A backyard wedding is a beautiful, intimate way to celebrate your big day without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can transform your outdoor space into a charming venue that will wow your guests. Here are 25 budget-friendly backyard wedding decoration ideas to help you create a magical atmosphere without spending a fortune!
1. Fairy Lights and String Lanterns
Transform your backyard into a sparkling wonderland with fairy lights and string lanterns. These inexpensive additions can be draped over trees, fences, or along pathways. The soft glow of fairy lights creates a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere, especially for evening celebrations. You can also mix in paper lanterns for added charm and color, making the entire space feel warm and inviting.
2. Candlelit Pathway
Light up your backyard wedding with a beautiful, candlelit pathway. Line the walkway with candles in glass jars, lanterns, or tea lights, guiding guests through the venue. The flickering candlelight creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for evening weddings.
3. Hanging Lights in Trees
Wrap string lights or fairy lights around the branches of your trees to create a magical, glowing effect for your backyard wedding. The lights can be draped in a whimsical pattern to enhance the natural beauty of the space. This simple yet effective decoration adds a warm, inviting glow, perfect for evening weddings or outdoor receptions. Plus, string lights are budget-friendly and easily available.
4. Floral Arches
A floral arch makes a stunning centerpiece for your ceremony and photo backdrop. You don’t need to splurge on extravagant flowers; opt for local blooms or silk flowers, which can be just as beautiful and much more affordable. Create a simple wooden or bamboo frame, then decorate it with greenery, vines, and flowers to evoke a feeling of lushness and elegance.
5. Flower Petal Aisle
Skip the traditional aisle runner and create a beautiful, fragrant flower petal pathway instead. Scatter fresh or dried flower petals along your ceremony aisle for a romantic touch. You can even match the colors of the petals to your wedding motif.
6. DIY Flower Crown Station
Set up a DIY flower crown station where your guests can make their own crowns to wear during the wedding. Not only does this provide a fun activity for guests, but it also serves as a memorable keepsake. Choose simple flowers like baby’s breath, daisies, or wildflowers, which are easy to work with and budget-friendly. It’s a fun, interactive way to make your wedding feel even more special.
7. Hanging Florals from the Ceiling
Add a lush, dreamy feel to your wedding space by hanging floral arrangements from the ceiling. Use a variety of flowers, greenery, or even fairy lights to create a cascading effect. This is a great way to elevate your reception venue without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s a tented area or a backyard gazebo, hanging florals bring depth and beauty to any space.
8. Hanging Terrariums
Hanging glass terrariums can bring a touch of nature and elegance to your backyard wedding. Fill them with air plants, succulents, or fairy lights for a modern twist. These charming decorations can be hung from tree branches, pergolas, or even suspended from the ceiling of a reception tent. Terrariums are an affordable, yet stylish way to add greenery to your wedding decor.
9. DIY Mason Jar Centerpieces
Mason jars are an affordable, versatile option for creating stunning centerpieces. Fill them with fresh wildflowers, baby’s breath, or even small succulents to add a rustic charm to your tables. You can decorate the jars with twine, lace, or paint to match your wedding theme. This DIY project is budget-friendly and allows for personalization, creating a unique look for each table.
10. Pallet Lounge Area
Wooden pallets are not only affordable but also a great way to add rustic charm to your backyard wedding. Stack the pallets to form sofas or benches, then top them with colorful cushions for comfort and style. This casual seating arrangement is perfect for guests who prefer a more relaxed vibe, and it offers a cozy, intimate space for conversations and photos.
11. Rustic Wooden Signage
Add a personal touch to your backyard wedding with rustic wooden signage. Use old wooden boards, vintage crates, or even reclaimed windows to create signs that direct guests or highlight key areas of your venue. You can paint or stencil messages like “Welcome,” “Reception This Way,” or “Photo Booth” to make your event look and feel more put together.
12. Repurposed Wine Bottles
Give your wine bottles a second life by turning them into elegant vases for flowers or candle holders. Simply remove the labels, clean the bottles, and paint or decorate them to match your theme. You can fill them with flowers, greenery, or even fairy lights for a whimsical effect. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly decoration that adds a touch of sophistication to your event.
13. Wooden Box Centerpieces
Wooden boxes are a fantastic, budget-friendly option for centerpieces that can be personalized to fit your style. You can fill them with seasonal flowers, candles, or greenery to create a rustic, earthy look. For added charm, try adding burlap or lace accents around the box. This simple and chic decoration idea will add warmth and texture to your tables without costing a fortune.
14. Upcycled Tin Cans
Tin cans are perfect for rustic, vintage-inspired decor. After cleaning and removing the labels, paint or decorate them to match your theme. You can use them as vases for flowers or candles, or even stack them to create a unique centerpiece. This eco-friendly, budget-friendly option is both creative and practical, making it a great way to add charm to your wedding without spending a lot.
15. Wine Barrel Decor
If you have access to wine barrels, they can serve as fantastic focal points or functional decor at your wedding. Use them as base tables for your guestbook, as stands for floral arrangements, or even to display your drink station. Wine barrels add rustic charm and are a great way to incorporate vintage elements into your backyard celebration, making them an excellent budget-friendly decoration option.
16. Chalkboard Signs
Chalkboard signs are a fun and affordable way to display important information at your wedding. Whether you use them to direct guests, display your wedding menu, or showcase your love story, these versatile signs add a personal touch. You can easily find chalkboard frames or boards at craft stores or even repurpose old picture frames for a custom look.
17. Antique Frames as Decor
Antique frames can be used creatively in your backyard wedding to add vintage charm. You can repurpose them as photo frames, chalkboards, or even to display wedding quotes. These frames can be found at thrift stores for a fraction of the price of new ones, and they can be customized to suit your wedding theme.
18. Vintage Suitcases
Vintage suitcases are a charming, versatile addition to your backyard wedding decor. Stack them to create a unique dessert table, card box station, or display area for your wedding favors. You can also use them as a photo booth backdrop or as part of your welcome area. These pieces add character and personality, making them a great conversation starter.
19. Fabric Draping
Soft fabric drapes add a romantic, elegant touch to your outdoor venue. You can drape fabric over fences, around arches, or from the ceiling of a tent. Choose flowing materials like chiffon or organza for a delicate look, or go with burlap for a more rustic feel. This simple yet impactful decor element can transform any space, creating a dreamy atmosphere without the need for spending a lot.
20. Tulle or Organza Table Runners
Soft, flowing tulle or organza table runners are an elegant yet affordable way to dress up your reception tables. These light fabrics add texture and movement without being too heavy or expensive. They can be draped over the entire length of the table or gathered for a more whimsical look. Pair with simple floral arrangements or candles for a more refined look.
21. Hanging Fabric Banners
Add a playful, colorful element to your backyard wedding with fabric banners or bunting. Hang them across fences, from trees, or along the edge of your reception tent to add a pop of color and personality. You can use fabric in your wedding colors or mix patterns for a more eclectic look. These DIY decorations are easy to make and incredibly affordable.
22. Ribbon Streamers
Add color and movement to your backyard wedding with vibrant ribbon streamers. Hang them from tree branches, pergolas, or set them up on rustic wooden frames. Imagine this: As the breeze catches the ribbons, they’ll sway and dance, creating a whimsical atmosphere. You can choose ribbons in your wedding colors to tie everything together, or mix and match for a playful touch.
23. Lawn Games
Keep your guests entertained and engaged with classic lawn games. Set up fun activities like cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss for everyone to enjoy. Lawn games bring a playful, lighthearted vibe to the celebration and give guests a chance to mingle and have fun between ceremonies and meals. Plus, they add a personal touch to your backyard wedding, making it feel more laid-back.
24. DIY Paper Flowers
If you’re looking for an affordable yet beautiful way to decorate, try creating your own paper flowers. With just some colored paper, scissors, and glue, you can craft stunning blooms that mimic the look of real flowers. These can be hung from trees, scattered on tables, or used as bouquets. Paper flowers are not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, making them a great choice for sustainable weddings.
25. DIY Pom-Poms
Add fun and color to your backyard wedding with DIY tissue paper pom-poms. These affordable decorations can be hung from trees, light fixtures, or along reception tables. You can make them in any color to match your wedding theme, or mix and match for a vibrant, playful look. Pom-poms are a simple, budget-friendly way to bring texture and fun to your decor.
Final Thoughts
With these 25 budget-friendly decoration ideas, your backyard wedding can be both beautiful and affordable. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the process of transforming your backyard into a magical wedding venue!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.