How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding on a Budget

You and your fiancé are ready to tie the knot. The only problem is that your budget is considerably smaller than you would like it to be. You still want a beautiful wedding that you can look back on with fondness, though. After all, money isn't the object--your love is.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider having the outdoor wedding in your own backyard, at your parents' house, your grandparents' house or a state or city park. These places aren't only cheaper than renting a hall, they're more meaningful to you as a couple. Plus, they're places you can always go back to over the years to relive the experience.
2. Wear the appropriate attire and make sure that your guests do, too. Keep in mind that high heels sink into soft ground, and a long train on your dress can pick up a lot of dirt and grass as you travel down the aisle.
3. Keep your guests from wilting in the hot sun. Rent a tent if there isn't a lot of natural shade, consider printing your programs on fans and provide drinks for your guests to quench their thirst.
4. Rent sound equipment and speakers so that all of your guests can be a part of your wedding. Ensure that you include at least two speakers in the back, projecting towards the guests. Your disc jockey or band should be able to set you up with this equipment.
5. Use citronella candles or torches in your decorating, and keep lids on all beverages. In other words, don't have open punch bowls or lemonade pitchers as they tend to attract bees and other insects.
6. Face the guests with their backs to the sun during the ceremony. This is a small gesture that helps a lot in making your guests comfortable at your wedding.
7. Plan for parking, even if it's just along the road. Have a few friends standing by the parking place to help guests figure out where to park.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a back up plan in case of rain or snow. Mother nature doesn't always play by the rules.
• Rent portable toilets to make sure there are enough bathroom facilities for everyone at your outdoor wedding.