First let’s lay the groundwork with a beautiful, fall color palette. Of course you can choose from any of our 50+ chalk furniture paint colors, but here’s what our color experts have dreamed up:

• Sunday Tea (light greige)
• Dark Roast (deep espresso brown)
• Paint the town (bold red)
• Fresh Mustard (mustard yellow)
• Hollow Hill (deep forest green)
• Belle of the Ball (powder blue)

The possibilities are endless with DIY wedding decor, but we’ve chosen our top 3 favorite rustic fall decoration projects to share with you today.

1. Painted Pumpkins
2. Distressed Wooden Crates
3. Fall Directional Signage

Transforming Pumpkins into Beautiful Wedding Accents

Pumpkins are an iconic fall staple and they’re such a cute way to incorporate your rustic, harvest theme in every element of your wedding. But if bright orange doesn’t work with your aesthetic, consider painting pumpkins and gourds of all sizes to match your theme!

Materials Needed:

• Dried gourds (ensure they’re clean and free from mold or decay). You can use foam or plastic gourds as well!
• Country Chic Paint in any colors of your choice
• Synthetic Paint Brush / Painting Sponge
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Painter’s tape (for masking off areas, optional)
• Stencils for patterns or lettering (optional)
• Clear Coat or Wax (optional)
• Decorative accents (e.g., jute twine, leaves, artificial flowers)

Step 1: Clean the Gourds

Make sure the gourds are clean and dry. If needed, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dirt or dust. Let them dry completely.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors and Patterns

Decide on the colors and patterns you’d like to use. With 50+ paint colors to choose from, the possibilities are endless!
Choose between solid color pumpkins, patterned/textured, or a combination or both.

Step 3: Sketch or Use Stencils (optional)

If you have a specific design in mind, lightly sketch it on the gourd with a pencil or use stencils to create clean patterns or lettering.

Step 4: Apply the Base Color

Using a paint brush or painting sponge, apply an even coat of Country Chic Paint to the gourd. Allow it to dry completely (usually 1-2 hours).

Step 5: Apply a Second Coat (optional)

If the base color needs more coverage, apply a second coat and let it dry completely.

Step 6: Add Details or Patterns (optional)

If you’re using stencils or creating designs, apply painter’s tape to create clean edges or patterns. Paint within the stencil or taped areas and allow it to dry.

Step 7: Apply Clear Coat or Wax (optional)

To protect the paint and ensure extra durability, apply a clear top coat or wax over the painted gourd. This will help preserve the paint and add a subtle sheen. Click here for more tips on how to apply Clear Coat, or here for Furniture Wax instructions.

Step 8: Decorate the Gourds

Once the sealer has dried, consider adding additional decorative elements such as jute twine, artificial flowers, ribbons, or leaves to give the gourds a more rustic or elegant touch.

To create this funky, unique paint pour look, see our paint pouring tutorial here.

Step 9: Display and Enjoy

Ensure the gourds are dry and secure in their positions. Once everything is set, your painted gourds are ready to add fall charm to your wedding.

Place the painted gourds as centerpieces, use them as table markers by painting numbers or names, or include them in a larger decorative arrangement.

Painting and Distressing Crates

Items like wooden crates are so useful in wedding decor! They’re inexpensive, easy to paint and decorate to your taste, and they’re ideal for storing useful items or hiding non-aesthetic items like extension cords. They’re also wonderful for creating height variation in your decor and tablescapes.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden crates (new or used)
• Country Chic Paint in any colors of your choice
• Synthetic Paint Brush / Painting Sponge
• Medium and fine-grit sandpaper
• Clear Coat or Wax (optional)
• Painter’s tape (for masking off areas, optional)
• Drop cloth or protective covering
• Stencils for patterns or lettering (optional)

Step 1: Clean the Crates

Ensure the crates are clean and free from dust, dirt, or debris. If they’re used crates, wash them with mild soap and water and allow them to dry completely.

Step 2: Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the crates with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or splinters. This step also helps the paint adhere better. Wipe away any sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 3: Apply the Base Coat

Using a synthetic brush or Painting Sponge, apply a thin, even coat of Country Chic Paint to the entire crate. Ensure you cover all surfaces, including the inside and bottom. Allow it to dry completely (usually 1-2 hours).

Step 3: Apply a Second Coat (optional)

If needed, apply a second coat for better coverage and let it dry completely.

Step 4: Sand to Distress (optional)

Identify the areas where natural wear and tear would occur. These might be corners, edges, and high-contact areas. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the areas you want to distress. You can apply more pressure for a heavier distressed look, or go lightly for a subtle effect. The goal is to reveal some of the wood or undercoat, giving the crates a weathered, vintage appearance.

Step 5: Use Stencils for Designs (optional)

If you’d like to add specific patterns or text, use stencils. Secure the stencil with painter’s tape and apply the paint. Allow it to dry completely.
For a distressed look, lightly sand over the stenciled designs. This helps them blend with the overall weathered aesthetic.

Step 6: Apply Clear Coat or Wax (optional)

To protect the paint and ensure durability, apply a clear sealer or wax over the entire crate. This step is crucial for outdoor weddings or if the crates will be handled frequently. Click here for tips on how to apply Clear Coat, or here for Furniture Wax instructions.

Once the crates are completely dry and cured, you can use them in various ways. They can hold flowers, wedding favors, cards, or serve as rustic risers for displays. The possibilities are endless!

Fall Directional Signage

A large directional sign is not only in perfect keeping with your rustic, harvest theme, but it can also be very handy for pointing your guests in the right direction! Help them find attractions such as games and activities, the dance floor, bathrooms, bars, and more!

Materials Needed:

• 4×4 Post
• 1x4s – length needed will depend on how many arrows you want to add
• Country Chic Paint in any colors of your choice
• Synthetic Paint Brush / Painting Sponge
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Clear Coat
• Drop cloth or protective covering
• Stencils for patterns or lettering (optional)
• Pencil
• Screws and a Screwdriver or Drill
• Concrete Base

Step 1: Cut your wood to size

We used a 4×4 for the post and 1x4s for the arrows. Since this sign is going to look rustic and worn, you don’t have to be super precise with your cuts! If they’re slightly different lengths or a little bit uneven, that just adds to the timeworn charm.

Step 2: Sand and Clean

Make sure your wood pieces are sanded and clean before you start painting. Make sure you remove any splinters, dust, and debris.

Step 3: Apply a Coat of Paint

There’s no need to prime, just start painting in your favorite color. One coat is usually sufficient for a rustic look, but if you’d like to add a second coat, just make sure you let the first dry for about 1-2 hours before you paint the second coat on.

Step 4: Plan Your Design

Once your final coat of paint is fully dry (1-2 hours), use a pencil to lightly map out your design. If you’re using a stencil, this is the time to plan its placement.

Step 5: Paint Your Letters

Once you’re happy with your letter placement, use an artist paint brush to paint over the pencil. Make sure you choose a color that contrasts with your base color so it’s easy to read from a distance. If you make a mistake, don’t worry! Just let it dry, then paint over it with your base coat color. Allow your lettering to dry for 24 hours before moving onto the next step.

Step 6: Seal with Clear Coat

Since your sign will need to be able to withstand unpredictable fall weather, it’s best to seal your work with Clear Coat for optimal durability, even outdoors! Click here for tips on how to apply Clear Coat.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sign

Use screws to assemble your sign. Make sure you erect it in something sturdy and heavy like concrete so it will stay put!

Watch this video to see the sign-making process in action!