Fall is a popular season for weddings, with 43% of celebrations occurring between September and November in 2022. We can understand why couples gravitate toward this season – the temperatures are comfortable, the foliage is vibrant, and the vibe is cozy. Beyond the stunning scenery and pumpkin spice lattes, there is much to look forward to when planning an event during this time.

If you want to get bit by the inspo bug, join us to explore the latest fall wedding trends!

Autumn color palette

 

Still determining your color palette? Consider incorporating warm, earthy tones like burgundy, orange, and red. A rich burgundy adds a sophisticated and luxurious touch, while burnt orange and red deliver a natural autumn aesthetic. For a muted, rustic feel, you can also include brown and olive-green tones. 

Add a pop of color with golden or mustard yellow. A vibrant yellow is cheerful and complements the fall foliage theme, and a mustard yellow evokes comfort. Bold hues, like emerald green or sapphire blue, are also excellent contenders to tie your theme together. 

Once you’ve decided on the perfect color palette, balance your autumn color scheme with metallic accents like gold, copper, or bronze.   

 

Seasonal floral arrangements

 

Selecting your dream flowers can be challenging, but we recommend autumn blooms like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. In-season flowers have been all the rage for modern weddings because they’re sustainable, gorgeous, and locally sourced. For couples hosting a destination wedding, local flowers are a great way to showcase the area’s natural beauty. 

Here are some creative ideas to make the most of seasonal flowers:

• Create a lush bridal bouquet: Select an autumn bloom as your statement flower and add greenery, like dusty miller or eucalyptus, for texture and depth. 
• Include seasonal elements in ceremony décor: Scatter maple leaves on the aisle and decorate your wedding arch with fall flowers. 
• Develop stunning centerpieces: Put your blooms in a copper or gold vase surrounded by candles for a simple and chic look. 

Sunflowers and wheat accents are also a popular fall trend. For example, sunflower bouquets with dried grass and wheat stems provide the ultimate boho-chic style. For a rustic look, you can also place this iconic statement flower on crates or barrels.

Now, blooms aren’t the only natural elements symbolizing fall. This season features textures and foliage as well. Think eucalyptus, berries, and branches. Add red hypericum berries to your bouquets for a pop of color, drape eucalyptus garlands on your banquet tables, and decorate your chairs with wreaths. Including greenery and wooden accents in your ceremony and wedding cake is another way to create a cohesive theme. 

In addition to seasonal blooms, modern couples have also gravitated toward dried flowers for centerpieces, bouquets, and wedding décor. Pairing dried flowers with garland is perfect for a boho-chic aesthetic. For your grand exit, you can substitute dried flower petals or fall leaves for traditional paper confetti. 

 

Cozy and intimate atmosphere 

 

Tap into fall’s cozy vibes by using candles and fairy lights. These warm lighting options establish a welcoming atmosphere.

Need some inspo to draw from? Review our list of recommendations and see if any match your vision: 

• Pair pillar candles of varying heights together throughout the venue.
• Select candlesticks with an autumn design to match the fall aesthetic. 
• Hang fairy lights on trees and arches to establish an enchanting ambiance for your outdoor ceremony.
• Drape curtain fairy lights along the walls of the lounge area for an intimate cocktail hour. 
• Line the aisle with candle-lit luminaries for a romantic entrance. 

Hanging lanterns and chandeliers also offer an elevated touch to modern celebrations. You can hang lanterns in the trees for outdoor weddings and create an eclectic display with other lighting options. In addition, you can hang a crystal-beaded chandelier over the dance floor, making your first dance even more memorable!

 

Besides your lighting, make your event feel like a warm hug with lounge areas featuring plush sofas, pillows, and armchairs. Place baskets with blankets by the aisles for guests to use during the ceremony and add cushions to benches for comfortable seating. You can also provide custom blankets with your names as wedding favors.   

If you’re planning an outdoor celebration, find out if your venue has fire pits or heaters. Fire pits have a calming and nostalgic feel, inviting guests to come together and enjoy conversations.   

 

Seasonal menus and signature drinks

 

Autumn is one of the best seasons for themed treats, as displayed by the annual pumpkin-flavored craze. There’s no better way to immerse your guests in the fall theme than with a harvest-inspired menu. 

Here are some of our favorite hearty dishes that perfectly represent the season:

• Creamy pumpkin soup
• Butternut squash soup
• Apple-infused salad with maple vinaigrette 
• A side helping of root vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, radishes, and celery root

As for specialty drinks, a fall-flavored cocktail or spiced apple cider is an excellent option. Some other delectable autumn beverages include caramel apple martinis, maple bourbon old fashioneds, and harvest mules. Taste test some of these items to determine the best signature drink for your special day!

Finally, we left the best for last – your dessert. While you can always opt for a traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of fun ways to give your treats a dose of autumn. Consider swapping your cake with a pumpkin or pecan pie. Or, if you prefer to keep the conventional dessert, you can serve additional treats, like maple pecan blondies, cinnamon rolls, or apple crisps. These delectable delights will satisfy even the biggest of sweet tooths!

 

Capturing the essence of fall in your wedding

 

Autumn is a beautiful season for a celebration, and luckily, incorporating the cozy, festive vibes into your big day is simple. You and your partner can host a stunning autumn wedding by including warm color palettes, seasonal floral arrangements, specialized menus, and more. 

Are you feeling inspired by our post? Share these fall trends with your wedding planner and add your unique spin to make the event your own!