How to Create Your Backyard Wedding Budget

Planning a backyard wedding is an exciting journey filled with love, joy, and a just a touch of stress. As a 2023 backyard bride in the throes of wedding planning, I know planning a backyard wedding is a bit different than planning a venue-wedding.

Your first step with any wedding (after basking in the post-engagement bliss, of course) is going to be to create some kind of wedding budget spreadsheet or wedding planner so you can keep everything in one central location that’s easy for you to access when you need it.

This can be anything from a blank notebook or Etsy template, to a spreadsheet, physical planner or Notion template.

Check out these wedding planner options:

One of the essential aspects of wedding planning is creating a budget that reflects your vision while keeping your finances in check.

Especially when planning a DIY backyard wedding. For example, if you’re planning on going with a more traditional wedding venue, many aspects of your day will be wrapped up in some sort of package. The catering, drinks, servers, bartenders, etc. If you’re getting married at a more non-traditional venue, such as a backyard, field, or park, most, if not all of those things will need to be planned by you and your partner.

Food
Alcohol
Tent
Dance Floor
Tables and Chairs
Bartenders
Servers

I’m going to run through the process of creating a detailed wedding budget that will help you celebrate your special day in style without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

Creating a wedding budget safeguards against overspending and starting married life with debt.

While planning a budget, prioritize expenses that align with your financial capacity. Having open discussions with your partner about financial responsibilities is crucial when establishing your wedding budget.

Factors like location, wedding size, and personal choices impact the overall wedding expenses.

Step 1: Determine Your Priorities

Before you start crunching numbers, take some time to discuss your wedding priorities as a couple. What elements of your wedding are most important to you?

Venue?

Food?

Entertainment?

Decor?

Having a clear understanding of your priorities will help you allocate your budget effectively.

Step 2: Define Your Total Wedding Budget

Decide on the total amount you’re willing to spend on your wedding.

Consider your personal finances, any contributions from family members, and whether you’re open to taking on any additional expenses. This is a time to really sit down and dive deep into those bank accounts. The last thing you want to do is start your marriage off with loads of unnecessary debt.

Ideally, you both should each have at least three months of living expenses set aside in case of a job loss or unexpected health emergency. Subtract that in-case-of-emergency amount from your total balance in the bank to be sure you’re covered.

If you’re planning a DIY wedding, keep in mind the additional expenses you may need to account for such as

Tents
Tables & Chairs
Dance floor
Portable Restrooms
Glassware

Remember, setting a realistic budget from the start will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

Step 3: Create a Detailed Expense Spreadsheet

Open up your wedding budget spreadsheet, Notion template, or whatever you’re using to create a detailed breakdown of your wedding expenses. I personally liked using Notion for this.

Start with the major categories such as tent rentals, catering, attire, photography, and so on. Then, divide each category into subcategories and assign estimated amounts based on your research and local pricing.

Step 4: Research and Gather Quotes

Now it’s time to do some research! Explore different vendors, DJs/bands, rental agencies, and other service providers to gather quotes and estimates–be sure to record all of these quotes in your wedding budget spreadsheet for reference later!

Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and negotiate where possible. You want to strike that perfect balance between quality and cost-effectiveness.

Step 5: Allocate Your Budget

Take your gathered quotes and allocate your budget accordingly.

Start with the essential categories, like your tent rentals and caterer or music and alcohol, and assign larger portions of your budget to these areas. Then distribute the remaining funds among the other categories, keeping in mind your priorities and what matters most to you as a couple.

Step 6: Account for Hidden or Miscellaneous Expenses

Weddings often come with hidden or miscellaneous expenses that are easy to overlook. Account for items such as your marriage licenses, additional tools and items you may need for DIY projects, transportation, and wedding favors if you’re choose to incorporate them.

Creating a separate category for these miscellaneous expenses will help you stay on top of your budget and avoid any last-minute surprises.

Step 7: Track Your Expenses

Once your wedding planning is in full swing, make sure to track your expenses diligently.

Update your budget spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to record every payment and transaction. This way, you can easily keep track of your spending, identify any areas where you may be exceeding your budget, and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Step 8: Revisit and Revise as Needed

As you move forward with your wedding planning, it’s essential to revisit and revise your budget periodically. Things may change, priorities may shift, or unexpected expenses may arise. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget will help you stay flexible and ensure that your financial plan aligns with your evolving vision.

Creating a wedding budget can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and organization, you can celebrate your special day without breaking the bank. Remember, your wedding is about celebrating love, and with a well-planned budget, you can create magical memories that last a lifetime. Cheers to a joyful and budget-friendly celebration!