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  5. 24 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Fall Wedding
Martha Stewart Weddings

24 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Fall Wedding

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By Emily Platt
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groom carrying bride
Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography

Throw a seamless seasonal affair with these tips for an autumn celebration.

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groom carrying bride
Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography
Get the Best of Fall Weddings

If you and your spouse-to-be are autumn aficionados like we are, you probably don't need any convincing that fall is a great time to have your wedding. Changing leaves make for breathtaking backdrops, harvest produce makes for flavorful menus, and seasonal festivities spread ample cheer. On top of all that, late autumn lands outside of peak wedding season, meaning you may have better luck booking your ideal venue or vendors. Whether you're enchanted by the season's colors or love the chill of sweater weather, we're here to help you plan the fall wedding of your dreams.

There are tons of ways to capitalize on the season when it comes to your big day. From the ceremony to the reception, every part of your wedding can benefit from some seasonal flair. Fall foliage and flowers look lovely when used in your bridal bouquet, your centerpieces, or as other décor. Autumnal shades set the tone for a thematic affair, and can be incorporated into your invitations and other paper goods. Fall lends itself to great fashion choices, like long sleeves and cozy accessories. Fall beauty looks are also adored, thanks to their focus on makeup in warm tones. Your wedding's location, time of day, and indoor or outdoor setting can all be influenced by the season.

For those keen on giving their wedding an autumn theme, it's key to hone in on seasonal details, and also plan around any season-specific issues. Here, we're providing inspiration for throwing the ultimate fall wedding as seamlessly as possible.

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Send Out Seasonal Stationery

wedding invites
Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick
Get More Ideas for Fall Wedding Invitations

Plan your paper goods around an autumnal theme to give guests a preview of your fall celebration. You can incorporate illustrations of fall trees, for example, like this couple did.

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Pick a Festive Venue

groom carrying bride
Credit: Kuipers Family Farm via Instagram
See More Apple-Orchard Wedding Venues

There are tons of great venues that celebrate the season, from festive lodges to apple orchards. Look for details like fireplaces, scenic views, and farm-fresh produce.

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Consider a Dress with Long Sleeves

wedding couple portrait
Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick
Go Inside This Colorful Wedding

Sleeves aren't just practical—they're elegant, too. The style makes for a refined bridal look, all while protecting your arms from getting goosebumps.

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Cut Into an Autumnal Cake

groom carrying bride
Credit: Ashleigh Coleman Photography
See More Fall Wedding Cakes

For an autumn-inspired confection, use seasonal colors and accents, or opt for fall-friendly flavors. Chocolate and caramel are especially popular once the weather cools.

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Give Guests the Gift of Comfort

table and place settings
Credit: Lexia Frank Photography
Go Inside This Camp-Inspired Wedding

Help guests remember your celebration for years to come with favors they can use long after your wedding date. Blankets and sweatshirts are always appreciated, and can be worn during an outdoor cocktail hour or reception.

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Cover Up Your Toes

groom carrying bride
Credit: Mike Cassimatis
See More Wedding Shoes

Do your feet a favor and cover them up to avoid numb digits. Closed-toed shoes will also protect you from any fallen branches or unexpected snow. Also consider slip-proof footwear, as leaf-strewn walkways can be quite slick.

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Add Metallic Accents

groom carrying bride
Credit: Kate Holstein Photographs
Go Inside This Dreamy Wedding

Metallics are a favorite of autumn, and look lovely when paired with jewel tones. Gold foil and shiny ink are two good ways to add a touch of shimmer to your big day.

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Use the Foliage as Your Backdrop

groom carrying bride
Credit: Kristin Sweeting
See More from This Refined Wedding

If your venue is blessed with gorgeous surroundings, be sure to snap some photographs outside, even if your event is indoors.

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Make Your Signature Cocktail Hot

sarah greg new jersey wedding cider
Credit: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

Fall is the time to experiment with your signature drink. Serve spiked mulled cider, boozy hot chocolate, hot toddies, or buttered rum to warm attendees up.   

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Style the Groom and Groomsmen Accordingly

yolanda cedric wedding couple
Credit: Charla Storey Photography
Go Inside This Intimate Wedding

Give a nod to the season with the menswear at your wedding. Ties, pocket squares, socks, and more look especially dapper in deep green, burgundy, or dark navy.

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Choose In-Season Flowers

fall wedding bouquet
Credit: Lauren Kinsey
See More Fall Wedding Bouquets

Seasonal blooms are your freshest option, and will also withstand the weather better. Luckily, fall brings some of the most beautiful blooms. This bouquet by Vintage Florals was made with garden roses, anemones, colored foliage, and more.

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Dress Your Bridesmaids Right

ginny-andrew-wedding-bridesmaids-0572-s112676-0216.jpg
Credit: Erich McVey

Provide your friends with warm accessories to help them stay toasty during outdoor photos. Pretty shawls and faux-fur collars can help.

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Utilize Farm-Fresh Bounty

hana olu wedding centerpiece fruit
Credit: Patrick Moyer
Go Inside This Fruit-Filled Wedding

Autumn is the harvest season, so why not source some local produce? Fruits and veggies can become stunning centerpieces.

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Throw a Potluck Rehearsal Dinner

groom carrying bride
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Get More Inspiration for Wedding Pies

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, consider a potluck for your rehearsal dinner, or another pre-wedding event. Assign different attendees to different courses—this celebration featured tons of homemade pies.

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Embrace Rustic Details

wedding botanical
Credit: Patrick Moyer

Rustic doesn't have to mean casual. Hay bales, wagons, and more can be made to look sophisticated. On the other hand, there's nothing wrong with a more low-key wedding celebration. In that case, these details work amazingly, too.

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Avoid Cold Shoulders

ana and damon embrace with cape
Credit: Shannen Natasha of The Wedding Artists Collective
Go Inside This Fashionable Wedding

If sleeves aren't your thing or you want an extra layer, capes and boleros are chic options. This bride's fashionable accent was from Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal.  

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Try Using Natural Décor

groom carrying bride
Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Flowers, berries, and grasses are organic details we love. Use them to decorate your ceremony aisle or wedding arch. If you're worried about them lasting, try dried blooms.  

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Update Your Beauty Stash

groom carrying bride
Credit: Mike Cassimatis
Go Inside This Tuscan-Inspired Affair

Prior to the wedding, prep your skin with hydrating moisturizers and serums to prevent redness or cracking on the big day. When it comes to makeup, now's the perfect time to wear a bold, dark lip.

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Work with Warm and Moody Colors

groom carrying bride
Credit: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

Reds, oranges, yellows, and greens are obvious choices for fall, but purples and rich blues are equally as acceptable, and a little more unexpected.

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Opt for Sturdier Materials

groom carrying bride
Credit: Aaron Delesie

Windy weather can wreak havoc on paper goods. We recommend getting creative with your materials—leather can help your programs, escort cards, and more stand up to the biggest gusts. Your guests will also be more likely to take the stylish items home with them.

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Let Your Hair Down

groom carrying bride
Credit: Lauren Jonas
Go Inside This Luxurious Wedding

A foolproof way to stay a little warmer is by leaving your hair down. Of course, the autumn breeze might mess with your strands, so use hairspray and clips when necessary if you plan on spending time outside.

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Create a Flavorful Menu

groom carrying bride
Credit: Virginia Ashley Photography
Get More Pumpkin Wedding Ideas

Fall squashes and seasonal spices are tasty additions to any menu. Consult with your caterer to capitalize on autumn's best foods.

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Bring the Outdoors In

head table
Credit: Heather Payne
Get More Ideas for Bringing the Outdoors In

If the colder weather is too much to handle or your venue's location has unpredictable autumn forecasts, throw your party inside. You can still set a natural scene using floral installations, potted trees, table garlands, and other décor.

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Maximize Your Time in the Light

groom carrying bride
Credit: Julie Livingston Photography
See More from This Charming Wedding

As the temperature drops, the days grow shorter. When planning for time outside, keep this in mind. You may want to take pictures earlier in the day, or even plan for a morning ceremony. Even if you're having your wedding indoors, extra lighting may be necessary in the evening.

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    1 of 25
    2 of 25 Send Out Seasonal Stationery
    3 of 25 Pick a Festive Venue
    4 of 25 Consider a Dress with Long Sleeves
    5 of 25 Cut Into an Autumnal Cake
    6 of 25 Give Guests the Gift of Comfort
    7 of 25 Cover Up Your Toes
    8 of 25 Add Metallic Accents
    9 of 25 Use the Foliage as Your Backdrop
    10 of 25 Make Your Signature Cocktail Hot
    11 of 25 Style the Groom and Groomsmen Accordingly
    12 of 25 Choose In-Season Flowers
    13 of 25 Dress Your Bridesmaids Right
    14 of 25 Utilize Farm-Fresh Bounty
    15 of 25 Throw a Potluck Rehearsal Dinner
    16 of 25 Embrace Rustic Details
    17 of 25 Avoid Cold Shoulders
    18 of 25 Try Using Natural Décor
    19 of 25 Update Your Beauty Stash
    20 of 25 Work with Warm and Moody Colors
    21 of 25 Opt for Sturdier Materials
    22 of 25 Let Your Hair Down
    23 of 25 Create a Flavorful Menu
    24 of 25 Bring the Outdoors In
    25 of 25 Maximize Your Time in the Light

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    24 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Fall Wedding
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