One of my favorite things about being a Bay Area wedding photographer are the amount of outdoor weddings I get to shoot. From shoreside elopements to backyard weddings, from Spring through autumn, I really get to see it all! Today we are going to dive into outdoor wedding ideas on a budget, so you can spend more of your budget on the fun things!

Venue

The best thing you can do to stick to a budget is to eliminate the need for other expenses. With this idea I suggest finding a venue that is so beautiful that you don’t really even need decor for your outdoor wedding. I find that greenhouses, gardens and even courtyards make for stunning backdrops. Each stunning and interesting enough to enjoy without decorations. Saving you money!

Wedding Gifts

If you have a family member or friend who has a skill that you could use for your wedding, for example, your aunt used to cater events, or maybe you have a florist in the family. Ask them if they would gift you that skill instead of a knife set or a crockpot. This can save you hundreds of dollars in vendor fees, while still fulfilling the needs of your wedding day!

Thrift & Give It A Face Lift!

Thrifting is a trend that is hot right now! Include this fun pastime in your wedding planning to find unique treasures that will spruce up your outdoor wedding. Consider making a mood board, sharing it with your bridal party and family, and having a bit of help to find the perfect pieces to include in your table decor, ceremony space and even lounge area! See the potential in items to give it a face lift and use it for your wedding day.

Seasonal Flowers

Another tip for outdoor wedding ideas on a budget is to stick with seasonal flowers. These will come at a fraction of the cost! Making your bouquets, centerpieces, floral arrangements, and any other florals so much more affordable. In addition, seasonal flowers are more readily available!

Food & Beverage

Instead of hiring a caterer, consider setting up DIY food and beverage stations. Serve simple, crowd-pleasing dishes like tacos, sliders, or build-your-own salad bowls. Even a table full of protein-dense appetizers will satisfy a crowd! For drinks, offer a signature cocktail or self-serve beverage station. Eliminating the need for servers while not compromising a bar!

Incorporating outdoor wedding ideas on a budget doesn’t mean you have to forgo the many details that make a wedding special. Try thinking outside the box, get creative and have fun with it!

Ready to book your Bay Area wedding photographer? Reach out and let’s see if we are a good match!