Autumn Wedding Decorations and Inspiration
So autumn has fully set in motion: dark mornings, icy cold blasts of wind, leaves falling, and, of course, rain, rain, and more rain. Our Bespoke Brides embrace autumn in the Forest of Dean, so we thought we would show you what a great season it is to have a wedding.
With autumn being such a risk in terms of weather (here in England anyway), why would we want to inspire you? Well, to put it simply, you can make an autumn wedding so spectacular by using natural products, which in turn saves money. It’s a win-win situation. Plus it will look fantastic and with the majority of weddings happening in spring and summer, your wedding will stand apart from the rest.
In autumn you are spoilt for choice on your colour scheme! With the leaves falling and changing all manner of colours it really is take your pick.
Autumn themes are endless and depending on when you are planning on having your wedding they can also correspond with occasions.
Leaves will be abundant at this time so why not use them as centre stage at your wedding? On the cake, as confetti, in your bouquet, on the invites, the list is endless. The great thing about leaves is that you can make a lot of DIY decorations for free and as you can see they look stunning. Now if that isn’t an incentive for a theme…then we’ll eat our hats!
Why not give pumpkins their on section? Well, yes they are of course connected with Halloween but it seems that more and more couples are using pumpkins in a very different way in their themes. Many choose to paint their pumpkins the colour of their them, using them as wonderful centre pieces.
Throughout all these themes and colours, remember to use the environment to your advantage, create your own decorations, boutonnieres, bouquets, confetti, centrepieces, Hay bales can even be used as seating for your guests. Take inspiration for the autumn food and drink – apples, pumpkins, cider etc. Make it your own unique wedding day.
xxx
Tips for Planning Your Autumn Wedding Decorations
Autumn weddings are pure magic. There’s something about the crisp air, the golden leaves, and that cozy feeling that makes the season perfect for tying the knot. When it comes to decorating, though, the real fun begins. I’ve helped plan a few autumn weddings in my time, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season’s charm without turning your venue into a pumpkin patch. So, here are a few planning tips for your autumn wedding decorations that will add a seasonal touch without going full-on Halloween.
1. Warm, Earthy Tones: Not Just About Orange
When you think of autumn, you might immediately picture orange, red, and yellow. And while those colors are classic, let’s not limit ourselves. There’s a whole spectrum of warm, earthy tones that scream autumn in a more subtle, sophisticated way. Think deep burgundy, rust, mustard yellow, and even forest green. These shades create a warm, welcoming vibe without overwhelming the senses.
Watch this video for some ideas:
At a wedding I attended last October, the couple used a palette of copper and dark plum, with accents of gold. The effect? Gorgeous. It was like stepping into a luxurious fall evening, not a cartoonish version of the season. They even scattered eucalyptus leaves on the tables for a hint of green, and it worked beautifully with the other autumn wedding decorations.
2. Mix In Natural Elements: But Don’t Overdo It
Speaking of leaves, natural elements are your best friend when planning autumn wedding decorations. Fallen leaves, pine cones, acorns, and even branches can all be used to create a rustic and elegant atmosphere. But—word of caution—don’t go too wild. There’s a fine line between earthy and cluttered. I once saw a wedding where every available surface was covered in twigs and leaves, and by the end of the night, it looked like a windstorm had blown through.
Instead, focus on balancing natural elements with more polished décor. For example, incorporate a few golden leaves in your table settings or a wreath made of branches around your candles. Less is more when it comes to using nature as your centerpiece.
3. Candlelight: An Autumn Must
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from autumn weddings, it’s that candles are essential. Nothing sets the mood quite like the flickering glow of a candle on a crisp fall evening. You could use lanterns, glass votives, or even candelabras to bring some drama to your tables. I love the idea of pairing candles with garlands of greenery or small pumpkins to create a centerpiece that feels both romantic and seasonally appropriate.
Here’s the surprise benefit: candles not only look beautiful, but they can also help keep things cozy as the temperature drops. Trust me, your guests will appreciate that added warmth during an outdoor reception in late October or early November!
Watch this video for some more inspiration:
4. Consider Texture: Velvet, Wood, and Wool
Autumn is a tactile season. Think of the crunch of leaves underfoot, the softness of a wool blanket, or the smoothness of a wooden table. When planning your autumn wedding decorations, consider adding texture to make everything feel a bit more layered and interesting. Velvet table runners, wooden signage, or wool throws draped over chairs are all ways to bring that autumn coziness into your décor.
At one fall wedding I planned, we swapped out traditional linens for velvet tablecloths in a rich burgundy shade, and wow—did that change the whole vibe of the space. The texture added depth, and it made the tables feel lush and inviting.
5. Pumpkins, But Make Them Chic
Now, it wouldn’t be an autumn wedding without pumpkins, would it? But before you start rolling out the jack-o’-lanterns, consider a more refined approach. Small white pumpkins, for instance, can be spray-painted gold or silver and used as elegant table decorations. Or, hollow out a few pumpkins to use as vases for your floral arrangements. It’s a nod to the season without feeling kitschy or over-the-top.
Autumn offers endless inspiration for wedding decorations, but the key is balance. Choose the elements that speak to you and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests. With the right mix of nature, texture, and cozy lighting, your autumn wedding decorations will feel like a dream come true—without veering into holiday territory.
Will you please share how you made the “Twigs in jars”? or at least what the flowers are made out of.
Will you please share how to make the twigs in the jars with the flowers I am doing this for my wedding and was going to see if you could give some pointers and tips.Thanks in advance.
Hi Jessica
I am afraid this is now a very old post and we do not have any plans for a DIY like this for the foreseeable future. Have you tried googling this to see if anyone else has a DIY like this?
Best wishes
Emily x