How to Plan a Backyard Wedding on a Budget
Alright, so backyard weddings can either be awesome and personal… or a logistical nightmare if you don’t plan ahead.
I learned that helping my sister put one together a few years ago.
She wanted something small and relaxed in my parents’ backyard. Just family, close friends, good food, and some string lights. No fancy venue. No giant ballroom.
What surprised me was how doable it actually is if you plan the basics right.
Level lawn. Enough seating. Good lighting. And a solid food plan.
If you nail those four things, the rest is just decoration.
Let me walk you through how to plan a backyard wedding without spending a fortune.
Step 1: Get the Yard Ready
Before you think about decorations or food, look at the space itself.
Walk your yard and ask three questions:
• Is the lawn relatively level?
• Where will people sit and eat?
• Where does the ceremony happen?
If the lawn is uneven, spend a weekend leveling low spots with topsoil and reseeding a few weeks before the event. It makes a huge difference for tables and chairs.
Rent a Tent (Highly Recommended)
Even if the forecast looks perfect, a tent is cheap insurance.
A 20x30 event tent is the sweet spot for most backyard weddings.
Typical pricing:
• $300–$800 depending on the rental company
Companies like Tent and Table sell tents if you plan events often, but most people should just rent from a local party rental company.
Step 2: Seating and Tables
Chairs are usually rented locally.
Most party rental companies charge:
• $2–$4 per folding chair
For a 60‑person wedding you're looking at roughly $120–$240 for seating.
Tables typically rent for $8–$15 each, depending on size.
Keep the layout simple:
Ceremony area in front, dinner tables under the tent, and open lawn space for dancing.
Step 3: Lighting Makes Everything Better
Lighting is the secret weapon for backyard events.
String lights instantly make the space feel like an actual venue.
A setup I recommend all the time:
• BRIGHTOWN 100ft string lights from Amazon ($30)$25 per pack)
• Solar pathway lights from Home Depot (
Run the string lights across the yard, fence posts, or trees.
Add pathway lights along walkways and around the seating area.
Cheap upgrade, huge visual impact.
Step 4: Decor That Doesn't Drain Your Budget
You don't need elaborate decorations.
Some of the best backyard weddings look simple and natural.
A few budget ideas that work great:
• Mason jars with tea lights
• Wildflower centerpieces
• Simple table runners
For flowers, check Trader Joe’s or local farms.
Wildflower bundles usually cost around:
• $5–$10 per bunch
A couple bunches per table goes a long way.
Step 5: Affordable Food Options
Catering is usually the biggest wedding expense.
Backyard weddings give you a lot more flexibility.
Some great budget-friendly options:
Taco Bar
Many local Mexican restaurants offer taco bars for events.
Expect around $10–$15 per person.
BBQ Potluck
Have family bring sides while you order brisket or pulled pork from a local BBQ spot.
Costco Party Platters
Costco has solid party trays.
Most run around:
• $40–$60 per platter
Mix sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie trays and you're set.
Step 6: Music for the Reception
You don't necessarily need a full DJ setup.
Two solid options:
Rent a Speaker
The JBL PartyBox 310 is a fantastic portable speaker.
Costs around $500 to buy, but many local rental companies carry them.
Just run a playlist from your phone.
Hire a Local DJ
If you want someone to manage music and announcements:
Typical pricing:
• $500–$1,500 depending on experience
Step 7: Photography That Captures the Day
Photos matter. This is one place I wouldn’t go too cheap.
Two good options depending on budget:
Photography Student
Local college photography students often charge:
• $500–$800
Great option for small weddings.
Professional Photographer
Full-time wedding photographers typically start around:
• $2,000+
Either way, schedule portraits during golden hour right before sunset. The lighting is incredible.
Budget Tiers
Here’s what backyard weddings typically cost depending on how simple or upgraded you go.
| Budget Tier | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|
| Under $2,000 | DIY setup, potluck food, rented chairs, string lights |
| $2,000–$5,000 | Tent rental, catering trays, better lighting, DJ or student photographer |
| $5,000–$10,000 | Larger tent, professional photographer, full catering |
Sample Budget Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tent rental (20x30) | $300–$800 |
| Chair rentals | $120–$240 |
| Tables | $80–$200 |
| String lights | $30–$100 |
| Solar pathway lights | $25–$75 |
| Flowers & decor | $100–$300 |
| Food | $600–$2,000 |
| Music | $0–$1,500 |
| Photography | $500–$2,500 |
Total typical range: $1,800 – $8,000 depending on choices.
What Worked (and What I'd Change)
At my sister’s wedding, the things that worked best were surprisingly simple.
The string lights across the yard, the taco bar, and the casual seating made the whole evening feel relaxed instead of formal.
If I could redo one thing, I’d rent a slightly larger tent. More shade earlier in the day would’ve helped.
But overall it was one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever been to.
Backyard weddings feel personal in a way big venues sometimes don’t.
Final Thought
A backyard wedding doesn’t have to cost $30,000 to be memorable.
Focus on the basics: seating, lighting, good food, and space for people to gather.
Get those right and the rest tends to fall into place.
And honestly, some of the best weddings are the simple ones where everyone just relaxes and enjoys the day.