39 Fall Wedding Décor Ideas for a Seasonal Celebration

If you haven't heard, September and October are popular months to say "I do." And it's really no surprise why. Fall weddings involve not-too-hot, not-too-cold weather, seasonal cocktails (hello, apple cider). Plus, fall wedding décor elements come in some of the prettiest shades of the rainbow (orange, red, yellow, and more).

Plus, let's be honest: Fall is a naturally beautiful time of the year. There are gorgeous leaves on the trees; bright flowers (like dahlias, marigolds, and zinnias) in bloom, and items like pumpkins, gourds, and fresh fruits (apples, pears, pomegranates) at the market. Why not utilize them in your fall wedding décor?

Beyond the seasonal beauty, we also love the cozy, casual vibe that comes with the fall wedding season. There's something special—dare we say magical—about seeing couples embrace unique color palettes (think yellow with blue and orange with brown) and creative, experience-minded ideas like customized corn hole games.

Ahead, you'll find 39 décor ideas that might just convince you to celebrate with the season's foliage as your backdrop—and with plenty of warm beverages, cozy blankets, and romantic candlelight at your table.

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Embrace the Foliage

Leaf and floral-inspired arch for a fall wedding — Photo by Rebecca Hollis Photography

Take advantage of your surroundings and play up the textures and warm colors of fall. You can accomplish this look—even if you aren't getting married in a forest—by incorporating fresh foliage into the day's décor details like escort cards, centerpieces, and the altar itself. We especially love how this organic structure makes a statement while also blending into the environment.

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Say "I Do" in a Rustic Setting

Rustic wedding ceremony in front of a barn — Photo by Ashley Brown, Shining Light Photography

Take this ceremony scene as proof that "rustic" can be done in an elevated way. There are no mason jars or hay bales here. Instead, this couple created a chic setting with bench seating, warm blankets, and natural accents of greenery.

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Set the Tone

Fall wedding invitations with a burnt color palette — Photo by Olivia Rae James; Planning by Gregory Blake Sams Events; Stationery by Mary Mac Wilson

A wedding invitation is your first opportunity to share your vision with your guests. So, if you're experimenting with color in your décor (more on that later), go ahead and begin with the invitation suite. We're obsessed with this bold design, which incorporates botanical accents, textured details, and tonal hues like yellow, green, and copper.

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Welcome Guests

Wedding welcome box including autumnal food and drink — Photo by Lacie Hansen; Planning by Callista & Company; Paper Products by Copper Willow Paper Studio

The welcome gift is another chance to make a great first impression. In our research, we've learned that guests really just want something to eat and drink, so we suggest making those a priority. Take a cue from this box and include seasonal favorites like local brews and honey.

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Showcase Seasonal Blooms

White wild cornflower wedding bouquet — Photo by Forged in the North; Design by Jove Meyer Events; Florals by Doan Ly of A.P. Bio

There's something simple yet beautiful about carrying a single flower variety down the aisle. We're all for this bundle of wild cornflowers tied together with a dusty blue ribbon, but you can recreate this look with any in-season variety (like marigolds and dahlias).

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Set a Dress Code

Aerial view of wedding guests in coordinating color palette — Photo by Isabelle Selby Photography; Design by Jove Meyer Events

We all know the environment is important—and so are the photos. If you want your guests to coordinate with the setting you've so tirelessly created, consider giving guidelines (within reason) on what to wear. We love the idea of a rainbow of warm-toned hues, as shown here.

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Decorate with Branches

Floral and branch-inspired indoor wedding ceremony décor — Photo by Morning Light by Michelle Landreau; Floral Design by Floressnce Flowers

You can bring the fall foliage indoors, especially when you're saying "I do" in a window-filled space. This look is particularly stunning because the warm hue of the branches coordinates with the room's worn brick walls and wooden window paneling.

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Provide Comfortable Seating

Warm blankets for outdoor ceremony seating in the fall or winter — Photo by Nancy Neil; Design by Bash Please

Comfort is key, especially at the ceremony. If you're tying the knot outside, make sure everyone is warm and cozy by providing a blanket on the back of each seat.

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Serve Apple Cider

Spiked apple cider served on a galvanized metal tray for a fall wedding — Photo by Elisa Bricker; Design by Jacin Fitzgerald

We believe that every wedding needs a signature cocktail—and that every fall wedding should have spiked apple cider. The seasonal favorite can be served warm or cold and garnished with spices such as cinnamon and rosemary.

Apple cider isn't the only beverage to have your guests feeling the fall festivities. Offer mini flights of beer or full-bodied red or white wine. Not only does it fully immerse your friends and family into the cozy season, but it creates for an unforgettable (and conversational) experience.

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Light Sage Bundles

Burning sage at a wedding ceremony — Photo by Evan Hopman

Good vibes only! The ancient ritual of burning sage is a meaningful addition to your wedding day. We suggest incorporating it into the ceremony—or, if you want to include the crowd, put a bundle of the lucky herb at each place setting.

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Write Personalized Thank You Notes

Calligraphed thank you note and apple wedding favor — Photo by Simply Sarah Photography

We love the idea of thanking each guest individually with a handwritten note. (It is the season for being grateful, after all). These calligraphed letters are guaranteed to make an impression with everyone, especially when displayed with a fresh apple favor.

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Set Up a Lounge

Intimate outdoor cocktail hour seating — Photo by Rachel Havel; Planning by Bluebird Productions; Florals by Prema Style; Rentals by House of Yonder

We know we already mentioned comfy ceremony seating, but this idea applies to cocktail hour as well. Fall is a season for gathering, so ensure your guests do the same with a distinguished lounge area (or a few).

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Make the Bar a Focal Point

A light wood bar with florals and signature cocktails — Photo by Isabelle Selby Photography; Design by Jove Meyer Events; Florals by East Olivia; Rentals by Rent Patina

Match the signature cocktails to the rest of the décor—that way, you can put the ingredients on display (in chic, minimalistic vessels) without the bar feeling cluttered. We're obsessed with this oh-so-perfect pairing of bright flowers and light wood.

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Incorporate Natural Elements

Cotton arrangement inside acrylic frame on a natural wood table — Photo by For the Love of It

Think beyond foliage to add natural elements (such as natural wood, cotton, and grasses) to your wedding décor. This bundle of cotton goes perfectly with the rustic vibe of fall weddings, yet the acrylic pedestal makes it feel decidedly chic and elevated.

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Consider Batch Cocktails

If you're doing signature cocktails, consider serving them in batches. This cuts down on guests' wait time in the bar line—plus, they look pretty special when marked with a creative name and label.

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Add Seasonal Infusions

Blackberry-infused cocktails and floral arrangement on a glass bar cart — Photo by Anna Delores Photography; Flowers by Coco Rose Designs; Design by Vanessa Noel Events; Cocktails by Soiree Center

There's something moody about a dark beverage, even if it's not made with dark liquor. We think these blackberry-infused cocktails look especially yummy—plus, you can add apple flavors for even more of a seasonal taste.

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Showcase Local Brews

Flight of beer and floral arrangement with a red and neutral color palette — Photo by Lacie Hansen; Planning by Callista & Company

No fall bar is complete without seasonal brews. You can take this idea to the next level by having tasting flights for every guest, like wedding planner Callista Osborn of Callista and Company did at her own fall wedding.

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Do Farm-to-Table—Literally

Farm-to-table wedding station — Photo by Rachel Havel; Planning by Ashley Nicole Events; Catering by Catering by Design

We're always fans of a farm-to-table menu. And with all the produce in season, why not make a show of it? This couple made their own market—named T + F after their first initials—at cocktail hour, and it made for some unique photos. And, perhaps, some practical favors for guests.

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Play Games

Personalized corn hole wedding game — Photo by Olivia Rae James; Planning by Gregory Blake Sams Events

Accomplish that casual vibe we've mentioned before by having games at cocktail hour. We've seen giant games of Jenga, Connect Four, and corn hole. (Personalization is encouraged but not required.)

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Think Beyond Paper

Wedding escort cards with leaf detail — Photography by Arturo Diluart; Styling by Mila Diluart

When assigning guests' seats, it can be fun to consider something other than a folded white card. This is an opportunity to incorporate another seasonal touch such as the delicate leaves shown here.

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Consider Two-in-One Favors

Name tag escort card and tassel keychain favor — Photo by Alex Bramall; Planning by Firefly Events

Another idea is to make the escort card and favor all in one. At this Wyoming wedding, the couple gifted each guest a key chain (made out of horsehair) along with their seat assignment.

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Make a Statement Entrance

Wedding entrance with lanterns, garland, and greenery — Photo by Eric Kelley

Lights, camera, action. A fall wedding is all about the warm ambiance so think of a unique way to create just that, especially after dark. A favorite of ours? Copper lanterns (plus, a garland of magnolia leaves) at the reception entrance.

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Bring the Outdoors In

Autumnal greenery, leaves, and floral reception décor — Photo by Ryan Ray Photography; Planning by Calder Clark; Floral Design by Blossoms Events

As you might be able to tell, we can't get enough of autumnal leaves. We'd honestly cover every surface with them—much like planner Calder Clark did here when she covered columns inside an industrial space with maple leaves.

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Layer with Rugs

Intimate wedding reception with layered rugs, drapery, and chandeliers — Photo by Heather Waraksa; Planning by Classic Events NYC

We're all for the cluster of lights up above, but it's really the printed rugs below that elevate the intimate and home-y feel of this tent. We'd gladly gather to have dinner here.

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Create a Cozy Setting

Intimate wedding reception with blankets and warm lighting — Photo by Tec Petaja; Design by Calder Clark

It's important to make everyone comfortable at dinner—chances are, it's where they'll be spending the majority of the night. You can accomplish this by sitting everyone at long dining tables, providing blankets, and decorating with candlelight and warm hues.

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Make the Menu Memorable

Leather-bound menus with watercolor illustrations — Photo by Isabelle Selby Photography; Menu by Fourteen-Forty; Event Design by Jove Meyer Events; Catering by Fig & Pig Catering

A fall wedding is about the food, so play it up with creative, customized menus. This one (by Fourteen-Forty) is especially cool because it features sophisticated leather on the outside and whimsical watercolor illustrations on the inside.

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Play with Produce

Textured and mixed color palette wedding tablescape — Photo by Rachel Gomez Photography; Design by Calluna Events; Florals by Siloh Floral Artistry; Rentals by Yonder House and Eclectic Hive

As we mentioned, we're obsessed with mixing textures and colors, especially when it comes to the fall season. Take this photo, with its yellow and blue color combo accompanied by tomatoes and wildflowers as evidence.

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Embrace the Bare Table

Natural wood wedding reception seating with candles and floral décor — Photo by James & Schulze; Design by Bluebird Productions; Florals by Mindy Rice Design

Every detail of this table—from the orange blooms to the wooden cross-back chairs—feels like the epitome of fall. And we're here for it all. But if we had to choose a favorite piece, we'd say it's the rustic base that really ties it all together.

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Decorate with Pumpkins

Pumpkin tablescape décor — Photo, Tabletop Design, & Rentals by Casa de Perrin

Well, we've found the great pumpkin. This mixture of mini ones (in shades of blue, gold, orange, and white) balances perfectly with matte china and antique-looking charger sets by Casa de Perrin.

There are more than just a few ways to incorporate pumpkins into your autumn nuptials. Instantly elevate your wedding by clustering them in areas throughout your venue or across tabletops while playing with height, size, color, or texture to create a fresh and eye-catching display.

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Incorporate Rustic Accents

Vintage-inspired wedding reception tablescape with wildflower arrangements — Photo by Alex Bramall; Design by Firefly Events; Florals by Saipua

This tablescape feels mismatched yet cohesive with vintage china, wooden chargers, and wildflowers. The finishing touch? Bandanna napkins tied in a knot.

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Get Creative With Lighting

Floral and light bulb installation above wedding reception seating — Photo by Lauren Fair Photography

Finish each table off with an abundance of lighting. At this wedding, the couple used tall taper candles (in a fun color) below an installation of Edison bulbs—and more fall foliage, naturally.

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Reinvent the Flower Wall

Floral and vine embellished bar — Photo by Heather Waraksa; Florals by Saipua; Venue by 99 Scott

The bar is the most popular spot, so why not make it the focal point? We love the idea of covering it with something unexpected, as floral designer Saipua did here with dried blooms and branches.

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Incorporate a "Branded" Photo Booth

Branded photo booth for a mountain wedding — Photo by James & Schulze; Design by Bluebird Productions

Let's be honest: Your guests are gonna want to document the night on the 'gram. Give them a place to stand that's unique but not distracting.

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Embrace the Semi-Naked Cake

Dark floral embellished semi-naked cake — Photo by Petra Veikkola; Cakes by Gaggui

Semi-naked cakes will be in style every season, but they look especially fall-like when covered in a dark caramel drizzle, blackberries, and dark flower buds.

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Add Festive Toppings

Autumnal-inspired tiered wedding cake — Photo by Bright Bird Photography; Cake by Susie Cakes Bakery; Design by Bash Please

Finish the night off with one final touch of fall. We're in love with any subtle and organic elements that naturally elevate the wedding details especially when it comes to dessert. But this autumnal touch to the cake just may be our favorite.

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Serve Mini Pies

Boxed mini pie wedding favor with thank you note — Photo by Heather Waraksa; Pie by Luckybird Bakery

When most people think of fall holidays, they think of pies. Which is why a mini confection is the perfect fall wedding favor—especially when packaged with a takeout box, fork, and thank you note.

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Gift Herb-Infused Favors

Herb-infused wedding favor — Photo by Julie Paisley; Design & Styling by Birds of a Feather Events; Labels by Southern Fried Paper

After an event focused on food, send everyone home with something they can use in their kitchen. We're into these perfectly packaged bottles of infused oils.

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Have a Fire Pit (S'mores Optional)

Fire pit at outdoor wedding reception — Photo by Lacie Hansen; Planning by Callista and Company

Intimate, cozy, and relaxing—seriously, what are you waiting for? Every fall wedding should end with a campfire. End of story.

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Make the Perfect Getaway

Vintage truck wedding exit and décor — Photo by Carrie Patterson; Design by Easton Events; Floral Design by Lily and Company

Embrace the traditional rustic-ness of a fall wedding with your exit. This vintage truck makes for one pretty photo op—and one finishing touch of fall wedding décor.

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39 Fall Wedding Décor Ideas for the Ultimate Seasonal Celebration