Falling in Love with these Autumn Ideas

It was 42 degrees yesterday with the humidex and 40 today ! I recently completely finished my backyard: deck, patio, fence- the works- and I love it. This is why the following statement seems both strange and painful at the same time to me- Fall is just around the corner !

I can barely admit it myself for personal selfish reasons (more sunshine, more patio drinks, more cottage time... please!!), but for wedding planning purposes, it's important you don't procrastinate and think ahead. In fact, when it comes to weddings, it's one of my favourite times to get married. The weather is not blistering hot, the trees around you provide the ultimate backdrop for your decor/photos and favours, fabric and food ideas are thicker, warmer and richer.

We love following Darcy's 'Wedding Idea of the Day' from Martha Stewart and the last few weeks have (naturally) been highlighting fun ideas for Fall weddings. So whether you are getting married this Fall or next Fall there are great ideas in here for everyone.

Think of using wild flowers or rustic fresh herbs for flower arrangements or decor.

This "harvest centerpiece" was designed with wheat and other dried grasses so it can be made ahead of time.

These mini caramel apples are perfect for your midnight buffet to give your guests the sugar they need to keep dancing or a sweet treat to greet your guests when they arrive to your reception hall for cocktails.

Warming up the colour of your stationary and adding Fall icons such as leaves, acorns and berries instantly alerts your guests to your Fall themed wedding.

Showcase the colours and symbols of Fall in your groomsmen's boutonnieres.

And don't forget your flower girl, she can carry a festive basket and scatter Fall leaves along the aisle before you make your grand entrance.

Cinnamon-Orange Molasses Cookies would be a perfect Fall treat to be served at your midnight buffet or during cocktail hour. How cute would it be to pair them with some warm apple cider when guests step out of the crisp Fall air outside and into your warm reception.

Just as you didn't forget your flower girl or groomsmen, don't forget your ring bearer. Dress up an otherwise boring pillow with embossed velvet leaves made with a rubber stamp and an iron.

A white pumpkin shell becomes the vase to an orange-yellow and peach Fall centerpiece. If your budget does not allow pumpkins to be the vases for your centerpieces (you need lots of flowers to fill a pumpkin), think of carving out holes in the baby pumpkins and place tealight candles in them.

Place your guests names in pomegranates (which are in season, thus less expensive) to add a pop of colour to your place card table. Apples and pears would work too.

If you prefer having the traditional folded paper place cards, consider these paper-thin wood veneer place cards (which are surprisingly inexpensive). The different shaped leaves indicate which guests are vegetarian or not.

If pears won't be used as your place card holder, consider using them as favours. Tie them up in bags with a gold ribbon on top attached to a card that lists the couple's wedding date, names and the phrase "a perfect pair".

Are pear favours to easy for you? Try ordering delicious pecan pies from your favourite local bakery and placing them them paper bags with thank you labels attached.

And feast your eyes on the following bouquets. Just add leaves, dates, kumquats and acorns and tie it with twine or a thick heavy ribbon to transform your bouquet into a Fall harvest