Ideas for a Country Wedding in October

Wedding Attire

A country wedding in October leaves plenty of room for dark hues and earthy shades of brown, gold, green and red. Dark red bridesmaid dresses look fitting in an autumn country sunset ceremony, with tea-length gowns adding a fun and casual look. Stray away from tradition by pairing the dresses with cowgirl boots to finish off the look. Men can wear thistle corsages and vests that coordinate with the dresses, finishing off their outfits with cowboy hats.

Bundles of wheat and berries can be bound with strips of muslin or soft, muted ribbons to be used in lieu of flower bouquets. These can also be used as table centerpieces. If you are having an evening reception, indoors or out, consider using small lanterns as table decor. A guestbook with a natural cover made out of recycled paper can be displayed at the reception entrance, while a traditional red and white checkered picnic tablecloth can decorate the gift table.

Have your wedding photo shoot in a true country setting such as a farm or ranch. If you are unable to find such a location, an open field works just as well. Bring in some autumn touches like hay bales and pumpkins for the pictures. Get creative - pile all the bridesmaids into the back of a pick up truck, or share a kiss with your new spouse on the back of a trailer or in the doorway of a barn. If possible, have your reception at a similar location - many converted barns across the country now serve as wedding sites, and again even an outdoor area with some rustic autumn touches will do the trick.

Keep the reception atmoshpere casual with a country cookout and grill. Serve hamburgers, hot dogs or tri tip, along with all the fixings - cornbread, baked beans and potato salad. Give each guest a miniature pumpkin pie or apple tart for a wedding favor, and embrace southern tradition with a red velvet wedding cake.