As October comes to a close, I definitely have fall weddings on my mind. While fall colors and autumn leaves are fairly common wedding decor, pumpkins are not seen quite as often. Pumpkins are definitely an on-the-nose decorating choice - for some they might read as too overtly seasonal, and when done the wrong way they can skew cheap and tacky. That said, there are many ways pumpkins can be used that will enhance any fall wedding's ambiance.

The size and visual interest of pumpkins make them ideal for aisle decor. Mixing pumpkins of different colors and varieties makes a great impact, and integrating flowers, leaves, or pillar candles adds depth and dimension.

Using mini pumpkins as escort cards or favors is a tangible way for guests to get into a festive spirit. You can paint or decorate them in any color or material that goes with your theme.

Creating a guest book or card box out of pumpkins from the craft store is a great DIY opportunity, and not only gives you a memento from your special day but allows guests to have an interactive experience.

Pumpkins can make exquisite centerpieces, from faux pumpkins as centerpiece vases, floating mini pumpkins in water with matching flowers, or dispersed pumpkins throughout the middle of a long table.

Carved pumpkins are a great alternative to signage and can be used as table numbers, directional arrows, or sweet sayings. (A note to only use faux pumpkins for this so they can be done in advance and so they last.)

Succulents are a huge trend for modern weddings, and pale pumpkins are a perfect way to showcase them.

Of course, pumpkins look wonderful as props in wedding and engagement photos!

For more pumpkin decorating inspiration, visit my Pumpkin Weddings Pinterest board!

Separates and Onesies
Brides this season are definitely going the non-traditional route.  Crop tops and jumpsuits/rompers have definitely been huge fashion trends, and designers have transitioned those trends into the bridal industry with great success!  Bridal jumpsuits are a great way for menswear-loving brides to feel comfortable without leaving the traditional bride completely in the dust, and separates are fantastic for the indecisive bride who likes to mix and match.

Pantone Marsala (Fall Edit)
Marsala has been a very popular "Color of the Year" for Pantone, and while it was popular for spring weddings along with blush and pastels, the fall edit takes a completely different tone.  Deeper shades of Marsala coordinated with berry hues, greys, and browns make it luxurious and irresistible.

Teacher's Pet
I was unaware that classroom-themed weddings were a thing until my best friend, who happens to be an elementary school teacher, found an inspiration post online.  I've been obsessed with teacher weddings ever since.  Not only is it perfect for teachers, but it's a great idea for high school sweethearts.  Chalkboards, books, apples, rulers, pencils, and maps all make this motif tie together.

Royal Jewels
Jewel tones are often reserved for winter weddings, but they've been popping up early this year.  Deep royal blues, reds, purples, and greens popped with bright gold make any formal wedding a little more special.

New Victorian
When people talk about vintage weddings, they usually refer to the 1920s, 50s, or 70s.  Rarely do weddings reflect the turn of the century, but this season it's taking over with a modern twist.  Adding intricate, antique details to modern shapes is key to bring the 1900s to the 2010s.

Gilded Glitz
Metallic threads woven into wedding gowns, gold sequined table runners, and glamourous sparkling bridesmaids looks are taking over bridal magazines everywhere.  Using metallics instead of specific colors is an easy way to take any wedding to a higher level of class, and it can turn any room into a fantastic soiree.

Emerald and Ivory
Green isn't often seen as the most flattering color, but this season is changing all that.  Deep emerald greens are taking over the drab olive tones of bridesmaid's nightmares, and to tone down the green's boldness, contrasting it with ivory and hints of gold is a popular route.  Ivory and green makes floral arrangements easy (and inexpensive) and the whole look gives off a sophisticated flair.

Traveler
For the couple who has been on a journey, near or far, this is the perfect theme.  Using suitcases as centerpieces, luggage tags as escort cards/favors, and vintage maps as decor, guests will be able to travel with you into your new married life!

Literary
People claim that our generation doesn't read anymore, but book-themed weddings have been blowing up Pinterest.  Building ceremony arches out of books, using book pages to make bouquets, and stacking books for centerpieces is appropriate here.  As an added bonus, the photography possibilities are almost endless.  For an extra umph, pick a specific/favorite book to narrow down your wedding theme, or find a children's book and base your wedding on the illustrations!

Bonfire
There is nothing like a late-season bonfire, and if your wedding is small, having a bonfire wedding  seems like sheer perfection.  Smores Bars and hot cocoa during the reception are a must, and wearing a cozy sweater over your bridal gown is an adorable touch.

Pantone Tangerine Tango
Pantone's 2012 "Color of the Year" has been taking over by storm, and orange has always been a popular fall color, but this year Tangerine has kicked it up a notch.  When combined with orange-toned pinks, light greens, greys, and whites, "Tangerine Tango" goes from garish to fresh!  Make sure to use the Tangerine as your POP of color (not your primary color) in bouquets, dresses, and decor.

Totally Taupe
All-Neutral weddings have been showing up in the magazines for months and are making a strong appearance in Fall 2013 collections.  To keep it from falling flat, mixing matte and metallic neutrals together is key, as well as adding texture (with materials like lace) and breaking up the taupes with ivory accents.

Mixed Metallics
Instead of mixing browns and oranges for a fall wedding, why not mix golds and bronzes?  Metallic touches instantly add glamour to an event, and with DIY paints and sprays, it's as easy as ever to make your wedding gilded.