Autumn Wedding Inspiration: Rustic and Whimsical

The leaves are starting to change in the Pacific Northwest as we officially say “adieu” to summer. So, we thought some autumn wedding inspiration would be fitting.  My wedding was held in the late summertime, but I would definitely choose early autumn as a close runner up for a perfect wedding season.

Fallen leaves, pumpkins, and wood would have to play a central role in the overall theme. I envision a wedding with hints of mint green decor, warm burnt orange colors that accent an off-white dress, and a wedding day that exudes a rustic autumn feel.

Invitations

Give your guests a glimpse of your wedding without revealing too much. You just cannot go wrong with a pine cone themed wedding in the October. A simple and elegant Gold + Pine Wedding Invitations from Minted has Autumn written all over it.

The Bride & Bridal Party

Move over strapless dresses and make way for the illusion neckline.  The bridal Penelope gown from BHLDN is magical, with a lace bodice and flowing tulle skirt it fits perfectly with the whimsy of the autumn season.  Pair the dress with beautiful drop pearl earnings and a delicate bracelet that does not overwhelm the natural beauty of the dress. Finish off the look with adorable neutral peep toe heels that have a hint of metallic.  And, don’t forget a floor length veil to complete the look.

Bridesmaids will wear strapless soft mint colored dresses that mirror the bridal skirt (minus the train), vintage inspired t-strap heels that have a bit of sparkle, and a ice leaf cut bracelet to perfectly match the autumn theme. Even better, the bracelets can double as a gift to your bridesmaids.

Floral Bouquets

The wedding bouquets will include hints of mint, burnt orange, red, white and yellow flowers.  Specific types of flowers to consider adding are red hypericum berries, crisp white and burnt orange roses, and seeded eucalyptus leaves.

The Ceremony Decor

Use white folding chairs for your wedding ceremony and decorate each aisle chair with a small pumpkin (see above photo). Here is the fun part: venture out for a day at the pumpkin patch and buy a few good ones, then go home and DIY the pumpkins with your bridesmaids.

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DIY Pumpkin Wedding Decor Ideas

Small pumpkins will last a surprisingly a long time if you do not carve them. That means you will be able to do this project long before your wedding day.

• First, attach an orange ribbon to the pumpkin with a long loop in order to hang the pumpkin from chairs.
• Next, use a hot glue gun to glue silk oak tree leaves onto the pumpkin stem.
• The day before your wedding purchase real flowers, like light pink orchids and large orange dahlias, from your florist and secure them to the pumpkin.

This will give a great dash of color to line your aisle in keeping with an autumn theme [/av_promobox]

Ceremony Venue

An outdoor ceremony (like below at Nestldown in California) is a perfect whimsical ceremony venue that speaks for itself – those pumpkins from the patch would be the perfect touch!

Reception Venue

After the ceremony, coral your guest into a rustic barn.  My autumn wedding inspiration thoughts tell me that the entire length of the barn decorated with large white lanterns and small white hanging lights would be suitable.

As guests arrive they find a table with birch wood place cards, which tell them their table number.  They are greeted at their table by festive autumn centerpieces. Round tables are covered in white table cloths with a burlap square in the center. Birchwood tea light candle holders and green foliage are integrated alongside seeded eucalyptus leaves from the bridal bouquets.

If time permits, carve holes in the pumpkins to act as candle holders. A dish of candy corn is a great addition and can remind guests of their childhood. Guest are served the drink of the day with white and mint striped paper straws.

A jar of homemade apple butter tied with ribbon would be the perfect wedding favor (here is a recipe)!

Autumn is a wonderful time to host a wedding. I wish you all the best for your wedding plans!