Forget the tricks; it's all about showcasing a treat at your celebration.
1 of 34
We know that autumn and pumpkins go hand in hand, but does fall's staple crop work for weddings and other nuptial-related celebrations? Believe it or not, the big, round squash is more versatile than you think. While we typically associate pumpkins with Halloween, they're suitable for more than just holiday parties. And, you don't have to carve the orange produce—it can be beautiful on its own or with other sorts of accents. If your wedding is a seasonal or rustic affair, nods to the farm favorite might be right up your alley. The same goes for brides and grooms who love all things pumpkin spice, or have fond memories of pumpkin picking together or as kids.
Click through for genius inspiration for incorporating pumpkins into your wedding. These ideas go beyond the basic Jack O' Lantern, and are tasteful rather than cheesy. Work pumpkins into your aisle décor, put them on your reception tables, or use them in other details, like your seating display or signage. They make excellent vessels for flowers and food alike when hollowed out, for example. If you hope to focus on pumpkins' edible nature instead, rather than their plump shape, they also taste great added to warm, festive menus—there's a reason the flavor is savored all harvest season long. Pumpkins can be made to be whimsical or formal, glamorous or modern, and of course, slightly spooky. See all that the squash has to offer here by scrolling through for pumpkin-inspired wedding ideas that we love.
1 of 34
2 of 34
Pumpkin Escort Cards
These metallic mini pumpkins were used in a sophisticated seating display at this wedding.
2 of 34
3 of 34
Pumpkin Accents
The vibe your pumpkin decorations give off depends entirely on what you pair them with. Here, muted pumpkins were mixed with flowers, lanterns, a mirror, and a geometric side table.
3 of 34
4 of 34
Pumpkin Bar Cart
To easily bring the season to your bar cart, decorate it with autumn bounty.
4 of 34
5 of 34
Pumpkin Appetizers
How delicious did these pumpkin dishes look? Fresh, seasonal produce is hard to beat.
5 of 34
6 of 34
Pumpkin Activity
At this wedding, young guests were kept occupied with a pumpkin-decorating station. The simple, fun activity required just mini squashes and Crayons.
6 of 34
7 of 34
Pumpkin Drink Cooler
Serve drinks (like seasonal ciders or pumpkin ales) in a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with ice.
7 of 34
8 of 34
Pumpkin Place Setting
This surprisingly-glamorous place setting had a warm, fall-appropriate color palette.
8 of 34
9 of 34
Pumpkin Signage
This wedding's signs looked like they came straight out of a welcoming pumpkin farm.
9 of 34
10 of 34
Pumpkin Bowls
Hollowed pumpkins can be used as pretty, flavorful, biodegradable bowls.
10 of 34
11 of 34
Pumpkin Aisle Decorations
At this wedding, the aisle was lined with unique, colorful pumpkins.
11 of 34
12 of 34
Pumpkin Centerpieces
Decorate the centers of your reception tables with pumpkins rather than garlands or table runners.
12 of 34
13 of 34
Pumpkin Ceremony
Incorporate a pumpkin into your wedding ceremony, like this couple did. Their's was carved with their monogram.
13 of 34
14 of 34
Hanging Pumpkins
These little pumpkins were tied and hung beside chairs on this wedding's aisle.
14 of 34
15 of 34
Pumpkin Initials
In planning their autumnal wedding, this couple kept the fall décor primarily subliminal. But that didn't stop them from including a pair of pumpkins—two blue-gray gourds of the heirloom variety that had their initials carved from the skin.
15 of 34
16 of 34
Vine-and-Leaf-Carved Pumpkin
The only creeping motif on this pumpkin is a beautifully twisting and coiling vine, accented with berries and ginko leaves. The botanical design makes it a natural fit for a fall wedding. Poise it among smaller companions or nestle it within seasonal foliage.
16 of 34
17 of 34
Pumpkin Pie
What could be cuter than these mini pecan and pumpkin pies, complete with pie-crust leaves?
17 of 34
18 of 34
Pumpkin Patch
Atlantic Giant Pumpkins (squashes that can weigh in at over 100 pounds) turned this reception venue into a mini pumpkin patch.
18 of 34
19 of 34
Monogram Pumpkin Vase
Your initial thought won't be to shriek upon seeing this sophisticated pumpkin cachepot, bearing the newlywed couple's monogram and offering a seasonally appropriate vessel for displaying a lush autumn flower arrangement.
19 of 34
20 of 34
Glittered Pumpkins
Mystical or magical? These glittered pumpkins bring sparkle to tables and serving areas—and they last for a long time so you can make them well before your big day.
20 of 34
21 of 34
Scattered Pumpkins
White pumpkins—which perfectly complemented the flower arrangements—were placed throughout this reception for a festive feel.
21 of 34
22 of 34
Lacy Pumpkins
Black lace leaves a chic trace on a pumpkin. Create an instant and intricate pattern with nothing more than a pair of stockings and a can of spray paint. Take note, last-minute decorators: The how-to takes just 15 minutes, and no carving is required.
22 of 34
23 of 34
Pumpkin Cake Topper
Drenched in maple syrup and coated in maple frosting, this decadent pumpkin naked cake featured a dainty on-theme topper.
23 of 34
24 of 34
Toadstool Pumpkins
Assemble a whimsical, woodsy scene to mark the entryway to a reception space with these not-so-poisonous mushrooms, made from crown pumpkins and butternut, delicata, and carnival squashes.
24 of 34
25 of 34
Pumpkin Vessel
Place an assortmen of autumnal blooms in the shell of a pumpkin for a look that's seasonal and creative.
25 of 34
26 of 34
Patterned Pumpkins
Conjure the past with these pale Lumina pumpkins, carved freehand, to mimic the openwork of 18th-century pierced creamware dishes.
26 of 34
27 of 34
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Individual servings of this cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin custard, brioche bread, and bourbon-soaked raisin dessert are as sweet as they are season-appropriate.
27 of 34
28 of 34
Pumpkin Silhouettes
A newlywed pair pose in profile. These pumpkins are carefully carved so that their curved stems stand in opposing arabesques.
28 of 34
29 of 34
Celestial Pumpkins
What awaits guests in the darkness? Pumpkin lanterns that delightfully brighten up an evening affair. Drill tiny holes into each one, then use strings of white lights to illuminate them.
29 of 34
30 of 34
Pumpkin Soup
At this real wedding, pumpkin and roasted-chesnut soup was served in—you guessed it—mini hollowed pumpkins. To top the dish off, toasted pumpkin seeds were sprinkled on.
30 of 34
31 of 34
Pumpkin Path
These pumpkins lined their ceremony venue's parking lot, but they'd look just as lovely weaving up and down the aisle.
31 of 34
32 of 34
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Each spoonful of this chocolate and pumpkin puree treat is guaranteed to please.
32 of 34
33 of 34
Pumpkin Walkway
Outdoor stairs look autumnal and dreamy when pumpkins and candles are added to the steps.
33 of 34
34 of 34
Pumpkin Spice
How could we forget fall's favorite flavor? Favorite Cakes baked this sweet confection, which had alternating layers of lemon and blackberry and pumpkin spice and pumpkin cream.
34 of 34
- A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
- 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
- 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
- Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer