17 How to Decorate an Outdoor Wedding on a Budget

Planning an outdoor wedding is a dream for many couples, but when you peek at the price tag of professional decorators, it can feel like reality is slamming the door shut. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive budget to create a stunning, unforgettable outdoor wedding. What you need is creativity, a few insider tips, and the willingness to think outside the (decor) box.

I’ve attended, helped with, and even decorated a few outdoor weddings myself. And let me tell you, some of the most magical setups I’ve seen weren’t the most expensive—they were simply clever, thoughtful, and personal. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 17 smart, budget-friendly outdoor wedding decoration ideas. For each one, you’ll get a breakdown of costs, step-by-step tips, pros and cons, and a deep dive into how to pull it off without stress.

By the end, you’ll have a solid game plan to make your outdoor wedding beautiful without breaking the bank.

1. Use String Lights for a Magical Glow

String lights are the unsung heroes of outdoor weddings. They instantly turn a simple backyard or garden into something dreamy. Drape them across trees, tents, or fences and you’ll have instant ambiance.

Steps:

1. Buy warm white LED string lights (they’re more durable outdoors).
2. Hang them between trees, around poles, or above the reception area.
3. Secure with hooks, nails, or zip ties.

Cost: $25–$80 depending on the length and number of strands.

Pros: Affordable, romantic, reusable for future parties.
Cons: Need access to outlets or extension cords (unless battery or solar-powered).

Tip: Combine with sheer fabric for a softer, elegant vibe.

2. Mason Jar Centerpieces

Mason jars are versatile, cheap, and charming. Use them as vases, lanterns, or rustic table accents.

Steps:

1. Buy mason jars in bulk (thrift stores or dollar stores often have them).
2. Fill with flowers, candles, or fairy lights.
3. Place on tables or hang from tree branches.

Cost: $1–$2 per jar, plus fillers.

Pros: Rustic, customizable, easy DIY.
Cons: Glass jars can be fragile outdoors.

Tip: Wrap twine or lace around the jars for an upgraded look.

3. DIY Wedding Arch

A wedding arch is the focal point of an outdoor ceremony. Instead of renting a pricey one, make your own.

Steps:

1. Use PVC pipes, wooden poles, or even tree branches.
2. Drape with fabric, flowers, or greenery.
3. Anchor securely in buckets filled with sand or cement.

Cost: $40–$100 depending on materials.

Pros: Personal, customizable, saves rental costs.
Cons: Takes time and effort to build.

Tip: Add seasonal flowers or artificial ones to keep it budget-friendly.

4. Potted Plants Instead of Bouquets

Fresh-cut flowers cost a fortune, but potted plants are affordable and sustainable.

Steps:

1. Buy small potted flowers or herbs.
2. Arrange them down the aisle or around the ceremony space.
3. Guests can even take them home after the event.

Cost: $3–$15 per pot.

Pros: Eco-friendly, doubles as favors, reusable.
Cons: Heavier than bouquets and need more setup space.

Tip: Use terra cotta pots and paint them to match your wedding colors.

5. Fabric Draping

Fabric transforms plain spaces into elegant settings. Think chiffon, tulle, or even affordable curtains.

Steps:

1. Buy fabric in bulk (look online or at discount stores).
2. Drape over arches, chairs, or trees.
3. Secure with ribbons or floral accents.

Cost: $30–$100 depending on fabric type and amount.

Pros: Elegant, versatile, easy to set up.
Cons: Can blow in the wind if not secured.

Tip: Use fabric with some weight to avoid too much movement outdoors.

6. Wooden Signs

Signs add both charm and function. Handwritten chalkboard or wooden signs are budget-friendly and Instagram-worthy.

Steps:

1. Collect wooden planks or buy chalkboards.
2. Use paint or chalk pens for lettering.
3. Display at entrances, ceremony spots, or bars.

Cost: $10–$50 depending on materials.

Pros: Personal, reusable, practical for directing guests.
Cons: Requires some lettering skills.

Tip: Ask a friend with nice handwriting to help instead of hiring a calligrapher.

7. DIY Photo Booth

Skip expensive photo booths. Create your own with a backdrop and props.

Steps:

1. Hang a fabric sheet, curtain, or greenery wall.
2. Add string lights, flowers, or garlands.
3. Provide props like hats, glasses, and signs.

Cost: $50–$150.

Pros: Fun, interactive, affordable.
Cons: Requires a designated space and setup.

Tip: Use a tripod and phone with a self-timer for DIY photography.

8. Candles and Lanterns

Soft lighting makes any space feel romantic. Use candles or lanterns in clusters.

Steps:

1. Buy LED candles (safer outdoors).
2. Place in jars, lanterns, or directly on tables.
3. Arrange in groups for maximum effect.

Cost: $20–$70.

Pros: Romantic, affordable, easy.
Cons: Real candles may blow out in wind.

Tip: Mix lantern sizes for layered visual impact.

9. DIY Aisle Decor

Aisle decorations can be simple but beautiful. Think flower petals, ribbons, or lanterns.

Steps:

1. Scatter petals or leaves down the aisle.
2. Tie ribbons or fabric to chairs.
3. Add small flower arrangements on aisle ends.

Cost: $20–$60.

Pros: Affordable, customizable.
Cons: Petals can blow away outdoors.

Tip: Use silk petals for less mess and more durability.

10. Hay Bales for Seating

For rustic weddings, hay bales are a budget-friendly seating option.

Steps:

1. Rent or buy hay bales from local farms.
2. Cover with fabric or blankets.
3. Arrange in rows or circles.

Cost: $5–$15 per bale.

Pros: Rustic charm, affordable seating.
Cons: Can be itchy or uncomfortable.

Tip: Add thick blankets or cushions to make them guest-friendly.

11. DIY Flower Garlands

Instead of expensive floral arrangements, make your own garlands with greenery and seasonal flowers.

Steps:

1. Gather eucalyptus, ivy, or faux greenery.
2. Weave flowers into the garland.
3. Drape over tables, arches, or railings.

Cost: $40–$120.

Pros: Customizable, cheaper than florist-made.
Cons: Time-consuming to make.

Tip: Mix faux flowers with real for a budget-savvy combo.

12. Use Seasonal Decor

Pumpkins, pinecones, or seashells depending on the season can be free or low-cost decorations.

Steps:

1. Collect seasonal items.
2. Arrange in baskets, jars, or along tables.
3. Mix with candles or fabric for added style.

Cost: $0–$50.

Pros: Budget-friendly, seasonal charm.
Cons: Limited to season-specific themes.

Tip: Spray-paint items metallic for a more elegant vibe.

13. Reuse Ceremony Decor at Reception

One of the smartest budget hacks: reuse. Move flowers, arches, or signs from ceremony to reception.

Steps:

1. Plan decorations with mobility in mind.
2. Assign helpers to move items after the ceremony.
3. Repurpose aisle flowers as centerpieces.

Cost: Free once you’ve bought items.

Pros: Saves money, maximizes use.
Cons: Requires extra planning and helpers.

Tip: Communicate clearly with your setup team to avoid chaos.

14. DIY Table Runners

Instead of renting, make your own table runners. Burlap, lace, or fabric strips work beautifully.

Steps:

1. Buy fabric in bulk.
2. Cut into strips.
3. Layer on tables with simple centerpieces.

Cost: $20–$80.

Pros: Affordable, customizable.
Cons: Requires cutting/sewing time.

Tip: Mix textures (like lace over burlap) for more depth.

15. Paper Lanterns or Pom-Poms

These decorations are cheap and colorful. Hang them from trees or tents.

Steps:

1. Buy in bulk online.
2. Assemble and hang with string.
3. Mix sizes for a whimsical effect.

Cost: $10–$50 for sets.

Pros: Budget-friendly, festive.
Cons: Can get damaged in rain/wind.

Tip: Choose neutral or metallic colors for a more elegant look.

16. Thrift Store Finds

Don’t underestimate thrift stores—they’re treasure troves for wedding decor.

Steps:

1. Hunt for vases, frames, candleholders, and fabrics.
2. Mix and match styles for eclectic charm.
3. Spray-paint items for a uniform look.

Cost: $1–$15 per item.

Pros: Super affordable, unique finds.
Cons: Time-consuming to shop.

Tip: Start early so you have time to collect enough pieces.

17. DIY Dessert or Drink Station

Make your dessert or drink area double as decor. A self-serve setup with rustic touches looks charming.

Steps:

1. Use wooden crates, barrels, or tables.
2. Add a sign, fabric draping, or flowers.
3. Display desserts or drinks attractively.

Cost: $50–$200 depending on setup.

Pros: Functional and decorative.
Cons: Requires prep and arrangement.

Tip: Add personal touches like family recipes or signature cocktails.

FAQs About Decorating an Outdoor Wedding on a Budget

Q1: How much should I budget for outdoor wedding decorations?
On average, couples spend $2,000–$4,000 on wedding decor, but with DIY and smart hacks, you can cut that to $500–$1,200.

Q2: How early should I start buying decor items?
Start 3–6 months before the wedding. This gives you time to thrift, DIY, and score seasonal sales.

Q3: Are DIY decorations really worth the effort?
Yes, but only if you plan realistically. Choose projects that suit your skills and timeline. Focus on high-impact items like lighting and centerpieces.

Q4: How can I make a small budget look luxurious?
Stick to a consistent color palette, use lighting generously, and focus on a few statement pieces instead of spreading resources thin.

Q5: What’s the biggest outdoor wedding decor mistake?
Not considering the weather. Always have backup options for wind, rain, or sun. Secure everything properly.

Final Thoughts

Decorating an outdoor wedding on a budget isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about being intentional and resourceful. From mason jars and string lights to thrift store treasures and DIY arches, every small detail adds up to a big impact. Remember, your guests won’t care if the arch costs $50 or $500—they’ll remember the warmth, joy, and love of the day.

If you approach your wedding decor with creativity and heart, your outdoor celebration will be nothing short of magical, no matter the budget.