Fall is the sweet spot of all the seasons: the sun’s still bright, but there’s a new chill in the air that coaxes you into thicker socks and longer sleeves. It’s football and lacrosse season, an apple picking opportunity, and pumpkin patch visiting hours — but nobody will judge if you curl up by the freshly lit fireplace with a spiced latte in your hands and watch the Super Bowl instead. Summer and its heat waves have come and gone, and couples marrying in the fall are left to enjoy all of autumn’s crispness and comfort.
We’ve looked high and low for the best autumn wedding ideas to inspire you to take advantage of the season’s best scenery, food, and style. Scroll down to plan a gorgeously festive wedding and make fall your favorite season for entirely new reasons.
First things first: fall foliage makes a stunning backdrop for your wedding photoshoot.
Evoke memories of outdoor apple picking or pumpkin patch adventures with hand painted signs.
Cloves, cinnamon, and (pumpkin) spice all belong in your fall themed wedding menu! Offer your guests seasonal classics such as pie, candied apples, and gingersnap cookies.
Give your reception tables a touch of rustic charm with decoratively mismatched glassware and cutlery.
Grapevine and greenery wreaths are an elegant way to herald in the cool weather, as well as your marriage celebrations.
Add some pizzazz to your groomsmen’s’ attire with dress socks in bright colors and eye-catching patterns.
Venues with rich wood paneling reminiscent of mountain lodges and cabins create an elegant yet inviting atmosphere.
Spruce up a bouquet with seasonal blooms including calla lilies, roses, and dahlias. Ferns, berries, and hardy dried flowers give your arrangement some texture.
Set your table to top Thanksgiving with long candlesticks and delicate garnishes like stamped placemats and dried sprigs of fragrant herbs.
The fall months signal a shift in styles towards opulence and indulgence, meaning intricate long-sleeved lace dresses, elegant updos, and dramatic makeup are in.
Boots are the perfect accessory for a fall-loving bride.
Have your heart set on an outdoor wedding? Hold your ceremony in a park or in the mountains to capitalize on the beautiful trees and falling leaves.
Just remember to account for the chill in the air! Throws make practical wedding favors and are perfect for your guests to snuggle up under during the ceremony.
Start your marriage off with traditional charm by mailing parchment invitations. Make the letters even more special by having you and your spouse hand-letter the calligraphy.
Yellows, oranges, reds, and violets are all autumnal colors to include in your flower arrangements, attire, and wedding decor.
Long candlesticks make any table look regal; place a few on the newlywed table to draw all eyes to you during speeches and toasts.
Autumn brides aren’t required to give up their flower crown — just swap summery sunflowers for cold weather roses and soft leaves.
This crochet table runner is a cute and quirky alternative for plain white tablecloths! Pair woven table runners with bright colors and sleek centerpieces to keep things modern.
Comfortable temperatures allow for more outdoor wedding activities. Play cornhole, go pumpkin picking, or even hold a casual match of flag football on the lawn!
Indulge in all the heavier flavors of fall that hot weather wouldn’t allow in your wedding cake. We’re talking rich chocolate, cream cheese, candied apples, fruit glazes, and a hearty coating of icing to seal the deal.
Bring out the warmth of the fall palette with bridesmaids’ gowns in neutral coffee, beige, gold, and black tones. Sequins are optional, but stunning in the low light of autumn evenings.
Couples who adore the warm earthy palette of fall foliage, colder weather, and the rustic traditions of autumn celebrations should set their hearts on a fall wedding. Not sure where to start? We’ll teach you how to plan a wedding in 26 clear steps, while our comprehensive wedding budget checklist will make sure you save enough money to include a warmer weather getaway as part of your wedding celebrations, if you’d like!
What’s your experience with fall weddings? Did you have any creative ideas or photos that weren’t covered here? Let us know — we would love to hear from you! Plus, don’t forget to check out our Facebook and Pinterest pages for more wedding inspo!
