Tips on saving money for outdoor weddings

There’s something special about outdoor weddings, whether on a beach, in a scenic garden, or against a breathtaking mountainous backdrop. The natural elements add a unique aesthetic to the occasion.

According to a February 2022 survey of more than 15,000 U.S. couples who were married in 2021, The Knot found the average overall cost of a wedding was $34,000, while venues cost $10,700 on average. It also found that 62% of wedding ceremonies occurred either fully or partially outside.

The common reality many couples face when budgeting for a wedding is the costs are usually higher than they’ve anticipated. Giggster compiled this list of 10 ways to help save money on an outdoor wedding using research from across the internet.

When planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to take the guests’ experience into account. If you have an outdoor wedding in the middle of the summer, factor in a possible heat wave and its effects on elderly guests or those who may be prone to summer allergies. And don’t forget about the bugs.

Whether it’s getting creative with the type of locale for that special day, opting for DIY items, or trimming down the guest list, read on for more ideas on how to pull off a memorable and affordable outdoor wedding.

Try nontraditional venues (or free public options)

You and your fiance are set on having an outdoor wedding at a nontraditional venue but haven’t decided where. You both know one thing: You don’t want to go into debt for your special day.

This is where creativity is key. Whether you’re considering securing a treehouse venue, exchanging your vows with a scenic mountain view or at a park, or hosting your wedding in a relative’s backyard, nontraditional wedding venues not only cut back on costs but create unforgettable experiences for guests. For public options, be sure to check with your local officials to see if you need a permit.

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Don’t schedule the wedding on a Saturday

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how people plan celebratory events, including weddings. Saturdays have often been the go-to day for the occasion. Many guests travel from afar to partake and even make a weekend out of it. Since many people typically have off from work on weekends, Saturdays have become the de facto day for wedding celebrations.

Weekday weddings however are becoming increasingly popular for budget-conscious couples. Vendors are most likely available on Mondays or Thursdays, while Fridays and Sundays can sometimes be challenging to secure. This is exacerbated by the logjam from pandemic-driven postponements in 2020 and 2021, which are now spilling over into 2022 and even early 2023.

Book somewhere with on-site catering

The average cost of catering for a wedding is $75 per person, per The Knot. And with the ongoing supply chain issues and inflation not abating, these prices will most likely increase. On-site catering, if available, can mitigate costs and save time on trekking in food from another location.

Choose a location with bathrooms on-site

While some couples may get caught up in the rustic aesthetics of a farm wedding—from the lower cost to the idea of getting to decorate to your heart’s content—many fail to consider electrical or plumbing logistics for guests and vendors. Many farms do not have the septic ability to handle more than around 20 guests at a time.

Renting bathroom trailers can cost thousands of dollars. While portable bathrooms for these types of events can be more upscale than what you might see at a street fair, the setup could require water and electrical access, which could place the bathrooms in an awkward location.

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Hold the ceremony and reception in the same place

Having the wedding ceremony and reception in one location saves money and time for the wedding party and guests. It also allows more time for photos and saves on having to decorate a second venue. And keeping the entire wedding at the same venue can mitigate the chances of something going wrong.

Make sure the reception is on level ground

A tented wedding is expensive: Renting floors for the reception can run costs upward by several thousand dollars. Whether you’re having your wedding reception in a garden, at a country club, or in a loved one’s backyard, having a plan for the reception setup is key.

In addition to having a layout that allows guests to move around freely, having the reception on level ground can cut costs significantly.

Ensure reliable power sources are nearby

Save money—and last many music or power outages—by making sure a outdoor location is fully equipped with the appropriate power source. For some outdoor weddings, a generator may be needed, which adds up to additional costs. The DJ will require adequate electricity so their equipment can run without glitches that could ruin the moment, and a microphone and speakers must sufficiently amplify speeches and toasts by your friends and family.

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Bring your own liquor

The Knot 2021 Real Wedding Study found the average amount spent on alcohol-related services for weddings in 2021 was $2,300. It’s a good chunk of change just for drinks, but for many couples, libations at a wedding are a must. There are ways to lessen the costs if a budget doesn’t allow for an open bar.

A self-service bar can save some money for small weddings held in private spaces—you can select the drink offerings and guests can help themselves. However, if you’re leaning toward providing your own alcohol, check with the venue for details regarding liquor licenses and permits.

Crowdsource chairs, tents, and more

Rather than renting items necessary for an outdoor wedding, such as canopies, tents, or other decorative items, couples can consider borrowing items from friends and family. Basic items that many people may already own, such as tables and seating, can be spruced up with decor.

In many cases, loved ones will be more than happy to help, knowing they are contributing by helping you save and making your celebration special.

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People are often surprised how many items for a wedding celebration are rented, rather than purchased. There’s the tent rental, tables, chairs, pole covers, and if the wedding is in a rural venue, a generator, as well. While these items may seem simple to get, it’s helpful to finalize everything two to three months prior to the wedding.

It’s also beneficial to purchase a wedding dress, if needed, as soon as possible. This helps avoid rush charges, which can cost as much as $500, and pricey last-minute alterations. Overall, proper planning helps to cut down on last-minute fees.

The average length of time that a couple is engaged in the U.S. is 12 to 18 months. While the engagement phase is usually an exciting time, it also calls for a great deal of planning and preparation. For outdoor weddings, extra planning is crucial to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.