As wonderful as it would be to splurge on the most amazing, extravagant wedding ever, most couples lack an unlimited budget to spend on their wedding day. The good news is that a memorable event doesn’t actually require breaking the bank! Instead, you can DEFINITELY cut some costs and save your money for other things, like your honeymoon, a house, or other big and exciting purchases.
All you need is a bit of creativity and budget-friendly DIY fall wedding ideas.
What can you do to save some serious cash on your rustic and romantic wedding plans?
These eight creative ideas will have you eager to jump in, roll up your sleeves, and take a hands-on role in creating a beautiful and cost-effective celebration.
Forage for Foliage
If you’ve been thinking about decorating your ceremony and reception with foliage, you might have noticed… fake plastic foliage is expensive! Especially considering all this decor will only be for one day.
Instead of purchasing these greenery items from an arts and crafts store, you could save money by foraging for your own. Foraging is a fantastic way to DIY your decorations, plus it costs nothing and it’s sustainable to boot!
Think of all the possibilities you could encounter in your neighborhood or on a hike in the park. You could collect pinecones, leaves in bold fall colors, and branches that make a big statement.
Just make sure anything you gather is completely dry. Or, if it’s not, set it out to dry on your porch or in the backyard before the big day. Moisture can mean soggy messes and even rot if you’re not careful.
Wildflower Bouquets
One of the most expensive aspects of your wedding day is likely your flower budget. Why not save some money on your fall wedding florals by picking your own wildflowers?
Even if you don’t have a source for freshly picked flowers, you can buy local florals. Locally available flowers are more cost-effective than importing exotic species.
Of course, you’ll still want fresh flowers for your bouquet or venue decorations. Pick your flowers on the same day as the wedding for the best results.
Mason Jar Wedding Favors
Not sure what to send your guests home with? Mason jars are an adorable DIY wedding favor that are easy to package and appealing to your guests!
Try filling mason jars with gourmet hot cocoa and marshmallows or pack them full of the ingredients for s’mores on a cool fall evening.
Better yet, you can buy these jars in bulk and fill them yourself to save a bundle. Guests get a cozy and delicious treat, while you don’t have to spend a fortune!
String Lights and Candles
Fall weddings might mean that there’s a bit of a chill in the air, but you can still create a warm and cozy feeling with string lights and candles. These are easy to hang and place yourself, allowing you to create the atmosphere that you want for your big day. Let some places be well-lit while others are darker and more private.
String lights and candles are inexpensive, but you should make sure you have safety in mind. This is particularly true if you’ll have live fire candles instead of electric ones. Place them on a stable surface out of the reach of children, and make sure that there’s a fire extinguisher on site.
Rustic Seating
Your guests need somewhere to sit, and chair rentals can be quite pricey. But you could get away with some less traditional seating options with a little creativity!
The rustic feel of a fall wedding opens up SO MANY possibilities for your seating options. Hay bales are readily available and act as great benches. You could even use simple wooden benches in lieu of chairs.
If you do want more traditional seating options, consider using mismatched chairs (ideally all with a wood aesthetic). Bring some from your own home and ask close friends and family to bring theirs, too. This can create a rustic, cozy, and homey feel. Don’t give in to pressure that everything has to match. All you need is a vision to decorate and design your big day with a little rustic flair.
Bonfire Reception
Skip renting out the fancy venue that costs thousands for just one evening of revelry. Instead, you can have a huge bonfire in a much more affordable locale. This unique, non-traditional wedding venue allows everyone to enjoy the weather, which is often at its best in the autumn.
Plus, your guests will have entertainment as they make s’mores and enjoy warm beverages. Outside receptions also pair well with other budget fall wedding ideas, like lawn games or food trucks. Play your favorite fall wedding songs over some portable speakers and you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic time.
As a bonus, there may not even be much of a mess to clean up at a bonfire reception. You’ll have limited seating, no tables, and far less to break down before you can leave on your honeymoon.
Wooden Crate Décor
Wooden crates are inexpensive and can serve multiple functions. If you can get them free or even discounted, get creative with how you use your crates! Small ones can be great for DIY tablespaces and centerpieces. Alternatively, larger ones can be used to hold decorations or guest books.
These are often readily available at craft stores, where you may be able to use coupons for a steep discount.
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Explore Thrift Stores
If you can’t find any good deals on your décor, consider buying your items secondhand. Thrift stores are a treasure trove for couples who want a rustic wedding. Not only are secondhand items often very cheap, but you’ll find an excellent variety of items for décor, table settings, and more.
Keep in mind that not everything will match, but that’s ultimately part of the allure. Mismatching your decorations adds to a rustic, homey feel. It will make your fall wedding stand out as something sweet, memorable, and genuine.
Spend the Savings on a Memory to Last Forever
Budget-friendly DIY wedding decorations allow you to save money without sacrificing the beauty of your big day. All of those savings allow you to splurge on what really matters most to you, like a keepsake wedding film that you will enjoy for the rest of your life.
Reverent Wedding Films is the largest wedding videographer in Texas, focusing on the cinematic storytelling of your unique love story. We specialize in creating rich, stunning wedding films that you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Give us a call now and let’s chat about your upcoming autumn wedding!
