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. Keep reading for our how-to guide for planning your dream backyard wedding on a budget!
Choose the Right Time of Year
Living in the Northeast, the warmest months are typically during the late Spring and Summer. When it comes to planning a backyard wedding, you’ll want to make sure you’re considering what kind of weather you can expect to have on your desired date. While April tends to be a rainy month, May and June are typically warmer and sunnier. However, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too sunny or hot on your big day- you don’t want your guests sweating through their dress clothes!
Consider the Size of Your Guest List
Downsizing your guest list can be beneficial for two reasons- inviting fewer people means your guests will have more room to move around and won’t feel cramped, and you’ll also save money on catering and table and chair rentals with a smaller guest list. Backyard weddings typically have a more intimate feel anyway, so don’t be afraid to limit your guest list to close family and friends only.
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. Things like glassware, centerpieces, and random decor pieces 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!
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!