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
- Low budget wedding stage decoration
- Wedding favour ideas
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.
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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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (2) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/99/5c/3b/995c3b2f540af22ef1297b8103571be3.jpg)
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.
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (3) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/2e/69/1b/2e691b627f0e63cb0a68634b728eed4b.jpg)
- 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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (4) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/7b/b5/60/7bb560a3591417ac99cf6e2adcedac69.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (5) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/01/b8/3c/01b83c463b34895834b3201ee8d040a1.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (6) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/97/b3/78/97b3785fd201d769cbca8875af30d919.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (7) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/7c/27/e2/7c27e2c765bcc7313fefb54675ab20f6.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (8) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/f3/de/4a/f3de4a01c52313c11dd6b2b1d4d289d4.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (9) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (9)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/fa/1d/79/fa1d7901e2c84ffa85336d9510fbefbe.jpg)
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!
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (10) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (10)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/b7/f1/4a/b7f14a0b80892f7f80da8878a2de214b.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (11) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (11)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/05/93/26/05932636ab198f8fd02c526d061a9fff.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (12) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (12)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/94/93/49/949349de689e5ed0ff1be5600c82edf5.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (13) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (13)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/1b/9a/e7/1b9ae75665a9174064bd811e14701ddd.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (14) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (14)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/25/d5/f2/25d5f2a022dd0efb7fcd278bb8a6e309.jpg)
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:
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (15) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (15)](https://i0.wp.com/i.pinimg.com/564x/70/37/b0/7037b00ef9a6ed4fc766d2d1c9a027d4.jpg)
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.
![15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (16) 15 Cheap Outdoor Wedding Ideas For A Magical Day On A Budget (16)](https://i0.wp.com/ahaslides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Editor.gif)
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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.