Fall Wedding Ideas on a Budget That Keep Things Classy

There's no getting around the fact that everything is getting more expensive these days, and many couples are looking for fall wedding ideas on a budget. By prioritizing what is most important to you and spending accordingly, you can have the wedding of your dreams without going into debt or feeling spread thin. To help out with this task, we spoke with florist Courtney Bowden, owner of CB Blooms based in New York City. Thankfully, she shared her expertise on the best wedding ideas for fall on a budget so that you can be confident your money goes as far as possible.

1. Choose an Affordable Venue With Natural Autumnal Beauty

Wedding venues can range from a calm, creekside space at a public park to an all-inclusive resort-style event. No surprise, the price will vary greatly between the two, one being much better for couples trying to plan an affordable wedding. When looking for budget-friendly venues, look for places like churches, community centers or public parks, which tend to have lower vendor fees. On this search, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is going to be your best friend. You can filter venues near you by venue type and budget. Lastly, opting for somewhere naturally beautiful, such as a park, apple orchard or pumpkin patch in the fall will need much less decorating than a blank-space venue.

Fall Wedding Venues in a Range of Budgets: California | Massachusetts | Michigan | New Jersey | Vermont

2. Focus on Statement Pieces

Bowden encourages couples to "focus on statement pieces when it comes to maximizing what you can get out of your budget for florals." This could take the form of "a beautiful ceremony piece like a grand arch or chuppah that will wow the guests and can be used as a photo spot later on. Then for reception tables, opt for greenery garlands and candles or bud vases over big centerpieces." This concept can be carried over to the rest of your decor too. Choose one or two main decor pieces, rather than trying to put lots of small highlights throughout the space.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

3. Use More Greenery Than Flowers and Pare Down Bouquets

A bride's bouquet is supposed to stand out, and one of the easiest ways to do that is to make the bridesmaid's bouquets half-size according to Bowden. In addition, she shares that "not every guy in your friend group or extended family needs a boutonniere." Consider saving "the blooms for your bouquet (if that's what's important to you) and get creative with different shades and textures of greenery for your bridesmaids." Even these few simple changes can really help when it comes to figuring out wedding flowers on a budget, leaving more money for a statement piece or something else.

4. Choose Budget-Friendly Fall-Inspired Desserts

When it comes to fall wedding cakes, you don't have to keep things traditional, especially if it means staying within budget. Track your spending by category using The Knot Budget Tool, a free resource we've created just for to-be-weds. You'll see that cakes can often get quite expensive, so instead, opt for fall-themed treats such as apple cider donuts, pumpkin pie, caramel apples, a popcorn bar or even a s'mores station.

5. Opt for a Morning Ceremony and Brunch Reception

Even though fall often means cozy sweaters and cool nights, not all fall weddings will have that delightful autumn weather. If you're somewhere where you are still trying to beat the heat, consider a morning ceremony and brunch reception. This fall wedding idea will typically lower costs across the board, from main dishes and venue rentals to vendor fees and even alcohol tabs. As long as you're willing to get up early enough to get ready, we highly encourage couples looking for fall wedding ideas on a small budget to consider this.

6. Upcycle Bottles and Natural Materials for Rustic Decor

When it comes to decorating, there are so many different styles for your wedding day. If you're considering a romantic or rustic theme and are on the hunt for inexpensive wedding decorations, consider upcycling clear glass soda bottles or dark brown kombucha bottles to hold single-stem centerpieces. You can also use items like wood crates, wood slices, feathers and wheat bundles to highlight your theme with little to no additional cost.

7. Double Up Decor as Favors

We're all about multitasking when it is done well. So, if you're brainstorming fall wedding decoration ideas on a budget, consider letting your guests take home your table decor as favors. We're not talking tea lights here, though. Instead, lean into fall items like freshly picked apples and pumpkins or more unique elements like crystals and geodes as little treasures to gift your guests.

8. Keep Your Wedding Menu Cozy

So often, cozy comfort food is actually the best choice when it comes to fall wedding food ideas on a budget. Consider seasonal favorites like soups, grilled cheese and potatoes as staples to your wedding menu. Keep things fresh in the presentation, such as pairing panini triangles with shot glasses of tomato soup or grilled potatoes on skewers. By presenting these items on a buffet or family style rather than a plated dish, you'll save on serving and bussing costs.

9. Elope or Host a Micro-Wedding

Bowden shares that couples should consider elopement or hosting a micro-wedding if they're hoping to save money as they prepare to tie the knot. She highlights that although these minimalist weddings "became popular out of necessity during COVID, intimate weddings never go out of style. Book a florist who specializes in small weddings and can provide beautiful, creative and impactful florals at your local wine garden or city park. Have your reception at your favorite restaurant and let the candles, half-full wine glasses and place settings down a long, family-style table steal the show."

10. Choose a Wedding Dress Inspired by Fall Colors

Wedding dresses can easily take up a sizable portion of a wedding budget, but if you're willing to think outside the box and buck tradition, how about a dress to match the fall colors around you? By opting for a dress in yellow, green, pale pink or even a bold red, you'll certainly stand out and can save hundreds of dollars if the dress you choose isn't specifically labeled a "wedding dress."

11. Set Up a Photo Booth With Fall Essentials

Contrary to popular belief, you might already have everything you need to make your wedding reception fun. If you're having a photo booth at your wedding, rather than splurging on wedding-themed props, use fall accessories like scarves, beanies, flannels, cute mugs and colorful leaves as props. You probably have these on hand, and what's cuter than your friends all dressed up to party with a nice Carhartt beanie on top?

12. Use Hay Bale Seating and Playground

Renting chairs for a ceremony and reception can get pricey, especially depending on the day you tie the knot and how many you need. If you're specifically looking for rustic fall wedding ideas on a budget, head to your local hay and feed store and grab some square bales. Use old blankets or flannels to cover up the hay so your guests don't get poked and you're all set! Ask your groomsmen to carry the bales over to the reception and this investment can double up as a spot to play if you have kids in attendance. This is certainly one of the more multipurpose outdoor fall wedding ideas on a budget.

13. Have Your Flower Girl Drop Bright-Colored Leaves

Oftentimes, it's the small changes to tradition that are the most memorable. So, instead of having your flower girl drop petals along the aisle, pick some brightly colored leaves the morning of the ceremony for her to toss. Reds, yellows and oranges will pop against any backdrop, adding a delightful burst of color at no cost.

14. Opt for a Cozy Library Theme

Sometimes staying on budget means you need to get a bit more creative if you want a unique theme or decor style. One theme that's perfect for fall and couples who love to snuggle up with a good book is a library theme. We're talking jewel tones, old books and leather accents. If you're a bookworm, you probably already have plenty on your shelves to use as centerpieces and accents, and this color scheme lines up delightfully with fall colors.

15. Trust Your Experts

Wedding industry experts have worked with all kinds of budgets, themes and personalities, and they are experts in their field for a reason. Bowden encourages couples that "at the end of the day, vendors are the experts. Specifically, florists will know best what flowers will be most cost-effective and how to optimize them with other ingredients that work within your budget." Keeping this in mind, "as you share your vision with your florist, opt for in-season flowers and give creative freedom to your florist within your budget."