A backyard wedding can be a gorgeous, intimate way to celebrate your nuptials without breaking the bank. With the right planning, you can create a beautiful event in your own outdoor space. But how much does it actually cost to host a backyard wedding? The price can vary widely based on factors like location, number of guests, décor, catering, and more. This article will break down the typical costs associated with backyard weddings and provide tips for staying within your budget.
Venue Costs
One of the biggest advantages of having a backyard wedding is avoiding venue rental fees, which often run thousands of dollars. However, that doesn’t mean there are no venue-related expenses. Elements like lighting, restrooms, power, parking, and weather backup need consideration.
- If your home’s backyard lacks restrooms for guests, you may need to rent portable toilets for the event. Prices range from $75-$150 per toilet. Ensure there are enough units based on your guest count.
- Parking can also be an issue if you don’t have sufficient space on your property. You may need to arrange offsite parking and shuttle guests over.
- Lighting typically needs to be added for evening events. String lights are a popular option and cost around $200 for a basic setup.
- Access to power is necessary for catering, music, lighting, etc. You may need to bring in generators if your yard lacks outlets.
- And it’s wise to have a backup rain plan, which could mean renting tents or moving the wedding indoors at the last minute.
When considering these factors, budget $1,000-$3,000 for the potential cost of a backyard wedding venue. Carefully assess your space ahead of time to anticipate and prepare for any needs.
Rentals Costs
From chairs and tables to linens and glassware, you’ll likely need to rent various items to host guests comfortably in your backyard. Rental fees often make up 10-15% of backyard wedding budgets. For a tent alone, prices typically range from $500-$5,000+ depending on the size and features.
It is not a good idea to host your reception in a conventional building when your wedding has one hundred attendees. This implies that the price of a wedding location will be more than that of a tent. To furnish a backyard wedding for 100 people, a 30*60 wedding frame tent is needed. Other expenses are as follows:
| Item | Cost Range |
| Tables and chairs | $300 – $1,000 |
| Linens and overlays | $200 – $500 |
| Plates, glassware, and flatware | $100 – $300 |
| Lighting | $100 – $500 |
| Restroom trailers | $100 – $300 |
| Tents or canopies | $100 – $500 |
Look for ways to save on backyard wedding rental costs, like borrowing items from family and friends, finding used equipment, or purchasing items you can resell or reuse rather than rent.
Catering Costs
Providing food and drinks for guests makes up a significant portion of the cost of backyard weddings. How much you’ll spend on backyard wedding catering depends on elements like:
- Type of menu (buffet, stations, seated, food trucks, etc.)
- Number of courses and options
- Type of cuisine (formal, casual, dietary preferences)
- Bar service (beer/wine only or full bar with liquor)
- Number of guests
- Service fees like rentals, staffing, insurance
| Item | Cost range |
| Formal dinner | $80-$150 per person |
| Casual buffet | $20-$60 per person |
| Food truck | $15-$35 per person |
| Bar service (beer and wine only) | $15-$35 per person |
| Full bar service | $20-$60 per person |
For a backyard wedding with 100 guests, expect to spend $2,000-$15,000+ on catering based on your menu and features. Obtain quotes from several caterers to compare pricing. Look for ways to cut backyard wedding budgets, like limiting bar service, simplifying the menu, or having a cake and punch-style reception.
Decor Costs
From florals and signage to altar backdrops and dance floors, decor is key for transforming an everyday backyard into a wedding venue. Work with your tastes and backyard features to create a cohesive aesthetic. Budget approximately 10%-15% of total backyard wedding costs on decor.
For a 100-person backyard wedding, expect to spend:
| Item | Cost Range |
| Florals (bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony arch, etc.) | $300 – $3,000 |
| Signage (welcome, bar, buffet, escort cards) | $200 – $1,000 |
| Lighting (string lights, lanterns, pathways) | $100 – $500 |
| Ceremony Décor (altar, arch, aisle runner, chairs, programs) | $100 – $600 |
| Reception Décor (linens, centerpieces, chargers, napkins) | $100 – $500 |
| Dance Floor | $100 – $300 |
Shop sales, local farms, and bulk online retailers to save on floral arrangements. Make signs using affordable materials like wood and paint. Style the space with items you already own as well to keep backyard wedding décor budgets down.
Attire Costs
Your wedding attire and accessories make up one of the more significant backyard wedding costs. But you can control costs in this category with budget-savvy choices.
| Category | Description | Estimated Cost |
| Bride’s Dress | Formal attire | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Cost for a casual gown (tea-length, beach style) | Under $500 | |
| Groom’s Attire | Cost for a casual suit or trousers with a button-up shirt and tie/bowtie | $200 – $600 |
| Bridesmaid Dresses | Average cost per dress | $100 – $250 |
| Accessories | Shoes and jewelry | |
| Guest Attire | “Garden chic” or “cocktail casual” | |
| No formal attire requirement | ||
Attire Costs are only a small fraction of the cost of a backyard wedding. A backyard wedding can be more relaxed in style, thus cutting down on the Attire Costs.
Other Backyard Wedding Costs
Additional expenses like photography, flowers, gifts, and more should factor into your backyard wedding budgets. Allow approximately 5-10% of total costs for these items:
| Item | Cost Range | Dependent Factors |
| Photography | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Hours, products, number of photographers |
| Videography | $1,000 – $3,500+ | Hours, highlight film length, number of videographers |
| Wedding Cake | $300 – $700+ | Servings, design details |
| Stationery (invitations, signs, programs) | $300 – $1,000 | – |
| Wedding Planner | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Partial or full-service planning |
| Marriage License | $50 – $150+ | Location |
| Wedding Insurance | $200 – $500+ | Liability coverage |
| Hair/Makeup | $100 – $150 | – |
| Wedding Bands | $300 – $5,000+ | – |
| Gifts for Wedding Party, Family, etc. | $300 – $3,000 | – |
| Rehearsal Dinner | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Formality and group size |
Research rates for local vendors and service providers when estimating these backyard wedding costs. Opting for minimal stationery printing and buying wedding bands online can help slash backyard wedding costs in these areas.
SHELTER’s Wedding Tents for Backyard
We offer several benefits that make them an excellent choice for hosting memorable events. Here are some key advantages:
Customizable Design and Aesthetics:
Elegant Appearance: SHELTER’s wedding tents feature stylish designs that enhance the beauty of any backyard setting. Options like clear span tents, pagoda tents, and dome tents provide diverse aesthetic choices to match the theme of the wedding.
Decorative Flexibility: These tents can be adorned with various decorations such as lighting, drapes, and floral arrangements, creating a romantic and personalized ambiance.
High-Quality Materials:
Durable Framework: The tents are constructed using high-quality aluminum alloy (6061/T6), ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy structure that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Premium Covering Options: The tents come with options for PVC fabric, glass walls, and insulated panels, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality in terms of weather resistance and insulation.
Versatility and Practicality:
Flexible Configuration: The modular design of SHELTER tents allows for various configurations to suit different event sizes and backyard layouts. They can be easily expanded or reduced in size as needed.
Quick Installation and Dismantling: The tents are designed for quick and efficient setup and teardown, making them ideal for temporary use in backyard settings without causing significant disruption.
The Bottom Line
It’s entirely possible to have an exquisite backyard wedding on a budget of $10,000-$30,000 for 50-100 guests. With an intimate guest list of under 50 people, backyard wedding prices often come between $5,000-$15,000. Your specific expenses depend on location, formality, rentals required, menu, and more.
How much does a backyard wedding cost? I believe you already have an answer in your mind. You can contact our team for a free consultation if you have additional arrangements for other backyard wedding projects.
