Did you know that the average wedding in the U.S. costs around $30,000? If that number makes your heart race, don’t worry you can still have a dreamy outdoor wedding without breaking the bank. The key is smart budgeting, creative planning, and resourceful decisions.
This guide will show you how to plan a cheap outdoor wedding while ensuring elegance, beauty, and a memorable experience for you and your guests.
1. Choose a Free or Low-Cost Outdoor Wedding Venue
Your venue is often the biggest expense, but there are many affordable outdoor options.
✅ Budget-Friendly Outdoor Wedding Venues:
- Public Parks & Gardens: Many offer free or low-cost permits.
- Backyard Weddings: A family home can provide a personal and cost-free setting.
- Beaches & Lakesides: Some public beaches allow weddings with minimal permit fees.
- Campgrounds & State Parks: Rustic, scenic locations that are far cheaper than luxury resorts.
💡 Tip: Contact local city offices to inquire about venue permits, guest limits, and noise regulations.
2. Keep Your Guest List Small and Intimate
More guests mean higher costs for food, seating, and décor. Trimming your guest list is one of the easiest ways to save money.
✅ How to Downsize Your Guest List Without Guilt:
- Invite only close family and friends.
- Skip plus-ones unless necessary.
- Have a separate casual gathering for coworkers and distant relatives later.
💡 Tip: A guest list of 50-75 people keeps costs low while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
3. DIY Your Wedding Décor and Flowers
Floral arrangements and decorations can be expensive, but DIY solutions help save hundreds or even thousands.
✅ Affordable Wedding Décor Ideas:
- Use natural surroundings to reduce décor costs—beaches, gardens, and forests already provide stunning backdrops.
- DIY flower arrangements using seasonal or wildflowers from a local farm or market.
- Mason jars, candles, and fairy lights create an elegant ambiance without high costs.
- Repurpose items—borrow or thrift table linens, chairs, and centerpieces.
💡 Tip: Check Facebook Marketplace and local thrift stores for second-hand wedding décor at a fraction of the price.
4. Save Big on Wedding Attire
A designer wedding dress can cost thousands, but there are plenty of stunning alternatives that won’t drain your budget.
✅ Affordable Wedding Attire Tips:
- Buy a second-hand or sample dress—websites like Stillwhite and Poshmark offer designer dresses for less.
- Rent a wedding dress—this can save up to 80% compared to buying new.
- Opt for non-traditional outfits—a simple white gown or suit can be just as elegant.
💡 Tip: Consider bridesmaid dresses in white as an alternative to traditional wedding gowns—they’re often much cheaper!
5. Cut Down on Catering Costs
Catering is one of the biggest wedding expenses, but there are affordable ways to feed your guests without sacrificing quality.
✅ Budget-Friendly Catering Ideas:
- Buffet-style meals are more affordable than plated dinners.
- DIY food stations (like taco bars or BBQ buffets) reduce costs while adding a fun touch.
- Hire a local food truck—they often charge less than traditional caterers.
- Limit alcohol costs—serve a signature cocktail, beer, and wine instead of an open bar.
💡 Tip: Skip champagne toasts—guests can toast with whatever drink they have in hand!
6. Use Digital Invitations Instead of Printed Ones
Physical wedding invitations can cost hundreds of dollars, while digital invites are free or very inexpensive.
✅ Cheap Wedding Invitation Options:
- Use free wedding websites like Zola or The Knot for digital invites and RSVPs.
- Send stylish e-vites through services like Paperless Post or Evite.
- DIY printable invitations using Canva and print only a few for close family.
💡 Tip: Digital invites also make it easier to track RSVPs and send updates!
7. Hire a Photographer for Fewer Hours
A professional photographer is worth the investment, but you can reduce costs by limiting their hours.
✅ Photography Budget Hacks:
- Hire a photographer for just 2-4 hours—capture key moments like the ceremony and couple portraits.
- Ask a talented friend or student photographer for a discounted rate.
- Opt for a weekday or off-season wedding to get lower rates.
💡 Tip: Set up a DIY photo booth with a phone tripod and ring light for extra guest photos.
8. Skip the Expensive Wedding Cake
Custom wedding cakes cost hundreds, but affordable alternatives can be just as delicious.
✅ Cake Alternatives:
- Cupcake towers—cheaper and easier to serve.
- Single-tier cakes—small but elegant.
- Grocery store cakes—decorate them with fresh flowers for a fancy look.
- DIY dessert table—let guests enjoy a mix of cookies, brownies, and pies.
💡 Tip: Instead of paying for a cake-cutting fee, let a family member or friend do the honors.
9. Save on Music and Entertainment
Live bands and professional DJs can cost thousands, but there are budget-friendly entertainment options.
✅ Affordable Music Ideas:
- Curate your own wedding playlist and use a Bluetooth speaker.
- Hire a student musician instead of a professional band.
- Use Spotify or Apple Music for background music during dinner and dancing.
💡 Tip: Assign a friend as the “music coordinator” to manage the playlist transitions!
10. Plan an Off-Peak Wedding Date
Choosing the right date can save you thousands on venue, catering, and photography.
✅ Best Budget-Friendly Wedding Dates:
- Weekday weddings (Monday–Thursday) often have discounted venue rates.
- Morning or brunch weddings cost less than evening receptions.
- Off-season weddings (winter or early spring) have lower demand and prices.
💡 Tip: Vendors offer discounts for last-minute bookings if they have open slots!
Final Thoughts
A beautiful outdoor wedding doesn’t have to be expensive it just takes smart planning and creative solutions. By choosing an affordable venue, limiting your guest list, and making DIY décor, you can save thousands while still having a magical day.
💡 Ready to plan your dream wedding on a budget? Use these expert tips to create a breathtaking and affordable outdoor wedding!