Planning A Fall Wedding: August Do's And Don'ts

Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year to get married, with its cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and seasonal décor. But what if you want to embrace the magic of fall for your wedding, without waiting until September, October, or November? Is it possible to have a fall-themed wedding in mid-August?

Well, it depends. If you live in a place with a temperate climate, like the Midwest, or a mountainous region, August might be the perfect time to embrace the fall aesthetic. In these areas, the end of August can mark the beginning of the transition to fall, with leaves starting to turn and temperatures dropping.

However, if you're in a hotter region, like the South or the East Coast, a fall-themed wedding in August might seem odd to your guests. August is one of the warmest months of the year, and the idea of fall during this time may seem out of place.

Ultimately, the decision to have a fall wedding in mid-August depends on your personal preferences and your location. If you're willing to embrace the potential incongruity and create a unique celebration, go for it! But if you're looking for a more traditional take on the fall wedding, you might want to consider waiting until the season is in full swing.

Pros and cons of a fall wedding

A fall wedding can be a beautiful event with its festive vibes, picturesque backdrops, and comfortable temperatures. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before finalising your plans. Here are the pros and cons of a fall wedding:

Pros:

• Temperate weather: Autumn usually offers milder weather compared to the hot summer months or chilly winter temperatures. This makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, and your guests will be comfortable too.
• Scenic backdrops: Fall foliage provides a stunning natural backdrop for your wedding photos. The colourful leaves, especially in orange, yellow, and red hues, will make your bridal portraits memorable and unique.
• Seasonal décor and flavours: It's easy to find fall-inspired decorations, with retailers stocking fall products early. You can also incorporate seasonal flavours into your menu, such as pumpkin, apple, and spices.
• Vendor and venue availability: Fall is generally a calmer time for weddings, so you may have an easier time booking your dream venue and vendors, and you might even score some off-season discounts.

Cons:

• Limited daylight: With the end of Daylight Savings Time, some states will experience an early sunset, which can impact the timing of your outdoor ceremony and photos.
• Rain and unpredictable weather: While fall usually offers milder temperatures, there's also a higher chance of rain, and the weather can be unpredictable. A backup plan is essential for outdoor weddings.
• Holiday conflicts: Fall is the start of the holiday season, with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa approaching. This can cause potential date conflicts, and families may have to be more conservative with their finances due to gift-giving and holiday dinners.
• Limited colour palette: Fall weddings typically lean towards darker, warmer colours like burgundy and plum. If you prefer a brighter, punchier palette, you might feel restricted or have to put in extra effort to make it work.
• Lack of summer glow: For brides who want a sun-kissed look, achieving a natural tan can be challenging in the fall. While there are alternatives like tanning beds or self-tanning products, they may not give the same desired effect.
• Guest availability: If you have younger guests or those with school-going children, they may find it difficult to get time off during the fall due to testing days and sports events.

So, while a fall wedding has its charms, it's essential to consider these pros and cons before making your decision.

Fall wedding colours

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a colour palette for a fall wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are a popular choice for autumn nuptials, with colours like emerald green, navy blue, ruby red, plum, wine, and burgundy adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to your big day. These rich, gemstone-inspired hues are perfect for a moody, romantic, or upscale event.

Earth Tones

If you're looking for something more earthy and rustic, consider shades of terracotta, rust, amber, camel, clay, and taupe. These warm, nature-inspired colours are ideal for a fall-centric celebration and can be paired with neutrals like tan, beige, and ivory for a seamless combination.

Metallics

Metallic shades like gold, copper, and rose gold can add a touch of glam to your fall wedding. These shiny, reddish-brown tints will look stunning on your tablescape or in the form of flatware, candle holders, or charger rims.

Neutrals

For a more understated look, opt for a neutral colour palette with shades of brown, tan, ivory, cream, and blush. These muted tones can create a seamless, elegant combination that lets the natural beauty of the season shine through.

Seasonal Colours

Take inspiration from the changing leaves and incorporate bright shades of red, yellow, or orange into your wedding palette. These classic fall colours can be paired with neutrals for a softer look or mixed with other rich earth tones for a bold, vibrant celebration.

Transitional Colours

If you're having a September wedding, you can blend summer and fall colours for a unique palette. Try pairing summer brights like fuchsia, teal, and chartreuse with autumnal tones such as mauve, sapphire, and olive green.

Monochromatic

For a truly unique look, consider a monochromatic colour scheme with shades of white and cream. This ethereal combination will stand out from the more traditional seasonal mixes and is perfect for golden-hour photos among the trees.

Remember, your wedding colours should ultimately reflect your personal style and favourite hues. Don't be afraid to break the mould and choose a palette that represents you and your partner, even if it's not typically associated with the season.

Fall wedding venues

Planning a fall wedding in mid-August? Here are some venue ideas to get you started!

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado:

Sitting atop Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell offers sweeping views of Colorado's Elk Mountain Range. The Wedding Deck ceremony site includes an integrated sound system, dressing rooms, and a wedding arch. The venue is also the only five-star and five-diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen, making it a luxurious choice for your fall wedding.

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse, Hampden, Massachusetts:

This idyllic New England venue boasts a 3,000-square-foot sunset deck with a 100-mile panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley. The wedding garden features a gazebo, a garden, and a waterfall, providing the perfect backdrop for your autumn nuptials.

Bear Mountain Inn + Barn, Waterford, Maine:

If you're looking for a rustic wedding venue, Bear Mountain Inn + Barn might be the perfect choice. This modern lakefront farmhouse is situated on 25 acres and can accommodate up to 150 guests for a barn wedding or 250 guests for a tented outdoor wedding. You can host your ceremony lakeside, on the dock, on the lawn, or even inside by a cozy fieldstone fireplace.

320 Guest Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Montana:

With jaw-dropping mountain vistas, 320 Guest Ranch offers a rustic and scenic location for your fall wedding. The venue includes several event sites, an on-site wedding planner, an in-house kitchen, and luxury log cabins for you and your guests. You can also take advantage of the horseback riding and other outdoor activities the ranch has to offer.

The Barn at West Mountain Inn, Arlington, Vermont:

Vermont is known for its stunning fall foliage, and The Barn at West Mountain Inn is the perfect place to take it all in. The venue includes a 100-year-old historic barn, gardens, expansive grounds, trails, and breathtaking views. You can choose between casual and elegant dining options, and there are also on-site rooms, suites, townhouses, and cottages available for you and your guests.

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Middleburg, Virginia:

Located in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont region, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is a convenient drive from Washington, DC, and can accommodate up to 150 guests. This historic venue, built in 1728, seamlessly blends modern touches with classic Virginian charm. It's the perfect spot for those seeking a combination of rustic elegance and convenience.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard, North Garden, Virginia:

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard is a captivating vineyard wedding venue. The 41-acre property features several event spaces, including The Granary, a 3,600-square-foot space that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The rustic charm and stunning views make it an ideal choice for a fall wedding.

Sacred Mountain Julian, Julian, California:

If you're dreaming of a California fall wedding, look no further than Sacred Mountain Julian. This quaint mountain town, located east of San Diego, offers crisp autumn weather and amazing apple picking. The venue boasts 360-degree views, 61 acres of land, accommodations for overnight guests, and space for up to 150 attendees. It's the perfect spot for a West Coast fall celebration.

Terrain Gardens at DelVal, Doylestown, Pennsylvania:

Terrain Gardens at DelVal is a unique horticultural venue inspired by nature and can accommodate up to 162 guests. As a garden brand of Anthropologie, this venue brings together natural beauty and stylish touches. Recognized in The Knot Best of Weddings Awards, Terrain Gardens is a magical setting for a fall wedding.

Stratton Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain, Vermont:

For a classic New England fall foliage wedding, consider Stratton Mountain Resort. This venue offers a variety of event spaces that can accommodate between 50 and 250 guests. One of the highlights is the ability to host a ceremony at the mountain's 3875-foot summit, accessible via a gondola ride. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn in the Green Mountains!

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. When choosing a fall wedding venue, consider the weather, foliage, and the overall atmosphere you want to create for your special day. Happy planning!

Fall wedding food and drink

Food

Fall weddings are all about embracing the season, and that includes the food. The season's rich flavours and comforting dishes can be incorporated into your wedding menu in creative ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Charcuterie boards: These are perfect for any season, but for a fall wedding, consider adding heartier cheeses and seasonal fruits and vegetables like grapes, apples, and nuts. Just be mindful of any guests with food allergies.
• Grilled options: Add a delectable sensory experience to your fall wedding with grilled dishes. Lamb chops, for example, or grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup for a comforting, nostalgic choice.
• Empanadas: Delicious any time of year, but for fall, consider incorporating seasonal flavours like black bean or squash. Empanadas also hold heat well, making them perfect for a cool outdoor setting.
• Comfort foods: Chillier weather calls for comfort food. Think rotisserie chicken, smoked pork, and other hearty dishes.
• Seasonal produce: Using what's in season is a great way to set your menu, and fall offers a variety of powerful, earthy flavours. Include squashes like acorn, butternut, and delicata, along with pumpkins, yams, and root vegetables.
• Soup: A steaming bowl of butternut squash soup makes for a perfect starter.
• Salads: Try a harvest salad with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and goat cheese.
• Main course: For a heartier option, consider a Thanksgiving-style buffet with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
• Dessert: Offer a hot cocoa or coffee bar with cinnamon-sugar donuts, mulled apple cider, or a dessert table with seasonal fruit pies. Don't forget the pumpkin spice!
• Wedding cake: Fall wedding cakes often have a rustic style, with drizzles of ganache or caramel, "rough" buttercream icing, or no icing at all. Naked cakes can be decorated with figs or other fall fruits. Seasonal flavours include apple spice, gingerbread, and pumpkin spice.

Drinks

Infuse the flavours of fall into your signature wedding cocktails! Here are some ideas for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks:

Non-alcoholic drinks:

• Apple Ginger Fizz: A combination of sweet apple and spicy ginger, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
• Non-Alcoholic Apple Pie Punch: Apple cider, pear nectar, and ginger ale create a delicious bubbly drink.
• Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail: Apple cider and ginger beer with a glass rimmed with sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
• Easy Fall Party Punch: A simple combination of apple cider, pineapple juice, and ginger ale, garnished with sliced apples.
• Caramel Apple Mocktail: A delicious and easy-assemble mocktail.

Alcoholic drinks:

• Cranberry Paloma: Tangy cranberry juice and refreshing grapefruit juice with a touch of lime juice and simple syrup.
• Maple Old Fashioned: A riff on the classic, using dark rum instead of bourbon and adding maple syrup.
• Ginger Apple Moscow Mule: A cosy twist on a classic cocktail.
• Hot Toddy: A perfect way to warm up your guests, especially for outdoor weddings.
• Pumpkin Spice White Russian: A sweet after-dinner dessert cocktail.
• Hot Buttered Apple Cider Rum: Spiked cider combined with hot buttered rum, a classic holiday cocktail.
• Cranberry and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour: Fresh cranberries, orange peels, lime juice, and cinnamon create a colourful and tasty cocktail.

Fall wedding decor

There are so many ways to incorporate fall wedding decor into your big day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Colours and Nature

The colours of fall are a great place to start when thinking about decor. Deep reds, oranges, browns, and yellows are all popular choices, but you could also opt for more modern shades like gold, copper, deep plum, emerald green, or neutral shades like champagne and grey. You could also bring the beauty of nature into your wedding by decorating with pumpkins, gourds, and fresh fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates.

Flowers

There are plenty of flowers in bloom in the fall that would be perfect for your wedding. Dahlias, garden roses, anemones, marigolds, sunflowers, and protea are all beautiful options. You could also use autumnal foliage, seasonal berries, or even acorns as part of your floral arrangements or table decor.

Food and Drink

When it comes to food and drink, comfort cuisine is a popular choice for fall weddings. Think butternut squash soup, roasted butternut squash salad, and all things pumpkin spice. You could also offer seasonal fruits like apples, cranberries, pears, and pomegranates as part of your menu or decorate your cake with them. For drinks, why not set up a hot cocoa or coffee bar, or offer mulled apple cider?

Fabrics and Textures

To add a cosy feel to your wedding, consider using layered rugs, warm blankets, and textured fabrics like velvet and boleros or pashminas for your bridesmaids. For a rustic touch, you could use wooden elements like a wooden aisle or table numbers, or even a bar made from tree trunks.

Lighting

The sun sets earlier in the fall, so lighting is important. You could use tall taper candles, fairy lights, or Edison bulbs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions