When you’re planning your wedding, the first thing you think of is probably how much it’s going to cost. Weddings can be very expensive, but they don’t have to be. If you’re looking for the best outdoor wedding ideas on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss ways that you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. We’ll discuss everything from choosing a venue to selecting decorations, food and drink, and photography. So whether you’re just getting started with your wedding planning or are looking for some last-minute cheap wedding ideas, read on and get inspired for your big day.
Why An Outdoor Wedding Is A Great Idea
Outdoor weddings are a great option for couples on a budget. Venue costs can be significantly cheaper than renting a traditional indoor space, and décor costs are often lower as well. Plus, there are plenty of ways to save on other wedding expenses when you have an outdoor wedding. For example, you may be able to forego hiring a professional photographer in favor of a friend or family member with a good camera. Additionally, you can take advantage of the natural beauty of your surroundings and forego expensive floral arrangements. Ultimately, an outdoor wedding can help you keep your wedding costs down while still allowing you to have a beautiful and memorable day.
How To Plan An Outdoor Wedding On A Budget
Once you’ve decided that an outdoor wedding is right for you, it’s time to start planning. Here are a few tips to help you plan an outdoor wedding on a budget:
Choosing A Venue
When planning a wedding, there are many factors to consider, and one of the most important is the venue. Out of all the expenses that come with planning a wedding, the cost of the venue is often one of the most significant. After all, the venue sets the tone for the whole event, so it’s important to choose a location that is in keeping with the style and theme of your wedding. However, the price tag for many popular venues can be quite daunting. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to choose a budget-friendly option.
First, consider the time of year. An outdoor wedding in the middle of summer will be very different from one in the spring or fall. Make sure you choose a wedding date that will be comfortable for your guests, as well as for yourself. To save money, you should also consider having your wedding during an off-peak time of year. Many event venues offer discounts for weddings that take place during shoulder season or winter.
Second, consider the weather. Even if you’re getting married in a location with mild weather, there’s always the chance of rain or other inclement weather. Be sure to have a backup plan in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on your big day. If there is likely to be rain, it’s a good idea to choose a venue that has a good amount of covered outdoor space or even an indoor space that can be used if it starts to rain.
Third, consider the cost. Outdoor venues can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. If you’re working with a tight budget, there are still plenty of beautiful, affordable wedding venues that won’t break the bank. To keep it budget-friendly, choose a venue that doesn’t require too much in the way of decorations. A simple garden or park setting can be just as beautiful as a more elaborate outdoor space. Additionally, consider renting a space that you already have access to, such as a family member’s home or backyard. This can help you save even more on your venue costs.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many cheap wedding venues are open to working with couples to create a package that fits their budget. When choosing an outdoor venue for your wedding, keep all of these factors in mind to find the perfect place and ensure that your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of.
Selecting A Theme
After you’ve chosen your outdoor wedding venue, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding theme. A good place to start is by considering the time of year and the weather conditions on your chosen date. For example, a summer wedding might have a more laid-back, beachy vibe, while a spring wedding could be more formal and elegant.
Once you’ve considered the season, start thinking about what kind of overall mood you want to create for your wedding. Are you dreaming of a rustic affair with lots of natural elements, or a more glamorous event with sparkling lights and décor? Once you have a general idea of the mood you want to create, you can start narrowing down your choices for a wedding theme.
Some popular outdoor wedding themes include:
- Rustic chic
- Garden party
- Bohemian
- Beachy
- Woodland fairy tale
- Summer picnic
Attire
After you’ve chosen your venue and your theme, it’s time to start thinking about what you and your wedding party will wear to the big day. With the average cost of a wedding now exceeding $20,300, it’s no wonder that more and more couples are looking for ways to cut costs. One area where you can save some money is on the attire for you and your wedding party.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing budget-friendly clothing. First, consider the season and weather conditions. A summer wedding will be much hotter than a spring or fall affair, so lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton are a good choice. A warm-weather wedding means that you’ll require fewer layers, which can be one way to save money.
Secondly, think about the level of formality you want for your wedding. A casual backyard barbecue will require different attire than a formal ballroom affair, and generally less formal weddings will require less expensive attire.
Finally, consider the brand and where you plan to buy your attire. There are plenty of high-end brands that sell beautiful, well-made clothing, but you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to get good-quality clothing. There are also plenty of budget-friendly retailers that sell stylish wedding attire, so do some research to find the best option for you.
Some of our favorite affordable wedding dress and attire stores include:
- Lulus: A popular retailer for affordable, stylish dresses. Lulu’s has a huge range of affordable wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and clothing for wedding guests.
- ASOS: Another great option for affordable wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. ASOS also has a wide range of clothing for men, making it a one-stop-shop for all your wedding attire needs.
- Zara: A popular fast-fashion retailer that sells stylish clothing for men and women. While you won’t find a huge selection of formalwear, Zara is a great place to find more casual wedding attire.
Decorations
Outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a unique and beautiful setting for exchanging vows. However, decorating for an outdoor wedding can be expensive, as you have to take into account the possibility of inclement weather.
One way to save money on wedding decor is to focus on the essentials. For example, you may want to splurge on a beautiful archway or gazebo for the ceremony but forego the expensive floral arrangements. Instead, opt for simple decor that can be easily removed if necessary, such as ribbons, string lights, and lanterns.
Another affordable way to decorate is by using items that you already have on hand. If you have any old vases, bottles, or mason jars, they can be repurposed as centerpieces or candle holders.
You can also take advantage of the natural beauty of your surroundings by using potted plants and trees to create an organic feel. Alternatively, you could use branches, leaves, and flowers to create beautiful natural centerpieces and bouquets rather than opting for traditional wedding flowers.
Finally, don’t forget the power of bargain shopping. Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and online classifieds for affordable decor options.
With a little creativity, you can create stunning outdoor wedding decorations on a small budget.
Photography
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important to capture the memories in photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
While professional wedding photography can be expensive, there are a few ways to save money on this essential service.
First, consider hiring a student or amateur photographer. While they may not have the same level of experience as a professional, they will be able to capture beautiful photos at a fraction of the cost.
Another way to save money is to forgo traditional wedding photos and opt for candid shots instead. Maybe even opt for a photo booth. This can be a great way to capture the natural emotions of your wedding day.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of technology and use your own camera or smartphone to take photos. With the right editing software, you can create beautiful DIY wedding photos that will cost you nothing.
Entertainment
Your wedding day is all about celebrating your love, so be sure to choose entertainment that reflects your relationship.
One way to personalize your wedding entertainment that won’t cost any extra is to create a playlist of your favorite songs. This can be a great way to get everyone on the dance floor, and it will be a fun reminder of your big day every time you hear one of the songs.
Another way to add personalization is to choose entertainment that reflects your hobbies and interests. For example, if you and your partner love to dance, you could hire a dance instructor to give everyone a lesson before the reception.
If you’re looking for something more unique, consider hiring a local band or DJ. This can be a great way to support your community and get everyone in the party mood without needing to spend a lot of money.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of free entertainment options. Many cities and towns offer outdoor concerts and movies in the park during the summer months. These can be great alternatives to more traditional wedding reception entertainment.
Food And Drinks
No wedding is complete without food and drink, but these essential elements can also be some of the most expensive.
One way to save money on food is to choose a venue that allows you to bring your own. This can be a great way to get the food you want without spending a fortune.
Another way to save money is to choose a buffet-style meal instead of a sit-down dinner. You could even hire a food truck to cater your wedding. These can both be great ways to feed a large number of people without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on drinks, consider offering a limited selection of beer and wine instead of a full bar. This can be a great way to keep your guests happy without spending a lot of money.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the many free and low-cost drink options that are available. Water, tea, and coffee are always great options, and you can find many delicious recipes for homemade punch online.
Wedding Cake
Your wedding cake is one of the most important aspects of your big day. Not only does it provide a delicious dessert for your guests, but it also serves as a beautiful centerpiece. Of course, you want to make sure that your cake is perfect, but you may not want to spend a fortune on it. Here are some tips for finding a wedding cake that you love without breaking the bank.
Start by doing some research. Look at photos of cakes online or in magazines to get an idea of the style you like. Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start shopping around.
Talk to your friends and family members who have recently gotten married. They may be able to recommend a great bakery or tell you about their own experiences. Some bakeries will offer discounts for referrals so be sure to ask if this is something they would be willing to do once you find a bakery you like.
Get quotes from several different bakeries before making your final decision. Be sure to ask about any discounts or specials that they might be offering. Also, consider smaller home bakers as they may be willing to work with you to create a custom cake within your budget.
Don’t forget about the little details. The way your cake is decorated can have a big impact on the overall cost. Simple designs are often more affordable than elaborate ones.
Remember, your wedding cake is just one part of your overall wedding budget. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit, but be sure to stay within your means. With a little bit of planning, you can have the perfect cake without spending too much money.
More Ways To Save On An Outdoor Wedding
DIY
A great way to save money on your outdoor wedding is to DIY as much as possible. From decor to guest books to making your own wedding sign, there are many aspects of an outdoor wedding that you can do yourself. This will not only save you money, but it will also give your wedding a more personal touch.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your friends and family may be happy to contribute their time and resources to help you plan a beautiful and affordable outdoor wedding.
Look For Deals
Keep your eyes open for deals on everything from wedding dresses to decorations. You may be able to find great discounts if you shop online or wait for seasonal sales.
Find A Free Venue
If you’re really on a tight budget, see if you can avoid an expensive traditional wedding venue and find a venue that doesn’t charge a rental fee. Many community parks, national parks, and public spaces can be rented for free or a very low cost. You may also be able to use your own backyard or find a friend or family member with a large backyard that they would be willing to let you use.
Limit Your Guest List
One of the best ways to save money on an outdoor wedding is to limit your guest list. A smaller guest list means less food, drink, and decorations, which can save you a lot of money. If you’re really on a tight budget, you may even want to consider having a small backyard wedding or a destination wedding with only your closest friends and family. Having a smaller wedding is the best way to reduce the cost of your special day.
Final Thoughts
Planning an outdoor wedding can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay within your budget. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can have the wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune. Be sure to consider all of your options and shop around for the best deals. And, don’t forget to ask for help from your friends and family. They may be willing to contribute their time and resources to help you plan a beautiful and affordable outdoor wedding.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money in your everyday life, we recommend checking out the following posts for more tips and tricks: