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Now that you have considered an outdoor event’s potential negative impact on your wedding budget, it’s time to focus on something more pleasant-potential savings. For starters, you may be able to cross decorations right off your budget worksheet, as most outdoor settings provide more than enough visual splendor. Aisle runners, pew bows, floral arrangements, balloons, candles, and other decorations may actually detract from the natural beauty of the environment.

If you are fortunate, you may discover that the site usage fee for your location is less than renting a hall or hosting your event at a restaurant or hotel. You may want to inquire about scheduling your event on a day other than Saturday, as that may also reduce fees. Be sure to ask if reduced site usage fees are available to members or supporters of sites owned and operated by not for-profit organizations. A tax-deductible contribution may make sense if it reduces your costs.

Scheduling both the ceremony and the reception in the same open-air location can also reduce overall expenses. There is frequently a fee or suggested donation for use of a church, chapel, synagogue, or other house of worship. Concentrating everything in a single location can also help you rein in transportation costs for the bridal party.

Depending on the availability of electricity, your event may be limited to daylight hours. As a rule, daytime events are more casual and, thus, less costly. In fact, you may want to embrace the informality of the setting wholeheartedly and shave your expenses by opting for less fancy bridal party attire, beer and wine instead of a full bar, lighter reception fare, ice cream or watermelon instead of cake, and outdoor games instead of a DJ or band and dancing.

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