Though summer may be the first season people think of when it comes to wedding season, there's no denying that there's something extra magical about a fall wedding. The red, orange and yellow foliage, a profusion of delicious foods and an all-around cozy atmosphere make fall an increasingly popular time for couples to tie the knot.
From rustic countryside gatherings surrounded by nature's most beautiful color palette to elegant affairs filled with jewel-toned sophistication, there's a fall wedding theme to suit every couple's dream. So put yourself in a PSL/ILY state of mind and get ready to fall in love with these fall wedding ideas.
So, really, why are fall weddings so amazing?
Autumn weddings hold a special allure for several reasons. First, the natural beauty of the season creates a romantic, timeless feel as well as a visual setting that's hard to beat (think of all the money you can save on decor!). On a possibly even more practical note, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, making outdoor ceremonies and receptions a promising possibility. Additionally, the fall season offers a diverse and stunning array of color palettes—from jewel tones to earthy neutrals—to choose from for your wedding party attire, florals and decorations. And if you want to treat yourself and your guests to a more quirky wedding theme, don't forget that fall is home to Halloween!
Popular fall wedding themes to consider for your big day
Rustic harvest: Create a charming scene from the wedding aisle to your reception with burlap accents, hay bales, and an abundance of pumpkins, apples and gourds.
Enchanted forest: Transform your venue into an enchanted woodland with twinkling lights, lush greenery and whimsical fairy tale elements like mushrooms and lanterns.
Dreamy vintage: Embrace the timeless beauty of the past with vintage-inspired décor, classic wedding flowers and elegant lace details. Scour your local thrift shop and Etsy for authentic vintage decor and accessories.
Boho chic: This is an obvious but beautiful choice. Opt for macramé backdrops, pampas grass and dried flower arrangements, and free-spirited bridal party attire.
Halloween masquerade: Combine the fun of Halloween with the elegance of a wedding by incorporating black and gold accents, masquerade masks and autumn-themed cocktails. Or, just ask everyone to dress up as their favorite character for the most epic wedding photos ever!
Wine country: Whether you're hosting your wedding celebration in an actual vineyard or just a place with a chill ambiance, incorporate wine-inspired elements (wine barrels are a cheers-worthy choice) into your decor and menu. An incredible charcuterie/cheese board is a must.
Golden glamour: Go decadent with a glamorous dress code and decor with gold accents and lush flowers in rich jewel tones.
Fall foliage: Celebrate the beauty of falling leaves with leaf-shaped stationery, accent leaves (some couples use them as table name cards!) and foliage-filled centerpieces.
Pumpkin patch: Embrace the season's best-known fruit with a pumpkin patch theme. Create pumpkin centerpieces, offer pumpkin-flavored dishes at the reception and line the aisle with a variety of pumpkins.
Plaid-ly in love: Could a theme be any cozier? Pick a plaid/tartan/check that you both love and add accents of it throughout your decor.
Fall flower market: Florals for fall? Yes, please! A cute little market cart filled with a mix of fresh and dried bouquets makes for a wonderful backdrop (and a lovely "pick your own" thank you gift at the end of the reception). We also love the idea of a "wedding flower toss" in place of a traditional rice toss!
Wicker wonderland: Wicker baskets can be used for everything from centerpiece holders to decorating the aisle, and there are tons of wicker furniture options out there that are as practical as they are Insta-worthy.
Where to have a fall wedding
When it comes to fall weddings, both outdoor spaces and indoor venues are excellent options. If you want to enjoy the scenic splendor of fall, consider holding the wedding ceremony and/or reception in a picturesque barn, vineyard, orchard or botanical garden. If you prefer an indoor setting, historic estates and small lodges can provide a cozy and charming sense of romance (and hopefully even a fireplace!).
When is the best time to hold a fall wedding?
As the sun sets earlier in autumn, it's best to hold your wedding approximately two hours before sunset. That way, you'll still have time for wedding photos before the sun bids adieu to the day and can enjoy a dreamy evening wedding reception. If you're planning on a midday wedding, you've picked one of the best seasons—the mild temps of fall mean you can have a wedding out in the sun without overheating.
Fall wedding menu ideas
It's impossible to think about fall without recalling all of the delicious foods on offer (it is harvest season, after all). Incorporate fall flavors into your wedding menu with delicious roasted root vegetables, pumpkin risotto, an endless charcuterie/grazing board, apple cider cocktails, cranberry and brie bites, mac and cheese, mulled wine and decadent caramel desserts. Trust us—no one will leave hungry if you lean into the flavors of this season!
Fall wedding cake ideas
Fall is the season of senses, so not only should your wedding cake look beautiful, but it should also taste incredible (it is arguably the best season for flavors). For looks, eye-catching textures, fall colors and autumn florals/fruits/foliage are superb. For flavors, go rich with ginger, spiced apple or pear, mocha, pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, salted caramel, red wine chocolate or even s'mores.
Fall wedding decor ideas
When decorating for a fall-themed wedding, draw inspiration from nature's bounty and colors. Incorporate elements like pumpkins, gourds and dried leaves into your centerpieces and table settings. Use warm-toned or ivory linens and candles to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. And, of course, choose florals for your bouquets and centerpieces that are either in-season or part of your fall color scheme: pampas grass, zinnias, eucalyptus, wheat, dried flowers, calla lilies, roses in autumn tones, dahlias, anthurium, sunflowers and even orchids in deep shades of purple!
Fall wedding dress ideas
For fall weddings, brides often opt for gowns that feature long sleeves, delicate lace, flowy boho silhouettes and/or rich fabrics like velvet and satin. Illusion necklines and open backs are also incredibly popular choices. Accessories in warm neutrals or jewel tones pay homage to this glorious season's vibrant colors, while natural accents like pampas grass and dried flowers can be transformed into gorgeous hair accessories.
Fall bridesmaid dress ideas
Silky satin or plush velvet are the fabrics to embrace here. And in case you haven't been paying attention, we'll say it again: Jewel tones are simply perfect for fall weddings. And no more so than when it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses. Other options are warm, rich neutrals (think earthy browns/terracottas), gold or copper tones, wine/burgundy, or taking inspo from the seasonal foliage and having your bridesmaids each wear a slightly different rust, pumpkin, mustard or mauve hue to create a harmonious range of fall colors.
Fall suiting ideas
Burgundy, mahogany, rust, plum, olive green and ochre are top choices for both the groom and groomsmen to sport on the big day. Warm wool and rich velvet are both seasonally and sartorially appropriate fabric choices, and if you're looking to rock a pattern for this occasion, you can't go wrong with a classic plaid check.
Fall-themed bridesmaid gift ideas
After all the hard work and support your bridesmaids have put into helping make your dream wedding come true, show them your appreciation with a thoughtful gift that matches the vibes of your fall wedding. Snuggly shawls, warm scarves, cute PJs, engraved jewelry or scented candles in autumn-inspired scents are all lovely choices that are sure to delight your trusted besties.
Some special considerations for fall wedding planning
While fall weddings are unquestionably magical, some unique considerations are worth noting and preparing for. The weather can be unpredictable during this transitional season, so it's essential to have backup plans for outdoor events in case of rain or even snow if you're planning a late-fall wedding. Keep your guests' comfort in mind—offer cozy blankets (which can double as a fantastic wedding favor!) or rent some outdoor heaters if necessary. Also—there are several major holidays in the fall and it can be sometimes be more difficult for people to travel or take time off. Sending out save-the-dates is a smart way to give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements and for you to secure your dream guest list! On an aesthetic note, planning your wedding date around peak fall foliage means you can make the most of the natural autumnal beauty of your chosen venue.
Fall wedding stationery
Whether you opt for a rustic, bohemian or vintage theme, embracing the essence of autumn will undoubtedly result in an unforgettable wedding day. Ready to start planning? Evite offers a cornucopia of beautiful digital wedding invitation templates for every part of your wedding, including engagement party invitations, bridal shower invitations, wedding save the dates, wedding ceremony invitations, rehearsal dinner invites and wedding reception invitations. We also offer complete wedding invite bundles featuring matching templates for every wedding celebration, as well as beautiful wedding thank you cards to send to your guests after the celebrations are over.
Getting Married Wedding Collection
Blush & Burgundy Blooms Wedding Collection
Simple Sprigs Wedding Collection
Agate Swirl Wedding Collection
Delicate Branches Wedding Collection
Have more questions about wedding stationery planning? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive wedding guides are filled with tips and examples to help you on your wedding journey. Our When to send out your save-the-dates and When to send out your wedding invitations blogs are here to keep your timeline on track, while our Wedding invitation wording & format and What to write in your wedding thank you cards blogs ensure you'll find just the right words to say to your guests.
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What is a SignUp Sheet?
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How do I create a SignUp Sheet?
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What information should be included on a SignUp Sheet?
When it comes to signup sheet information, there are some essentials to include regardless of what you’re organizing:
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- When and where the event is taking place.
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What are the benefits of using a SignUp Sheet template?
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