
Full Answer
What is the average cost of a backyard wedding?
A simple ceremony and reception in a private backyard, on private land owned by family or friends of the bride and groom or in a public park can start at $500-$2,500 (possibly with a "pot-luck" reception menu for the least expensive weddings) but can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on what is included.
How to have an awesome backyard wedding?
- Concerned about late night noise? Invite the neighbors! No one will complain about noise when they’re joining the fun too. ...
- Keep facilities in mind. When there’s an old plumbing system in the house that can’t handle all your wedding guests, think about renting porta potties. ...
- Don’t be afraid to hire help! Moving trash the day after your wedding is no fun. ...
How much does an expensive wedding cost?
- The average cost of a wedding in the US was $28,000 in 2019, according to data from The Knot.
- The venue is the single most expensive part, at an average of $10,000 alone.
- Rings, photographers, and videographers are the next largest expenses.
- Read more Personal Finance Insider coverage »
How to prepare your yard for a backyard wedding?
Use these backyard wedding ideas as inspiration for your own celebration at home.
- Welcome sign. A welcome sign is more important than ever if you're planning to marry at home, since guests will need to know whether they should enter through the house ...
- Rugs as aisle runners. ...
- Landscaped gardens. ...
- Pets. ...
- Cocktail area. ...
- Reception tent. ...
- Bar station. ...
- Charcuterie table. ...
- Self-serve drinks. ...
- Family-style seating. ...

How do you budget a backyard wedding?
Determine Your Budget First.Limit # of Guests.Host Ceremony/Reception at Private Residence or Public Space.Choose 2-3 Top Priorities.Look at Alternative Food and Booze Options.Ask for Help in Lieu of Gifts.DIY Favors, Flowers, and Wedding Party Gifts.Shop Second Hand or Vintage for Attire and Decor.
Is it cheaper to do a DIY wedding?
It depends. It depends on which aspects of your wedding you want to do yourself and the cost of materials and time it takes to do them. In some cases, it can actually end up costing more, which is why it's important to allocate part of your wedding budget to paying for vendors you simply can't replicate for less.
How big does a backyard need to be for a wedding?
The general rule is 6 to 10 square-feet of floor space per guest for row-seating. Consult with the professionals about the realities of hosting a big event on property.
How long does it take to plan a backyard wedding?
Q: How long does it take to plan a backyard wedding? A: For any wedding, we recommend 13 - 18 months. If you are hosting a backyard wedding, and you are hosting it by yourself without the help of an event planner, we recommend 13 months to 2 years.
How do people pay for weddings?
More than half – 57% – of couples relied on borrowing via credit cards or financial institutions to finance their weddings, while 16% of couples borrowed the money from a friend or family member.
How do you plan a wedding on a budget?
Here are seven ways to keep wedding costs down and help you stay on budget!Limit your guest list. ... Host the ceremony or reception at home or outside. ... Ask friends and family to exchange skills for presents. ... Do-it-yourself whenever possible. ... Use a dummy wedding cake. ... Time your wedding wisely. ... Scout out vendors.
How do I start planning my backyard wedding?
Backyard Wedding Ideas + Our Top 10 Tips to Make it DreamySet the Mood for a Dreamy Backyard Wedding.Consider the Weather + Time of Year.Choose a Focal Point for the Backyard Wedding Ceremony.Consider a Few Rentals to Make it Special.Get the Yard in Shape.Inform Neighbors About Your Backyard Wedding.Hire Outside Help.
How do I set up a small backyard wedding?
Personal Wood Wedding Signs. Having a homemade wedding sign is so easy for a casual backyard wedding. ... Light Up Your Wedding Reception. ... Set a Long Banquet-Style Table. ... Creative Photo Display. ... Snap A Polaroid.Self-Serve Wedding Drinks & Food Table.Campfire Place. ... Lawn Games.More items...
How much space do you need for a 100 person wedding?
For a mixed seated and standing crowd—such as reception-style seating—increase the per-person rule of thumb to eight square feet: Your 100-person event will now need 800 square feet of usable space. And for reception-style seating with a dance floor, estimate nine square feet per person.
Can you plan a wedding in 3 months?
While some couples choose to wait many months before getting married, some couples want to get married, like, yesterday. Planning a wedding in 3 months is entirely possible (4 percent of couples do it!) —if you're able to stay organized and be flexible in your decision-making.
How much wine do I need for 150 guests?
150 guests1-2 hours45 bottles of wine6 bottles of spirits3-4 hours75 bottles of wine8 bottles of spirits4+ hours90 bottles of wine10 bottles of spirits1 more row
Can I plan a wedding in 2 months?
Yes, it's possible! You can plan an entire wedding in just a few months (even just a few weeks!) We've seen plenty of gorgeous short-notice weddings on the blog & I've had a number of wedding photography clients who have managed planning weddings very quickly in seemingly low-stress fashion.
Should I do my own wedding decor?
DIY wedding decorations are also amazing talking points for guests, who will be very impressed at your creativity and the effort you've gone to to make your wedding look fabulous. Another positive about making your own decor is that it's usually a lot cheaper than simply buying wedding decorations.
What is a DIY wedding?
“A DIY wedding is when the bride takes on certain tasks for her wedding instead of hiring a vendor to complete these tasks. One of the main benefits of a DIY wedding is the potential savings. By completing a big portion of the labor yourself, you are able to save money.
How much does it cost to officiate a backyard wedding?
Expect to pay at least $100, and as much as $1,500 or more.
How much does it cost to hire a photographer?
Including prints, the cost will be about $100. Hiring a photographer can cost $300 to $2,000 or more.
How much does it cost to hire a DJ?
If you want to hire a DJ, your cost for four hours can be anywhere from $250 to $2,000 and up. Check out this article on Yahoo Answers for more information on DJ costs. Just make sure if you go this route you don't sacrifice quality for cost, because a bad DJ can be really bad! A band will probably cost a bit more, but prices can vary widely.
Can you vote on a wedding if you haven't had it yet?
Anyone can vote. If you haven't had your wedding yet, you can choose how much you think yours will cost.
Do you get what you pay for on Craigslist?
Also, don't forget that you get what you pay for. The lower-end prices quoted for services here are for people hired off of Craigslist or acquaintances who are just getting started in the business. Doing research will help you find out what you want to pay for specific items.
Do you want to have a backyard wedding on a budget?
Do you want to have a backyard wedding on a budget? The good news is, you'll probably save a lot of money; the bad news is, you'll still have to be careful to make sure that your wedding costs don't skyrocket.
License, Officiant, Rentals
Now depending on where you are living the cost of marriage registration and the officiant might vary. Furthermore, the cost can vary based on the time of the year, location, and other things. As these things can vary, you can add it as a budget of around $300 to $400. You will also require wedding rings, which can cost you around $300 or more.
Foods and Drinks
The food dishes and drinks vary on a large scale. You put a lot of amounts for the food while also save big by compromising a bit. Typically, you will require paying around $20 per head for the catering that includes charges for the food, caterers, and serving. This can go around $2000 for around 100 guests.
Clothes
The wedding dress is something special and you don’t need to compromise with it. As you want to look the best on this, you will also want the best dress. The cost of the dress can vary on a large scale. You can get a decent dress at $500 while it can go up to $4000.
Flowers
When it comes to the details of the wedding, the flower is something that you simply cannot ignore. Weddings and flowers are interrelated and you will require the flowers for a variety of purposes. First, you need the bouquet, corsages, boutonniere, and decoration flowers. You can be pretty flexible with the cost of flowers.
Photography
A modern wedding is unthinkable without photographs. You must want to preserve some sweet memories of the wedding day to share with your grandchildren. And, that’s why you need the photographers. A professional photographer is requiring to cover the entire day and all the events.
Stationery
Well, there are costs for the which you will also not ignore. The wedding invitations are important and they need to be done properly. You will require paying around $250 to $400 for 100 guests at the wedding. You might design the card on your own to cut down the cost a bit.
DJ and Sound Systems
Well, this is not something that is absolutely necessary. But having a DJ at the wedding might help you to cheer up the mood during the wedding party and dance. A decent DJ will cost you around $400 or more. The sound system will cost you a bit more. It might be around $500 or more considering both.
How much does an outdoor wedding cost?
The cost of an outdoor wedding depends on many of the same factors as an indoor wedding -- the number of guests, the size of the wedding party and the choice of the wedding dress ($200-$5,000 +), groom's tuxedo or suit ($50-$1,500 +), flowers ($700 average for a traditional wedding), wedding officiant or minister ($50-$400 +), marriage license ($10-$100 +) and more. A simple outdoor wedding can be less expensive than a traditional indoor wedding, but an elaborate outdoor wedding with many guests can be as expensive or cost even more than an indoor wedding because of the potential need to rent chairs, tables, tents, a dance floor, portable restrooms and more.
How much does it cost to have a wedding in a park?
Most public parks require a permit for a wedding and reception, and fees vary from free to $25-$600 or more depending on local regulations, the length of time the park will be used, amenities available and whether that area is closed or open to the public during the wedding. For example, Audubon Park [ 2] in New Orleans has fees of $125-$550 per day for its three shelters with water and electricity. The city of Pacific Grove, CA, charges a $300 fee ($200 weekdays) for every two hours in its gazebo in tree-lined Jewell Park. And the permit fee for New York City's Central Park [ 3] is $400 for just a ceremony (receptions are prohibited) with no chairs, rugs, runners, tents or throwing of rice allowed.
How much does it cost to rent a chair?
Renting chairs can cost $2-$8 or more per chair, and there may be a minimum charge of $50-$125 or more including delivery and set-up. A simple metal wedding arch that can be decorated with fabric and flowers can cost $20-$130 or more; a larger and sturdier wooden trellis or arbor typically costs $100-$400 or more;
How much does a wedding reception cost?
A simple ceremony and reception in a private backyard, on private land owned by family or friends of the bride and groom or in a public park can start at $500-$2,500 (possibly with a "pot-luck" reception menu for the least expensive weddings) but can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on what is included.
How much does it cost to have a gazebo in Pacific Grove?
The city of Pacific Grove, CA, charges a $300 fee ($200 weekdays) for every two hours in its gazebo in tree-lined Jewell Park. And the permit fee for New York City's Central Park [ 3] is $400 for just a ceremony (receptions are prohibited) with no chairs, rugs, runners, tents or throwing of rice allowed.
Do travel expenses add to the cost of a wedding?
If the bride, groom and guests all live far from the outdoor wedding site, travel expenses will add to the total cost of the wedding. Actual expenses will vary significantly depending on the distance traveled and whether people are driving or flying. Discounts:
Can a church loan a large vases?
A local church, school, senior center or civic group may loan folding chairs, large vases or more in exchange for a small donation, which is typically cheaper than renting needed items. OutdoorWeddingGuide.com lists tips for saving money on an outdoor wedding.
PROS AND CONS OF HOSTING A BACKYARD WEDDING
Hi there! I’m the owner of Fierce Productions an event/wedding planning business in Chicago and Miami. The Pandemic has forced many venues to shut down which has been a huge change of plans for engaged couples who are getting married. Many are opting to host a small backyard wedding.
PROS
Total control of what vendors you select. You can use any caterer, florist, liquor provider you want! You aren’t tied down to an exclusive or preferred vendor list that all venues have. You can save money by buying your own liquor and catering from your favorite restaurant.
CONS
It takes a lot of time to vet, interview and research vendors. If you’ve never planned an event before chances are you don’t have a vendor list. The benefit of using a professional venue is that you can use their resources. It is so important to find vendors who are aligned with your vision and budget.
PROS
Total artistic control. You can do anything you want with your vision. You can building your own dream venue in your backyard from the ground up. Start with a blank slate.
CONS
Total artistic control means total management of all moving parts. You will need to bring in all of the backyard wedding decor and supplies (rentals, china, flatware, chairs, glassware tables, tent.) It takes a lot of time and logistics to manage this.
PROS
Flexibility! You don’t have to follow a venue contract. You have your pick of the litter when it comes to your dream date. You have more flexibility and less restrictions. You can throw that confetti! Use that glitter! It’s your space - your rules.
CONS
You will spend more time managing this backyard venue. You will need to create a floor plan and layout. Don’t forget about bathrooms! Does your home have enough or do you need to rent some? Figure out how to clean the confetti. Figure out load in/load out. Decide where the catering area will be. Heat/rain. Deliveries. Backyard wedding decor.
How much does an outdoor wedding cost?
Outdoor weddings can cost the same as indoor weddings which are on average $29,200* but have the potential to be much cheaper if hosted on one’s own property or in a public park or beach. Lower end outdoor weddings can cost $500-$4,000; mid-range $4,000-$10,000; and higher end $10,000-$50,000. *According to the 2019 WeddingWire Newlywed Report ( ...
How many people are in an outdoor wedding?
A budget for a low-price range outdoor wedding might look something like this (based on the average number of wedding guests which is 126 people according to a recent report ):
What are some good venues to rent?
Venue rentals that you might be interested in include vineyards, wedding halls next to lakes and shorelines, and farms with spacious barns.
How many people are expected to attend an outdoor wedding?
A budget for a high-price range outdoor wedding might look something like this (based on the average number of wedding guests which is 126 people according to a recent report ):
Can you have a wedding in a private backyard?
If you want to have something a bit fancier, you might still have a wedding in a backyard on private property, but rent tables and chairs for a sit-down reception. You might decide to hire a catering company that does hot food and maybe someone to serve.
Who is Brittany from Wayfaring Weddings?
Brittany. Brittany is a writer, teacher, and a graduate student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She started the website Wayfaring Weddings as a way to share her research on affordable, eco-friendly, and less stressful approaches to wedding planning.
Can I plan an outdoor wedding without knowing?
There are some other costs to keep in mind when planning an outdoor wedding that can make your bill go up fast. I wouldn’t go into planning an outdoor wedding without being aware of them, just in case you’re not able to cover all these costs.
What are some ways to save on wedding rental costs?
It’s very easy for your wedding rental costs to rise so be sure to keep track of your wedding rental costs before they become out of control. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to save money on your wedding rentals without sacrificing style:
How much does it cost to rent a wedding tent?
is $300. You may also need to pay to reserve a tent in case of bad weather, even if you don’t end up using it. If you do use your rental, you’ll also have to pay for the labor to erect your wedding tent. There are numerous different types of tents to choose from, including clear-top tents, pole tents, marquee tents, and more, plus you may also need to rent utilities, such as generators, heating and cooling units, and even an outdoor catering kitchen, which can certainly add cost. You’ll want to work with your tent rental company to determine the best type of tent and any related utilities you will need for your special day.
What are some typical wedding rentals?
Some wedding venues may include rentals like tables, chairs, china, etc. in their packages. However, some do not—or you may not love your venue’s offerings. In these cases, booking a wedding rental company is a must. Wedding rental companies tend to offer a wider selection of items so that you can find tables, chairs, linens, and more that fit your wedding theme and style. Of course, remember that renting high-end, specialty, or custom items for your wedding can add to your wedding rental costs. Some of the items you will need for your wedding that can be rented are:
What are some questions to ask a wedding rental company?
When researching wedding rental companies, it’s important to find professionals who not only have fabulous rental offerings , but who you like and trust to avoid stress during your planning process and on your big day. Here are a few questions to ask wedding rental companies:
Is labor included in wedding rental costs?
Most of the time, labor is included in your wedding rental contract. Delivery people from your rental company will handle delivery, setup, and clean up at your venue. Be sure to discuss timing with your venue to make sure that your rental company delivers your rental items at the right time, leaving enough time to properly set up—and allowing your wedding florist to decorate your space as well. And don’t forget to tip your delivery staff. We recommend giving $5 to $20 per person to your delivery team, and be sure to write an online review for a rental company for a job well done.
