Fall - can you believe that fall is around the corner? Fall is known for its crisp air and the season that directly follows summer. In the pacific northwest, the temperatures can drop and the air becomes brisk. Fall is the perfect time for a wedding. It’s the start of football season, it’s a time to incorporate seasonal decor, and it’s the start of the holiday seasons. With fall comes many pros and cons to hosting your nuptials during this season.
We love fall weddings for the:
Change in seasons and foliage
Seasonal blooms and decorative accents
Lower temperatures
Color pallets and seasonally inspire decor
One other perk for fall weddings, is depending on where you are located in the world, fall may not be a desired season – whether the temperature lows or lack of daily, fall may mean that rates are lower for vendors.
With the arrival of fall, there are some disadvantages to selecting the season:
With fall comes less daylight - bye daylight savings
Calendar conflicts
Weather may be unpredictable
Even if the majority of your wedding guests are Cougar or Huskie fans with the occasional football Saturday, hosting your wedding in the fall can be absolutely breathtaking. So, let’s explore all the ways to execute the perfect fall wedding.
#01: Choose your Timeline Wisely
As we say goodbye to daylight savings, you will need to consider your wedding timeline and align it with the right time of day. You will want to coordinate with your photographer about the predicted sunset to obtain the fall, golden hour photos, and plan on holding your ceremony slightly earlier in the day. We recommend 3PM or 4PM if you plan on saying “I do” before the sunsets. If you’re shooting for an evening wedding, 5PM or 6PM will be the perfect ambience for your evening fall wedding.
#02: Explore the Autumn Color Palette
The BEST thing about fall are the colors. We’re all about coppers, burgundies, creams, dark blues, jewel tones, neturals, and of course - GLITTER. Fill your fall theme with warm tones that play on the beauty of fall. You’ll want to stay away from pastels or summer hues and embrace the coziness of fall.
#03: Make the Season Work with You
Fall has an abundance of seasonal items that can be opportunities for seasonal decor. We highly recommend buying what is in season, whether visiting the farmers market or local farm, utilize what is in season to keep your costs lower. We love the idea of farm to table and reducing waste. You can incorporate what is in season with seasonal decor, such as dahlias, sunflowers, pumpkins, and more. You can even work with your caterer to create a cozy dinner menu complete with vegetables that are in season such as turnips, squash and sweet potatoes. Or, you can even offer seasonal soup - such as butternut squash or chowder to keep your guests warm. And, let’s not forget about the seasonal fruit! Not only are fruit an excellent, vibrant menu addition but it can be a colorful decor.
#04: Say Yes to Seasonal Blooms
With the beauty of fall comes seasonal blooms. Over the decade, we’ve had so many brides use what nature has to offer. This includes picking up some bouquet from the local farmers market, like the beautiful Pike’s Place Market. Take a stroll down the market in the seasons and you’ll see vibrant and rich blooms fill the space. (This is seriously our favorite time to visit the market). You can find dahlias in deep, rich reds and oranges, garden roses in cream hues, and anemones with their gorgeous black centers. Don’t forget sunflowers – they are sure to brighten up any bouquet. So, don’t skip the autumn foliage. Say yes to what’s in season and make them a part of your bouquets and arrangement. Seasonal blooms are not only gorgeous but affordable.
#05: Make it a Fall Affair
At the end of the day, make it a fall affair. Don’t be afraid to bring autumn right to your guests. Fall flavors are so delicious, and it’s the perfect accent to add to your wedding day. Send your guests away with in season fruit, candied apples, fair donuts, scones, or even mini pies. Add an interactive fireplace with a s’mores station to set the mood.
So if you’re planning a fall affair, don’t skip on the fall vibes. Plan according to the weather and time, use the autumn resources around you and make it a fall affair. You have the opportunity to give your guests a fall affair, so don’t skimp on it. Let fall seep through all the facets of your wedding day. Have fun and don’t forget to love fall.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.