24 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Fall Wedding

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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24 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Fall Wedding

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Send Out Seasonal Stationery

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Pick a Festive Venue

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Consider a Dress with Long Sleeves

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Cut Into an Autumnal Cake

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Give Guests the Gift of Comfort

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Cover Up Your Toes

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Add Metallic Accents

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Use the Foliage as Your Backdrop

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Make Your Signature Cocktail Hot

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Style the Groom and Groomsmen Accordingly

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Choose In-Season Flowers

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Dress Your Bridesmaids Right

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Utilize Farm-Fresh Bounty

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Throw a Potluck Rehearsal Dinner

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Embrace Rustic Details

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Avoid Cold Shoulders

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Try Using Natural Décor

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Update Your Beauty Stash

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Work with Warm and Moody Colors

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Opt for Sturdier Materials

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Let Your Hair Down

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Create a Flavorful Menu

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Bring the Outdoors In

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Maximize Your Time in the Light

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