Weddings Unlocked: October Nuptials Get The Green Light

October is a popular month for weddings, with mild weather, beautiful scenery, and a host of theme ideas. It is tied with September as the most popular month to get married, with 17% of weddings taking place in October. The month offers plenty of in-season foods, blooms, and a moodier colour palette. It is also a good time for outdoor weddings, with comfortable temperatures and low-risk forecasts. However, it is important to stay updated on the weather forecast and always have a backup plan.

Pros and cons of October weddings

Pros

• October is the most popular month to get married, so there are plenty of ideas for themes, foods, and florals.
• The weather is usually mild, with low risks of humidity, intense heat, rain, or snow.
• The autumnal views and fall foliage make for a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.
• There are plenty of in-season foods and florals, such as apples, pumpkins, and magnolias.
• The autumn season, with its array of holidays, lends itself to a variety of wedding themes.
• The weather is usually comfortable for guests, making it ideal for outdoor weddings.
• The autumn colours of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns offer a warm and vibrant colour palette.
• Vendors and venues may have more availability and flexibility during this time.

Cons

• October is a competitive market, so vendors are likely to raise their prices and get booked up fast.
• The autumn months are prone to showers, so you'll need a backup plan in case of rain.
• The shorter daylight hours may impact your plans for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
• The autumn holidays may cause scheduling conflicts for your guests.
• The autumn colour palette may not suit every couple's taste if you prefer brighter colours.
• The flower selection may be more limited during this time of year.

October wedding themes

October is the perfect month for a wedding, with its mild weather, stunning scenery, and covetable cosy feel. It's no wonder it's the most popular month to get married!

If you're planning an October wedding, you might want to consider a theme to tie your special day together. Here are some ideas for October wedding themes:

Autumnal Vibes

The autumn season offers an array of colours and moods to inspire your wedding. Think rich, jewel tones like emerald, navy, burgundy, and mustard. You can also incorporate natural elements like eucalyptus, baby's breath, and pampas grass into your decor and bouquets. The changing leaves provide a vibrant backdrop for your ceremony and photos, especially in locations like New England, Michigan, and the Pacific Northwest.

Halloween Chic

If your wedding falls close to October 31st, you might want to embrace the spooky season with a Halloween-themed wedding. But leave the cheesy and gory decor out – think chic and glamorous. Use black and red as your primary colours, with hints of glitter and sequins. Or go for a whimsical take with black and purple, and bright purple candles.

Back to School

Apples, books, and chalkboards can be used to create a charming and nostalgic back-to-school theme. Reinforce table numbers with apples, or use them as photo holders. Stack books and chalkboards as centrepieces, and display baskets of sandwiches and glass bottles of Coca-Cola on Pendleton wool blankets for a high school football game vibe.

Golden Autumn Leaves

Spray-paint autumn leaves gold or bronze and use them as place cards or place settings. You can also string them up as a hanging installation or simply strewn them across the table. Bring in branches with glorious autumn colours to brighten up your tables.

Harvest Festival

Pumpkins, wheat, and sunflowers are all perfect for a harvest-themed wedding. Wrap white pumpkins in berries for a modern aesthetic, or use mini pumpkins as place card holders. Wheat centrepieces paired with linen create a rustic chic atmosphere.

With so many wonderful themes to choose from, your October wedding is sure to be a memorable celebration!

October wedding costs

October is the most popular month to get married, so you can expect vendors to be in high demand and to charge peak rates. Wedding season typically runs from late spring to early fall, and October is a peak month within this period.

If you're planning an October wedding, it's important to book early and budget wisely. You can expect to pay more for your venue and vendors, so consider creating a list of must-haves and be prepared to cut or adjust other aspects if necessary.

The reception venue and catering are usually the two largest wedding expenses, making up more than 40% of the average wedding budget. In 2023, the average American wedding cost $29,000, with couples spending around $7,000 on the venue and $5,220 on catering. These costs can vary depending on location, with weddings in states like California, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, costing significantly more than those in New Mexico, Vermont, or Alaska.

Photography/videography, entertainment, flowers, attire, and wedding planner fees are other significant expenses to consider when budgeting for an October wedding.

To save money on an October wedding, you could consider a weekday or Sunday wedding, as these are generally less expensive than Saturdays. Opting for a morning or early afternoon event can also help reduce costs, especially food and drink expenses.

While October weddings are popular, they may be more expensive due to vendor demand and peak rates. However, with proper planning and budgeting, you can create a memorable celebration within your financial means.

October weather conditions

October is a great month for weddings. It has been the most popular month to get married for the past few years, and there are many reasons why.

Firstly, October is known for its temperate, mild, and moderate weather. There is a low risk of humidity, intense heat, rain, or snow. The temperatures are comfortable, with warmer days averaging in the 60s and 70s, and nights dipping into the 40s and 50s. This makes it ideal for outdoor weddings.

Secondly, the autumn season brings about beautiful scenery with the changing leaves and fall foliage, creating a cozy and charming vibe. The autumnal views, such as the fall colours, are also perfect for wedding photos.

Thirdly, October offers a variety of in-season foods and florals. Hearty vegetables like cauliflower, onions, mushrooms, and pumpkins are in season, as are apples, pomegranates, and figs, perfect for sweet desserts and seasonal cocktails. In-season flowers like delphiniums, magnolias, irises, and roses can be used for fall wedding bouquets and decor.

Lastly, October has a host of theme ideas. Couples can take advantage of the nice weather and nature with an outdoor wedding in a national park or on a hiking trail. A Halloween-themed wedding is also a fun option, with costumes and spooky decor.

However, it is important to note that October is a competitive month for weddings, so it is crucial to book early and budget wisely. Vendors are likely to raise their prices and get booked up quickly.

October honeymoon destinations

October is a popular month for weddings, so you may be looking for some honeymoon inspiration. Here are some ideas for October honeymoon destinations:

Tropical Beach Honeymoons

If you're looking for a beach getaway, there are several options. Mauritius is a great choice, with its luxury hotels and paradisiacal coastline. The Seychelles is another magical option, with its deserted paradise beaches and picturesque resorts.

Adventure Honeymoons

If you're looking for a more adventurous honeymoon, consider Tanzania. It offers Big 5 safaris, stunning beaches, and amazing national parks. Another option is Botswana, with its Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, and Moremi Game Reserve, offering ample wildlife-watching opportunities.

City Honeymoons

For a city break, Paris is always a good choice, with its iconic landmarks and romantic charm. Morocco is another option, with the exciting cities of Fes and Marrakech to explore, as well as the coastal town of Essaouira.

Road Trip Honeymoons

If you're looking for a road trip, Australia is a great choice in October. With spring in full swing, you can enjoy warm and comfortable temperatures in Sydney and explore the iconic sights. You can also take a road trip from Cairns or Port Douglas down the coast to Sydney, stopping at the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, and the Gold Coast along the way.

Fall Foliage Honeymoons

If you want to see the fall foliage, New England is a great choice, with its vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The Adirondacks and Hudson Valley in New York, as well as the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, offer particularly stunning displays.

So, whether you're looking for a beach getaway, an adventure, a city break, or a road trip, there are plenty of great options for an October honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions