How to Decorate a Wedding Barn Venue on a Budget

The Barn at Belle Hills • October 31, 2025

There’s a lot of effort that goes into making an effortlessly beautiful wedding. From cake tastings and venue research behind the scenes to selecting color schemes and invites, every decision counts. This is especially true if you have a budget! If you are dreaming of a beautiful Kentucky barn wedding that doesn’t drain your wallet, then you are in the right place. Here are some of our tips and tricks for how to plan a wedding on a budget:

Mason jar with colorful flowers, hanging outdoors with blurred background of a sunny setting.

Affordable ambiance

One of our favorite wedding ideas on a budget is mood lighting. The perfect way to set the tone for a barn wedding without spending a fortune, string lights bring instant warmth and charm to the venue. Whether you hang them on exposed beams on the ceiling or above a dance floor outside, this simple addition has a big impact on ambiance. For an extra touch of romance, candles or lanterns set along tables and walkways provide a gorgeous glow that can transition you seamlessly from ceremony to reception.

Elegant Fabrics

Drapery is another way to upgrade the atmosphere of a wedding barn venue while remaining on budget. Sheer fabrics, such as tulle, muslin, or chiffon, are both affordable and elegant. They also create a beautiful softness against a barn’s rougher, rustic elements. Draping these to frame the altar, section off the dining areas, or create designated photo areas are all excellent ways to add a whimsical charm to your big day. Keep things simple by selecting white fabrics, or have a little fun and choose hues that match your wedding’s color palette for a thoughtful touch. Check out a few wedding themes we’re loving for inspiration!

DIY FLorals

Are fresh flowers beautiful? Yes. Do their costs add up quickly? Absolutely. This doesn't mean you have to go flower-less, though. DIY floral arrangements and faux greenery are an excellent way to elevate the natural beauty of your special day without the hefty price tag. The best part? Crittenden is home to various local farmers and farmers’ markets that sell blooms for less than a florist, and you can always complement these with greenery or dried stems for volume and visual interest. If you're hosting an outdoor ceremony, your venue's natural beauty can play into your decorations. Using the surrounding landscape as a backdrop for your ceremony or first dance is an excellent way to save money without compromising on aesthetics.

Affordable food and drinks

Catering can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to eat away at your budget. For wedding food ideas on a budget, we suggest buffets, family recipes, or homemade sweets. Food trucks are also a delicious and budget-friendly option for those having an outdoor wedding or for those hosting indoor wedding parties that want to allow guests to enjoy some fresh air after an evening of dancing. For drinks, we recommend offering two or three signature cocktails instead of an open bar.

wedding Barn venue near crittenden, kentucky

Your big day should be filled with laughter, love, and memories–not hours worrying about staying within your budget! With these helpful decorating tips, you can create a beautiful wedding while staying under your spending limit. For more wedding planning tips and Kentucky wedding barn ideas, be sure to connect with our team. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your tour!

 

The Barn at Belle Hills is located in Crittenden, Kentucky, and proudly serves the greater Crittenden, Kentucky, area, including Grant County, Owen County, Harrison County, Falmouth County, Gallatin County, Pendleton County, Boone County, Kenton County, Bracken County, Campbell County, and Scott County, Kentucky.

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