Do you think that fall is the most romantic season? Are you thinking about having a wedding that sparkles with a thousand natural colors of this sensational season?
With smells like hot chocolate with cinnamon and the coziness of soft blankets on cool evenings, many of us have similar feelings.
Fall is the perfect season to get lost in the splendor of nature. That’s why a wedding organized at this time of the year steals the hearts of more and more people.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering having your wedding in the fall. I truly hope that the many fantastic ideas shared here will be useful to you as you plan your dream wedding.
Table of Contents
1. Falling Leaves – Signature of Autumn
The name of the season comes from the season’s signature foliage feature. So, make use of autumn-colored leaves wherever possible.
The natural beauty and rustic charm of fallen leaves can be incorporated into your wedding decor without breaking the bank.
They offer countless opportunities to personalize your wedding in various ways, from the ceremony itself to the photos and the reception atmosphere.
Instead of using cut flowers, autumn leaves can be used to make lovely arrangements. Adding leaves as a decorative element to your bouquet and boutonniere is a lovely touch for a fall wedding.
Scattering leaves down the aisle can make a gorgeous and natural-looking path for the bride.
Moreover, you may use them to decorate the site with beautiful wreaths and garlands.
Fall decorations can be as simple as tying leaves with ribbon to the backs of chairs.
Your wedding reception might also look beautiful when decorated with autumn leaves by making stunning table runners and ornaments.
They’re also perfect for adorning wedding cakes or cupcakes.
But one of my favorite ways to incorporate autumn leaves into a wedding is to have guests toss leaves as the newly married couple heads back down the aisle instead of confetti or flower petals.
2. The Finest Fruits and Vegetables of the Season
Weddings in the fall are a chance to honor the earth and all its gifts. Using in-season fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to personalize an outdoor fall wedding.
You can immediately give your celebration a bohemian or rustic vibe with their rich, deep tones, which complement an autumn color scheme beautifully.
Use the harvest season’s abundance of fruit and veggies by incorporating them into your place settings, centerpieces, and even the cake’s design.
Although pumpkins and squash are standard fare, you can spice things up with some originality using foods like figs, apples, plums, apricots, pears, grapes, blackberries, and radishes.
You can either include them in the dish you’re planning or use them to decorate the tables, wedding halls, altars, and more.
Pumpkins and squash can carry tealight candles after being hollowed out and decorated.
You can put a bunch of fruits and vegetables in large bowls made of wood or metal and leave them as they are to make beautiful fall wedding centerpieces.
You could also spray-paint them gold and use them to anchor guests’ place cards at the entryway table.
And don’t give up on the decoration! Caramel apples, pomegranate cakes, apple and pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and apple cider are all tasty additions that can be made to a fall wedding theme.
3. Have a Cozy Night
The details of a wedding, especially the small ones, are what guests will remember most.
An elegantly draped blanket over or on their chair is a thoughtful and useful wedding favor that may be used to keep guests warm on chilly autumn evenings.
If you like, you can even create a cozy little corner.
Hanging a “snuggle up” sign is a simple way to encourage visitors to grab a blanket and settle in for a cozy evening.
4. Beautiful Flowers for the Autumn
The variety of flowers available in the fall makes planning a wedding’s floral arrangements a joy. It’s fine to go with tradition but remember that a little flair may make your wedding truly unforgettable!
With the arrival of the autumn wedding season comes an increase in bouquets with rich, deep tones and a plethora of textures.
The warm tones of autumn are a lovely complement to a classic white bridal gown.
Look at some of my top picks for autumn wedding flowers that are simple to integrate into the bridal bouquet.
Rose
Roses, the flower most associated with love, are a charming addition to a fall wedding.
Orange and yellow roses make a colorful and spectacular fall bridal bouquet, making them ideal for adventurous brides who don’t shy away from color.
Although red roses are the most common, roses come in a range of colors, allowing you to choose the right one for your special occasion.
Pampas Grass
Blossom arrangements benefit significantly from adding pampas, a fluffy, light-brown grass.
Pampas grass is often used nowadays, especially for compositions of neutral colors. Yet, in the autumn, it is stunning when combined with oranges, dark crimson, and burgundy.
Dahlia
Due to their big, eye-catching flowers and diverse color palette, dahlias are frequently used in wedding bouquets throughout the fall.
Pink, purple, red, and white dahlias are all common color choices for bridal bouquets.
The enormous dahlia flowers can stand out beautifully in a bouquet on their own, but they also complement other blooms like roses.
Celosia
Celosia is an incredibly distinctive flower with a velvety appearance that may be used as a filler flower or as the centerpiece of your bouquets due to its quirky design and texture.
Celosia resembles foliage flames and comes in various colors, such as yellow, red, and even purple.
These flowers are bursting with vibrant hues and will likely be the focal point of your arrangement.
Calla Lilies
A bouquet of purple calla lilies is a unique yet stylish choice for a bouquet.
They are available in various purple tones to match your color scheme. This color emphasizes elegance and passion and is ideal for a sophisticated fall wedding.
Orange Orchids
Orchids are a classic choice for a wedding but consider adding a pop of color for the fall season.
When combined with white roses and lush greenery, orange Cymbidium orchids are a sight to behold!
They make a perfect standout flower or can be enhanced by other bright blooms. Especially when paired with other orange blooms and dark greens.
5. Cuisine for a Fall Wedding Reception
The changing of the seasons, with its chillier air and falling leaves, inevitably brings about a shift in our food preferences.
There is no question that colder weather calls for comfort meals, and there is absolutely no reason not to welcome these dishes to the wedding table.
The fresh fruits and vegetables available in the fall, as well as other regional foods, should be prioritized while designing the wedding reception’s cuisine.
The cuisine for the fall season may, fortunately, include a wide variety of flavors that are deep and rich.
There is a wide variety of delicious options available that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for months.
From pumpkin, butternut squash, pear, apple, plum, and so much more, below are some ideas for the perfect fall wedding menus.
Appetizers
- Butternut squash apple bruschetta
- Cranberry chicken salad on apple slices
- Butternut squash soup topped with blue cheese and bacon
Main Course
- Butternut squash ravioli
- Baked pumpkin, spinach, and ricotta-stuffed shells
- Warm duck, honeyed pear, and blue cheese salad
Desserts
- Blackberry, pear, and white chocolate crumble
- Praline pumpkin pie
- Apple butter donuts with a maple glaze
6. Cocktails
The pleasant weather is one of the best parts of fall. It’s the perfect temperature for an outdoor celebration without being too hot or too cold.
But, because the weather tends to cool off significantly at night then warming, spicy fall cocktails are usually the best option for your fall wedding.
The rich flavor of warming, spicy cocktails is perfect for an autumn wedding and has an enjoyable quality that will leave your guests wanting more.
Some ideas for your big day might include:
- The autumn apple bourbon fizz
- Ginger pear bourbon cocktail
- Pumpkin spice margarita
- Apple cranberry Moscow mule
- Caramel apple martini
- Pomegranate gin cocktail
- Apple cider mimosa
7. Hot Chocolate and Coffee Bar
When it gets chilly outside, a hot chocolate bar is always a good idea. Don’t forget the marshmallows, caramels, peppermint stir sticks, and the rest of the delicious extras!
At the coffee bar, you can also offer ice in case anyone wants a cold coffee.
During the cooler months of the year, guests will appreciate a chocolate and coffee bar set up to serve hot beverages and keep the celebration going strong.
8. Rustic Fall Decor Made of Macramé
If you want to save money on your fall wedding, macramé is a fantastic option for adding a rustic yet elegant touch.
This popular form of wall decor owes its success to the fact that it is quite simple to master.
Dreamcatchers and table runners made of macramé can be used to adorn the venue for the ceremony and the reception.
Adding a touch of rustic charm to your fall wedding can make it stunning.
If you don’t have the time or skills to create them yourself, you can buy them for a reasonable price in a variety of shapes and colors.
9. Natural Fall Wedding Decorations of Branches and Twigs
Fall weddings call for more than simply flowers to set the mood and ambiance.
Have you considered how twigs and branches might fit into your design plans?
You may use twigs and branches for your wedding in a number of different ways, including decorating the venue and even your bouquet.
You can also use branches as table centerpieces, cover an archway with them, or even cut larger logs to serve as decorative tables.
There are countless ways in which you may use branches, logs, and twigs to make a unique and lasting statement decoration at your event.
These natural accents are appropriate for weddings of every aesthetic, from boho to traditional.
While a boho bride may carry a loose bouquet of twigs and other dried greenery, incorporating this theme into a chic celebration is easy with an ikebana-style decor.
In addition, using branches instead of more expensive blossoms or artificial flowers can help you decorate for less.
10. Accent your Autumnal Decor with Copper
The trend of metallic weddings has returned, and newlyweds can’t get enough of copper accents.
You can’t go wrong with this stylish metallic tone for your fall wedding, whether you’re trying for a more feminine, rustic, industrial, or botanical atmosphere.
Consider copper wedding stationery, candle holders, silverware, and plates!
But if you have trouble finding copper wedding decorations, don’t worry; you can always use spray paint as a backup plan.
11. Think About Autumn Colors
At first, it may seem impossible to settle on a color scheme, but once you get rolling, you’ll wonder what took you so long.
Colors like rich scarlet, fiery orange, and warm gold are often used to set the mood for a fall wedding. Violet, burgundy, and emerald green are among other color choices.
The warm shade of orange can be brought to play in a more romantic way by using a softer version of the color, such as apricot or peach.
Another simple method to create a color scheme for your wedding that doesn’t feel like a theme party but instead infuses the cozy autumnal mood is to combine pastels with jewel tones, such as rich purple with pastel pink.
At the end of the day, the color scheme should mirror the couple’s sense of style and taste.
Orange and Navy Blue
You can’t go wrong with a dusty orange and navy-blue color scheme for your fall wedding if you’re going for a sophisticated look.
Suits in navy blue are timeless, while dusty orange is a seasonally appropriate color that works well for both women and men.
Lavender
The quiet and peaceful atmosphere that lavender provides is ideal for a wedding ceremony in the fall.
The traditional lavender hues of a wedding are flattering on people of all complexion tones.
Lavender is versatile, working well with traditional black, grey, and white and modern green color palettes.
But if you’re the bold type, go for the most up-to-date color combination of lavender with cobalt or navy.
Gold and Emerald
Your guests will feel like they’ve been invited to the most spectacular autumnal celebration ever if you choose royal gold and emerald as your wedding colors.
Your wedding will stand out from the others with a background of gold and emerald, which will complement the fall colors beautifully.
Wine and Dusty Rose
When paired with wine, dusty rose is a stunning color. Dusty rose is a soft pink with touches of peach, and wine is a deep, rich crimson that resembles burgundy.
These hues are absolutely ideal for a wedding in the autumn. They truly shine at an autumn gathering because of the warmth they bring to the palette.
Powder Pink and Sage or Mint Green
If you’re a romantic, you’ll love this color scheme.
The combination of powder pink and delicate sage will produce a charming feminine palette of colors that releases a subtle autumnal breeze.
Sage is a stunning color that is easy on the eyes, and it pairs wonderfully with powder pink for a bridal palette that’s sure to impress.
This airy color scheme can be made more autumnal with the addition of more traditional fall colors, such as bronze and gold.
Red and Black
Whether you are planning a fall wedding or simply want to spice up the fall atmosphere, this colorway is an excellent choice.
The timeless color combination of black and red expresses elegance in every manner. In addition to this, it reveals the young couple’s fiery passions, courage, and strength.
You can’t go wrong on a crisp fall night with this bold color scheme and a glass of wine in your hand.
Orange and Dark Teal
With the upcoming fall, dark teal is a perfect choice, and adding pops of orange to your event’s decor will add a welcome burst of energy.
Use orange flowers and pumpkins in your autumn color schemes, as they are particularly well-suited to these hues and can help you welcome the season with style.
12. Lanterns, Tealights, and Candlesticks
When dusk comes at an earlier hour during the fall, candles, tea lights, and lanterns are always a good idea to have as part of your wedding decorations.
To add some ambiance and romance to your wedding, simply place candles throughout the reception hall.
There are a range of possibilities to suit your preferences and budget.
Round lace lanterns, for instance, would be perfect for a country-style autumn wedding.
Candlelit, tall glass lanterns are a staple of classic celebrations, while rattan lanterns add a touch of boho elegance to a party’s decor.
Yet even the most basic solutions, like candles in beautiful wooden lanterns, may make your wedding stand out.
Candles and lanterns should be strategically placed in the reception area, including on tabletops, windowsills, and corners.
Don’t forget to adorn the outdoor area; lanterns and candlesticks will provide a magical glow in the shady crevices of any garden.
13. Wooden Crates and Pallets
Wood is present at every rustic wedding and perfectly emphasizes the autumn style, adding warmth to many arrangements.
Fortunately, getting that wooden look doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive wood and stretch your tight wedding budget.
One great idea for a rustic fall wedding on a budget is repurposing wooden pallets.
Use them as wedding signs, hang photos in frames, or create a background for a photo booth.
Chests are great too! Find old wooden chests in an antique shop that will fit wedding favors, drinks, and more.
Autumn crops are presented in wooden boxes. Piles of red apples, sunny pumpkins, or juicy pears add charm to an autumn wedding and additionally encourage guests to try the delicious autumn harvest.
14. Arrangements of Dried Flowers
Use dried flowers to make stunning centerpieces for your fall wedding.
The ambiance of your special occasion can be enhanced by the use of season-dried wreaths, bouquets, and other decorations.
To make a unique, one-of-a-kind, and colorful bouquet of dried flowers, combine long, dried grasses and leaves with flowers such as lavender or delphinium.
In addition, many plants, such as pampas grass, wheat, and ferns, keep their structure well even after they have been dried, which adds to the nice structure of the arrangements.
Toss in some colorful fall leaves to your floral arrangement for a sophisticated finish.
15. Seasonal Snacks
Provide a spread of seasonal snacks for your guests.
In this way, you can save money and time by not having to hire a caterer or worry about putting together a spread of appetizers for a buffet.
Traveling to a local farm, winery, or orchard will provide you with the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses that are in season and will help you create a truly unique snack table.
Add crackers, nuts, jams, dip, and freshly baked bread.
Decorate a tall table with gourds, pumpkins, or corn, and fill it with tasty snacks for a truly festive autumn meal.
16. Retro Style Wedding
The vintage wedding color palette is open to various color choices.
But most experts advise opting for a palette of wine tones, including reds, burgundies, dusty roses, sages, pale yellows, and deeper greens.
Each of these tones is either intrinsically tied to fall or contributes beautifully to the season’s characteristic color palette.
When you think of the retro décor of the venue, you may typically find that there are many elements made of wood.
Wooden furniture and accents are common in retro settings. Candles, lanterns, and metal accessories like copper, gold, or silver are also popular in retro decor.
In addition, garlands and cushions help to highlight this ambiance and give the surroundings a warm and welcoming appearance.
Natural materials such as twigs and dried flowers are another great way to bring vintage design into the autumn season.
It’s undeniable that not only the color scheme but also the natural decorative elements and the shimmer of soft light from the candles will flawlessly blend between the fall season and the retro era.
17. The Use of Gold as a Theme
Shiny gold ornamentation is the definition of elegance and sophistication, and it will look beautiful at your wedding.
Gold, with its connotations of royalty, is the ideal hue to commemorate the importance of your marriage.
Gold is a fantastic choice for a wedding’s overall theme in the fall since the palette of colors that nature provides us with in the autumn season works wonderfully with gold, bringing out its luster.
Choose gold for your wedding embellishments, whether it’s the flatware, the rims of the glasses or plates, your wedding jewelry, or your wedding dress.
The glow of candles will also illuminate the golden ornaments at this special time, giving them a glittering shine on your autumn wedding evening.
18. Celebrate the Spirit of Halloween
Do you want a unique and unexpected theme for your wedding in late October? Or perhaps you just really like having Halloween parties?
If you enjoy this spooky time of year, you can take advantage of the season by planning a wedding with a Halloween theme.
Encourage your guests to wear costumes and make your wedding reception memorable.
With pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons, and ghosts, your wedding can be one of a kind Halloween-themed wedding celebration. Your family and friends won’t forget it for sure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still unsure whether fall is the best time of year for your wedding, relax, because it’s a fantastic option.
When you have your wedding in the fall, you will avoid the winter cold and the summer heat, and nature will abundantly decorate your special day in gold, orange, red, and brown.
This earthy color palette is a great place to start when coming up with ideas for your upcoming special event.
Every fall wedding reception, whether it is romantic, rustic, or carries a touch of Halloween, has the potential to be an unforgettable experience for the happy couple and their loved ones.
Resources
- https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/fall-cocktails/
- https://www.weddingforward.com/fall-wedding/
- https://www.womangettingmarried.com/best-fall-wedding-ideas/
- https://bellethemagazine.com/2017/10/fabulous-fall-wedding-ideas.html#google_vignette
- https://www.koyalwholesale.com/blogs/modern-diy-wedding-trends/top-10-best-rustic-fall-wedding-decor-ideas-on-a-budget
- https://thebutterflypavilion.com/getting-on-trend-with-the-best-fall-wedding-styles/
- https://www.wedding-spot.com/blog/fall-wedding-ideas-on-a-budget
- https://www.colorsforwedding.com/fall-october-wedding-colors/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a27699087/fall-wedding-color-schemes/
- https://giggster.com/blog/retro-wedding/
- https://www.wedding-spot.com/blog/fall-wedding-food-ideas
- https://myfoodbook.com.au/collections/autumn-dinner-party-recipes-to-feed-a-crowd