Expert Reveals 5 DIY Garden Wedding Ideas As Summer Ceremonies Gain Popularity
Summer continues to dominate as the UK's preferred wedding season, with almost half (45%) of all weddings in 2023 taking place between June and August alone. In particular, outdoor weddings have soared in popularity, with searches up 80% over the last quarter, as couples increasingly seek more affordable and personal ways to celebrate their big day.
Here, Emily Green, garden maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, shares five DIY wedding features you can build on a budget.
5 ways to create the perfect DIY garden wedding
Build a ceremonial arch
A wedding arch can be the focal point for the ceremony and creates a backdrop for some of the day's most memorable moments. Simple timber arches can be built using pressure-treated wood and decorated with flowers, greenery or fabric to match the wedding theme. Best of all, they can be repurposed as a garden feature long after the celebrations have ended.
Install pergolas
Pergolas are a staple for outdoor weddings, offering both visual impact and practical benefits. Whether used as a dining area or covered social space, a pergola helps define different zones within the garden. Couples can personalise the structure with climbing plants, fairy lights or floral displays to create a romantic setting.
Incorporate outdoor lighting
Lighting is the key to taking garden weddings from day to night. Lanterns, fairy lights and solar-powered lights can all create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In particular, festoon lighting, which features large globe-shaped string lights, is proving especially popular, with searches rising by 89% over the last month. Strategic lighting around pathways, focal points and signs can elevate the garden as well as highlight key areas to guests.
Add wooden signage
Handcrafted wooden signs are a simple and cost-effective way to personalise a wedding venue and allow guests to navigate the event. Using timber offcuts or reclaimed wood, couples can create welcome boards, seating plans and directional signs with just a few basic tools. Sand the wood for a smooth finish, then paint, stain or stencil on lettering to match the wedding theme.
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Create a DIY drinks station
A DIY drinks station is a great way to create a relaxed focal point for guests during the day. It can be built using wooden pallets, a garden bar or repurposed furniture as a base, with a simple serving surface added for drinks and glassware. Finish with a chalkboard menu and customised glassware to make it feel extra personal.
How much does a DIY garden wedding cost?
The average cost of a UK wedding in 2025 was £21,990, with a 4% rise per guest from 2024. Budget management remains a real challenge for couples with more than half (56%) going over their original budget.
Overall, a DIY garden wedding can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional venue styling. While hire costs for key features such as arches, lighting, signage and bar setups can quickly run into the hundreds or even thousands of pounds, many of these elements can be recreated using reclaimed timber, upcycled furniture and low-cost materials.
A ceremonial arch can cost around £40 to £120 to build, compared with £150 to £600 to hire, while DIY signage typically costs £10 to £40 versus £50 to £200 for custom versions. Even larger features like pergolas, which range from £400 to £1,500, can double as a permanent garden structure, adding long-term value beyond the wedding day.
Final thoughts...
“DIY outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly appealing to couples looking to create a memorable celebration without the high costs often associated with traditional venues. Whether it's a family garden or a countryside setting, taking a hands-on approach allows couples to personalise every aspect of the day while keeping budgets under control.”
• This advice was provided by Howarth Timber
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