Decorating Ideas for Fall and Autumn Weddings

Let's add some energy to the fall wedding season by introducing a new centerpiece design concept we haven't discussed before - layering. Above, a "layered" centerpiece is created with lush florals, hand-painted hydrangea candles, a plate, and a pedestal bowl in this vibrant fall table arrangement. The concept of layering in centerpiece design means to build a centerpiece by combining a number of different visual elements, which are thoughtfully placed one on top of another. In the design shown above, we begin with a white porcelain plate (layer number one), on top of which a pedestal bowl or compote is placed (layer number two). Another 'layer' is added to the plate in the form of silk hydrangea blossoms (layer number three) - fresh blossoms can be used if preferred- in a combination of complimentary colors, with a few tiny petals dotted here and there to naturalize the look and create additional visual interest. From there, we continued to build our centerpiece by adding the next 'layer' to the bowl - this time it is water (layer number four). And then, the final layer, the piece de la resitance - those gorgeous hydrangea candles in all their vivid and vibrant color (layer number five). The autumn look is completed with the addition of a shimmering copper colored table cover, creating the perfect backdrop to compliment this fall display - it's attention to detail at this level which makes the difference between average and exceptional! If this design doesn't warm up your reception room when the winds of fall begin to blow outside, it's doubtful anything could!

The wonderful thing about layering in design is that you have the freedom to create looks which are as layered and imaginative, or as simple, as you like. You can stop after two or three layers for a more simplistic look, or keep adding and adding until your imagination is content! For example, you might choose to take the design above one step farther, by adding a few fresh flower blossoms to float amid the floral candles for added interest. Do what best suits your style and pleases your eye. Experiment with different looks by adding and subtracting visual elememts or accessories until you have achieved your own version of perfection! All products shown were available only for the Fall 2002 season in limited quantities from Illuminations and are no longer available, however, you may wish to browse this merchant's website for other equally exciting products for your wedding.

This fall hurricane lamp centerpiece is another example of how sensational centerpieces are created through the process of layering. Notice how much more interesting this design appears thanks to the numerous visual "layers" which make up the various components of the arrangement. First we began with one porcelain white plate. Notice that to further enhance the visual interest of the arrangement, we choose a plate with a textured surface instead of using one which was slightly more plain. The textured design adds appeal very subtly, without introducing color or a printed pattern which would compete or clash with the rest of the design. On top of that we placed a matching white plate in a slightly smaller size (layer number two). Next, we add a white pedestal piller candle holder (layer number three) - once again we choose white porcelain for continuity, however, something in an antique gold would have been equally as striking in this arrangement, there are always a world of options! Our next "layer" is created by placing the pillar candle (layer number four) atop the candle stand. Our design would look lovely if we stopped here, but our creative juices were continuing to flow and we were itching to kick it up another couple of notches, so we added the glass hurricane shade (layer number five). Once again, we could call it complete at this point, but we chose to go for one final layer, or so we thought, to give this design that extra little 'something' that would add a burst of elegance, interest and appeal - voloptuous oranmental grapes (layer number six) were placed upon the smaller white plate (recall, it was layer number two) encircling the base of the hurricane shade. But wouldnt you know it? Just when we thought we were done we were inspired to add one last little accent to truly breathe beauty into this design, and we knew precisely what it should be - ornamental grapevine leaves (layer number seven) are so especially pretty and would carry our fall theme to perfect completion. We placed them in between bunches of ornamental grapes, and tucked them beneath the bottom of the hurrican shade. All products shown for this idea were available only for the Fall 2002 season in limited quantities from Illuminations and are no longer available, however, you may wish to browse this merchant's website for other equally exciting products for your wedding.

Below, we'll take a closer look at two very important and versatile design elements for fall wedding decor which were featured in this design, but which have limitless uses and possibilities: faux leaves and ornamental grape clusters .

Decorating for a Fall Wedding

Lush fabric leaves, dyed in natural hues, recall the colors of the vineyard as they change with the seasons. The perfect accent item for fall wedding decor or for weddings with a "vineyard" theme. Use them for "layering" your centerpiece designs, as described earlier on this page. (We used them in the Hurricane Lamp Design above). Other ideas: Scatter a handful on reception tables, around the cake, or tuck them into napkin rings. Or why not string clear fishing line through them and swag them along the front of the head table, or suspend them from the ceiling? Work them into bows for the pews at the ceremony, or bows for the backs of the chairs at the reception. These are just a few ideas for how they can be beautifully incorporated into your fall wedding decor, now what can you come up with? Tell us how you plan to use them - we'd love to hear your ideas! Show us how creative you are! All products shown were available only for the Fall 2002 season in limited quantities from Illuminations and are no longer available, however, you may wish to browse this merchant's website for other equally exciting products for your wedding.

Fall Decorating Ideas for Grape Clusters

Bursting with ripe fruit, high quality faux grape clusters look fresh from the vine, making them the perfect decorative accent for a vineyard theme wedding, or at an autumn wedding where their plump lushness captures the essence of a bountiful fall harvest. This product was available only for the Fall 2002 season from Illuminations and is no longer available, however, you may wish to browse this merchant's website for other equally exciting products for your wedding.

Add them to a centerpiece to create a layered look, as in the hurricane lamp design described earlier on this page. Or forgo the layers in favor of filling a silver or crystal bowl with several bunches of grapes for a colorful centerpiece all on their own and you'll make a statement with striking simplicity.

Another idea: There's nothing more luxurious looking than a roman urn bursting with roses, while grape clusters flow over the urn's edges (not pictured). For an elegant Victorian look, envision a gilded urn (use a gold metallic spray paint to coat a basic white urn found in the craft or decor department of your local discount department store) filled with pink roses and a few grape clusters cascading over the sides! Visit the retailer's web site to browse their current selection of equally exquisite products.

Shown at left, a monochromtic look is created with an arrangement of red silk hydrangeas and red peonies, while red grapes cascade over the edges of the run. To bring forth the fall theme of this display, a few ornamental grape leaves are nestled amongst the flowers and others rest beneath the grape clusters. Visual impact and drama is created when the all red (monochromatic) floral arrangement is contrasted against the whiteness of the urn.

Tell us how you plan to use ornamental grapes in your wedding decor - we've shared some of ideas, now we'd love to hear your ideas!

Another gorgeous and highly adaptive decorative piece for either an autumn or vineyard theme wedding comes in the form of this grapevine garland, complete with grape clusters and the trademark twiggy brown stalk. Pictured above, it twists and winds its way over a mantle, in life-like splendor, while white votives in clear glass cups offer a warm glow nestled within the vine. This same look is spectacular when used to dress up the head table, or to bring long rectangular your reception tables to life: simply run the grapevine up the center of the reception table, add votive candles in glass cups as shown, and you've created instant atmosphere, unlike that your guests are likely to have enjoyed elsewhere before. All products shown were available only for the Fall 2002 season in limited quantities from Illuminations and are no longer available, however, you may wish to browse this merchant's website for other equally exciting products for your wedding.

Clear or frosted votive cups were used with the grapevine above to enhance the look, however, as pictured at left, when careful thought goes into the color and fabric of the table covering, simple votives in glass votive cups look splendid all on their own. Remember that, apart from being oh-so-pretty, the votive cups are not just there to reflect the candle light and create visual appeal - votives, when lit, must always contained in a proper votive holder, and only be used under close supervision, to avoid risk of fire. The votive cups pictured are sold in sets of 4 for a mere $4.95 from Illuminations while quantities last. Visit the retailer's web site to browse their current selection of equally exquisite products.