Planning A Budget Garden Wedding: Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. If you're thinking of having a garden wedding, there are lots of ways to make it budget-friendly. From pressed flowers to draped fabric, there are plenty of ways to create a beautiful setting without breaking the bank.

Budget-friendly decor ideas

Planning a wedding on a budget can be challenging, but it is possible to create a beautiful garden wedding without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly decor ideas to help you get started:

Pressed flowers are a lovely way to incorporate the garden theme into your wedding. You can use pressed flowers in your invitations, escort displays, name place cards, and more. If you're feeling crafty, you can even press the flowers yourself to save money. Floral installations, such as altar archways and hanging flower arrangements, can also add a romantic touch to your garden wedding. Consider using faux flowers or greenery to keep costs down.

Fabric draping is another elegant and affordable way to decorate your garden wedding. Drape fabric over chairs, create grand entrances with fabric curtains, or panel drape overhead to add a whimsical feel to your reception. Choose fabrics that complement your colour scheme and overall wedding theme.

Adding vegetables to your garden wedding may seem unusual, but it can be a unique and colourful twist. Use vegetables such as colourful peppers, aubergines, or artichokes to create eye-catching centrepieces or decorations.

If you're looking for a more rustic or Americana-style garden wedding, websites like Country Living can offer inspiration for venues, cakes, and florals with a warm and welcoming touch. The Budget Savvy Bride is another excellent resource for money-saving tips and real-life wedding inspiration.

Remember, the beauty of a backyard wedding is its flexibility. You can tailor your budget to suit your vision and get creative with decorations to make your garden wedding dreams come true.

Catering and drinks

One way to keep costs down is to choose a less expensive caterer. For example, Olive Garden charges $12.50 per person, while Qdoba is $9 per person. If you're expecting a large number of guests, it might also be worth considering self-catering or a potluck, although this may not be feasible for a large guest list.

Another way to save money on catering is to choose a less formal dining style. For example, you could opt for a buffet-style meal or family-style platters instead of a three-course plated dinner. This can help reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional staff to serve the food.

When it comes to drinks, it's easy to spend a lot of money on alcohol, so consider limiting the number of drinks you provide or offering a signature cocktail instead of a full bar. You could also provide non-alcoholic drinks, such as infused water or iced tea, to help cut costs.

Finally, don't forget to add a personal touch to your catering and drinks. For example, you could incorporate vegetables from your garden into your menu or create a signature cocktail that reflects your favourite flavours. By adding personal touches, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your guests while still staying within your budget.

Clothing and footwear

When it comes to clothing and footwear, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, if you're wearing a floor-length dress, no one will be able to see your shoes, so you can wear whatever you like. If you're having a garden wedding, going barefoot or wearing sandals is a good idea, and you could even opt for a pair of Converse or Doc Martens for something a little different. If you want to add a fun twist, you could ask your wedding party to wear whatever they like, perhaps sticking to a certain style or colour palette.

For the bridal party, you could suggest a certain style or colour palette, or even ask them to wear whatever they like. This can save you money on buying matching outfits for everyone.

If you're looking for a more rustic, Americana-style wedding, Country Living is a great resource for inspiration. They offer suggestions on venues, cakes, florals and more, all with a warm and welcoming touch.

To add a unique twist to your garden wedding, consider incorporating vegetables into your decor. They can add a pop of colour and are a budget-friendly option. Draped fabric is another way to instantly add elegance to your wedding decor without breaking the bank. Try draping fabric over chairs, creating magnificent entryways with fabric curtains, or panel draping overhead in your reception location for a gorgeous, ethereal feel.

Logistics and design

When it comes to logistics and design, there are many ways to save money on your garden wedding. Firstly, you can save on venue fees by hosting the wedding in your own backyard. However, remember that you may need to budget for landscaping, permits, and a backup plan in case of bad weather.

If you're looking for a rustic, Americana-style wedding, Country Living offers suggestions on venues, cakes, florals, and more, all with a warm and welcoming touch. The Budget Savvy Bride is another great resource, offering real weddings as inspiration, paired with money-saving tips.

For decor, draped fabric can add elegance to your wedding, whether draped over chairs, used to create magnificent entryways, or panel-draped overhead. You can also incorporate pressed flowers into your wedding invitations, escort displays, and name place cards. Floral installations, such as altar archways and hanging flower arrangements, can also elevate your garden wedding without breaking the bank.

Living walls, or green walls, are vertical architectural pieces laced with living plants grown using hydroponics. These can make a stunning backdrop for your photobooth. Adding vegetables to your garden wedding can also be a unique twist on the garden theme, adding a pop of colour to your design.

Finally, consider telling your wedding party to wear whatever they want, perhaps within a certain style or colour palette. This can save them money, and you can always opt for no bridal party at all.

DIY pressed flowers

Planning a wedding on a budget can be a challenge, but there are many ways to save money and still have a beautiful garden wedding. One way to save money is to do it yourself. For example, pressed flowers can be incorporated into your wedding invitations, escort display, name place cards, and more. You can even make your own flower press. Here is a guide to making your own pressed flowers:

Pressed flowers are a wonderful way to preserve your favourite blooms and can be used for many crafts. To make your own pressed flowers, you will need two pieces of wood, cut to the same size. You can use hardwood, such as maple, or a more economical option like stainless steel or zinc. Cut the wood into two 9" x 11" pieces. You will also need four 1/4" flat-head machine screws, at least 3" long, or alternatively, you can use carriage bolts. If you want to countersink your screws, a 15/32" forstner bit is recommended.

Once you have your materials, cut the flowers from the stem and spread the petals out. You can also keep the flower on the stem with the petals going vertically. Place the flowers between layers of blotting paper and cardboard, using wingnuts to tighten the layers together. If you are pressing flowers with a lot of dimension, such as roses or dahlias, use sheets of cellulose sponge between the cardboard and blotting paper layers. Leave the flowers for about three weeks before removing them from the press.

Trimming the stems can be tricky, as they cannot be layered and may need to be cut at each overlap to fit in a frame. Pressed flowers can be framed and displayed as beautiful decorations, adding a delicate touch to your garden wedding. With a little creativity and some DIY, you can have a wonderful garden wedding on a budget.

Frequently asked questions