Who says weddings have to break the bank? Say goodbye to overpriced venues and hello to a Florida backyard wedding extravaganza.
Not only will you save some major cash, but you'll also get to say "I do" in the comfort of your own backyard. And let's be real, what's more romantic than exchanging vows under the stars and surrounded by nature? Plus, think of all the money you'll save on decorations with Mother Nature as your canvas and with these backyard wedding ideas.
So grab your partner and let's dive into some stylish Florida backyard wedding ideas on a budget, brought to you by an elopement photographer who knows a thing or two about capturing the perfect intimate moments that you create as a couple and love it!
Love doesn't cost a thing, am I right?
About My Couples Backyard Wedding
Ready for a love tale that'll melt your heart faster than a popsicle on a sunny Florida day?
Dani and Arren's budget-friendly, backyard wedding is one for the books. The clock tower at Worth Avenue was the picturesque backdrop for their engagement photos, and this dynamic duo decided to stick close to home, literally, for their big day.
Their cozy casa in West Palm Beach, Florida was transformed into a wedding wonderland! The stars must've been on our side that March evening; it was beautiful and breezy, not too hot or humid. (Trust me, you haven't lived until you've experienced Florida's version of "sweating for the wedding".)
Dani got ready in an Airbnb nearby and then went over to the house before their guests arrived, where she and Arren did a first look – such a sweet and intimate moment!
Arren and Dani swapped sweet nothings and "I do's" in front of 30 of their favorite humans. The ceremony was followed by a lively cocktail hour, featuring an open bar and a DIY photobooth, which was so cool, that even I, their photographer, was clicking away.
Their backyard wedding decoration ideas were so cool – for example, their guests had a blast printing instant photos and pasting them into the couple's wedding guestbook.
Even I captured the day's moments with Polaroids! Each session comes with a complimentary Polaroid, and couples can choose to buy additional ones through packages: The Highlights Package at $50 which includes 5 Polaroids, or opt for Scrapbook Memories at $90 for 10 Polaroids.
After the cake cutting, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous sit-down dinner courtesy of the fantastic folks at Alexander Event Catering. Everything from the hors d'oeuvres to the utensils was impeccably provided by them.
Then, with sparklers lighting the night sky, the couple made a heartwarming exit.
Now, let's get into my backyard wedding ideas on a budget inspired by Dani and Arren's wedding and even my own wedding day!
6 Backyard Wedding Ideas on a Budget
Do Your Own Floral Arrangements
Create Your Own Photobooth
Make Your Own Flower Arch
Save Money on Catering
The Cheapest Option for You
Hire Your Photographer
Do Your Own Floral Arrangements
Ah, flowers! Those fragrant, petal-clad beauties that can siphon your wedding budget faster than you can say "peony".
But you don’t need to worry, because DIY-ing your floral arrangements is easier than you think, and can save you a pretty penny!
First off, let's chat about the elephant in the room, or rather the bulk shopping behemoth: Costco. A surprising floral hero, they offer a plethora of blooms for bulk ordering and I recommend placing an order ahead of time.
I'm talking roses, hydrangeas, lilies – the whole caboodle. But if the idea of commitment scares you, Trader Joe's is a great alternative. You can't order ahead, but their wide selection of flowers will make your heart flutter like a butterfly in a sunflower field. I used them for my own wedding and I swear, I still get emotional when I pass the flower section!
A few days before the wedding, I went in, picked the flowers, and asked for them in buckets. Once home, I filled the buckets with water and stored the flowers. Come wedding morning, my bridesmaids and I gathered around the kitchen table, sipped on some mimosas, and put together our bouquets. Who needs a floral designer when you've got a bride-tribe?
The rest of the flowers we used to decorate the tables. I thrifted a bunch of vases prior to the wedding and went for an eclectic colored vase style, which, if I may say so myself, looked downright Instagram-worthy.
So there you have it. A backyard wedding idea on a budget, without compromising on style or beauty. The only thing left to decide is: Will you have a rose or a daisy day?
Create Your Own Photobooth
Put your hands together for the star of every party: the photo booth!
Nothing captures the fun, the love, and yes, even the occasional awkwardness of a wedding better than this backyard wedding idea on a budget – a DIY photobooth. Just ask our friends Dani and Arren.
But if you want to hit a high note, let me share with you my vintage record backdrop idea that I designed for my own wedding. Here's what you need to do: First, hit Amazon (or any other online shopping platform you fancy) and order a simple backdrop. I chose a plain black one because nothing screams "vintage" louder than black.
Next, pop into your nearest record store and buy a stack of records. Grab your trusty glue gun and some clear fishing line or string to create a mosaic of records on the backdrop. It's almost therapeutic, I promise. For the finishing touch, I created a sign that reads, "For the record, you deserve to be remembered". Trust me, it'll bring a chuckle and make your guests feel special.
Position this masterpiece in a well-lit corner, throw in a box of props (think feather boas, oversized glasses, and funky hats), and voilà, you've got yourself a DIY photo booth!
Now, don't forget to put a Polaroid camera nearby for those instant picture-perfect moments. Have a Polaroid photo book ready for guests to stick their snaps in. It's the perfect keepsake from your big day. Plus, after the wedding, you can frame all those Polaroids for a unique piece of decor that's bursting with memories.
Make Your Own Flower Arch
Hold onto your bouquets, because we're about to talk about a backyard wedding idea on a budget – the flower arch!
You'll need to make a quick trip to Home Depot for a gold circle arch.
Next, take a ride to the land of endless crafting possibilities, also known as Amazon, and order some wire flowers. Now, I get it, Amazon can get a bit pricey, so you can always opt for Hobby Lobby.
Or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, dive into the treasure trove that is Facebook Marketplace. Who knows, maybe there's a recently married couple looking to unload a trove of fake flowers.
Assembling this floral monument is pretty easy! Decorate half of your golden arch with the wire flowers. And voila! You’ve got yourself an elegant, picturesque backdrop for your wedding vows.
Save Money on Catering
Let's talk grub – get ready for some budget-friendly wedding catering!
Now, we all know that the way to a guest's heart is through their stomach, but feeding the masses doesn't have to result in an empty wallet. So let's take a quick detour down this backyard wedding idea on a budget.
Have you ever considered swapping out traditional caterers for food trucks? They're like rolling restaurants with a side of cool-factor. The cost savings can be substantial, and the variety will keep your guests talking for weeks!
Or how about embracing your inner Julia Child and turning your wedding into a potluck? Just ask Aunt Sally to whip up her famous casserole, and Uncle Bobby to bring his killer barbecue ribs. You’ll not only cut costs but also make the reception feel warm and homely.
Not a fan of potluck? Consider more affordable restaurants such as CR Chicks, Pollo Tropical, Chick-fil-A, or even a good old-fashioned pizza place. Hey, who doesn't love a wedding where you can have a slice of pepperoni and a slice of cake?
The Cheapest Option for You
Let’s face it, you may love these backyard wedding ideas on a budget but weddings can be pricey, even when you DIY and use your backyard…
Don’t sweat it. I’ve got a tip for you that could save your wedding day and your bank account. Brace yourself, because we're ditching the backyard and heading out to dine!
Let’s talk restaurants. Yes, you heard me right. Forget the dance floor, the chairs, and the fancy napkin folding. All you need to do is bring your lovely selves and your guests, then let the restaurant take care of the rest. No need to pay for the venue, you're just footing the bill for the food, which you would have done anyway.
Florida is home to a multitude of stunning waterside eateries that would make any Pinterest board proud. Imagine saying your vows as the sun sets over the water, then dancing the night away to the sound of the waves. Sounds pretty magical, doesn't it?
Or, go full-on romantic movie style and elope to a breathtaking location, then throw a reception at a restaurant. After all, who needs a bunch of people watching when you say 'I do'? Remember, it's your day, and there's no rule book saying you have to get hitched in a backyard, a church, or under a decorated archway.
Hire Your Photographer
Enter the unsung heroes of your wedding dreams – photographers.
No, we are not wizards, but we do have a knack for freezing moments in time with our cameras. So, why should you consider one for your budget-friendly fiesta, you ask? Well, grab a cup of coffee and let me spin you a yarn.
First off, by hiring a photographer, you're investing in memories that will last a lifetime. These aren't just photos; they're time capsules of laughter, tears, and that questionable dance move your uncle busted out.
Sure, your friend might own a camera, but unless they're a secret wedding photography prodigy, you might end up with more snapshots of the buffet than your first dance. A professional photographer knows how to capture the emotions, the little details, and that spontaneous kiss that'll make even the cake blush.
Now, let's talk about stress. Wedding planning is basically a sport, right? Well, imagine having to worry about whether Aunt Mildred's shaky hands will result in a gallery of blurry candids. A professional photographer like me frees you from the anxiety of questionable shots and lets you focus on perfecting your dance moves instead.
"But wait!" you say, "Won't hiring a photographer cost an arm, a leg, and maybe a kidney?" Don’t worry! This is also a backyard wedding idea on a budget too, as many photographers like me offer customizable packages to fit your budget-friendly extravaganza – it's like a menu where you get to pick the options that suit your taste (and wallet).
In the grand tapestry of your wedding, a photographer is the artist who weaves together the threads of your story. So, don't let budget constraints deprive you of beautifully captured moments.
Cheers to love, laughter, and a photographer who'll make your budget-friendly wedding look like a million bucks!
Ready to Get Married in Style on a Budget?
Now you know my stylish Florida backyard wedding ideas on a budget you can go ahead and create the fun and personalised day that you dream of.
Ready to inquire about your photography so everything is captured for you to look back on forever? Get in touch today, I can’t wait to hear about your love story!
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