Choosing Your Fall Wedding Flowers

For the perfect flowers for your autumn wedding, rich, textured hues rule. Roses and dahlias are the most obvious (and classic) choices as they come in so many different varieties. Hydrangeas and chrysanthemums are also popular options. If you're set on lilies or tulips, that's fine. Just be aware that they're probably not in season and will cost you a lot more then an autumn bloom. Some other more affordable fall options are sweet Williams, fuchsia, zinnia, and amaryllis. You're florist will be the best one to tell you which flowers are popping up as the weather turns colder.

When it comes to centerpieces, don't think pink. Think layered and lush; tables should have a more bountiful look, with colors like red, blue, gold, orange, and purple reigning. Sunflowers are a wonderful option: just one on each table will do magic for your look. Couples really in the spirit of things go with mini-pumpkin displays. Gourds and squashes are great accents to an autumn wedding. Go for the holiday mood with nutmeg and cinnamon-scented candles. Country-lovin' folk buy bales of hay for guests to sit on. To satisfy that jock-loving husband of yours, why not touchdown his heart with football favors (or if you're both ESPN-heads, centerpieces!).

Plants, in general, are more popular during the fall season, with ferns and berries topping wedding lists. Twigs and pinecones are a heavenly idea to give you that crisp and cozy feel. Dried grasses like wheat are often added to the bouquets, and cornstalks can be planted around the room. If you really want to save, nix the legumes and stalk up on fruits for your centerpieces. A fall wedding reception is the one time where apples and oranges do mix.