
We are here to answer the big question today. What does it cost to have a backyard wedding compared to a wedding here at Poplar Hill Estate? Considering we have to prepare for non-ideal weather living in Buffalo, there is a lot more that goes into a wedding in this area. Here’s the short answer: Poplar Hill is more cost effective and stress free than a backyard wedding.

We are not discouraging anyone from a backyard wedding, we are simply putting into perspective the fixtures and what we offer compared to if you were to rent the same or similar tents, tables, chairs, etc. on your own.
We really like spreadsheets and visuals over here instead of writing things out, so here is a comparison of a backyard wedding with the amenities we offer compared to current prices of rentals.
ITEMS | QUANTITY | PRICE EACH | PRICE TOTAL | INCLUDED WITH US |
Frame Tent – 2,400 sq. ft. (Man hours for set up and take down not included) | 1 | $2,400 | $2,400 | Yes |
Tent Sides | 10 | $35 | $350 | Yes |
Tent Lighting – Perimeter | 1 | $0.85 per ft. | $170 | Yes |
Tent Lighting – Interior | 1 | $500 | $500 | Yes |
Tent Weights | 10 | $15.00 | $150 | Yes |
Toilet Trailer – 3-Seater (No Handicap Access) | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | Yes – Built in Restrooms |
Farm Tables (10 guests per table | 22 | $120 | $2,640 | Yes |
Vineyard Cross back Chairs | 200 | $10.95 | $2,190 | Yes |
White Padded Chairs | 200 | $4.15 | $830 | Yes |
Dance Floor – 256 sq. ft. | 1 | $800 | $800 | Yes – Barn |
Bar – 8 ft. | 1 | $300 | $300 | Yes – In the Barn |
Wedding Arbor – 7ft x 4.5ft | 1 | $165 | $165 | Yes – Small Travel Arbor too |
DIY TOTAL COST: |
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| $13,495 + tax |
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Also Included with Us: |
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Carriage House |
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| Yes |
Man Cave |
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| Yes |
26-Acres |
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| Yes |
On-Site Dumpster |
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| Yes |
Trash Cans |
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| Yes |
Prep Space for Caterer |
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| Yes |
No Set Up or Take Down – Chairs and Tables |
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| Yes |
Parking |
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| Yes |
POPLAR HILL TOTAL COST: |
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| $9,750 *no tax | Saturday in 2023 |
*NO TAX! – Let’s talk a little more about what this means. Since we are just the venue and do not offer bar or food services, that means no tax! Yay! This is why we consider our pricing structure to be flat rate pricing. There are no hidden fees, and we are upfront an honest about the cost of our weddings and events. For those that have not dug into our pricing structure yet, we have our base price or flat rate price, then there is a $500 refundable deposit added to that price. We require our couples to purchase one day event insurance ranging between $220 – $280, depending on the coverage they are looking for beyond what we require as a venue. Quick point, our refundable deposit is based on the fact that there are no broken tables, chairs, or breach of contract. If you want to jump through a table, we are al for it, but we highly suggest bringing a plastic table that is much cheaper and probably will hurt less than ours. Go Bills!
Now that you have had a look at our price breakdown, our no tax situation, and added cost of deposit and insurance, what do you think!? We even left a few things out of this like the deck we just finished, the lawn seating, extra electrical for vendors and decorations, and all the gardening and flowers on site. All those little touches that help to create the rustic, vintage, outdoor vibe that we embody here. If this breakdown really helped you or you know someone that could use this information, here’s the PDF version: Backyard Wedding vs. Poplar Hill Estate
There are so many details that go into a wedding and not having to worry about rentals takes a large amount of stress away when planning your wedding. Instead of coordinating drop off times, pick up times, set up times, and everything in between, you show up here and all your tables and chairs are set and ready for you to decorate!
Did you know you can rent us for an entire weekend? While we generally cap at 200 guests, but we do allow parties over 200 to rent us for a weekend to make their dream wedding and events come to life. Want to learn more about pricing and what this includes or have any questions in general? Send us an email and we would love to talk more! info@poplarhillweddings.com
See you next month!

Madelyn Jensen
Author & Editor