Weddings are notoriously expensive and hiring out a fancy venue makes up a significant portion of the cost. In fact, according to the Hitched National Wedding Survey 2023, the average wedding venue costs £8,400 – almost half the average overall cost of a wedding.

Outdoor weddings can make a good alternative, letting you take your vows among nature at a more affordable price. Plus, you get to make your special day extra magical by setting it in a beautiful park, botanical garden or backyard.

So, what do you need to make it happen? In this article, we’ll explain how to plan an outdoor wedding.

  • Set a budget

Even if you’re making a saving by having a wedding in the great outdoors, it’s surprising how quickly wedding expenses can get out of control. That’s why it’s crucial you set yourself a budget before anything else. When you know how much money you have available, you make decisions about everything else that sits comfortably within your price range.

  • Know your venue

Many green spaces like parks and gardens allow for wedding ceremonies to take place on their premises. But this doesn’t mean that they’ll have the amenities you need or make them available for you on the day.

You need to find out whether you can count on adequate parking for guests, clean restrooms, electricity, and a kitchen for catering. If not, you should factor the costs of workarounds like generators, valets, or portable toilets into your budget.

lights at outdoor wedding

  • Choose your décor

A major advantage to an outdoor wedding is that you have more freedom when choosing your colour palette. You’re less restricted by your venue’s colours, and can take inspiration from the earthy, neutral tones of nature.

Lighting is one of the most effective ways to create the right mood for your wedding venue. Set up outdoor garden lights that compliment your venue and the rest of your décor. You’ll want to trial the entire setup beforehand to gauge how the highlights and shadows play in the space.

  • Create a guest list

Outdoor weddings are more intimate than those at traditional venues. There also tend to be greater limitations on space. These are great reasons to keep your guest list small. Write down all the most important people for both of you and try not to let family members encroach on this, no matter how badly they react.

  • Live in the moment

As you approach the big day, you must take a step back and enjoy what’s happening. Ask for help from your friends and family, or hire a wedding coordinator if you’d prefer. You shouldn’t be doing anything more stressful than soaking in the experience and living in the moment on the most important day of your life.