Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to choosing a date. Fall weddings are extremely popular, with October being the most popular month to get married in the United States. There are many reasons why fall is a great time to get married, including the cooler weather, the beautiful colours of nature, and the romantic atmosphere. However, there are also some considerations to keep in mind, such as the sunset time and the potential for conflicting holiday plans. So, will your fall wedding happen? It certainly can, as long as you plan carefully and keep in mind the unique aspects of the season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | 43% of weddings happen from September to November, with October being the most popular month in the US. |
| Reasons for popularity | Cooler weather, natural beauty, romanticism, cheaper flights, lower venue prices, richer colours, and seasonal food and drinks. |
| Considerations | Sunset time, timeline, guest comfort, and attire. |
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What You'll Learn
Fall weddings are popular
Fall weddings are increasingly popular, with 43% of all weddings taking place between September and November, according to a study by The Knot. There are several reasons why fall is a favourite for many couples.
For one, the weather is cooler, which means more comfort for the couple and their guests. The humidity of summer is no longer an issue, and there's less chance of rain. The changing colours of the leaves also provide a beautiful natural backdrop for wedding photos. The earlier sunsets in fall also mean more hours of darkness to enjoy romantic candlelight, bonfires, and starry skies.
The season offers rich colour palettes and textures for wedding decor, with reds, burgundies, golds, oranges, and greenery. The food options are also a draw, with seasonal favourites like pumpkin, pear, and root vegetables, and desserts like apple pies and pumpkin doughnuts. The season's inherent romanticism and gratitude also make it a perfect time to say "I do".
Fall weddings can also be more affordable, with off-peak prices and fewer scheduling conflicts for guests. The season offers a break from the endless summer weddings, providing a unique and memorable experience for all involved.
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Sunset times
For fall weddings, it is recommended to start the ceremony about two hours before sunset. This allows for sufficient natural light during the ceremony and provides an opportunity to capture the vibrant hues of sunset before the sun dips below the horizon. To achieve this, couples can search online for the sunset time on their wedding date and location, and then plan their ceremony time accordingly.
For instance, a wedding in Temecula, California, with a sunset time of 6:00 PM, would suggest a ceremony start time of around 4:00 PM. This timing ensures that the couple can take advantage of the golden hour for their portraits, creating a romantic and dreamy ambiance for their photographs.
However, it is essential to consider the potential challenges of a sunset wedding. Couples should be mindful of the limited time available for photographs, especially if they are not doing a "first look" before the ceremony. In such cases, a slightly earlier ceremony start time, like 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM, might be more appropriate to guarantee ample sunlight for photos.
Additionally, cloud cover can reduce available daylight, so it is advisable to plan for this contingency. Some couples opt to take essential family and bridal party photos before the ceremony to ensure they capture those memories in daylight.
Planning a wedding around sunset times requires careful consideration, but it can result in breathtaking photographs that will forever remind the couple of their special day.
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Dressing for the weather
When it comes to fall weddings, one of the most important considerations is dressing for the weather. The temperature can vary greatly during this season, so it's crucial to be prepared for any eventuality to ensure you and your guests are comfortable and able to enjoy the celebration. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
For outdoor fall weddings, it's important to anticipate cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. Consider providing pashminas or wraps for your female guests, which can be a stylish and practical favour. Male guests may appreciate a lightweight scarf or a stylish shawl collar jacket or blazer. Encourage your guests to bring along a warm layer, such as a sport coat or a light sweater, to ensure they stay cosy during the outdoor ceremony and any outdoor activities.
If you're having a fall wedding in a region where the leaves are changing colour, embrace the beauty of the season by incorporating autumnal hues into your attire. Rich colours like burgundy, deep purple, and burnt orange can be stunning accent colours for bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's ties or pocket squares, and even the bridal bouquet. These colours will also look elegant in photographs, especially against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage.
Do keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your big day. If rain is predicted, have a plan in place. Provide stylish umbrellas that complement your wedding colour scheme, or offer cute rain boots or wellies for guests to change into if they wish. Clear, dome-shaped umbrellas can also ensure that your guests have an unobstructed view of the happy couple during the ceremony, even in inclement weather!
For indoor fall weddings, the temperature inside can vary depending on the venue. Some venues may have their heating systems on full blast, while others might keep things cooler. It's a good idea to communicate with your venue in advance to understand their typical temperature settings and any adjustments they can make to suit your preference. Encourage your guests to bring a light wrap or jacket, especially if your wedding venue tends to keep the temperature cooler.
Lastly, don't forget to consider your own comfort as the happy couple! If you're having a fall wedding outdoors, opt for closed-toe shoes to keep your feet warm and comfortable. A bridal cover-up, such as a capelet, faux fur stole, or a tailored jacket, can add a stylish layer to your ensemble and keep you cosy during outdoor photos or when moving between venues. Grooms can also stay warm and chic with a well-tailored suit in a heavier fabric, such as tweed, or by adding a waistcoat or vest to their ensemble.
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Venue availability
When it comes to fall weddings, location is everything. The season brings with it ideal temperatures, desirable colour palettes, and picturesque foliage, so you'll want to choose a venue that makes the most of these natural wonders.
Venues with Stunning Landscapes and Vistas
For a dream outdoor ceremony, The Wedding Deck at the Little Nell in Aspen offers unparalleled views of Colorado's Elk Mountain Range. The venue includes an integrated sound system, dressing rooms, and a wedding arch.
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is another idyllic New England venue, with a sunset deck and wedding garden that provide amazing vistas of the region, especially in autumn.
Bear Mountain Inn + Barn in Maine is a modern lakefront farmhouse situated on 25 acres. It can host barn weddings of up to 150 guests or tented outdoor weddings for up to 250 guests.
Rustic Charm
If you're looking for a rustic venue, the Barn at West Mountain Inn in Vermont is an ideal location to take in the changing colours of fall. The venue is comprised of a 100-year-old historic barn, gardens, expansive grounds, trails, and wondrous views.
Haley Farm, a 200-year-old New England barn with a bright yellow door, can host both intimate and grand affairs.
Vineyard Views
HammerSky Vineyards in Paso Robles, California, offers 50 acres of vineyard views, a charming crisp-white farmhouse, and giant oak trees.
Gorge Crest Vineyards provides panoramic views of the Columbia River and Hood River Valley, along with indoor and outdoor spaces to celebrate.
Lakeside Luxury
The Lakehouse, nestled between the Twin Lakes in Halifax, Massachusetts, offers majestic views and an exclusive, luxurious single-ceremony venue. It will feature two wedding suites, an indoor-outdoor cocktail space, a courtyard, and endless photo opportunities.
Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA, is a classic estate venue that sits atop Lake Massapoag. It offers a variety of gorgeous photo locations and cozy stone-accented fireplaces.
Mountainous Backdrops
For a mountain backdrop, Montana's 320 Guest Ranch offers jaw-dropping views, especially when the colours change in the fall. The venue is located between Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park and offers lodging, dining, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
A Lake Tahoe venue provides peaceful aspen trees and breathtaking mountaintops as your backdrop, with four different event spots to choose from, each just steps away from the lake.
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Seasonal food and drink
The fall harvest offers a bounty of ingredients that inspire dishes brimming with warmth and comfort—the perfect culinary journey for your guests. From rich, spiced dishes to comforting, seasonal treats, your wedding menu can evoke the warmth and beauty of autumn, creating memories that linger long after the last dance.
For a welcome drink, set the tone for the evening with glasses of mulled wine or apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and a touch of citrus. For cocktails, you could feature the deep flavours of bourbon or the crispness of apple juice, garnished with an autumnal twist—perhaps a sprig of rosemary or a rim of spiced sugar. A hot chocolate cocktail hour is another way to warm your guests' hearts.
For appetizers, flatbreads topped with autumnal ingredients like caramelized onions, figs, goat cheese, and arugula are a sophisticated yet approachable option. You could also serve a harvest charcuterie board filled with seasonal cheeses, cured meats, and autumn fruits, such as aged cheddar, smoked gouda, figs, apples, and honey-drizzled nuts. For a lighter option, a candied pecan and goat cheese salad offers a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, with mixed greens, roasted beets, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
For the main course, a roasted root vegetable medley celebrates the bounty of the season with carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets roasted to perfection with herbs and olive oil. For meat lovers, a bourbon-glazed pork tenderloin embodies the flavours of fall, or you could try mini chicken pot pies, or a giant pot of chilli.
When it comes to dessert, fall has no shortage of delicious options. You could serve a classic apple or pumpkin pie with a twist, like adding chai spices to the filling or topping it with maple whipped cream. Or offer a dessert bar with an array of bite-sized treats, such as pumpkin spice cupcakes, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and caramel apple cheesecake bites.
For a late-night snack, mini grilled cheese and tomato soup will bring warmth and joy, ensuring your fall wedding food menu leaves a lasting impression.
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Frequently asked questions
Fall is one of the most popular times of the year for weddings, with 43% of all weddings happening between September and November.
Flights and venues may be cheaper, and you're less likely to have guests drop out due to summer vacations. The weather is cooler, so guests won't be too hot, and you'll have more hair and outfit options. The colours and flowers are beautiful, and you can incorporate seasonal foods and drinks.
The sun sets earlier, so you'll need to plan your timeline carefully. It might be too cold for an outdoor wedding, and guests may need to dress in layers.
Check the sunset time for your wedding day and plan your timeline accordingly. If you're having an outdoor wedding, remind your guests to dress for the weather. Consider incorporating seasonal decorations, food, and drinks.
Pumpkin and apple-themed desserts and drinks, candles, and bonfires are all popular choices for fall weddings.
