Autumn means the arrival of squash of all sizes, and lots and lots of pumpkins! Relatively inexpensive as wedding decor, pumpkins can be used to create so many great wedding elements and look quite sophisticated when done right.

From ceremony decor and centrepieces, to signage and floral arrangements, pumpkins can be incorporated so easily into your autumn wedding, while avoiding that Halloween feel (unless that's what you're after, of course)! Here we're sharing chic, contemporary and creative ways to have the prettiest pumpkin wedding décor at your autumn celebration.

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1. Pumpkin Aisle Decor

Line your aisle or decorate the entrance to your church or ceremony space with pumpkin decor, autumn leaves and fall flowers.

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2. Pretty Pumpkin Tablescapes

Instead of flowers, why not use the autumnal fruit for pumpkin wedding centrepieces and runners? Use an array of shades and sizes to run them along the table as they are, or surround them with candles or blooms for a professionally-styled tablescape.

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3. Pumpkin Flower Arrangements & Displays

Use pumpkins within your flower arrangements or displays or, for something unique, flower arrangements inside of pumpkin as vases make beautiful autumn wedding centrepieces! To make the pumpkins into pretty vases, simply hollow out the centres as you would to carve your pumpkin, add floral foam and then fill with fresh or dried autumnal flowers and foliage.

Pumpkin menu DIY from The Merry Thought

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4. Pumpkin Wedding Signage

Use pumpkins and gourds as your canvas for short and sweet signage! These are great for using as a welcome sign or a simple message, you could also feature them for small menu items and table numbers. Permanent marker or metallic pen will work really well - especially if you know someone who's a dab hand at calligraphy.

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5. Pumpkin Escort Cards & Favours

Mini pumpkins and gourds can also be used as escort card displays, place settings or used as fall favours. Use mini white or orange pumpkins, or spray them gold or another colour to match your wedding decor scheme.

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6. Pumpkin Wedding Cake Decor

Add extra autumn harvest vibes with pumpkins, or gilded gourds and metallic mini pumpkins to add a little extra fall sparkle to your wedding cake or cake table.

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Where to Find Pumpkins for Your Wedding

• Your first port of call should be your local vegetable store. If you need large quantities, ask them to order them for you in advance. The smaller pumpkins are often referred to as gourds and these can be ordered through your florist or an artisanal grocer.
• Pick your own pumpkin farms: Alright Pumpkin in Co. Meath, Corderry Fruit Farm in Co. Louth, Hughes Farming, Co.Kilkenny, The Ark Open Farm, Co. Down, Killarney Pumpkin Farm, Co. Kerry and The Farm in Grenagh, Co. Cork.
• If you 're struggling to find an array of sizes or styles you can always look for faux pumpkins at party stores or home decor shops like Home Sense or TK Maxx, and spray your own colours.

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Top Tips on Using Pumpkins Wedding Decor

• Skip the jack-o-lantern-style carvings and black accents to avoid a kids' Hallowe'en party feel. If you're carving, make sure you do it the day before. Any earlier and the pumpkin can start to droop, smell, or worse, go mouldy!
• Leave yourself plenty of time in the days leading up to the wedding to carve or do DIY projects on them.
• From tiny pumpkins that fit into your hand, to huge squash versions, pumpkins come in a variety of sizes and colours, look to white, yellow, and pale green shades, as well as the classic orange for a more modern aesthetic.
• Not into carving? Check out our No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas!
• Pair your pumpkins with other autumnal fruits, they look great with squash, gourds, persimmons, apples and pears - or with florals like physalis, poppies, blousy roses, foliage, grasses and berries. Luxe, all-white blooms, or vivid pinks and oranges pair beautifully with pumpkins, too.

Get more unique ideas for styling your wedding here including our complete Guide to Autumn Wedding Flowers!