This post shows you the best fall wedding decor ideas for your ceremony or altar.
Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or are hosting your wedding at an established venue, your altar decor is SO important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the evening.
As you’re scouring the internet for fall wedding decorations and inspo, a few important details to keep in mind are your budget, how much space you will have at your venue, and your overall vision.
So let’s cozy-up and check out some fantastically fun and fabulous fall wedding decor ideas!
1. Natural Scenery
When decorating for a fall wedding, foliage is your best friend.
If your ceremony is taking place outdoors or in a room with big windows, take advantage of the fall foliage and stick with a more simple altar. Nothing wrong with letting the leaves do the talking!
2. Candles
There’s never such a thing as too many candles…especially in the fall! When it comes to autumn decorations for your wedding, candles are a must have.
Depending on your venue, you may want to look into whether or not candles are allowed before dropping a bunch of cash. There are plenty of really good electric candles available that look super life-like in the event that real candles aren’t an option.
3. Flowers & Lanterns
Mixing some vintage looking outdoor lanterns in different sizes is a great way to add some moody texture to your fall wedding decor, and can really elevate the look of your arch/arbor flowers.
4. Drapery and Fabrics
5. Hanging Lights
Light and airy drapery are all the rage right now. Whether you’re using a traditional arch/ arbor or a big wooden cross, there’s so much you can do with these. They’re perfect for adding soft and silky texture and come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes.
If you’re looking for some added romance, hanging lights are the answer! Cast a warm and enchanting glow and a touch of magic to your ceremony by hanging lights from your altar. As the sun sets and the stars start to twinkle, these lights will create an intimate and dreamy atmosphere, setting the perfect stage for your vows.
6. Chandelier
Elevate your fall wedding altar to a whole new level of elegance with a chandelier! If you’re venue is indoors and already has a chandelier, you’re golden!
If your ceremony is taking place outside, or under a canopy of some kind, hanging a chandelier can add a touch of grandeur and sophistication to your ceremony.
7. Pumpkins
Not all of us are lucky enough to have our wedding ceremonies in front of a pumpkin patch. But nonetheless, pumpkins are and always will be a beautiful addition to any fall wedding.
Get funky with and play around with different colors, shades, shapes, and textures to make it your own. Gourds are always a fun option, too! Check out your local supermarket or garden center to find some of these funky fruits to brighten up your wedding altar.
8. Greenery & Pampas Grass
Perfectly capture the cozy spirit of the season and create a dreamy and enchanting backdrop for your vows!
These feathery plumes are perfect for bringing natural charm and rustic elegance to your fall wedding altar. As the gentle breeze whispers through their delicate fronds, your altar will come alive.
9. Branches & Trees
Sometimes nature really just says it all. Branches and trees effortlessly add a touch of the great outdoors to your ceremony, creating a magical forest-like ambiance. As you stand under a canopy of branches and leaves, you can’t help but feel surrounded by the essence of autumn, making your special moment truly unforgettable!
Curly willow is a great branch for any fall wedding, along with Birch wood, and grapewood.
10. Cozy Blankets for Guests
Depending on the location and weather at your ceremony-location, you may want to consider setting out some throw blankets for guests to grab when they arrive, especially if your ceremony is taking place outside.
Besides, nothing says cozy like warm, fuzzy flannels!
11. Hanging Amaranthus
If there were ever a perfect flower for a fall wedding altar, it would definitely be hanging amaranthus. I would recommend coordinating this with your florist, but there are also plenty of dried bunches available online as well!
12. Wine or Whiskey Barrels
You may be thinking, “Ok great, love this idea. But where the heck do I get wine and whiskey barrels??” I didn’t think Amazon would sell this sort of thing, but I should have known better. They do!
You could also try reaching out to a local distillery or winery to see if they have any old barrels they’re looking to get rid of, or interested in selling.
You could also check out Lowes, or even Etsy!
Class them up a bit with a little bit of paint, or leave them in their natural state.
13. Harvest Moon Magic
Planning an evening ceremony? Arrange your altar to face the rising harvest moon, and let its mystical aura be the backdrop to your vows.
14. Hay Bale Mania
I know what you’re thinking, “Hay bales? Too cheesy.” But they don’t have to be!
If you’re planning a rustic-themed fall wedding, hay bales can be super cute. Stack ’em up to create a cozy and charming altar that’s straight out of a fairytale, or use them as seating for your guests instead of renting chairs. Play around with some string lights or fairy lights for added warmth and texture.
Be sure to place some soft and cozy flannel blankets on-top for comfort, of course.
When you’re looking for decorations for your fall wedding, the most important thing is stay true to you and stick to your vision! Don’t let other people’s opinions sway you or discourage you.
Your wedding day is a day to celebrate you and your new spouse with family and friends.