With vibrant and rich colors on full display, it isn’t hard to see why many couples choose to tie the knot in fall. Embrace the phenomenal colors and natural elements of the season during your fall wedding with creative centerpieces that can range from earthy and rustic to moody and mysterious. Choose stunning fall flowers like dahlias, chrysanthemums and chocolate cosmos, or showcase the harvest by letting seasonal fruit, mini pumpkins and gourds grace tablescapes. You can even incorporate foliage and branches into fall wedding decorations. There are endless options when it comes to color palettes, table settings, floral arrangements and other details, so find inspiration in these 35 fall centerpiece ideas that will enhance any autumn wedding reception.
Colorful Floral Arrangements
Fall has a phenomenal color palette, from rich reds to alluring amethysts. Whether you hire a florist or make DIY floral bouquets, choose seasonal colors for your wedding flowers and centerpieces, table linens and wedding website.
1. Choose Rouge
Make a statement with red flowers at the center of your reception’s tablescapes. Go bold with a monochromatic floral arrangement, offer pops of color by weaving in classic roses or build depth with a textural bloom. The fiery color is a clear choice for any fall wedding.
2. Don’t Overlook Orange
Whether your wedding aesthetic is boho chic or traditional, orange is a seasonal hue fit for an autumn wedding. Enchanting orange flowers add a warm glow when paired with white, cream or yellow blooms. Choose wedding flowers like ranunculus and dahlias in orange for a touch of whimsy.
3. Add a Punch of Yellow
From cheery sunflowers to unique Craspedia billy balls, yellow flowers are sure to invigorate any floral arrangement. Think beyond sunny yellow for fall, and consider a darker or lighter color scheme. Florals in mustard, butterscotch, honey or subtle yellow shades may better fit your wedding vibe.
4. Blend in Brown
Brown may not immediately come to mind when it comes to wedding flowers, but the color offers a range of gorgeous possibilities. Select rich caramels, earthy tans and deep chocolates for a natural and sophisticated design. Mums and daisies offer a solid foundation, while dried flowers add pattern and depth.
5. Punctuate with Purple
Romantic and regal, purple can evoke a variety of emotions for your desired wedding atmosphere. Leverage this powerful color by choosing lighter tints in early fall or jewel tones for a richer feel that’s perfect later in the season. Don’t forget to experiment with texture and bud size.
Fall Foliage and Greenery
Dress up your centerpieces with in-season greenery, leaves and grasses. These additions can amplify color schemes and elevate nearly any decor.
6. Highlight Fall Leaves
Fall leaves are a quintessential symbol of the season. Luminous leaves can star in floral arrangements or adorn the table. Whether you’re working with a professional florist or pruning shrubs from your backyard, autumnal foliage can fit any budget.
7. Select Succulents
Succulents are an attractive addition to a ceremony and reception. The plants are available year-round and feature a variety of colors. Select succulents that include orangey-pink or purple hues to complement seasonal cuttings in floral arrangements.
8. Pick Pampas Grass
This plant is a natural fit for a bohemian wedding vibe, but it can also work with modern, coastal or southwest aesthetics. Leverage the grass’ height to create a dramatic display, or add softness to a floral design with thoughtfully placed cuttings. No matter the arrangement, pampas grass makes a statement.
9. Mix in Eucalyptus
Greenery keeps the focus of a centerpiece on the flowers. Eucalyptus leaves support that goal, but they can also stand alone. Go rustic or ethereal by laying a eucalyptus garland across your reception tables. You can also sprinkle in dainty flowers or votive candle holders in fall colors for an elegant centerpiece.
10. Dress Up with Olive Branches
Laid-back yet refined, olive branches provide an organic feel to any table decor. The greenery can embellish a simple bouquet or add drama to a dessert table display. Take it up a notch and feature branches bursting with fruit. Your guests will be gushing over these displays for years!
Natural Centerpieces
Organic fall wedding decorations can add intrigue to a tabletop and help complete your vision of a gorgeous display.
11. Choose Rustic Tree Slices
Let the beauty of unfinished wood enrich the tablescape. Place a round tree slice at the center of each table to act as a tray for seasonal blooms, candles, lanterns and even photos from your courtship. To tie it all together, incorporate wood accents into other wedding details, such as the cake stand or table number signs.
12. Add Whimsical Branches
Pay homage to the heroes of autumn: trees. Using a tree as a centerpiece may not be practical, so give them a nod by decorating with branches. Capture the magical atmosphere of a forest with towering branches covered in glowing leaves, or wow your guests with elegant wreaths.
13. Use Acorns or Pinecones
Channel a rustic vibe at your wedding by decorating with acorns and pinecones. The forest-found objects can easily fill any size or style of glass vessel. Scatter across the tabletop for a nature-inspired scene or place within flower arrangements for a simple yet seasonal touch.
14. Fall for Feathers
When it comes to feathers, a little goes a long way. Use them as an ornamental element to add warm browns and contrasting whites to centerpieces or other wedding features, like the cake table. Whether you choose large or small feathers, they will certainly add an intriguing design to your fall nuptials.
15. Add Allure with Bones
Draw inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe and incorporate bones — think small skulls or antlers — into your approach to wedding decor. These pieces add mystery and allure. Pair them with a moody color palette for an aesthetic that will transform your wedding venue into a cozy retreat.
16. Scout Out Stones
For an earthy vibe that isn’t overly rustic, display river rocks and stones at the center of your wedding reception’s tables. Select smooth river rocks for a soothing feel or rugged stones for a rural tone. To pump up the glam, showcase crystal-filled geodes in seasonal tones like amethyst.
Edible Centerpieces
Let seasonal fruits and vegetables grace the table — an ideal choice for non-floral arrangements. Think pumpkin bouquets and apple-filled containers for a fresh take on centerpieces.
17. Reimagine Pumpkins
Pumpkins are an icon of fall, but they don’t necessarily scream wedding chic. Transform the humble gourd into a remarkable centerpiece by using a variety of colors and sizes on the tabletop, such as mini white pumpkins nestled among colorful cuttings or lush greenery.
18. Pick Apples
Deck out your reception venue with these sweet beauties. Apples naturally feature a range of colors that will add more depth to your celebration’s color spectrum. Bundle apples in a fanciful container to create a stunning take on a fruit bowl.
19. Garnish with Pomegranates
Amp up the drama by incorporating pomegranates. The full-bodied fruit offers a jewel-tone color that seamlessly blends with many seasonal palettes. Keep them whole or break them open for a daring display that will surprise and delight wedding attendees.
20. Go Bold with Grapes
Turn to a country vineyard as inspiration and feature grapes in your table decor. Luxurious grapes, and even grape leaves, are an easy embellishment to a place setting. Whether your big day is influenced by wine country or a more glamorous affair, the fruit provides a fresh feel that couples will appreciate.
21. Cozy Up to Cinnamon
Add warmth and a fragrant aroma to your special day with cinnamon sticks or cloves. The signature fall spices can serve as a unique vase filler, with a deep brown color that offers an appealing contrast to flowers in yellow or orange hues.
22. Think Harvest
Elevate the common corn husk or dried wheat into a show-stopping ornamentation for your wedding centerpieces. Weave wheat pieces into seasonal blooms for a wispy and whimsical display, or use in place of a ribbon on a vase.
Fall Decor
When choosing centerpieces for your big day, don’t forget to consider the look of the entire table. Be sure to select coordinating colors and patterns for items such as napkins, candle holders and tablecloths.
23. Candles Emblaze
If you and your partner prefer non-floral centerpieces for your big day, candles are a fitting alternative. The size, shape and color of candles will depend on your autumn wedding style. For instance, pairing candles with mirrors leans modern, whereas tall taper candles can help bring an Old World aesthetic to life.
24. Play with Plaids or Lace
Say goodbye to monochromatic linens and welcome plaid fabrics or intricate lace into your reception venue. Plaid is a hallmark pattern of fall and brings an arresting beauty to any table. Lace establishes dimension by creating positive and negative space throughout the tablescape.
25. Choose Colored Vases
For some couples, planning the decorations for a wedding reception can be distressing. Take it easy with this simple way to add pops of seasonal colors to your big day. Fall-colored vases can be a beautiful, affordable and manageable choice for tabletops.
26. Trim with Burlap
Burlap is the darling of any rustic fall wedding. This material is a favorite for couples because it’s so versatile. Use it as a table runner to bump up texture or slice into strips to gussy up a glass hurricane candle holder.
27. Try Rattan and Woven Fabric
Incorporate a home decor trend into your wedding by using rattans or woven cane fabrics in your tablescape. Similar to burlap, these materials create unexpected texture. Dazzle your guests with unique lanterns, placemats or baskets.
Unique Containers
Your wedding centerpiece vessel is as important as the objects that go inside. Get creative with the container to build out a phenomenal design.
28. Go Vintage
Old-fashioned watering cans or galvanized buckets provide a vintage vibe with a natural edge. Perfect for holding freshly cut blooms and branches, these containers make eye-catching designs for farmhouse-themed soirees. Consider adding other vintage elements to the table to turn up the charm.
29. Feature Birdcages
Bird lovers or not, draw inspiration from our feathered friends for your wedding’s tabletop display. Start with sleek or decorative birdcages, then fill them with organic elements like greenery, seasonal blooms, leaves or even a nest. A wire or glass cloche can also be employed if you and your partner prefer.
30. Personalize Mason Jars
Mason jars are overflowing with possibilities. These jars act as blank canvas and can be personalized to fit you and your future spouse’s wedding style. Fill them with wildflowers for a sweet floral arrangement, or group them together and use votive candles to make an illuminating tablescape.
31. Light Up with Lanterns
Glass, metal and paper are just a few of the materials that couples can select when it comes to lantern-based centerpieces. Add in a seasonal aesthetic with fall greenery or colorful candles. The lanterns will provide a soft glow to your post-ceremony celebration that perfectly captures the magic of autumn.
DIY Ideas
If creating centerpieces on your own is your jam, look to these beautiful, rustic fall wedding ideas.
32. Arrange Bottles
Let’s face it: Centerpiece supplies can add up. But a lower-cost option is within reach, maybe even sitting inside your refrigerator. Arrange glass bottles across your reception tables for a sophisticated design. Fill them with single-stem flowers or delicate baby’s breath for a simple floral focal point.
33. Wrap it Up
Personalize vases and bottles with unique ribbons and trim. Play with widths, lengths and hues to add interest to your tabletop. Natural materials also fit in well — consider using straw or jute rope for a stunning and sustainable DIY touch.
34. Place Pots
Plant lovers, this one’s for you! Place potted plants such as succulents, fresh fall herbs or flowering cacti on the tabletop. Terracotta pots are a handsome choice that’s on trend with the classic fall color palette. Add allure by grouping a variety of sizes and shades. You can also use them for other parts of the wedding, such as the seating chart.
35. Leave a Mark
Transform jars or containers into flower bud vases with spray paint. Play with stencils to create negative space in the design. This is a simple project for couples to work on together, adding to your wedding-related memories.
