Fall Wedding Centerpieces: Diy Guide For Your Special Day

Autumn is a popular time for weddings, with its vibrant foliage, cosy bonfires, and pumpkin spice treats. When it comes to centrepieces, there are endless options to capture the beauty of the season. From rustic to elegant, here are some ideas to inspire your fall wedding:

- Pumpkins: White pumpkins in a stone urn or colourful pumpkins with lush greenery add a chic touch.

- Flowers: Choose seasonal blooms like dahlias, zinnias, chrysanthemums, and chocolate cosmos. Add depth with textural flowers or pops of colour like classic roses.

- Fruits and Vegetables: Scatter apples, pears, figs, or cranberries on the table for a unique twist.

- Foliage and Branches: Incorporate fall leaves, eucalyptus, or olive branches into your centrepieces for a natural, organic feel.

- Candles: Create a cosy atmosphere with candles in autumnal hues like deep navy, burgundy, or black.

- Rustic Elements: Use wooden vases, tree slices, or acorns to bring a cosy, country vibe to your tablescape.

- Feathers: Add a few feathers for a touch of warmth and contrast.

- Edible Centrepieces: Pomegranates, grapes, and cinnamon sticks offer a unique and fragrant take on traditional centrepieces.

Use pumpkins, gourds, and mini pumpkins

Pumpkins, gourds, and mini pumpkins can be used in a variety of ways to create beautiful fall centerpieces for weddings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pumpkin Varieties

When choosing pumpkins, gourds, and mini pumpkins for your centerpieces, opt for a mix of different colours, sizes, and textures to add visual interest and create an organic, autumnal setting. Pumpkins come in a range of hues beyond the typical orange, including white, yellow, blue, green, and variegated. Gourds and mini pumpkins can be found in these colours as well, providing you with a diverse selection to work with.

Centrepiece Ideas

• Fill the empty spaces between floral centrepieces with miniature pumpkins to add colour and texture.
• Create a bountiful centrepiece by mixing pumpkins and gourds with other seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, and bundles of wheat.
• For a simple yet elegant display, scatter mini gourds along the length of the tablescape, pairing them with candles, greenery, and small citrus fruits.
• If you want to incorporate flowers, consider using darker-coloured blooms, such as crimson red or burnt orange flowers, to create a striking contrast with the pumpkins.
• For a more subtle approach, use neutral-hued or painted pumpkins instead of traditional orange pumpkins. Spray paint your pumpkins in metallic hues for an elevated, rustic touch.

Other Decorations

In addition to centrepieces, pumpkins, gourds, and mini pumpkins can be used to decorate other areas of your wedding:

• Line the ceremony aisle with pumpkins of various shapes and sizes to create a rustic and welcoming entrance.
• Create a unique photo backdrop by decorating simple shelves with a mix of classic orange gourds or a variety of different-coloured pumpkins.
• Use mini pumpkins as escort cards by attaching calligraphed seating assignments to their stems.
• Decorate the wedding bar with pumpkins and in-season mums for a rustic and festive touch.
• Build a favour installation by attaching guests' names to mini pumpkins that they can take home as a memorable keepsake.

Incorporate candles and acorns

Candles and acorns are a perfect combination for a fall wedding centerpiece. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your wedding tablescape:

Choose the Right Candles

Select candles that complement the fall theme and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider using tapered candles, which are long and narrow, ending with a tapered tip. These candles are the quintessential romantic table candle and will add a touch of elegance to your centerpiece. Pillar candles are another great option, as they are thick and column-like, and can stand on their own without a container. You can find various heights and styles to create a visually appealing display.

Acorn and Candle Centrepiece Ideas

Create a rustic and elegant table setting by combining acorns with candles. Fill a glass hurricane vase or cylinder with acorns and place a tall candle in the centre. The acorns will add texture and a touch of autumnal colour to your tablescape. For a more whimsical look, try using floating candles in a clear glass bowl filled with acorns and water. Surround the bowl with smaller candles or tea lights to create a romantic and enchanting display.

For a simple yet effective idea, scatter acorns around the base of your candles. This will add a subtle touch of fall to your tables without overwhelming the other decorations. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own candle holders by gluing acorns to a plain candle holder or jar. Fill the vessel with tea lights or small candles, and you have a unique and personalised centerpiece.

Safety Tips

When using real candles, always prioritise safety. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lighting and never leave candles unattended. Keep your gorgeous florals and greenery away from direct flames, and utilise heat-resistant surfaces for your candles. If your venue has a no-flame policy, opt for battery-operated candles to achieve the same romantic glow without the risk.

Focus on fall foliage

Bright fall foliage is a quintessential symbol of the season and the perfect way to dress up your wedding tables. You can use foliage as your main centrepiece or as an accent to a floral arrangement.

For a simple yet elegant look, mix moss, greens, and fall foliage for a seasonal, edgy centrepiece. You can also lay a eucalyptus garland across your reception tables for a rustic or ethereal look. Go a step further and sprinkle in dainty flowers or votive candle holders in fall colours for an elegant finish.

If you're looking for something more dramatic, consider pairing a bright foliage arrangement with a dark tablecloth for a pop of colour. You can also use colourful leaves in a glass vase to achieve a stunning fall centrepiece without going overboard.

For a whimsical and seasonal effect, combine fresh flowers with greenery and colourful foliage, such as ombré burgundy leaves. You can also add in-season selections like dahlias, zinnias, scabiosa pods, and anemones to your arrangements.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of foliage. Eucalyptus, for example, can support the goal of keeping the focus on the flowers while also standing alone as a rustic or ethereal element.

Use bright blooms

Bright blooms are a great way to bring a fresh and modern feel to your wedding centrepieces. You can opt for a bold, monochromatic arrangement, or add depth and texture by mixing and matching different flowers and colours.

For a modern twist on a fall centrepiece, try a combination of fresh blooms in shades of pink and red. The warmth of these colours, along with berry accents, will give a contemporary feel to your table setting. A bare wooden base and copper accents complement this colour scheme beautifully.

If you're looking for something a little more understated, small glass bottles or bud vases filled with dark pink blooms and orange spray roses can make a minimal yet autumnal statement. Gold candlesticks and burnt orange glassware will further enhance this look.

For a vibrant and warm aesthetic, an early fall wedding might incorporate summery pink and fuchsia flowers with orange and yellow leaves. Footed terracotta compotes can bring this look together.

If you're looking to add a touch of whimsy to your centrepieces, orange flowers are a great choice. Ranunculus and dahlias in orange will add a warm glow when paired with white, cream, or yellow blooms.

Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and flowers to create a unique and personalised centrepiece that reflects your style and the mood you want to create.

Use feathers and foliage

Feathers and foliage can be combined to create a stunning and unique fall wedding centerpiece that will leave your guests in awe. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create breathtaking designs that will elevate the ambiance of your wedding reception:

Choose Your Feathers and Foliage

Select feathers that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. Popular choices include peacock feathers, ostrich plumes, and marabou feathers. Consider using a variety of sizes and textures to add depth and visual interest to your centerpiece. As for foliage, you can choose from a range of in-season options such as eucalyptus, olive branches, pampas grass, and autumn leaves.

Gather the Necessary Materials

You will need a vase or container, floral foam or a Styrofoam ball, floral tape, a hot glue gun, wire cutters, and any additional decorative elements such as ribbons, crystals, or artificial flowers.

Prepare the Vase or Container

Ensure your vase or container is clean and fits your desired style. You can enhance its appearance by wrapping it with decorative ribbon or adding gems or pearls.

Secure the Floral Foam

If using floral foam, cut it to fit snugly into your vase or container. Use floral tape to secure it in place, ensuring stability for your centerpiece.

Trim and Arrange the Foliage

Start by trimming and arranging your foliage to create a base for your feathers. You can use a variety of autumn leaves, branches, or grasses to add texture and colour to your centerpiece. Place the foliage in a circular or fan-like pattern, varying the heights and angles for a natural look.

Trim and Arrange the Feathers

Trim the feather stems to your desired length using wire cutters. Begin arranging the feathers in the centre of your foliage, working outward. Vary the heights and angles of the feathers to create a dynamic and natural-looking composition.

Add Final Touches

Enhance your centerpiece by incorporating other decorative elements. Wrap a ribbon around the vase, attach crystal beads, or add artificial flowers or greenery to complement the feathers and foliage. You can also include accents such as gold, copper, or bronze elements to tie in with the autumnal colour scheme.

Secure the Feathers and Finalize the Display

Use a hot glue gun to carefully secure the feathers to the foam or container, being careful not to use excessive glue. Review your centerpiece and make any necessary adjustments to ensure all feathers are secure and evenly distributed. Place the finished centerpiece on your reception tables, adjusting the heights if needed for a visually appealing arrangement.

Frequently asked questions