If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, there’s one aesthetic that’s basically your best friend: rustic. And if you’re wondering when rustic weddings really shine? Fall. With nature’s warm color palette, cozy textures, and built-in seasonal charm, it’s the perfect season to pull off a gorgeous wedding without spending a fortune.
As a former DIY bride and a planner who’s pulled off dreamy budget-friendly weddings (including a park lodge wedding for under $15K!), I’ve got you covered with my favorite rustic fall wedding ideas on a budget—from centerpieces to aisle décor to seasonal food and drink. Ready to dive in?!
Before you go, don’t forget to grab a copy of my printable DIY wedding checklist, perfect for making sure you don’t miss a detail!
1. Choose an Affordable Rustic Setting
Do yourself a favor and skip the expensive ballroom. Don’t even look at ‘em!
I helped a couple host their park lodge wedding for under $15K all-in. The venue had stunning exposed beams, space for both ceremony and reception, and didn’t need a ton of décor to look amazing.
To plan a rustic fall wedding on a budget, opt for a park lodge, family backyard, or even a local barn. You’ll pay a fraction of the rental fee and will have a lot more flexibility to make it your own, including your vendor choices!
- Park lodges often have a cozy wood-and-stone vibe, plus tables, chairs, and sometimes even fireplaces included in the rental fee.
- Many backyards already have the natural beauty and flexibility you need—just add a tent if the forecast is unpredictable. (Check out this backyard barn wedding for inspo!)
2. DIY Rustic Wedding Signage
Save hundreds by going with rustic DIY wedding signs! Make your own wooden pallet signs, chalkboard welcome boards, or even repurposing kids’ easels into your seating chart display. I’m not even joking with that last one. Here’s my husband and niece working their magic on a thrift store find!
Chalkboards are an easy thrift store find, and you can often snag free pallets on Facebook Marketplace.
💡 Savvy Tip: Hand lettering not your thing? Print your wording and use the pencil transfer method to trace and paint perfect letters.
3. Budget-Friendly Rustic Centerpieces
Nothing says rustic wedding like bud vases, mason jars, or thrifted vintage bottles.
Fill them with seasonal fall blooms—think dahlias, mums, eucalyptus, or even branches with colorful fall leaves. Arrange them on top of wood slices or stacked wooden crates for extra height and texture.
To save even more, make them double as affordable wedding favors (no-cost added!) Guests can take home a vase of flowers at the end of the night.
4. Rustic Fall Wedding Table Decorations
A few budget-friendly ways to create Pinterest-worthy rustic fall wedding tables:
- DIY Doily Runners: Make your own for just $2 per table! It’s easy, affordable, and adds instant vintage charm. (Get the Dollar Tree Doily Runner tutorial here!)
- Mismatched Glassware: Use thrifted coffee mugs for a cozy hot cocoa station, or collect mismatched vintage goblets for reception drinks.
- Plaid or Gingham Accents: Drape blankets over the backs of chairs or opt for hay bale seating for both comfort and style.
5. Cozy Self-Service Food + Drinks
Instead of paying for full-service catering, set up a self-serve bar with big-batch cocktails, mocktails, or apple cider. You can get my guide on calculating alcohol for your rustic fall wedding bar to make prepping a breeze!
For an affordable wedding dessert? S’mores are a cheap and interactive option. If your venue has a fire pit or grill (most park lodges do!), let guests toast their own marshmallows—it’s fun, memorable, and totally fall.
6. Rustic Fall Wedding Aisle Ideas
For a simple, low-cost aisle design, use hay bales covered with cozy blankets for guest seating, or line your walkway with pumpkins, lanterns, or galvanized buckets filled with fall florals.
Bonus: Hay bales are usually less than $10 each from farm supply stores and can be repurposed after your wedding.
Your Budget-Friendly Rustic Fall Wedding Awaits
Fall’s natural beauty + rustic style = one of the easiest ways to plan a gorgeous, affordable wedding. With a little creativity (and a few strategic DIYs), you can have the cozy, romantic day you’ve been dreaming of—without draining your bank account.💌 Ready to make your rustic fall wedding happen?
Subscribe below to grab my DIY wedding guide and make sure you haven’t missed a thing—or check out my ultimate guide to securing affordable wedding vendors so you can stretch your budget even further.