How to Plan a Budget-Friendly DIY Outdoor Wedding for $10K

Planning a wedding on a budget can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can create an unforgettable event without breaking the bank. A DIY outdoor wedding offers a unique opportunity to get creative while saving on venue and decor costs. By making thoughtful decisions and embracing a hands-on approach, you can achieve the wedding of your dreams without overspending. The key is to focus on what truly matters to you and find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or style. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your perfect wedding for $10,000.

Select a beautiful outdoor location - $0

The location of your wedding plays a significant role in setting the tone of the event, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider using a family member's property or a rural location that offers natural beauty at no cost. Look for a spot with a large open area that can comfortably accommodate your guests, and ideally, some mature trees to provide shade and elegant uplighting. A backyard or farm setting can offer the perfect combination of charm and flexibility, allowing you to design the space as you envision it. With a little creativity, nature can serve as your most beautiful (and free) wedding venue.

Buy a 40 ft x 20 ft party tent online - estimated $800

While renting a tent might seem like the easy route, purchasing one can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Opt for a 40 ft x 20 ft tent that fits the size of your guest list. Be sure to order the tent well in advance—about three months before the big day—and inspect the package to ensure all parts are included. Set-up will require a few helping hands, so plan for 3-4 people to assist. To enhance the aesthetic, consider spray painting the metal poles white or using fabric to dress it up. After the wedding, you can recoup $300-400 by selling the tent on Facebook Marketplace or renting it out for future events.

Purchase catering - $1,500 for 100 guests

Food is a central part of any wedding, but it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be delicious. Budgeting about $10-12 per plate for dinner is reasonable, and you can cut costs even further by having family members pitch in with appetizers or desserts. If you have access to a church kitchen or a friend’s culinary space, you can save even more on catering fees. Depending on your menu, a home-cooked or DIY meal can be just as special as an expensive catered option. Consider simple yet elegant dishes that can be made in advance, like pasta salads, roasted vegetables, or sliders, and ask your family to pitch in for the preparation.

Book a wedding photographer - $1,000

A photographer is essential for capturing the magic of your wedding day, but you don’t have to hire a high-end professional to get beautiful photos. Look for a photographer who is newer to wedding photography or someone with experience in other types of photography, like events or concerts. Often, these photographers will offer lower rates but still produce stunning work. To avoid missing important moments, create a detailed shot list and share it with your photographer ahead of time. This ensures they capture all the moments that matter most to you, from behind the scenes moments before the ceremony to the candid dance floor shots.

Hire wait staff - $1,000

While it’s tempting to handle everything yourself, hiring wait staff can relieve a lot of stress and ensure your wedding runs smoothly. Staff can assist with setting up the space, preparing the buffet tables, bartending, and cleaning up afterward. If you’re trying to save money, consider asking your extended family or bridal party to pitch in and help with tasks like setting up tables and overseeing deliveries such as the florals. Ensure you still have someone dedicated to managing the bar and coordinating the meal service. Having a professional team to help with the logistics will allow you to focus on enjoying the celebration.

Book a bathroom rental - $1,500

Although it’s not a glamorous part of wedding planning, a bathroom rental is absolutely necessary for an outdoor event. For 100 guests, you’ll need at least 4-5 stalls to ensure comfort and convenience throughout the event. Prices can vary depending on your location, but it's a cost you can’t overlook. To ensure your guests’ comfort, opt for a high-quality rental that offers clean, modern facilities. Some companies also offer luxury restroom trailers, which include air conditioning and running water for a more upscale experience. Make sure to reserve the rental well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Buy drinks and alcohol - $1,000

A full bar doesn’t have to break your budget. Purchase a mix of alcoholic drinks, such as wine, beer, and spirits for mixed drinks, and don’t forget to stock up on soft drinks and water. To maximize your savings, buy the alcohol in bulk and return any unopened bottles after the event. Be mindful of your guest list and drink preferences when selecting your beverages, and ensure that you have enough variety to cater to different tastes. Additionally, remember to buy plenty of ice to keep everything cool and use in drinks. With some careful planning, you can provide a fun, well-stocked bar without going overboard.

Purchase a 6500 watt generator - $700

When hosting an outdoor wedding, especially one in a remote location, you’ll need a reliable power source for lighting, music, and any other equipment. Renting a generator can be pricey, so it’s often more economical to buy one. A 6500-watt generator will typically cover your needs, including lights, fans, and audio systems. If you don’t use it all, you can sell it afterward or keep it for future events or DIY projects. Be sure to test the generator ahead of time to ensure it runs smoothly and has enough capacity for your needs.

Buy flowers and decor - $500

Floral arrangements can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to keep them affordable without sacrificing beauty. Choose budget-friendly flowers like queen anne’s lace (cottage yarrow), white asters, or feverfew, which offer a delicate, vintage feel at a lower cost. You can arrange them in clear antique vases, which are often available for just $1 each on platforms like Amazon or Facebook Marketplace. After the wedding, you can resell the vases or repurpose the decor to recoup $150-$200 of the cost. For additional decor, look for budget-friendly accents like candles, string lights, and fabric drapery that can transform your venue without breaking the bank.

Purchase dining tables - $450

Dining tables are another essential for your reception, but buying them instead of renting can be a great way to save. A 6 ft table typically costs around $25, and for 100 guests, you’ll need about 17 dining tables. Don’t forget to factor in additional tables for the buffet, cake, cards, and bar areas. After the wedding, you can resell the tables or rent them out for future events, recouping some of your investment. Compare the cost of purchasing the tables to local rental options to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your budget.

Purchase tablecloths - $250

Tablecloths are a simple yet effective way to elevate your wedding’s aesthetic, and you can keep them affordable by purchasing in bulk. A 6 ft rectangular table will require a tablecloth that is 90x132 inches long to touch the ground on all sides. These ae typically $10-15 each. You’ll need one for each of your dining tables as well as for any other setup areas like the bar or buffet. Plan on spending around $250 for all the linens. After the wedding, you can resell the tablecloths if they’re still in good condition, recouping some of the cost. Be sure to account for time to steam or iron the linens before the event to ensure they look pristine.

Rent your chairs - $500

For an elegant and comfortable seating arrangement, rent wooden folding chairs for your guests. Typically, you can rent them for around $5 each, so for 100 guests, expect to spend about $500. Be sure to order extra chairs in case of breaks or additional seating needs. Also, plan for extra chairs for staff or special areas like the ceremony and cocktail hour. Weddings can last 8-10 hours with prep and tear down, so ensuring comfortable seating will keep everyone happy throughout the day.

Order wedding invitations - $300

Wedding invitations are an essential part of your wedding planning, but they don’t have to be expensive. With 100 guests, you can expect to spend around $300 on invitations and postage. Consider printing your invitations at a local print shop like FedEx or printing them yourself to save even more. You can also explore DIY options that allow you to personalize your invites without going over budget. For a modern and stylish touch, try designing your invitations online and printing them at home to keep costs down.

Ceremony and reception music - $0

Creating the perfect soundtrack for your wedding is easier and more affordable than ever. Build a playlist with your favorite songs for each part of the day—ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. You can ask a family friend to take charge of the music during the event, eliminating the need for an expensive DJ. Make sure to create a list of important talking points for the person overseeing the music, including when to transition between songs and key moments for announcements. A carefully curated playlist will add the perfect vibe without costing a dime.

Miscellaneous costs - $500

Don’t forget to budget for the little things that complete your wedding day. Plates, silverware, glassware, and napkins are necessary for a smooth dining experience, but they can add up. Consider purchasing these items in bulk from a budget-friendly supplier or borrowing from family and friends. Additionally, you may need some audio equipment to support speeches and music throughout the night. It’s always smart to have a contingency fund for last-minute purchases or unexpected costs.

Conclusion

Planning a budget-friendly outdoor wedding for $10,000 is entirely possible with careful planning and smart shopping. By focusing on the essentials—like a beautiful location, affordable catering, and creative DIY decor—you can have a magical day without going into debt. Reselling your wedding items afterward helps recoup costs, ensuring that your dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right mindset and organization, you’ll create lasting memories without compromising on the experience.

About the Author

Sasha is a wedding photographer based in the Chicagoland area, with a passion for capturing the moments that make each couple's story unique. She loves writing blog articles that cover a wide range of topics, from portrait locations to gift ideas, wedding advice, and more—anything that will help her couples create a meaningful and stress-free journey. When she’s not behind the camera, Sasha enjoys traveling internationally and indulging in her favorite treat, salted peanut butter ice cream from Jeni’s. Sasha also spends her downtime hanging out with her foster cat, Missy, and listening to pop punk bands. Currently, she’s booking weddings for 2025 and 2026, and she’s excited to help even more couples bring their wedding visions to life!