Low Budget
Backyard Wedding
Plan the perfect small backyard wedding on a budget with these cost-saving tips and creative financing options. Get started today and make your dream wedding a reality!
Backyard weddings
Are you planning a wedding and looking for ways to save money without sacrificing style? A small backyard wedding might be the perfect solution. Not only are backyard weddings more intimate and personalized, but they also offer a number of cost-saving benefits.
Here are just a few reasons to consider a low budget small backyard wedding:
You’ll save money on venue rental fees: Backyard weddings allow you to use your own space or the backyard of a friend or family member, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in venue rental fees.
You’ll have more control over the budget: With a small backyard wedding, you’ll have more control over the budget since you’ll be responsible for paying for everything yourself. This allows you to prioritize the expenses that are most important to you and cut costs wherever possible.
You’ll be able to personalize the wedding: A backyard wedding allows you to fully customize your wedding to fit your personal style and tastes. Whether you want to create a rustic, bohemian vibe or a more traditional and elegant atmosphere, you’ll have complete control over the decor, catering, and other details.
Now that you know some of the benefits of a low budget small backyard wedding, let’s take a look at how to plan one.
Setting the budget
Before you start planning your small backyard wedding, it’s important to set a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend overall, and then divide the budget among the various categories, such as venue rental, catering, decor, and entertainment.
Here are a few tips for setting a budget for a small backyard wedding:
- Determine your overall budget: To determine your budget, start by adding up all of your expected wedding expenses, including the cost of the venue, food and drinks, transportation, flowers, and any other miscellaneous items. If you find that you need additional financing to cover the costs, consider taking out a small wedding loan
- Prioritize your expenses: Once you have a rough idea of your overall budget, start prioritizing the various expenses. Think about what’s most important to you and allocate the most money to those areas. For example, if you’re not as concerned about the decor but really want to have a live band, allocate more money to the entertainment budget.
- Cut costs wherever possible: There are many ways to cut costs when planning a small backyard wedding. For example, you might consider serving a potluck-style meal instead of hiring a caterer, or opting for DIY decorations instead of hiring a florist. Be creative and think outside the box to find ways to save money without sacrificing the overall vision for your wedding.
Choosing the location
One of the main benefits of a small backyard wedding is the flexibility to choose a location that fits your budget and style. Here are a few options to consider:
Size of the yard: Make sure the yard is big enough to accommodate the number of guests you’re inviting, as well as any decorations and activities you’re planning.
Accessibility: Think about the accessibility of the yard for your guests. Is it easy to get to and navigate, or will guests need to walk through a narrow gate or climb a hill to get there?
Privacy: If you’re planning a more intimate wedding, you may want to choose a location with some privacy, such as a backyard surrounded by trees or a garden.
Parking: Consider the parking situation for your guests. Will they be able to park in the driveway or on the street, or will you need to arrange for a shuttle or valet service?
Weather: Depending on the time of year and the location, you may need to consider the weather when choosing a location. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in a hot or humid climate, you may want to choose a location with plenty of shade or cooling options.
Permits and regulations: Check with your local municipality to see if you need any permits or follow any specific regulations when hosting a wedding in your backyard. This can help you avoid any potential issues or fines.
Decorating the space
One of the fun parts of planning a small backyard wedding is decorating the space to fit your personal style. Here are a few ideas for simple and affordable decorations:
Use natural elements: Incorporate natural elements into your decor to create a rustic, bohemian vibe. You might consider using wildflowers, branches, and other natural materials to create a natural and organic look.
Repurpose items from around the house: Instead of buying new decorations, try repurposing items you already have. For example, you might use old vases as candle holders or hang fairy lights in trees or across the backyard.
DIY decorations: If you’re handy with a glue gun or sewing machine, consider making your own decorations. There are plenty of DIY wedding decoration tutorials online, and you might be surprised at how much you can save by making your own decorations.
Keep it simple: Remember, less is often more when it comes to backyard wedding decor. Don’t feel like you need to go over-the-top with decorations in order to create a beautiful atmosphere. Simple touches, such as candles, fairy lights, and fresh flowers, can go a long way.
Catering and refreshments
When it comes to catering and refreshments for a small backyard wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas:
Potluck-style meal: Instead of hiring a caterer, consider asking your guests to bring a dish to share. This can be a fun and affordable way to provide a variety of food, and it allows your guests to contribute to the wedding in a meaningful way.
Hire a local food truck: Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular for weddings, and they can be a great option for a small backyard wedding. You’ll have a variety of menu options to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about setting up a full kitchen or hiring servers.
Self-serve drinks: Instead of hiring a bartender, consider setting up a self-serve bar where guests can mix their own drinks. You might provide a variety of mixers, such as soda, tonic water, and fruit juices, and let guests mix their own cocktails.
Entertainment and activities
When it comes to entertainment and activities for a small backyard wedding, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Hire local musicians: If music is important to you, consider hiring local musicians to provide live entertainment. This can be a more affordable option than hiring a big-name band, and it allows you to support local talent.
Outdoor games: Set up outdoor games, such as cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga, to keep guests entertained during the reception.
Personalized touches: Make the wedding intimate and personalized by incorporating touches that reflect your personalities and interests. For example, you might set up a photo booth with props and backdrops, or create a DIY soda bar with a variety of flavors.
Other considerations
Here are a few other things to consider when planning a small backyard wedding:
Manage the guest list: One of the main advantages of a small backyard wedding is the intimacy. Keep the guest list small, and invite only close family and friends. This will help you keep the budget under control and make the wedding more personal.
Alternative wedding attire: Don’t feel like you have to stick to traditional wedding attire. Consider opting for casual clothing or choosing secondhand dresses and suits to save money.
Small backyard wedding in NZ
A small backyard wedding can be a beautiful and affordable option for couples looking to save money without sacrificing style. By setting a budget, choosing the right location, and cutting costs wherever possible, you can create a dream wedding on a budget. Just remember to be realistic, be responsible with any borrowing, and start saving and budgeting early to give yourself time to explore different financing options and make smart financial decisions.
