Smart Spending: Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget

In recent years, the allure of outdoor weddings has grown exponentially, captivating couples seeking a blend of natural beauty and intimate celebration. Yet, the dream of exchanging vows beneath open skies can often come with a hefty price tag with the average outdoor wedding costing $5,000 – $10,000 according to CostHelper. 

But don’t worry, you can still create an awesome wedding day if you’re on a budget. We’ll embark on a journey through the realm of smart spending, where creativity and resourcefulness reign supreme. From non-traditional wedding ideas even down to wedding gifts, we have ideas that will go easier on your wallet. 

Choosing the right venue 

Aside from the “I do”, one of the most important aspects of a wedding is choosing your perfect wedding venue. Several important factors enter choosing the best venue for your event. Here are some of the most important factors to consider for your outdoor wedding venue: 

1. Location: Consider the geographic location and climate. Is it accessible for your guests? Will the weather be suitable or consistent during your wedding season? 
2. Scenery: Look for venues with picturesque landscapes that align with your vision or even the theme of your wedding. Whether it’s a garden, vineyard, beach, or mountain backdrop, choose a venue that resonates with your aesthetic preferences. 
3. Capacity: Ensure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably. Check if there are any restrictions on the number of guests allowed and if there’s enough space for the ceremony, reception, and other activities.  
4. Amenities and Facilities: Assess the amenities available at the venue, such as restrooms, parking facilities, and dressing rooms for the bridal party. 
5. Privacy: Determine the level of privacy the venue offers. You want to feel comfortable and uninterrupted during your special day. 
6. Alternate Plan: In the case that the inevitable happens and the weather doesn’t turn out as you planned, does your venue have a backup plan? If your venue offers a plan “B” that’s even better. 
7. Cost: Lastly, while we’ll provide you with ideas on how to hopefully cut your wedding costs, also keep in mind your budget. However, if your venue charges an extra fee for a backup plan for your outdoor wedding, it might make sense to pay a little extra for the added peace of mind. 

Non-traditional wedding ideas 

If you’re on a budget for your wedding, consider exploring non-traditional outdoor wedding ideas. This can allow you to truly personalize your wedding and even discover something new! Non-traditional weddings often end up being more memorable and meaningful experiences for the couple and guests.  

Thinking outside the box for locations, attire, food, and other elements opens up more affordable options for couples on a tight budget. Here are some of our favorite non-traditional ideas for your outdoor wedding: 

Venues: Consider having your outdoor wedding at a local park or a beach. Since most local parks are public spaces, you might need a permit or pay a small fee so the park can host your wedding. In the same way, consider using a friend’s backyard or rent an Airbnb with a nice outdoor space and maybe even enough space for all your guests to stay.  

Flowers: Although it might take a little time and effort, consider growing your wedding flowers. With a few seeds and a little patience, you can grow something beautiful! You can also use potted plants or greenery from a nursery instead of costly flowers. 

Decorations: Consider making your own decorations with lights, recycled jars, and burlap. In the same way, you can use citronella torches or tiki torches around the perimeter for a nicer flare. 

Food: Serve inexpensive fare like tacos, barbecue, or pizza from a food truck to save on catering costs. Limit your alcohol choices to just beer and wine instead of a full bar to reduce costs. According to “The Knot” an open bar can cost around $2,500 on average. 

DIY wedding arch ideas 

Looking for the perfect wedding arch ideas? We’ve got you covered with a great list including DIY and budget-friendly options:  

• Wood Arch – Use sturdy branches or driftwood pieces tied together with twine or floral wire to create a rustic arch. Decorate with flowers or greenery. 
• Macramé Arch – Create a boho macramé hanging with thick cotton rope or cording. 
• Pallet Arch – Use reclaimed wood pallets as the base and attach together into an arch shape. Accent with potted plants, vines, or hanging florals. 
• Bamboo Arch – Lash together thick bamboo stalks using twine or wire into an arch frame. Wrap with vines, florals, or hanging decor. 
• Hula Hoop Arch – Wrap hula hoops or cut hula hoops and cover them with fabric, lace, or ribbon and secure them together into an arch shape. 
• Tree Branch Arch – Gather fallen tree branches and tie/wire them together to form an arch shape. Decorate with blooms and greenery. And best of all, this arch is eco-friendly! 
• Pipe & Drape Arch – Use inexpensive PVC piping or copper pipes to create an arch frame and drape with sheer fabrics, florals or vines. 
• Book Arch – Stack vintage books or paint cans into an arch shape and top with florals and candles. 
• Trellis Arch – Use a garden trellis as a DIY options for a wedding arch. Decorate with cloth and lights and later, you can use this trellis as a gardening tool later! 

Download your free wedding budget sheet from us now!

Wedding program ideas 

If you’re looking for new and out-of-the-box ideas for your wedding program try these out: 

• Recycled Paper Programs – Consider collecting your old paper and melting it down to make new recycled paper for your programs. 
• Go Digital – Make your own digital programs and upload them onto your wedding website! With this approach, you can add even more fun elements to your program to entertain your guests like word searches and quizzes. 
• Write Your Own – If your wedding party is small and you have the time, consider writing your own programs. This will save you money on printing and will add a personalized touch.  
• Paper Fans – Who wouldn’t want a wedding program that can be folded into a fan at an outdoor wedding? Plus, you’ll reduce your wedding waste too! 
• Brown Paper Programs – Design simple programs on inexpensive brown paper bags from your shopping adventures. Just make sure they’re clean!

Tips to make your wedding more eco-friendly 

Embracing a green wedding is an excellent way for couples to celebrate their love while being mindful of the environment. By incorporating sustainable practices into their special day, couples can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and set an example for more eco-conscious celebrations. Here are some of the best tips for a green wedding: 

1. Choose a venue that uses renewable energy sources or implements sustainable practices to power your wedding experience. 
2. Send digital save-the-dates and invitations to reduce paper waste. 
3. Select a caterer that sources organic food or choose a local restaurant to not only support a local business and lower carbon emissions. 
4. Rent reusable dishware, glassware, and linens instead of using disposable items. 
5. Use recycled materials for decorations like centerpieces made from repurposed bottles or jars. 
6. Have a potted plant as your guest book that you can plant after the wedding to support reforestation efforts. 
7. Provide transportation options like shuttles or carpooling to minimize individual car travel. 
8. Gift eco-friendly favors like wildflower seed packets or donate to an environmental charity. 
9. Choose vintage, secondhand, or sustainably made attire for the wedding party. 
10. Work with a florist who uses locally-grown, seasonal blooms and greenery. 
11. Offset carbon emissions by purchasing renewable energy credits. 
12. Donate excess food to a local shelter or food bank after the reception.

Throw the ultimate eco-friendly party with our free guide. Download Your Free Copy Now! 

Wedding gift ideas 

If you’re attending an outdoor wedding as a guest, we have ideas for you too! Here are our favorite gifts you can give your newlyweds even if you’re on a budget: 

1. Personalized Cookbook – Create a custom cookbook with family recipes or tips for newlyweds. 
2. Flower and Vegetable Seed Packets – Give seed and vegetable packets with instructions for planting an annual flower garden. This way, your newlyweds can grow and harvest their own produce year after year. 
3. Custom Artistic Piece – Commission an artist friend to create a painting, drawing, or pottery piece. 
4. Offer your Services – If you work or have special skills in a certain hobby like knitting or graphic design, make them a free project based on your skills.  
5. Go Homemade – Love cooking or have a favorite dish? Make it in bulk and freeze it for your newlyweds to enjoy after their honeymoon. 
6. Monthly Subscription Box – Prepay for a few months of a subscription box they’d enjoy. 
7. Potted plant – A low-maintenance houseplant to liven up their space. Give them a plant that can last for a while so they can keep it alive season after season. 

Wedding gift basket ideas

If you’re looking to add a little theme to your wedding gifts, here are our ideas for the best wedding bundles: 

• Kitchen basics bundle – Stock a basket with essential cookware, utensils, dish towels, for their new life together. 
• Household Tool Kit – Compile basic tools and equipment for home repairs in a toolbox. 
• Date Night Box – Make a box filled with activities like movie tickets, puzzle books, and snacks. 
• Hiking Backpack – Stuff a backpack with hiking gear like water bottles, snacks, and a first aid kit. 
• Spa Day Basket – Make a basket with plush robes, bath bombs, face masks, scented candles, and loofah for a cozy spa night in. 
• Beach Basket – Pack a bag with beach towels, sunscreen, lip balm, reusable water bottles, frisbee, and novels. Better yet, if your newlyweds are going on their honeymoon in a tropical place, fill this beach bag with customized items for the place they’re off to. 
• Picnic Basket – Pack an Insulated picnic basket, utensils, plates, napkins, and a picnic blanket for an outdoor adventure. 

Planning an outdoor wedding can be a dream come true, allowing couples to celebrate their love surrounded by nature’s beauty. However, the costs of an outdoor affair can quickly add up and we hope these tips helped you better allocate your budget!