20 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Backyard Wedding Tent on a Budget

This post is all about the best ways to decorate your backyard wedding tent without spending a fortune.

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Backyard weddings are an insanely good option for couples who want a casual, intimate, super fun wedding without the hefty price tag. I just think there’s something so magical about celebrating your big day under the open sky, surrounded by nature, with twinkle lights and love in the air.

And if you’re opting for a wedding tent or marquee there’s so many fun ways to decorate them without breaking the bank.

But, if you’re worried about your wedding tent looking bland or costing the earth, do not stress, I’ve got you covered! I’ve scoured the internet and put together 20 of my favorite unique, budget-friendly ways to decorate your tented wedding space. So you can turn it into the dreamy outdoor wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

These ideas work whether you’re using frame tents, pole tents, sailcloth tents, or any other type of tent. They’re perfect for outdoor events of any size, and they’ll give your party tents a fun, gorgeous, personal touch without blowing your budget. Trust me you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE!

So let’s dive into how to decorate your wedding tent I’ll give you some fun, easy ideas that you can easily replicate yourself!

20 Ways to Decorate Your Backyard Wedding Tent

1. Wheelbarrow Drinks Fridge

wheelbarrow drinks fridge - garden wedding

I absolutely love this idea! Instead of renting a super expensive bar, repurpose an old wheelbarrow into a rustic-chic drinks station. Fill it with ice and decorate with wildflowers or greenery and load it up with your favorite beverages. I love a fun, practical idea that costs next to nothing!

2. Rope Swings

This is such a simple idea but gives me such nostalgic vibes. Hang a couple of rope swings from the center poles of your tent for a whimsical touch.

Also don’t stop there! You can decorate them with artificial flowers, ribbons, or fairy lights to match your wedding vibe. I also think this would make a super cute photo opp spot!

3. Hanging Disco Ball Planters

Is it even a party without disco balls? I’m obsessed with this trend! Take these disco ball planters and your favorite flowers and some rope and turn them into gorgeous hanging planters. I love how they reflect natural light and they add a fun retro-glam vibe to your tent.

4. Monogrammed Accents

I really believe personalization can elevate your wedding decor! It you’ve got a wedding logo, add it to your tent as a custom banner, table runners, or even a DIY wooden sign with you It’s an easy way to add a personal touch to your special day. All you need is some custom vinyl stickers from Etsy and taa dahh! Easy as pie!

5. Colorful Pole Garland

If you’re using those pole tents, don’t let those center poles go to waste! I would recommend wrapping them in colorful garlands made from fabric, faux greenery, or even artificial flowers. It’s a much cheaper alternative to expensive floral arrangements but still looks stunning!

6. Funky Lamps

Lighting is a genius way to set the ambiance for your wedding. And funky lamps are a fab option that also doubles as a cute decor piece.

Mix and match vintage or thrifted lamps for a fun and eclectic lighting setup. You can place them on tables or hang them from the top of the tent for a unique, cozy ambiance. I’m obsessed with these tulip lamps from Amazon!

7. Hanging Frames

Create a charming gallery wall effect by suspending empty frames from the ceiling of your wedding tent. Add flowers, fairy lights, or photos of real weddings that inspire you. This adds dimension and interest to your outdoor wedding decor.

8. Hanging Floral Garland

Don’t forget about the ceilings! It’s so easy to hang things from the ceilings of your tents and it can completely transform the space! I personally love the idea of hanging floral garland/ Whether you opt for fresh or artificial flowers, draping garlands from the top of the tent creates a stunning, romantic effect.

I’ve even crafted an article to help you create your create an easy floral garland The Ultimate DIY Floating Flower Wall Hack – Gorgeous Results in Hours!

9. Lantern Pathway

lantern pathway for backyard wedding tent

Remember to decorate outside of the wedding tent as well as inside. Guide your guests to the wedding ceremony or dance floor with a beautiful lantern-lit pathway.

It’s a really simple but stunning way to add a sprinkle of romance to your decor. I personally love these black lantern packs from Amazon.

10. Curtain Fairy Lights

I highly recommend curtain fairy lights if you want to create a magical, starry effect inside your tent. Drape them along the walls or behind your head table to add some serious romance to your perfect day.

I’m completely obsessed with this style. You can grab some curtain fairy lights from Amazon (with over 4000 five star reviews).

11. Hanging Candle Lanterns

Again, if you’re looking for inspo as to what to hang from the ceiling of your tent, consider some easy candle lanterns. These are perfect for adding warmth and elegance to your outdoor weddings.

Hang candle lanterns at varying heights from the center poles or frame of your tent for an intimate glow.

12. Paper Lanterns

Or if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your wedding decor, these is a really fun but affordable way to do it. Paper lanterns are a budget-friendly and festive way to decorate party tents.

Mix and match colors to fit your wedding theme, and hang them at different levels for a playful, layered look. I personally love this cute paper lantern pack from Amazon.

13. Barrel Bar Tops

I get it, renting furniture for your backyard wedding can be pricey, but using wooden barrels as bar tops or cocktail tables is a great, rustic-chic alternative. Pair them with simple stools for a laid-back yet stylish vibe.

14. Hanging Disco Balls

I mean why stop at just the dance floor? I think disco balls look absolutely stunning in wedding photos! They reflect the light so well and give such a fun, retro vibe to your wedding. You could also pair them with twinkle lights for the ultimate party atmosphere.

15. Disco Floor Vinyl

Whilst we are speaking of dance floors, a removable vinyl decal can transform any ordinary surface into a dazzling disco floor.

No need to splash the cash on a fancy dance floor. I love these checkered vinyl floor stickers from Amazon. Just stick them to your dancefloor and you’ve got a 10/10 dancefloor

16. DIY Ribbon Garland

There are sooo many ways you can use ribbon to decorate your wedding. Ribbon garlands are a cheap, easy, and colorful way to decorate your outdoor wedding space. Hang them from the tent edges for a fun, quirky touch.

17. Vintage Crate Flower Display

I know as soon as I say wedding flowers, people see dollar signs. But having flowers at your wedding does not have to break the bank! You could fill vintage wooden crates with wildflowers you’ve picked yourself, supermarket flowers or even artificial flowers.

Use them as flower displays near your entrance, buffet, or photo booth. They add rustic charm and can be stacked to create height and dimension.

I personally love these artificial wildflowers from TEMU – I mean I love them so much I actually used it at my own wedding.

18. Mason Jar Lanterns

Is it a wedding without a mason jar in sight? Mason jars are one of my go-to wedding decor elements. Fill them with LED candles or fairy lights and hang them from the top of the tent for a dreamy glow.

19. Artificial Flowers Entrance

You want to make a good first impression when it comes to your wedding decor. So the best place to start is the tent entrance. So an artificial flower entrance is a perfect idea. Decorate the entryway of your prep tent or main canopy tent with lush, faux floral arrangements to create a beautiful first impression.

20. Floral Photo Backdrop

We all love a photo opp at weddings right!? You can create a stunning, unique floral backdrop for super cheap using artificial flowers and greenery. This is a cheaper alternative to fresh floral walls but still makes a huge impact in wedding photos. Perfect backyard wedding tent idea!

Finally,

I hope this article has helped you realise that planning a beautiful backyard wedding doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With these budget-friendly decor ideas, you can transform any type of backyard wedding tent—whether it’s frame tents, pole tents, or high peak tents—into a dreamy space that reflects your wedding vision.

Remember to consider your guest list, the size of the tent, and the weather conditions when finalizing your decor plans.

I know your upcoming wedding is going to be incredible, and with these creative decor ideas, your special day will be just as beautiful as any real weddings you’ve ever seen. I’m so excited to see what you come up with

Happy planning!

20 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Backyard Wedding Tent on a Budget