Dreaming of an outdoor wedding that's as stress-free on your budget as it is beautiful? You're in the perfect place. Outdoor weddings offer a unique way to celebrate your love surrounded by nature – and they don't have to cost a fortune.
This blog post is packed with 15 creative, cheap outdoor wedding ideas. We'll help you make your big day as unforgettable as it is budget-friendly. Let's dive in!
Table Of Contents
- Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas
- 1/ Embrace Nature’s Venue
- 2/ DIY Wildflower Bouquets
- 3/ Picnic Tables and Blankets
- 4/ Twinkling Fairy Lights
- 5/ Homemade Lemonade Stand
- 6/ Potluck-Style Reception
- 7/ Use a Spotify Playlist
- 8/ DIY Photo Booth with Props
- 9/ Thrift Store Finds
- 10/ Simple, Elegant Invitations
- 11/ BYOB Bar
- 12/ Mason Jar Centerpieces
- 13/ Handwritten Signs
- 14/ Paper Lanterns
- 15/ Wedding Cake Alternatives
- Entertainment That Won't Break the Bank
- Final Thoughts
Your Dream Wedding Starts Here
Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas
Planning an outdoor wedding on a budget can still be incredibly stylish and memorable. Let's walk through 15 cost-effective outdoor wedding ideas, complete with some nifty tricks and tips:
1/ Embrace Nature’s Venue:
Choose a stunning outdoor location like a beach, forest clearing, botanical gardens, vineyards, or public park, where nature does all the decorating for you. These spots often require a small fee (or none at all) for a wedding permit, saving a bundle on venue costs.
Tips for choosing an outdoor venue:
- Always research permit requirements for your chosen location.
- Visit the space in advance at the same time of day as your wedding.
- Ensure the location is accessible for all guests, possibly requiring extra directions or transportation assistance.
2/ DIY Wildflower Bouquets:
Choose a few larger, showy wildflowers (like sunflowers or dahlias) as your centerpieces. Surround them with smaller wildflowers and greenery.
3/ Picnic Tables and Blankets:
Renting or borrowing picnic tables for dining can be much cheaper than traditional wedding setups. Throw in some cozy blankets for seating on the grass to add a laid-back, picnic vibe.
- Keep table decor simple with small, low-lying floral arrangements or potted plants that won’t obstruct conversation.
- If available, use wooden picnic tables for a rustic look. These can be decorated with table runners, centerpieces, or even simple garlands of greenery.
4/ Twinkling Fairy Lights:
Buy strands of fairy lights in bulk and drape them around for a magical evening glow. They transform any space without much effort.
5/ Homemade Lemonade Stand:
A self-serve lemonade or iced tea stand is perfect for a summer wedding. It’s refreshing, cute, and inexpensive to set up with large dispensers and mason jars for glasses.
6/ Potluck-Style Reception:
For a small, intimate wedding, consider a potluck reception. It brings a sense of community as each guest brings a dish to share, significantly cutting down catering costs.
7/ Use a Spotify Playlist:
Instead of hiring a DJ or band, curate your own wedding playlist on Spotify. This personal touch not only saves money but ensures your favorite songs are played.
💡 Read also: 16 Fun Bridal Shower Games for Your Guests to Laugh, Bond, and Celebrate
8/ DIY Photo Booth with Props:
Set up a photo booth area with a beautiful backdrop (think: fabric, fairy lights, or a natural setting). Add a basket of fun props and a Polaroid camera or a tripod with a smartphone.
9/ Thrift Store Finds:
Visit thrift stores for unique, vintage decorations and dishware. Mixing and matching plates and glasses can add a charming, eclectic vibe to your tables.
10/ Simple, Elegant Invitations:
Design your own invitations using free graphic design websites and print them on quality cardstock. Alternatively, going digital with your invites can save money and trees!
Here are some ideas to enhance the elegance of your simple invitations:
- Minimalist: Focus on beautiful fonts and clean layouts. Play with spacing for impact.
- Botanical Touches: Add delicate watercolor illustrations of leaves, florals, or branches.
- Embossing or Foil: Consider having key elements like your names or the date embossed or foil-pressed (specialty print shops can do this affordably for small batches).
💡 Got any ideas for the invitation yet? Get some inspiration in Top 5 E Invite for Wedding Websites to Spread The Joy.
11/ BYOB Bar - Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas:
If your venue allows, a Bring Your Own Booze option can be a huge cost saver. You can also provide a couple of signature drinks in large dispensers for a personal touch.
12/ Mason Jar Centerpieces:
Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can fit any wedding theme from rustic to elegant. Here’s how to make them stand out:
- Fill jars with water and arrange wildflowers, baby’s breath, or single-stem blooms for a simple yet beautiful centerpiece.
- Battery-operated fairy lights can be coiled inside clear mason jars to create a magical glow.
- Use them as holders for tea lights or votive candles.
13/ Handwritten Signs:
Grab some wood or chalkboards and handwrite your signs for a personal touch that saves on printing costs.
- Welcome Signs: A large wooden sign or chalkboard greeting guests adds a warm touch right from the start.
- Directional Signs: Guide your guests to different areas of your venue, such as the ceremony site, reception area, and restrooms.
- Menu and Program Boards: Instead of printing individual menus or programs, use a large chalkboard to display the day’s schedule or what’s for dinner.
14/ Paper Lanterns:
Paper lanterns are a fantastic way to add color and dimension to your wedding decor. Choose colors that complement your wedding palette. For a more elegant look, stick with white or pastel lanterns. For a pop of color, mix and match vibrant shades.
15/ Wedding Cake Alternatives:
Instead of a traditional (and often pricey) wedding cake, consider alternatives like
- Cupcake Tower: Cupcakes can be decorated to fit your wedding theme and are easy for guests to serve themselves. Plus, you can offer multiple flavors.
- Pie Station: Perfect for rustic or autumn weddings.
- DIY Dessert Bar: Invite guests to create their own dessert masterpiece. Provide a selection of brownies, cookies, and fruits, along with toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and syrups.
Entertainment That Won't Break the Bank
Diving into budget-friendly entertainment options is always exciting! And AhaSlides might be your secret weapon.
Create live polls, quizzes, and interactive slideshows that get guests involved using their smartphones. Imagine a fun quiz about your love story – "Where was your first date?" or "Who said 'I love you' first?" It turns those special moments into a hilarious and heartwarming activity.
Give your guests a unique and memorable experience with this clever, interactive twist – they'll be talking about it for years!
Final Thoughts
Creating the outdoor wedding of your dreams doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of DIY spirit, and the natural beauty of the great outdoors, you can say "I do" in a setting that’s as breathtaking as it is budget-friendly. Remember, the heart of your wedding is the love you share, and that’s priceless.
