10 Must-Have Items for the Ultimate Backyard Wedding

Planning a backyard wedding might just be the smartest move if you're tying the knot this year and aiming to save some serious cash. With the average wedding price projected to hit a staggering $36,000 in 2025—up from $33,000 in 2024—choosing to host your big day at home could mean a massive cut in costs. Venues alone can set you back anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on location and amenities. Why not skip the splurge and put those funds into something more meaningful, like your honeymoon or, you know, groceries?

By hosting your wedding in your backyard, you can slash costs and add a personal touch. Keep things simple with a DIY approach—use your own furniture for banquet-style seating, and repurpose bookcases for unique food and drink displays. It’s like HGTV meets your wedding dreams.

More than just a budget-friendly choice, a backyard wedding gives you the creative freedom to design an intimate, one-of-a-kind celebration. Here are 10 items to help you create a magical DIY backyard wedding:

1. Keepsake Plates: No one wants a pile of dirty dishes after the party. Vintage-style plates like these floral ones on Amazon ($34) or Walmart’s blue vintage-inspired set ($53) double as keepsakes for guests.

2. Fancy Drinkware: Serve drinks in style with personalized frosted cups from Amazon or opt for plastic champagne glasses ($43 for 100 at Home Depot), perfect for a chic yet shatter-proof vibe.

3. Disposable Cutlery: Gold disposable cutlery sets, like this set from Walmart or Amazon's 150-piece set for $29.99, add a touch of elegance without breaking the bank—or requiring a post-wedding dishwashing marathon.

4. Candlelit Ambiance: Add warmth and color with green votive candle holders or DIY fairy light mason jars from Walmart. Top it off with artificial bouquets for a polished look.

5. Table Styling: Dress up tables with Amazon’s round table covers, paired with whimsical cheesecloth runners like this $9.99 option from Walmart.

6. Lawn Games: Keep guests of all ages entertained with lawn games like a Giant Jenga and Connect Four set or a customizable wooden cornhole game from Amazon.

7. DIY Dance Floor: Create a dance floor with modular tiles like this Amazon kit or Wayfair’s snap-together tiles. Dance like everyone’s watching—because they will be!

8. Dessert Table: Bulk cupcakes from Sam's Club or your own baked goods displayed in decorative liners can sweeten the deal.

9. Faux Florals: Save on real flowers with alternatives like spring flower garlands or boho-inspired eucalyptus runners.

10. Centerpiece Kits: Craft stunning centerpieces with floral hoop kits or simple glass vases from Michaels for a pop of elegance on a dime.

Your backyard wedding doesn’t have to look—or feel—cheap. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can design a day that’s uniquely yours, without draining your bank account. And hey, when the party’s over, your house is just a few steps away. Talk about convenience!