How to Use Nontraditional Fall Wedding Colors for a Stunning Event

Fall in Virginia is stunning. In mid-October, colors start to switch from vibrant greens to deep reds and golden yellows. However, that doesn’t mean that fall wedding decorations need to center around autumn wedding colors. One of my favorite wedding ideas for fall is to use non-traditional fall wedding colors, such as gold and black. And it’s ok if there isn’t a pumpkin—or mum—in sight as you will see in this dramatic monochromatic styled wedding.

This is an updated republish of an existing post.

DIY Fall Wedding Ideas

If you’re looking for fall wedding ideas on a budget, then this event is perfect! There are lots of handmade and thrifted elements, and it’s filled with rustic wedding reception ideas. Plus, this styled wedding would work for any time in the fall—especially for a Halloween or Thanksgiving wedding.

In planning this mock wedding, we used skeleton leaves to foster our outdoor wedding ideas for fall. Here are a few of our DIY fall wedding ideas to get your mind going on things you can do for your own event.

Use found and thrifted items.

Take note of all of the vintage elements throughout the shoot. Vintage tables and mismatched chairs created a lovely juxtaposition against the outdoor space.

Vintage china, depression glass bowls, and etched glassware added to the eclectic vibe. If you want to create your own found feel, scour antique shops, second-hand stores, and charity shops for unique finds.

When curating your fall outdoor wedding ideas, don’t feel like everything has to match. Incorporating a variety of drinkware—we used teacups and glasses—adds interest as does layering a variety of plates.

Just keep within the same hue for your fall wedding table decorations to pull the look off well.

Save your wine bottles.

This DIY is one of my favorite fall wedding centerpieces, and it can really save on a budget. Save clear glass bottles (brown would work, too!) in a variety of shapes, sizes, and heights.

Rinse, peel off the labels, and save them for crafting! I made these by spraying gold paint on the bottom to create an ombre look.

Once that was dry, I marked off a section to paint with black chalkboard paint. Once dry, the word “leaf” was hand-lettered in different languages on the bottom of each bottle to coordinate with the theme.

Then we added candles and placed them in the center of the table. Voila! Simple rustic wedding centerpieces on a budget.

Rethink your fall wedding bouquets.

Most rustic fall wedding ideas include golden autumnal tones. However, feel free to minimize the presence of flowers and include pods, greenery, and eucalyptus instead.

Not only will these elements add texture, but they add a dimension that isn’t found by utilizing flowers alone. The fall bridal bouquet can also be placed on the sweetheart table to add foliage in lieu of a traditional fall wedding centerpiece.

Saving money with little tips like that can be a big help! Add a matching boutonniere, and you’re good to go while using nontraditional fall wedding colors.

Cut your extra invitations for unexpected DIY details.

If you have leftover invitations, don’t let them go to waste! Cut decorative elements to make creative fall wedding table decorations.

We used them for a monogrammed “H” to represent the couples’ last name. Additionally, we created a three-dimensional keepsake for the bride and groom to have long beyond the wedding.

If you look closely, you will also see elements from the invitation on the chalkboard wedding cake. Ingenious! Thinking creatively can lead to lots of DIY fall wedding ideas.

Incorporating Nontraditional Fall Wedding Colors

Enjoy the rest of this styled wedding shoot with lovely elements, such as decorated cookies and handmade place cards. We used skeletoned leaves—which you can purchase online—for quite a few creative fall wedding decorations throughout.

No matter what, don’t be afraid to buck tradition and go with elevated rustic wedding ideas for fall. It can yield beautiful results!

Searching for other fall wedding ideas? Take a peek at five unique ideas for autumn weddings here. It’s such a gorgeous time of year to say, “I do!”

Outdoor Wedding Ideas for Fall Vendor Team

• Bow Tie – Twenty23
• Cookies – One Creative Cookie
• Decor and Styling – Love Is in the Air
• DIY Projects – Jennifer Prince
• Flowers – bloom by Doyle’s
• Gown – Celebration
• Hair/Makeup – Emily Garbee Harris from Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon
• Hand Lettering – Love Is in the Air
• Invitation Paper Suite – Wedding Paper Divas
• Jewelry – Fink’s Jewelers
• Models – Kenan and Bethany Bell and Gremelina the kitten
• Photography – Liz Cook Photography
• Tuxedo – Celebration
• Venue – Bella Rose Plantation
• Vintage Furniture and Tableware – Estates Revisited

Nontraditional Fall Wedding Colors