How to Plan a Wedding in Northeast PA: Step-by-Step Guide

Northeast PA is the perfect place to plan a wedding, offering everything from great local food to exquisite views of the natural landscapes that make the area so special. The temperate climate and changing seasons also give brides-to-be lots of options when it comes to planning a wedding any time of the year. 

Many brides may have planned their dream wedding for years in their head, but the options can be overwhelming when it comes down to brass tax. Often, couples can be constrained by their budget or finding the right wedding venue–many of which sell out faster than Taylor Swift tickets.  

Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of different options for planning a wedding in Northeast PA, from throwing a tent wedding in your very own backyard to a destination wedding in the Poconos or any of the dozen-plus wedding venues in the area. 

This NEPA wedding planning guide will help you prepare for what items, steps, and vendors you will need to plan your special day to achieve your perfect vision. 

Step #1: Set a Budget

The wedding budget will be the most important factor in determining the size, location, and time of your wedding. According to data collected by The Wedding Report and The Knot, the five most expensive parts of planning a wedding include:

  1. The venue (plus catering)
  2. The engagement ring
  3. Band/DJ
  4. Photographer
  5. Florist

As a sample breakdown, you can expect to allocate your budget toward these items:

  • Venue: 40%
  • Catering & Drinks: 25%
  • Attire: 10%
  • Photography/Videography: 10%
  • Entertainment: 5%
  • Decorations & Flowers: 5%
  • Miscellaneous: 5%

Of course, these costs vary widely depending on the wedding. For example, planning an offsite wedding at a relative’s house with catering can cut the cost of a venue by more than half. 

As a rule of thumb, you want to preserve anywhere from 10-15% of your total budget for miscellaneous expenses that might pop up at the last minute. For many people, the liquor bill at the end of a long night at a wedding venue can be a shocking expense. 

While you may recoup some money via gifts, we don’t recommend counting on this, especially as much of this money is traditionally used for the honeymoon. 

 

Step #2: Set a Date

Living or visiting Northeast PA gives couples a lot of versatility when it comes to choosing what weekend to plan their wedding and where to host it. If you’re looking to take advantage of the PA’s natural foliage and mild climate, then anytime between May and the last weekend of October is suitable for an outdoor wedding or at any venue. On the flip side, a winter wedding may have the advantage of being slightly cheaper, though you will be confined inside for the most part.

When planning an outdoor wedding, be sure to account for the temperature and weather. The fall is typically pretty dry, but the spring and summer can bring about unexpected rain, so be sure your venue has proper cover.

Bonus: Consider what day of the week you will host your wedding. Most weddings are traditionally held on Saturdays, as it’s the easiest day for guests to attend, but you could save money by having a wedding on a Friday or Sunday. 

 

Step #3: Find a Wedding Planner or Event Rental Company (Optional)

Hiring a wedding planner can make planning your wedding so much more seamless and less stressful. Wedding planners offer a litany of experience and connections in the area that can make it easier to secure vendors and the right equipment for your wedding. For example, if you needed a last-minute tent for a backyard wedding with unexpected rain, a wedding planner would be able to find the best event rental company that could fulfill the order.

Some highly-rated and qualified wedding planners in Northeast PA include:

Keep in mind that many wedding venues have on-site coordinators or planners who can handle all aspects of the event, from the physical seating to on-site catering. However, if you need any additional items, you will need to contact other vendors, such as bakers, florists, and officiants. 

Beyond the wedding planner, many event rental companies offer services beyond rental equipment, such as planning and decorating. Research different options in your area to find a company that best fits your vision. 

Step #4: Choose a Venue

To book a venue or not to book a venue? That is the question! There are so many beautiful and wonderful wedding venues in Northeast PA to choose from–it’s hard to choose. However, a wedding venue can be extremely expensive, and that’s just for the physical land. 

Keep in mind that the time of year of your wedding will be important when choosing the right venue. Obviously, the warmer months give you more versatility if you want an outdoor wedding at a farm, pond, or backyard. A winter or early spring wedding will limit you to an indoor venue, such as a banquet hall. 

Generally, there are two types of wedding venues couples can choose from: onsite and offsite venues. 

An onsite venue provides everything you need in a combined package, including catering, seating, a dance floor, lights, restrooms, etc. Prices for an onsite venue can range from a couple hundred if you host in a banquet hall or restaurant to tens of thousands if you book a premier wedding venue. 

An offsite wedding venue only provides the physical land and location but nothing more. This could be in your own backyard or at a place you rent out, such as a farm or field. Offsite weddings require you to work with an event rental company to provide essentials like seating, lights, a tent, and other items, as well as additional vendors, such as a florist, caterer, etc. 

 

Onsite vs. Offsite Wedding Venue: Pros and Cons

Onsite Wedding Offsite Wedding
Location Typically held at the same venue for both ceremony and reception. Ceremony and reception are held at separate locations, often with travel in between.
Pros
Convenience No need to travel between venues, simplifying logistics for guests. Offers more flexibility in choosing locations (e.g., destination wedding, scenic outdoor spots).
Cost Typically more expensive for high-end venues, but combines cost into a single price.  Requires several itemized costs that typically are cheaper, but depends on what’s required. 
Time Efficiency Easier to manage, as everything is in one place, minimizing delays. Allows for a more personalized, unique experience by selecting venues based on your vision.
Guest Experience Guests don’t have to worry about moving locations, making it more relaxed. Can offer a unique and memorable experience if carefully planned.
Vendor Coordination Fewer vendors to manage, since the venue typically offers in-house catering, décor, and coordination. More control over selecting specific vendors for each location.
Cons
Venue Limitations Limited to the venue’s available spaces, which may limit personalization or flexibility in design. More complex logistics in coordinating transportation, timing, and venue accessibility.
Atmosphere May feel more formal or constrained by the venue’s ambiance and rules. Greater opportunity for creativity and customization of each part of the day, including theme and style.
Guest Travel No travel required for guests, making it easier for them to attend, especially if local. Guests may need to travel between locations or to a distant destination, which could be inconvenient.
Weather Dependence Indoor venues are less weather-dependent; outdoor options may require a backup plan. Outdoor or remote locations might be more vulnerable to weather issues, requiring a solid contingency plan.
Wedding Experience May feel less personal or “cookie-cutter,” especially at large, commercial venues. Can be more intimate or unconventional, allowing for unique settings (e.g., beach, mountain, or private estate).

 

Best Wedding Venues in Northeast PA

While expensive, an onsite wedding venue can grant you access to top amenities and amazing views that you can’t get anywhere else. If you’re considering booking a professional wedding venue, check out this list of some of the top wedding venues in Northeast Pennsylvania. 

Lackawanna County

  • Constantino’s Event Venue – Clarks Summit: A popular indoor and outdoor venue that offers lovely garden walkways and in-house catering.
  • The Scranton Cultural Center – Scranton: A historic venue featuring grand architecture and elegant indoor spaces perfect for a sophisticated wedding.
  • The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel – Scranton: A former train station turned luxury hotel with classic elegance, offering a stunning ballroom and unique city views.
  • La Buona Vita – Dunmore: A local favorite, this banquet hall offers an elegant setting with classic Italian-inspired décor and exceptional catering services.
  • The Abington Club – Clarks Green: A scenic country club with lush grounds, ideal for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
  • Stone Meadows – Clarks Summit: A charming, rustic venue with expansive outdoor spaces and a serene, natural backdrop for your wedding day.
  • Creekside Grove – Lennoxville: A picturesque venue offering a peaceful setting by the creek, perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

Luzerne County

  • The Beaumont Inn – Beaumont: A historic inn with beautiful botanical gardens and an onsite restaurant, the Beaumont is considered one of the premier wedding venues in the entire area. 
  • Friedman Farms – Dallas: A rustic yet refined venue featuring an elegant barn with modern amenities and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Banks – A Waterfront Venue – Pittston: A chic, modern venue located on the Susquehanna River in downtown Pittston, The Banks offers stunning water views and a contemporary atmosphere for your wedding.
  • The Mary Stegmaier Mansion – Wilkes-Barre: A grand mansion with historic charm, offering luxurious indoor spaces and an intimate setting for your celebration.
  • The Luzerne County Courthouse – Wilkes-Barre: Weddings are hosted in the Classical Revival-inspired Rotunda with amazing views of the domed spire. 
  • AppleTree Terrace at Newberry Estate – Dallas: A picturesque estate with beautifully landscaped gardens and a sophisticated banquet hall for a refined celebration.
  • The Westmoreland Club – Wilkes-Barre: A prestigious private club with a luxurious ballroom and personalized service for an upscale wedding experience.
  • The Woodlands Inn, a Best Western Premier Collection – Wilkes-Barre: A charming, upscale venue with a beautiful ballroom, outdoor garden, and modern amenities for a memorable wedding day.
  • The Barn at Glistening Pond – Falls: A rustic and elegant barn venue set alongside a tranquil pond, offering a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. 
  • The Irem Temple Country Club – Dallas: A grand, historic country club with impressive architecture and both indoor and outdoor spaces for a classic wedding.
  • Mohegan Sun Pocono – Wilkes-Barre: A luxurious resort and casino offering multiple banquet halls, a glamorous setting, and top-tier entertainment options.
  • Blue Ridge Golf Club – Mountain Top: A scenic country club with views of the mountains, ideal for both indoor and outdoor weddings surrounded by nature.
  • Glen Summit Country Club – Mountain Top: A peaceful, elevated country club set deep in the woods of Mountain Top, this venue offers a spacious indoor setting for large weddings and events. 
  • Sand Springs Country Club – Drums: A picturesque country club with a gorgeous setting for outdoor ceremonies and elegant indoor reception options.

The Poconos

  • Green Gables Estate – Cresco: A historic estate spanning over 70 acres with seven total residences and 10 individual lots. 
  • Skytop Lodge – Skytop: A grand, all-season resort with luxurious accommodations, outdoor adventures, and stunning beauty in the heart of the Poconos.
  • Woodloch Resort – Hawley: A family-owned resort featuring a variety of event spaces and activities, ensuring a fun-filled and memorable wedding experience.
  • The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Shawnee on Delaware: A historic riverside retreat offering elegant event spaces, golf, and outdoor activities, perfect for weddings and special occasions.
  • The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort – Reeders: A family-run, exclusive wedding venue nestled beneath towering pines and a stunning lake, offering a picturesque setting for up to 200 guests.
  • Memorytown – Mount Pocono: A rustic barn venue featuring a picturesque lake and charming decor, ideal for country-style weddings and events.
  • Blue Mountain Resort – Palmerton: A luxury ski resort offering stunning mountain vistas and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and celebrations.
  • The Settlers Inn – Hawley: A historic inn with artfully decorated spaces and beautiful gardens, providing an elegant backdrop for intimate weddings.
  • Ledges Hotel – Hawley: A unique venue set against natural stone ledges and gorges, offering contemporary spaces for memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions
  • The Venue at Carley Brook – Honesdale, PA: A rustic and serene event space surrounded by lush woodlands, perfect for intimate and picturesque weddings.
  • Chelsea Sun Inn – Mount Bethel, PA: A charming countryside estate featuring elegant accommodations, stunning vineyard views, and romantic wedding settings.
  • Chateau Resort – Tannersville, PA: A versatile mountain resort offering beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, all with views of Camelback Mountain.
  • Mount Airy Casino Resort – Mount Pocono, PA: A luxurious resort with sophisticated event spaces, world-class amenities, and entertainment options for unforgettable wedding celebrations.

If you decide to forgo an onsite venue and choose a venue without onsite amenities or your backyard, check out our guide to planning a backyard wedding to discover everything you will need to plan your big day.

 

Step #5: Build a List of Vendors for Your Wedding 

While an onsite wedding venue may provide you with several amenities you need for a wedding, it will still be up to you to provide the decor and any other services that aren’t provided. An offsite wedding venue will require you to work with outside companies for virtually every aspect of your wedding.

Going by most standard weddings, you could end up working with well over a dozen different vendors for services, including:

  • Caterer
  • Wedding Planner or Coordinator
  • Officiant
  • Photographer
  • Videographer
  • Florist
  • Decorator 
  • Band or DJ
  • Baker
  • Bartender or Beverage Service
  • Bridal Shop or Designer
  • Tailor or Seamstress
  • Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
  • Stationer
  • Calligrapher
  • Transportation Company
  • Event Rental Company

11:11 Event Rentals works with a preferred list of vendors that we trust for all events to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality service.

Step #6: Work Out Additional Details

Beyond the venue, flowers, and band, there are several additional details that you will need to work out for your big day. 

  • Attire: Designating proper attire for the bridesmaids and groomsmen is an essential part of any wedding. 
  • Attend a Wedding Expo: NEPA is home to several wedding and bridal expos that happen throughout the year. Use these opportunities to meet potential vendors, shop for clothing, and get ideas to inspire you for your big day. 
  • Itinerary: Create a detailed wedding day schedule, including hair and makeup appointments, ceremony timing, and reception activities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Entertainment and Amenities: Consider adding entertainment options such as photo booths, yard games, or after-reception activities to enhance the experience. 
  • Officiants: Decide whether you want a traditional, religious, or non-denominational officiant, or consider asking a close friend or family member to get ordained.
  • Transportation: Plan logistics for getting the wedding party and guests to and from the venue, especially for remote or offsite locations, such as backyard weddings.
  • Lodging for Guests: Make arrangements for important wedding members and family and friends who come from out of town to stay.
  • Wedding Website: Create a wedding website to centralize important details for your guests, including RSVP options, maps, a registry, itineraries, and FAQs.
  • Backup Plans: Always have a contingency plan for outdoor weddings, such as tents or alternate indoor spaces, to prepare for unexpected weather.
  • DIY Options: Explore do-it-yourself ideas for decorations, favors, or signage to add personal touches and save on costs.

Planning your NEPA wedding is no easy feat, which is why 11:11 Event Rentals has the wedding equipment and know-how to make your dream wedding become a reality. Whether you’re hosting a backyard wedding or a wedding at a venue, we have dozens of party rental items that can help make your life easier and save you money. Contact us today for a quote or to find out more about what we can offer you! 

by elevenelevenrt

How to Choose the Right Tent Size

Trying to decide on what the right size tent is for your event? While many tents may promise to fit a certain number of people, there are a lot of factors that go into finding the right size tent. The last thing anyone wants to do is rent a tent that is too small or crowded for their event.

Below is a simple formula designed to help you find the right tent size.

Event Type and Seating Arrangements

The first thing you’ll need to figure out is your seating arrangement. Depending on what type of event you are throwing, your seating arrangement will determine how much square feet you require per person and what tent size you’ll require.

Standing/Cocktail Party (3 ft. per person)
    • 25 Guests: 10x10
    • 50 Guests: 10x15
    • 75-100 Guests: 10x30
    • 150-200 Guests: 20x30
Theater/Cathedral Seating (6 ft. per person)
    • 25 Guests: 10x15
    • 50 Guests: 10x30
    • 75-100 Guests: 20x30
    • 150-200 Guests: 20x60 or 30x40
Buffet Seating (8 ft. per person)
    • 25 Guests: 10x20
    • 50 Guests: 20x20
    • 75-100 Guests: 20x40
    • 150-200 Guests: 20x80 or 40x40
Sit-down Dinner (10 ft. for rectangular seating, 12 ft. for round)
    • 25 Guests: 10x30
    • 50 Guests: 20x30
    • 75-100 Guests: 30x40
    • 150-200 Guests: 20x120 or 40x60

Multiplying by Guest Count

Once you have your seating arrangement finalized, you’ll need to multiply the numbers above by the amount of guests you expect. For example, an outdoor wedding with 100 guests seated at round tables would require about 1200 square feet, just for dining (100 guests x 12 Feet per Guest).

Adding Up Extras and Amenities

Of course, this calculation does not factor in other amenities that may require space under a tent, such as food tables, dance floors, or even the sweetheart table, which might be separate from other guests.

Some factors you will need to consider include:
  • Vendor tables
  • Sweetheart tables
  • Gift welcome tables
  • Dance floor
  • Room to mingle
  • Lounge Areas
  • Yard Games

Some amenities, such as having corn hole boards at your wedding, doesn’t necessarily require tent covering, especially if you luck out on weather. However, the ideal tent size will be one that covers every inch of your event without having to risk the outdoors.

Now that you have a good understanding of how big of a tent you need for your event, you can start planning. Many of our tent options, such as our marquee tents, can be equipped with gutters and sidewalls to extend their length to cover any event.

Call us at 272-228-0720 or click the link below if you are ready to book your tent or need additional assistance!

BOOK YOUR TENT

by elevenelevenrt

Tips for Decorating a Wedding or Event Table

Decorating your tables for a wedding, shower, graduation, or birthday is one of the most exciting parts of event planning. Your event tables say as much about you as it does about the event itself. Show off your true colors and use our helpful tips to build your own aesthetic using 11:11 Event Rentals.

Set Your Budget

Aside from tableware, decorating a wedding or event table does not have to be a big expensive job. The mistake most people make is they buy the materials themselves, only using them once and either throwing them out or attempting to sell them for pennies on the dollar.

Our tableware and decor items are priced affordably to save you money and still allow you to create your dream aesthetic. Keep in mind that you will need to budget for these basic essentials:

  • Plates: Dinner plates are standard, but you may also include salad plates, soup bowls, ramekins, and other assorted plates. 
  • Drinking cups: Our assorted, colorful goblets keep things classy while also adding a fun pop of color. Of course, you may find it necessary to rent out drinking glasses, champagne flutes, tea cups, or more, depending on your event. 
  • Silverware: Having real, weighted flatware, whether it’s plain stainless steel, chateau, or shell, may not seem like a big deal, but people will notice if they’re trying to cut into meat with a cheap knife. 
  • Centerpieces: These really make your tables stand out more than anything. Timeless classics like candles, candelabras, and vases provide that elegance and sophistication you desire. 
  • Flowers: Any event can benefit from flowers and they are basically essential at weddings. Thankfully, we have helpful tips below!

Once you have a budget in mind, you can decide on areas where you can save money via your rental company, any purchases you make, or even DIY-ing a few items. 

Set Your Theme

Most events have a theme, whether you’re hosting a boho beach wedding or a small and intimate backyard party. The theme of the event will dictate what centerpieces and tablescapes you use to decorate and your subsequent color scheme. 

Choose Your Colors

Now comes the fun part…colors! You’ll most likely start with linens, but here is where you can really set your party apart.

For those with traditional tastes, white linens, clear glasses, mossy vines, and clear vases filled with dark or pastel-colored flowers make for an easy and ideal setup. However, for the eclectic designer, pairing colorful glasses, vases, and mason jars with dark woods and brass fixtures, such as candelabras, transforms a traditional party into something unique. 

Deciding on Flowers

While many people are quick to budget on items, such as flatware or centerpieces, flowers are one area where you can save money without noticeable effects. We do recommend working with a qualified florist who can see your vision through, but there are areas where you can save money. 

Fake vines made with moss or eucalyptus offer the same effect as a classy table runner. Many brides also tend to DIY their flower arrangements for centerpieces, using flowers from their own gardens, their local florist, or even the grocery store to create a stunning visual. 

Style with Personal Effects

Custom table number cards, pictures of the bride and groom, and even holiday-themed details, such as pumpkins, add a whole other layer of customization to any table decor. 

Work with us to come up with a vision for your decor and tables and we will help you achieve your vision with our affordable rentals and any tips we can provide!

by elevenelevenrt

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding on a Budget

Any newly-engaged couple can relate to the stress of trying to plan a dream wedding without breaking the bank. From securing a venue to finding the right caterer, DJ, and other necessary vendors, the expenses can quickly add up and drain your bank account before the big day even arrives! 

Backyard weddings have become more popular than ever in the last few years, especially after the pandemic forced many couples to either cancel or downsize their weddings. 

One of the biggest perks of having a backyard wedding is the significant amount of money you’ll end up saving by not having to shell out your life’s savings on a pricey venue. However, a backyard wedding doesn’t just have to be a casual affair; you can still create an elegant and formal atmosphere in your backyard or an offsite venue with a few simple tricks.

Keep reading for our how-to guide for planning your dream backyard wedding and how to save money while still achieving the aesthetic you desire! 

 

Why Plan a Backyard Wedding?

While backyard weddings aren’t for everyone, we have found throughout the years that many couples and guests tend to prefer a backyard wedding over a traditional venue. 

Hosting an outdoor wedding in your backyard or at an offsite venue that you have access to can provide several benefits over a traditional wedding venue. 

  • Cost-Effective: Forgo the expensive cost of paying for a venue and DIY much of your own wedding planning. 
  • Personal and Intimate: Backyard weddings create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that can make them more fun. 
  • Customizable: Plan out your wedding however you like, whether you prefer a traditional aesthetic or something more casual. 
  • No Guest Limitations: With a large enough space, there is no limit to the amount of people you can invite. 
  • Convenience: Avoid forcing guests to travel between different venues for the reception, ceremony, and after-party. 
  • Flexible Timeline: Set your own schedule and plan your wedding for the weekend you want–not just what’s available at a venue. 
  • Outdoor Appeal: Showcase the natural surroundings of Northeast Pennsylvania wherever you host your outdoor wedding, whether in a field, barn, or backyard. 

In our experience, many people have even said that their favorite weddings they’ve attended have been backyard or outdoor weddings. 

 

Tips to Plan a Backyard Wedding and Save Money

If you want to plan the perfect backyard wedding in Northeast Pennsylvania, check out our event planning tips so that you don’t miss a detail!

Choose the Right Time of Year

Living in the Northeast means that couples get to choose their favorite season to plan a wedding, whether that’s spring, summer, or fall. Generally, backyard wedding season runs from the first weekend of May to the weekend before Halloween, just before the temperatures drop. However, with an outdoor tent, tent heaters, and a few additional amenities, you can host a backyard wedding far into November and as early as April. 

Just be sure to plan accordingly for the month you book your wedding. For example, you’ll probably have to adjust your attire for the middle of summer to account for the heat, in addition to adding a few outdoor fans or even a tent air conditioner. 

Measure the Size of Your Outdoor Space

While hosting your wedding on a farm or an open field gives you the luxury of building out your guest list, a fenced-in backyard will come with some natural limitations. 

One thing to keep in mind is square footage. For example, when planning a tent wedding, you’ll need to account for at least 6-8 square feet per person for a standing reception (i.e., cocktail tables) and up to 10 feet per person if they are sitting at tables. 

Even the type of table you book will impact your total square footage, especially if you plan to house everyone under a tent. 

You’ll also need to make room for things such as restrooms, dance floors, catering tables, and more. 

Finally, the one thing a lot of people fail to account for is the amount of extra room required to stake a tent. Generally, a wedding pole tent requires an additional 5 feet around the perimeter to properly stake to withstand winds and erect properly. 

Rent a Wedding Tent

Give your guests some much-needed shade and protection from the elements with an outdoor wedding tent. Not only does a wedding tent give you peace of mind, but it can also be decorated with lights, flowers, and other decor to create an elegant and custom aesthetic. 

Wedding tents come in several shapes and sizes, with the two most common being frame and pole tents.

  • Frame tents are more expensive and can be installed on any surface, including asphalt and concrete. Frame tents don’t have poles going through the center and have a more customized appearance, allowing for features, such as gabled ends that add an elegant touch.
  • Pole tents are typically less expensive and need to be installed on grass or a surface that can be staked. These tents typically feature high peaks and have poles going through the center, which need to be accounted for when planning your wedding.

Some things to keep in mind when booking a wedding tent, include:

  • Backyard Surface: As previously mentioned, pole tents can only be installed on grass, while frame tents can be installed virtually anywhere. However, you will need a flat surface for either tent to keep them square and even. 
  • Tent Top: Depending on the tent type you select, you will be able to choose from a number of different fabrics and colors for your tent top. Both tents feature traditional white vinyl fabrics and clear tops. However, pole tents do have the option of an elegant sailcloth top.
  • Tent Shape (Frame): Frame tents come in several different styles, including high-peak frame tents (high peak in the center), west coast frame tents (rectangular shape like a roof), and even keder frame tents with hip or gabled roofs. 
  • Sidewalls: Most tents from rental companies do not automatically come with sidewalls and they need to be booked separately. Most businesses offer plain blockout sidewalls, cathedral window sidewalls, or clear sidewalls. 
  • Rental Company: Not all tent companies are created equal! For something as important as your wedding, it’s good to go with a company that you can trust that has positive reviews and is transparent. Tents are expensive products that require labor and transportation, so keep in mind that depending on the company you pick the fees can stack up. 

Save Money on Photography

Hiring a wedding photographer can be one of the most expensive purchases when planning a wedding. After all, you’ll be looking at these photos for years to come, and you want to make sure your special day is captured beautifully. To cut costs, ask around and see if you have any friends or family members who would be willing to take photos during the ceremony and reception for a small fee. 

If you’d rather hire someone with a little more experience, look into wedding photographers who are just getting their start and aren’t charging as much as some of the more in-demand photographers in your area. 

A fun trend many couples are incorporating into their weddings is setting out a few disposable cameras and encouraging guests to snap candid photos throughout the night!

Get Creative with Decor

Planning a backyard wedding on a budget sometimes means getting creative with things like decor and tablescapes. 

When it comes to styling your wedding, it is typically wise to rent rather than buy decor you’ll only use once. Items such as glassware, centerpieces, and candle holders aren’t good investments unless you plan on using them several more times, which is why renting these items will give you more bang for your buck and help you achieve the aesthetic you’re going for. 

Make Your Own Playlist

While hiring a professional DJ may seem like something you have to invest in, many couples are choosing to create their own playlists to stay within their budget. Making your own playlist allows you to have total creative freedom without worrying about songs you hate being played throughout the night. Another perk of creating your playlist is that you’ll have control over the volume of the music, so you won’t have to worry about receiving noise complaints from your neighbors!

Many rental companies offer A/V systems with enough volume to cover a large open space so that you don’t have to rely on a professional DJ. 

Opt for Affordable Catering

Catering is often one of the biggest expenses when planning a wedding, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of choosing the most in-demand and pricey caterer in town, think outside the box and reach out to restaurants you wouldn’t normally think of. Local barbecue places and smaller family-owned restaurants often offer more affordable packages than a bigger, fancier catering company. Pro tip: offering to pick up the food yourself instead of having it delivered will usually save you some money. 

Planning your backyard wedding doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Reach out to us and let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams!

by elevenelevenrt