Decorating Ideas for an Autumn Backyard Wedding

Guest Blogger #267, Entry #777, November 23, 2011

Many couples want to be married during the summer months while others opt for a winter white wedding during the holidays.  Often these times of year are chosen because of the ease with which friends and family can attend (kids are out of school, adults can get time off work, etc.), although there are probably other reasons why summer and winter weddings are the most popular.  In any case, should you choose to stray from the beaten path by opting for an autumnal wedding, you still have plenty of options for suitable decor.  And you can really get into the spirit of the season if you further elect to have an outdoor wedding in the privacy of your backyard.  Here are just a few decorating tips that may hit the mark.

Autumn wedding ideas for your home

Opt for seasonal colors

The colors of fall are gorgeous and you shouldn’t hesitate to represent them in your wedding decor.  The fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow that adorn deciduous trees should be mirrored in your decorations, from the bridesmaid dresses to the bouquet to the embellishments on the cake.  Of course, you don’t have to go overboard by making everything matchy-matchy; white tablecloths will stand out brilliantly against the backdrop of fall colors on natural display in your yard.  But going against the grain by choosing pastels that are more suited to a spring or summer wedding will make for a whole that is inharmonious.

Use the landscape

Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on floral arrangements, you can use the landscaping of a yard to your advantage.  Most couples give themselves a year or more to plan a wedding, which means you have plenty of time to get on top of planting schedules so that your yard will be in full bloom for your wedding the following year.  Especially important to plant ASAP are trees, bushes, or low-lying brush, which will need some time to fill out.

Choose fall colors to inspire your wedding decor

Consider a seasonal theme

There are many holidays that occur during the fall months, and all could provide a theme for your wedding.  For example, if you are enamored with Halloween or Dia de Los Muertos, you could decide to incorporate elements associated with these holidays into your wedding.  Thanksgiving is another possibility, as is Oktoberfest.  And harvest festivals are also fairly common for this time of year.

Don’t neglect the details

You don’t have to do everything in reds and oranges with leaf patterns, but a few well-planned touches could make your fall wedding spectacular.  Colorful napkins are a good place to start, while place cards could be cut in the shape of a leaf.  These types of accents will complement your seasonal aesthetic without going over the top.

Think of details, such as party favors for your guests

Plan for inclement weather

Depending on the actual date and location you choose, you could be dealing with either blazing hot sun or wind, rain, and even snow.  If you’re looking at potential wedding sites in San Diego (at your home or that of a family member or friend), then you probably don’t have to worry too much about the weather.  But if you’re getting married in Michigan or upstate New York, you could have a real problem.  So if you’re set on an outdoor wedding, prepare for potential weather problems by renting a tent to cover the reception area, and including fans for hot weather or heat lamps for cold.

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