A Backyard Bridal Guide For Not Going Over Budget
Choosing to get married at home can be so exciting! Not only are you saving extra money, but you’re spending one of the most important days of your life in one of the most important places. More couples today are choosing to get married at home for several reasons. One is having the ability to revisit your wedding venue every day. And another is the ability to invest your wedding budget into your home instead of fully into a wedding venue. However, if you are choosing your home as your wedding venue for the cost savings benefits, there are a few more things to consider. Here are the biggest things to avoid while planning your backyard wedding on a budget.
How to save money with a backyard wedding
One of the biggest cost savings when planning a backyard wedding is the savings on the venue. When you choose not to rent a traditional venue but have your ceremony and reception at your home, it can save thousands. Although some couples choose to reinvest that into fixing up their home or backyard, the savings is still significant. You can also find other ways to save with your backyard wedding without sacrificing quality or taste. If cost savings is a major part of your wedding planning process, there will be a few things you should avoid while planning your backyard wedding. Let’s view them below.
Spending too much on decor
The first thing you want to avoid while planning a backyard wedding on a budget is spending too much on decor. Keep in mind that your backyard is a natural backdrop. This means it can speak for itself as a major decor setting for your wedding. Start simple with decor and work your way up. Don’t try to include everything on your wish list. Instead, think savvy and see what you can either rent or borrow instead of buy.
Decor can get very expensive so consider shopping online. Amazon, for example, has a lot of wedding decor for cheaper prices than wedding decor rentals or stores. You can also consider getting things that look nice, like these golden plate sets, but are disposable and more affordable.
Ordering too much food
Ordering or cooking too much food is a common way couples can go over budget when planning a backyard party. Be sure to cook enough food for your RSVP’d guests but try not to go over too much. Cooking an additional 20% of food is usually appropriate. Food can get costly, so be sure that you’re considering more affordable options for some things like appetizers. Meatless appetizers are a great way to both serve your guests but also save a few dollars.
Another way to save additional money with food for your backyard wedding is not to have it fully catered. Some couples will choose to supply things such as appetizers and desserts and have professionals supply the main course. This helps cut down on costs and can give your wedding a unique taste. If you do have extra food left over from your backyard wedding, be sure to freeze it. This will at least allow you to make use of any extra money spent.
Inviting too many people
One of the perks of having a backyard wedding is to keep it intimate. Be sure not to feel pressure to invite everyone to your big day that you don’t 100% want to be there. Having a backyard wedding will naturally limit your guest list in most situations. Use this as a natural guide for staying on budget. Inviting too many people to your wedding will increase the price across the board, especially with food.
When creating your guest list, start simple and work your way up from there. Remember, not everyone will need a plus one invite. You can also encourage people to attend virtually or just simply send a gift if coming is not an easy option. Inviting just the people who mean the most to you and who you want in attendance is a great way to keep your backyard wedding on a budget.
choosing the wrong entertainment
When planning a backyard wedding, entertainment is key. Some couples will choose either a live band, a DJ, or supplying their own entertainment with some type of music playlist. Remember, entertainment can be a huge investment for any event. So before you book a more expensive option like a live band, be sure that it is what your guests truly want. If you don’t think your guests will dance the night away, this can be an easy thing to avoid and save money.
Aside from music entertainment, consider backyard games as well. This can be an easier form of entertainment and more cost-efficient. Be sure to read our favorite games for a backyard wedding. Backyard games also take up a bit more time throughout the wedding, so if you do book live music, they won’t need to show up the entire night. This can reduce their hourly rate and save money.
how to begin planning your backyard wedding on a budget
If you’re planning a backyard wedding on a budget, then you’re already doing something right. Backyard weddings are becoming more and more popular and are a great way for couples to save money. Couples are choosing to invest more in their house than on their wedding day, and having a backyard wedding is the best of both worlds! Plus, today, there are so many unique and creative ways to have a backyard wedding that these events hardly lack style or lavish!
To begin planning your backyard wedding day, start with your absolute must-haves. From there, work your way through what is needed and your guest list. Think of creative ways you can save money, like borrowing items from friends and becoming your own vendor for things like florals and entertainment. To begin budgeting and planning even more, be sure to download our free Trello board template for backyard brides! This template will walk you through planning your wedding step by step and help you turn your backyard into the venue of your dreams.
