If the mere thought of your next backyard party’s budget is making your eye twitch, you need to take a look at these backyard party setup ideas that don’t cost much. Stop stressing about the cost of new decor and an expansive setup, and get started with your playlist, or maybe your outfit. With some creativity and planning, you can turn a crate into a table, a sheet into a statement decor piece, and existing lighting into ambiance. Instead of splurging the entire budget on decor that you can’t use again, you may even be able to create a memorable event without visiting a single store.
1. Low Tables With Floor Seating
The mood that comes with low seating would definitely be worth a hefty price tag, but this party setup idea doesn’t cost much. Use coffee tables, crates, or even upside-down storage bins as tables and surround them with poufs, yoga mats, or floor cushions for seating. The entire party can be centered around this setup. You save money by repurposing items that you already have, and they can simply be returned to their normal spots the next day.
2. DIY Drink Station
A drink station is a party setup that doubles as decor. With a small table, bar cart, or stacked crates as the base you can create a dedicated drink station that stops guests from hovering in the kitchen. Use large dispensers for water or juice, or fill a large container (even a wheelbarrow could do the trick) with ice and canned or bottled drinks. If you’re going for fancy, label drinks with chalk or paper tags, group them by type, and add citrus slices, herbs, and frozen fruit cubes to the mix.
3. Picnic Setup With Blankets
A picnic setup is similar to a low table with floor seating setup. It’s amazing that something as simple as a couple of blankets can turn an open lawn into a playful and inclusive party setup. Start with large blankets as a base and add smaller and folded ones for extra comfort. You can incorporate baskets and trays for drinks and food and weigh the blankets down with discreet clips or paperweights. When the party’s over, simply wash, store, and reuse the blankets.
4. Outdoor Photobooth
You can hire a dedicated photographer for your party, but that costs extra money. So, why not give guests something to do and to take home with your very own backyard photobooth? Choose a simple blank wall, fence, or a sheet clipped to a line overhead as a backdrop. Decorate the ‘booth’ with string lights, paper fans, real or fake greenery, and balloons. If your party is later in the afternoon or after dark, you’re going to want to aim a ring light or lamp at the backdrop. Next, make your own props (homemade signs, hats, sunglasses, and themed items) and let the guests do the rest.
5. Buffet Table Setup
No party is complete without food, right? A buffet table is the perfect backyard party setup idea to keep food organized and guests moving. You don’t have to hire or purchase special equipment to create a buffet table that looks luxurious and inviting. Use a long table or place smaller ones in a long line and cover it with cloths or sheets, unless your table is gorgeous as is. Elevate some of the dishes on the table with stands or boxes and group all items logically, starting with plates and ending with napkins and cutlery. Label each dish and keep the serving utensils right next to it to streamline the system.
6. Outdoor Rug Zones
Outdoor rugs create their own little backyard party setups. They define spaces without blocking sightlines, helping guests understand where things happen. Place rugs under seating areas and food stations to create zones and add color simultaneously. Go for weather-resistant rugs or old indoor ones you don’t mind using outdoors. As an added bonus, rugs soften sounds and make the ground more comfortable, especially for feet that have been dancing all night long.
7. DIY Dancefloor
It can be so expensive to hire a temporary dancefloor setup, especially during wedding season. But a dancefloor doesn’t need those flashing tiles to provide your guests with a good time. Use some plywood sheets, interlocking foam mats, tightly arranged rugs, or any other cheap flooring material that you can find for free or at a very low cost. It’s worth it to buy the materials if you’ll be using it again at your next backyard get-together. Use lights or potted plants to define the dancing space and your party’s got itself a heartbeat.
8. Fire Pit Gathering Area
Campfires stories and drinks under the stars will never go out of style, so this is one of those backyard party setup ideas that you can keep around. Guests tend toward flames like moths, so be sure there’s sufficient seating. Think chairs, logs, stools, blankets, or anything that’s comfortable to sit on. To create the flames, go for a portable fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or a DIY option that’s safely contained. For added safety, keep water nearby and set clear boundaries, but don’t forget to have fun.
9. DIY or Budget Canopy
If your yard doesn’t have shade, you don’t want your guests to go home looking like roasted marshmallows, right? And you also don’t want the party to end because of some light rain. If you agree, you need a canopy for shelter and visual structure. Store-bought shade sails are typically costly, but you can get the look with a budget option. Or, use light-colored, weather-resistant fabric and some string lights to create your own DIY setup. You may enjoy the shade so much that it stays after the guests leave.
10. Lawn Games
Lawn games are more of an entertainment feature than a full backyard party setup, but it can be both. Cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss, and simple ball games can all bring so much fun without breaking your budget. Make the supplies yourself, borrow them from friends and family, or find low cost options at charity stores. To avoid congestion and unfortunate accidents, arrange the games slightly away from food and seating areas.
11. Outdoor Movie Setup
Whether your guests will be coming for a movie night, or it’s simply entertainment for the kids, an outdoor movie setup is always a good idea. It’s like an old-fashioned drive-in, but you know all of the guests and it’s in the comfort of your own backyard, which makes it so much more fun. Use your own projector, rent one from a company, or borrow one from a friend. Then, you’re going to need a screen, speakers, blankets or chairs, and some snacks. That’s it! You can also use this idea to broadcast live sport and events.
