Fall is quickly eclipsing summer as the most popular season during which to get married. If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon and get hitched in autumn, here are some tips for rocking the best seasonal trends:
Take Cues from the Foliage
The reds, yellows and oranges of changing leaves provide a great palette upon which to build your color scheme. Further play up the fall theme with a leaf motif, incorporating it into invitations and thank-yous with “Fall in Love” messaging. You can also use loose leaves and branches as an affordable and easy decorative element for tablescapes and centerpieces.
Mind the Weather
As a transitional season, fall can mean unpredictable weather—it could be warm and breezy or frosty and chilly, and you need to be prepared for either possibility. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception, try to account for colder weather by renting outdoor heating lamps and having a heated tent or room available for guests to warm up in as needed. Customizable fleece blankets and fluffy slippers also make nice gifts for the bridal party so they can stay cozy throughout the festivities.
Give in to Whimsy
Harness the natural romance of the fall season by employing thoughtful, rustic details. Handwritten signs and place cards add a personal touch to your reception area, while using items like chalkboards, vintage mirrors and twine as decorations can lend a charming feel to any venue. For a DIY shortcut, make use of these customizable chalkboard decals.
Eat Seasonally
Make use of pumpkin, apple and cranberry flavors, which are quintessentially fall and work well in both savory and sweet dishes for a cohesive meal from start to finish. Pair food with seasonal cocktails like a Moscow mule and serve the drinks in copper cups imprinted with your name and wedding date. Cap off the night by ditching the cake in favor of a new wedding dessert trend, fruit pies. And for a cute, creative wedding favor, send guests home with a custom leaf-shaped bottle of maple syrup and a recipe for pancakes with a note about how “sweet” they’ve made your special day.