booth backdrop or a spot to tuck your sweetheart table during the reception.
17. Opt for String Lights Over a Tent
A wedding tent can provide shade and rain protection on blustery days, but they are often not necessary if your wedding day is full of blue skies. So, if you're sure a tent will not be needed, hang string lights between trees to accentuate your reception space. Not only are they reusable, but they add a cozy, romantic feeling to the night.
18. Use Indoor Items as Outdoor Decor
Having an affordable wedding often means thinking outside the box, and we love this next idea. Bring your typically indoor items outside to create defined spaces. This looks like a few comfy rugs and pillows for a casual seating area or an antique dresser holding desserts at a rustic wedding. Either way, this is one of the more out-of-the-box outdoor wedding reception ideas on a budget.
19. Make a Signature Cocktail
No surprise, a wedding's alcohol tab can run up pretty quickly. While some couples choose to forgo alcohol altogether or limit options to only beer and wine, creating an inexpensive signature cocktail is another great option when it comes to small outdoor wedding ideas on a budget. By controlling the liquor and strength in the cocktail, your budget will be lower but guests can still enjoy a taste of what you love.
20. Focus on Local, Outdoor-Friendly Food
Is there a popular, local cuisine where you're getting married? If so, that means there is plenty of competition around to have the best food at the best price, making this a simple outdoor wedding idea on a budget. Whether this looks like barbeque pork and creamed corn, carne asada tacos or a seafood boil, fresh, local food options are often the way to stay on budget.
21. Use Potted Plants Instead of Custom Floral Arrangements
While this would work for any outdoor wedding, we love using potted plants as decor for those looking for backyard wedding ideas on a budget. Use greenery like herbs, succulents, bonsai or even mini trees for decor at your ceremony and reception before gifting them to the home's owner as a thank you for sharing their space. Depending on your choice, this can also double as favors for all your guests.
22. Create a Ceremony Arch Out of Something You Already Have
When looking for outdoor wedding ceremony decoration ideas on a budget, it's important to take stock of what you already own or can borrow from friends. If you have a rustic or garden theme, a beautiful tree or wood ladder with a cross beam can easily become a beautiful backdrop. Add in a few fairy lights and some greenery if needed and you're set with one of the top rustic outdoor wedding ideas on a budget.