Having a fall wedding? Why not have an apple theme? Here are a few apple theme DIY wedding ideas:

Learn how to make this apple swag here.

Gorgeous candy apples.

Individual apple pie favors.

Bake Apple Spice favors that you can make yourself. Learn how to make them here.

These DIY apple name cards look SO EASY to make!

Apple centerpieces and homemade apple butter from an orchard wedding.

Learn how to make apple votive candles over at Martha Stewart. Photo: Hostess with the Mostess.

By Laura Keller

Are you looking for autumn wedding ideas? Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to have a wedding – the changing of the leaves, the warm colors, the delicious seasonal flavors. For a simple and inexpensive way to incorporate the feeling of autumn into all aspects of your wedding, try a stamped-leaf motif.  I’m not talking about a leaf stamp you can find at the craft store.

This DIY project requires looking for some freshly fallen leaves in your own backyard to print onto anything wedding related: save-the-dates, invitations, menus, plates, napkins, place cards, table numbers, and even gifts for your wedding party.

The leaf-printing process requires the most basic of art skills, but I would recommend first stamping some non-wedding material for a few practice runs. Once you are a seasoned printing veteran and have decided upon leaf shape and color, feel free to work on the real thing.

All you will need is paint, a paintbrush, newspaper, and some freshly fallen leaves. Lay a few sheets of newspaper over your workspace. Apply a thin coat of paint to the leaves, being sure to paint the underside for a more detailed and textured print. Then place the painted leaf paint-side-down onto the material to be stamped. To keep your hands clean, put a few folded sheets of newspaper on top of the leaf. Then press firmly, applying pressure all over to ensure an even stamping. Peel the newspaper and leaf away and allow the paint to dry.

This is a simple process that can be used on all sorts of materials. I’ve printed leaves onto everything from paper goods to place mats, tablecloths, and glass plates. Be sure to use a good acrylic paint for thick paper, a fabric paint on napkins and tablecloths, and a clear sealant to coat stamping on plastic, glass, or metal.

You can also follow instructions from Martha Stewart and use ink instead of paint, as shown in the photo below:

First Photo: lottahelleburg; Second Photo: The Artful Parent; Third Photo: CraftStylish; Fourth Photo: Bliss! Weddings Market; Fifth Photo: RadiatorTunes; Sixth Photo: Urban Comfort.

Laura Keller is a 20-something living in Baltimore, MD. Some of her favorite things include crafts, cooking, and culture, which she shares on her blog Radiator Tunes.

Holly, 23 & Ian, 31

Vermilion, Alberta

Wedding Date: July, 23, 2010

Number of Guests: 25

Wedding Cost: $15,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Picnic Area Barr Family Farm

Wedding Reception Location: Hayloft of the Red Barn, Barr Family Farm  The barn was the original dairy barn on the home stead. The barn had been vacant for several years since the dairy was sold. Three years ago the hayloft was cleaned out for the groom’s sister’s wedding.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We struggled with choosing a location for our wedding. We were all over the map; Mexico, Hawaii, California. We originally thought it would be easiest to have both family’s travel, and make a vacation out of it. As we discussed it we realized that the grandparents were reluctant to travel. Having the wedding on the family farm just fit the travel requirements. It also made it a little easier for aligning vendors, even though it was still 500km from our home.

Thinking of giving jewelry to your bridesmaids? Why not spruce up your packaging using some vintage wallpaper or card stock and pinking shears? Get the full instructions over at Design Sponge.

Still not sure where you want to register? Already have linens, china and small appliances?

WeddingFutures.com offers a wedding gift that keeps on giving. At WeddingFutures.com your guests can purchase stocks to help you build a nest egg for the future.

Simply open an account and select your stocks. Let your guests know that you are registered at WeddingFutures.com and instead of running around looking for a wedding gift for you, they simply choose from your list of stocks and pay via Paypal or credit card.

WeddingFutures.com provides the registry and collects the funds. (They charge 5% commission.) The funds are transferred to your brokerage  account to be purchased by your brokerage firm. You can use any bank or brokerage firm. When your wedding day finally arrives, the gifts are transferred to your account.

Check out WeddingFutures.com for more info.

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