You can have a backyard wedding on a low budget without looking cheap…yes, you read that right! It doesn’t sound the sexiest, but it can be literally in the backyard; it can also be at a local venue or field near by. A backyard wedding costs half of an average 2016 wedding! WeddingMix found some helpful tips for planning your backyard wedding, from using the outdoor scenery to utilizing small businesses and your DIY skills! Break down the low budget stereotypes and have the perfect wedding for you!
Play on your surroundings
Having a backyard wedding means the sky is your backdrop! Play on the colors with the natural light and use your surroundings for inspiration. Whether its an earthy forest feel or an open field with the sunset, use the natural beauty.
Lighting, lighting, lighting
You can really set the tone for the night with how you decide to light. Using string lighting and candles can be used in a number of styles/themes. They can also double as attractive decorations and take up empty space!
It’s not just for rustic themes
The phrase backyard wedding is often mistaken for country and rustic. When really, it can work well with lots of styles. If you rent a white tent, match your decor to make it more elegant. You can also create a mixed style of elegant and rustic. It really all matters on how you decorate! Just because it costs less doesn’t make it cheap!
See how this couple used the bride’s parent’s backyard for their stunning ceremony. How cute are the benches and flowers with the water as the backdrop? Read how they did it and their advice when planning a backyard wedding!
“We still want to capture at least the ceremony on video so we could re-watch it – nothing fancy! I always love watching the video of my parent’s wedding ceremony… no frills, just the raw experience. WeddingMix gave us that option! ” –The Bride
All in your control
You literally have all control. There is no venue with a set of rules, you can hire outside parties to bartend and cater. While it is more work on you, it’ll save you lots of money. You get to decide every thing most places don’t let you. Did you know venues will charge you a cake cutting fee? That won’t be a silly extra cost when you have a backyard wedding! Every detail is in your control, from decorations to seating, you have the say, (well, you and your partner!).
BONUS:
You don’t even need a DJ! Get some good speakers, develop a playlist over time, and let it play! The bride and groom may ask younger cousins to “DJ” the set playlist and ask a friend to MC and keep the wedding timeline!
Giving small business some love
While there are lots of perks for you when planning a backyard wedding, there are also potential perks for smaller businesses. Small businesses create beautiful work, but when they aren’t approved by a venue, you can’t use them. Having a backyard wedding means saving money everywhere, so use those small businesses nearby for flowers or desserts. You’d be surprised at what you’ll find and love! Do some research and find the right vendors for wedding!
Bonus
Check out your local gardens, a new trend is gardens who grow wedding flowers at a great cost!
Watch how this couple used local vendors to host their backyard wedding! They made the most of the rain and had a stunning ceremony and reception!
“WeddingMix was appealing because I knew I was going to want to see aspects of our wedding that I didn’t get to pay attention to throughout the night. I wanted to see who was talking to who and how everything looked from a guest’s perspective.” -Kelly
Everyone can be involved…or not!
Backyard wedding means more DIY then usual, which can be a great thing! It can bring your partner and you closer together, but it can also require more helping hands. Whoever you want to be involved can be, just be sure to pick people who can be efficient with their tasks. Note, having too many people can lead to lots of opinions and can take away from the image you have in mind. Find friend who have skills you can utilize, like a baker or DJ.
Budget and Plan With WeddingScope!
This should be the first thing you do. Know what you can get with your budget. Compare weddings in venues vs backyard weddings and see if the cost savings is worth it in your area. Once you know what you can afford, you can then decide what you want. By using WeddingScope, you can see how real couples had their backyard wedding and be inspired for yours!
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