Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget.
The good news is that fall provides a stunning natural backdrop that can help you save while still creating a magical experience. Fall anyone else favourite time of year?
Whether you’re dreaming of rustic charm or elegant simplicity, here are some creative ideas to help you plan an unforgettable fall wedding without breaking the bank.
Budget Fall Venue Ideas
1. Outdoor Ceremony
Embrace the beauty of fall by hosting your ceremony outdoors.
Parks, gardens, or forests offer spectacular natural settings filled with vibrant fall foliage. Dark forest fairy tale ceremony anyone?
Many public parks provide affordable or even free permits for weddings. A simple wooden arch decorated with seasonal flowers or greenery can be a stunning focal point.
2. Barn Wedding
Barns are perfect for a rustic wedding vibe, offering plenty of charm with wooden beams and existing décor like string lights.
Check out local barns or farm venues, which often have lower rental fees compared to traditional wedding venues.
Plus, you’ll save on decorations since the venue itself adds so much character. Or you might have more access so can set up yourself before the big day.
3. Backyard Wedding
A backyard wedding can be both intimate and cost-effective. With a little creativity, you can transform a family member’s backyard into a cozy wedding venue.
Consider renting a tent to ensure your guests are comfortable, and use the natural landscape as your backdrop. Lots of outdoor heating or fires are important but add to the romantic outdoor feel.
4. Community Hall
Consider renting a local community centre or church hall, which can be much cheaper than commercial venues. If you can get an older building full of character then less décor is needed.
These spaces can be easily customized with your own decorations, allowing you to create a unique atmosphere. Add personal touches with DIY décor to bring the space to life.
Do consider what is included though, table and chair hire can add up quickly. Crockery and glassware even more, you will be surprised! Sometimes an all in venue can work out cheaper so make sure you a full budget estimate beforehand.
Budget Fall Decoration Ideas
5. DIY Decor
Tap into your creative side by making your own decorations. Etsy have lots of great templates for all thing DIY stationery and signs.
Pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal flowers make for beautiful centrepieces that capture the essence of fall.
Dried grasses and flowers work really well for fall wedding, boho vibes. You can collect them in the summer and dry them out ready to use for your fall wedding.
Try painting pumpkins or using them natural. Depending on your date speak to a local pumpkin farm and see if you can buy in bulk. Or have your engagement photos there and make a special day of it collecting them.
6. Nature-Inspired Decor
Incorporate elements from nature into your decor. Collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns to use in table centrepieces, wreaths, and garlands.
These natural items are free and add a rustic, earthy vibe to your wedding setup. As mentioned above you can collect in summer and dry out flowers. The more in season items you use the cheaper it will be.
7. Candles and Lanterns
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with candles and lanterns. They can be inexpensive yet incredibly effective in setting a romantic mood.
I think there is a misunderstanding of lots of candles being the cheaper option. Taper candles can add up and if a long day you will need to double up and replace them.
Pillar candles again can add up if needing a lot, look for wholesale suppliers. They will last longer and will have them after to sell on or keep.
If you are not using them for the tables then buying used pillar candles is a great way to save on costs.
8. Fairylights
You can never have too many fairy lights! Make sure you go for warm glow lights to avoid a Christmas feel. You can use glass jars, mason jars work well or even used glass bottles.
Fill them full of fairy lights and dot them around the venue to add a romantic warm glow.
Fall Budget Floral Ideas
9. Seasonal Flowers
Choose flowers that are in season in Fall, such as dahlias, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. Check out our complete in season guide.
These options are typically more affordable and easier to find. Mix them with greenery for lush, eye-catching arrangements that won’t break the bank.
10. Minimalist Bouquets
Opt for minimalist bouquets that focus on a few statement flowers surrounded by greenery. Or check out or non floral bouquet ideas post for lots more ideas.
This approach is both elegant and cost-effective, allowing the beauty of each bloom to stand out.
I love a new trend where the bridesmaids have a single flower from the bridal bouquet. It looks unique and is also a budget friendly option!
Food and Drink Ideas
11. Buffet Style
Serving a buffet-style meal can save on catering costs and allow guests to choose their favourites. Depending on your venue you can ask people to bring a dish.
Include hearty, seasonal dishes like roasted vegetables, savoury pies, or a warm soup station to embrace the flavours’ of fall.
You can look into food trucks for outdoor wedding to pull up and serve hot food.
12. DIY Dessert Bar
Set up a dessert bar featuring homemade treats like pies, cookies, and cupcakes.
Not only is this a budget-friendly alternative to a wedding cake, but it also allows guests to enjoy a variety of sweets.
A wedding I styled they had a bake off, they are a family of bakers. They had people bring family favourite bakes.
They had someone make their grandma’s recipes they loved as kids as she was no longer here.
We styled it all up on wood platters and added greenery. It not only looked amazing everyone loved it and it got guests chatting and talking about old memories.
13. Signature Fall Drink
Create a signature cocktail to add a festive touch to your wedding. Consider apple cider mimosas, spiced rum punch, or mulled wine.
Offering a signature drink is a cost-effective way to provide a memorable experience without a full open bar.
A hot chocolate bar or something warm is best for outdoor weddings or colder venues. Fall to me is a toffee nut latte so I personally would have a coffee bar. Think about your favourite fall drinks and how you can share that with guests in a budget friendly manor.
Entertainment Ideas
14. Lawn Games
Keep guests entertained with lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or horseshoes. Every wedding I’ve been at that has these they are always a hit.
These games are fun for all ages and can be easily set up in an outdoor space. They also provide great opportunities for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
15. Smores Station
If you are having an outdoor wedding or have an outdoor area and allowed a fire this can the perfect evening entertain ideas.
Roasting marshmallows around the fire and sharing stories. Just make sure you have a designated person in charge for safety.
Budget friendly Favor Ideas for fall
15. Homemade Favors
Show appreciation to your guests with homemade favors like jams, apple butter, or small jars of honey.
These edible gifts are thoughtful, personal, and can be made in bulk for a low cost.
At my brothers wedding we had my other brother made chilli jam and crackers. Everyone still talks about it years later.
16. Seasonal Edibles
Consider giving guests tasty treats like caramel popcorn, spiced nuts, or smores kits as take-home favours.
Package them in small bags or boxes with a thank-you note for a personal touch. You can get some lovely fall sticker or tag templates for an easy, budget friendly DIY.
17. Plantable Favors
Opt for eco-friendly favours like seed packets or small potted plants. These gifts are not only sustainable but also offer guests a lasting reminder of your special day.
You can buy the seeds and make the bags yourself or grab one like above for around $1 each for an affordable fall favour option.
Edible, alcoholic and personalised favours are always taken home. Head to our post about budget friendly favours. Or our most popular favour blog on useful wedding favours, honestly some practical they will use again and again the tables are cleared!
Photography and Videography Ideas
18. Amateur Photographers
Hire a talented amateur photographer or a photography student looking to build their portfolio.
They can often provide high-quality services at a reduced rate, helping you capture beautiful memories without exceeding your budget.
You need to understand the risk that comes with this though. A good new wedding photographer will have attended workshops, shoots and maybe even been a second shooter for others.
Also, in fall there is less light make sure even though new they are knowledgeable.
19. DIY Photo Booth
Set up a DIY photo booth with a simple backdrop and fun props. Guests can use their smartphones or cameras to snap pictures, and you can provide a hashtag for them to share their photos on social media.
Re use your ceremony arch if you had one, they make the perfect photo backdrop.
Additional Tips
- Plan for Off-Peak Days: Choose a weekday or Sunday for your wedding, as venues and vendors often offer discounts for non-peak days.
- Limit the Guest List: Keep the guest list intimate to save on food, seating, and venue costs.
- Use Online Invitations: Opt for digital invitations to cut down on printing and postage expenses.
By embracing the natural beauty of fall and incorporating these budget-friendly ideas, you can create a memorable wedding that truly reflects your style and love story.
Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, these tips will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams without compromising your budget.
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