Wedding DIY Inspirations

If the summer wedding of your dreams includes twinkling lights and saving money, then a backyard wedding on a budget may be the right choice for you! There are tons of ways to add color and elegance with simple decor to your outdoor space. Whether it’s your childhood home or a friend’s backyard, we have the outdoor ceremony and reception decor ideas for you! From adding color to using specific lighting, there are many ways to customize an open-air space for your big day - and you probably have a whole Pinterest board of ideas. But not all outdoor wedding trends are affordable, so before you start buying decor, read up on these six ways to have an elegant DIY backyard wedding on a budget.

Embrace Your Surroundings

The secret to having a backyard wedding on a budget is to embrace whatever surroundings your’re working with. Whether the view is a stunning ocean, towering mountain, or lush forest, embrace the natural coloring of your surroundings. Having a natural background gives guests a focal point and makes for amazing photographs, all without spending a fortune!

Bring The Indoors Outside

Make your DIY backyard wedding on a budget into one of the classiest weddings of the year by creating intimate outdoor spaces for in-between the ceremony and reception. Bring indoor furniture outdoors and let your guests lounge while waiting for the celebration to continue. Outdoor lounge spaces are perfect for cocktail hour and can include armchairs, sofas, and love seats decorated with side tables, family photos, and decorative pillows.

Embrace Color

If you’re having trouble choosing wedding colors to coordinate with your outdoor space, white is always a beautiful option! Add a pop of color into the smaller details through your flower arrangements, table settings, and maybe even hang colored lanterns if you have a treed setup.

Use String Lighting

One of the most romantic and enchanting ways to add elegance to your DIY backyard wedding on a budget is using string lights to brighten up a beautiful summer night. Remember that lighting is everything at an outdoor wedding, especially when the sun goes down, so it is essential that you get it right. String lights can be draped into trees, create a romantic canopy over the dining area, or add as part of the table decor.

Blending Formal & Casual for the Backyard Wedding on a Budget

Backyard weddings don’t need to be super informal and relaxed. You can create an elegant environment while still keeping that laid back feeling of being in your own backyard. Don’t believe us? See how this bride spent a total of $4,000 on her backyard wedding. Add luxurious elements to your outdoor wedding through the flowers you pick, the table decor, linens used, and furniture. The outdoors will give it the casual feeling you seek.

Don’t Forget the Chairs!

Chair rentals can be crazy expensive. If you’re having a smaller backyard wedding, it might be more economical to purchase the chairs. Check out these classy options below.

Have A Tented Reception

Tented receptions are a huge outdoor wedding trend. Not only is it a perfect weather plan just in case it rains, but it is also beautiful. Dress the tent up with draped fabric, luxe furniture, and lighting installations to give a sophisticated look and feel. You can create your dream indoor reception wedding in an outdoor space - usually at a fraction of the price.

Instead of renting a tent, check out these offers for outdoor wedding tents. It might save you money in the long run!

Still on the fence about having an outdoor wedding? Check out our blog post ‘Pros & Cons Of An Outdoor Wedding.’