How to Plan an Inexpensive Outdoor Wedding
As you enter the planning stages for your wedding it is important to choose a site that will work for the ceremony and reception. An outdoor wedding can be a semi-formal affair or an intimate family event. It is an ideal wedding for a low budget. (ref 1) You can be married in your family garden, a public park or at your friend's beach front property. You can plan an inexpensive outdoor wedding that will be meaningful and memorable.
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Instructions
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A sand beach can be a beautiful, inexpensive wedding site. Sit down with your parents or fiance and set a budget. You can break down your wedding needs with a list and budget for clothing, decorations, food and flowers. Stick to the budget. Keep a binder of information, contracts and ideas as you plan for the wedding.
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Chairs can be borrowed or rented for the wedding. Book your outdoor wedding site as soon as possible. If the wedding site is a property that is owned outside of your immediate family, you must ask for permission to use the area during the week of the event. A public park may have to be reserved months to a year ahead of time. The reservation may have a fee attached. It is important to have enough area for your guests to be comfortable. Guests should be able to hear the ceremony and your exchange of vows.
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A private or public gazebo is an ideal wedding setting. Talk to various friends and family members to see who may be willing to help with designing and sewing your wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, wedding cake and floral arrangements. You can save a great deal of money by being a do-it-yourself couple.
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Write down items that you need for the wedding. Pick and choose the special things that will be important to the both of you. Decide what you can do without. Save money printing your own wedding invitations. Attendants can carry single roses instead of elaborate bouquets. You can also use the natural beauty of the outdoors rather than elaborate decorations for the ceremony. Work with vendors such a florist and photographer to meet your budget.
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Rent or borrow items that enhance the site or are necessary to the comfort of your guests. Chairs, tables, an archway and plants can be rented from businesses, clubs or churches.
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Plan a simple menu for the reception. An outdoor wedding lends an atmosphere that works with barbecue, picnic fare and beach side clam bakes. Serve your guests bottles of ice water, soda and tasty punch to cut the budget significantly compared to the cost of alcohol.
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Tips & Warnings
Prepare yourself for inclement weather. A wedding can be ruined with wind and torrential rain. Have a back-up tent or building available.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Beach Wedding image by Michael Wuelfrath from Fotolia.com wedding chairs image by Kimberly Reinick from Fotolia.com botanical gardens 2 image by Kathleen Struckle from Fotolia.com
