15 Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget | Tips & Tricks
If you’re looking for the very best outdoor wedding ideas on a budget, you’ve definitely come to the right place! We’re here to help you find outdoor wedding decoration ideas on a budget inspiration, and help you discover exactly what you want and how to potentially do it for less. No matter the time of year, choosing to hold your wedding outside has both massive benefits and drawbacks to consider.
However, by hosting an outside wedding, you’re guaranteed to create a magical, romantic, and truly unforgettable atmosphere for you and your guests; one that you perhaps wouldn’t have been able to create otherwise. So, find the wedding inspiration that’s right for you with our list of the ultimate outdoor wedding ideas on a budget, and prepare to say “I do” to the big day of your wildest dreams.
The Best Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget
1) An Outside Photo Wall
Give your guests the opportunity to browse through a snapshot of your family history. This is a chance for you to get really creative: you could buy a brand new table to display your images, thrift a secondhand cabinet, or build one yourself from scratch with unwanted wood! Speaking of unwanted wood, crafting a DIY wedding arch is a fantastic way to make use of what you’ve got.
You could even put a couple of polaroid cameras next to your photo wall and encourage your family and friends to take photos of the day: from the wedding dress to the wedding cake, the table settings to the newlyweds’ very first candid wedding photo. This is perfect to do either during cocktail hour or the wedding reception! This is also a very rustic wedding idea, so getting creative is always encouraged!
2) Plant-Based Centrepieces
Sure, floral arrangements look incredible when crafted by expert hands, but there’s also something quite spectacular about a homemade centrepiece. Using the foliage and focussing on the greener aspects as opposed to the bright colourful flowers will not only save you money but will also give your wedding an even stronger connection to nature.
3) Little Details
Everyone knows the phrase “a little goes a long way”, and with an outdoor wedding that is certainly no exception! Just because you’re tightening the purse strings a little, however, doesn’t mean that your wedding favours and decorations have to be disappointing. It’s little choices like donating the “favour budget” money to a charity you both care about, or gifting inexpensive flower seeds to your guests that’ll really speak volumes.
4) Choose the Right Venue
One of the biggest expenses for any wedding is the venue, so choosing the right venue is crucial for an outdoor wedding. Opting for a public park, friend’s, or community garden can significantly cut costs compared to traditional wedding venues. Many public spaces offer stunning natural backdrops, saving you money on decorations.
Whether it’s a backyard affair or a scenic park setting, explore budget-friendly options like Milton Hill House, offering picturesque landscapes and affordable wedding packages.
5) A Wishing Tree
Setting up a wishing tree is a fantastic, sentimental, and inventive way to involve your guests, as well as keeping well below budget. Simply visit your local garden centre and buy yourself a potted tree. On the big day, place the tree outside, alongside labels and pens. During the reception, encourage your guests to write down messages, advice and, of course, wishes for the newlyweds.
Your guests can then hang it on the tree, and you have a memory to cherish forever. This is a very budget-friendly way to connect with your guests, and with the addition of a few string lights to the tree as the night draws in, this activity can be an all-day-long event.
6) Fresh Food Alfresco
This one might seem a little bit cliché, but serving food that matches the outdoor theme of your wedding is essential to creating a cohesive atmosphere. If your wedding is taking place in the middle of Summer, serving fresh salads and zesty flavours (and doing so in a family-dinner-style!) is going to save you a lot of money, as well as making sure your wedding day follows a singular, creative theme.
7) DIY Wedding Decor Ideas
Get crafty and create your own wedding decorations. From handmade bunting and paper lanterns to repurposed mason jars and thrifted vases, there are endless DIY options that won’t break the bank.
Upcycle empty bottles and mason jars to add a rustic charm to your decor. From table centrepieces to candle holders, these versatile items are budget-friendly, effortlessly chic and will go down a storm at your outdoor wedding!
8) An Outside Tent
We all know just how unpredictable the Great British Weather can be. Even when the MET office predicts a beautiful and bright sunny day, we all know by now that it’s usually a safe bet to pack an umbrella as well as your sunglasses!
You wouldn’t let it ruin any other day, so why would you let it ruin your wedding day? Investing in a tent or gazebo that matches your wedding colours is a great idea, and makes sure your guests don’t get drenched! This is essential to ensuring your outdoor wedding goes off without a hitch. You can see above a beautiful gazebo that we have had in our venue for an outdoor wedding!
9) Menu Boards Instead Of Print Outs
Using one big menu board on your big day instead of handing out individual menu printouts will save you an awful lot of time and money in the long run. What you save in your stationery budget, you can put elsewhere and spend it on things that really matter to you. Simply get a large chalkboard and get creative! Be sure to display it somewhere where all of your guests can see it, no matter where they are in the room.
10) Repurposed Flowers
Flowers are traditionally used for the bride’s bouquet, table decorations, and various other decorations over the course of your wedding day. But what if we told you that by repurposing the flowers that are in your bouquet, you could then use them in your table decorations and save yourself a little bit of extra money? This could be a lovely and sentimental way to carry a little of your ceremony throughout the day and into the evening.
11) Embrace Nature
Let nature be your décor! Incorporate the natural beauty of your outdoor venue into your wedding theme. As well as using wildflowers or potted plants for centrepieces, also consider utilising tree branches, twigs, or rocks for rustic accents. Opting for greenery over expensive blooms not only adds a rustic charm but also saves you money while staying true to the outdoor theme.
12) Opt for Simple Seating
For outdoor weddings or garden wedding ideas on a budget, consider casual seating options like hay bales or wooden benches instead of renting expensive chairs. Not only do they add to the rustic charm of your wedding, but they’re also much cheaper than traditional seating rentals.
12) Minimalistic Lighting
Lighting can set the mood for your outdoor wedding reception. Opt for simple and budget-friendly lighting options such as string lights, candles, or lanterns. They create a warm and romantic ambience without the hefty price tag.
13) Buffet Style Dining
Skip the formal sit-down dinner and opt for a buffet-style meal instead for your outdoor wedding. Buffets are typically more budget-friendly than plated dinners since they require fewer staff members and less formal tableware. Consider serving seasonal and locally sourced dishes to save even more money.
14) DIY Bar Setup
Instead of hiring a bartender, set up a DIY drink station with a variety of self-serve beverages. Offer signature cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options to cater to all your guests’ preferences. Don’t forget to include plenty of ice and garnishes for a personalised touch.
15) Prioritise What’s Important
When planning a wedding on a budget, it’s essential to prioritise what’s most important to you as a couple. Allocate your budget towards those aspects – whether it’s the venue, photography, or entertainment – and find creative ways to save on the rest.
The Best Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas on a Budget Conclusion
Hopefully, you know a bit more about how to plan a wedding on a budget now, although it may require some extra effort, it’s entirely achievable with the right mindset and approach. By being resourceful, DIY-savvy, and prioritising what truly matters, you can create a magical and memorable celebration without breaking the bank. So, embrace your creativity, enjoy the process, and get ready to say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Just to recap, here’s our countdown of the best outdoor wedding ideas on a budget:
- An Outdoor Photo Wall
- Plant-Based Centrepieces
- Little Details
- Hiring A Space
- A Wishing Tree
- Fresh Food Alfresco
- DIY Decorations: Bottle and Mason Jar Decor
- An Outside Tent
- Menu Boards Instead of Print Outs
- Repurposed Flowers
- Embrace Nature
- Opt for Simple Seating
- Buffet Style Dining
- DIY Bar Setup
- Prioritise What’s Important
If you’re looking for somewhere to host your upcoming nuptials, then do we have the perfect venue for you! Milton Hill House, based in Oxfordshire, is surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful lush parkland. These grounds are home to an absolutely breathtaking Georgian Manor, which serves both as accommodation and the perfect spot to host your perfect day.
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