5 Unique Fall Wedding Ideas

The weather is starting to change as the new season approaches. You step outside your front door in the morning and notice a chill in the air. It’s time for sweater season: all things cozy and wonderful. For fall wedding ideas, however, comes a shift to vibrant jewel tones, nostalgic notions, and autumn wedding trends.

Why have a fall wedding?

Wondering what season is best to get married in? An autumn wedding can be the best choice, depending on your needs. Not only does the season usher in a beautiful display of earthy tones—think gold, rust, burgundy, and terracotta—but those hues are a stunning backdrop for your wedding pictures.

Lowering temperatures also means that you can get a bit cozy with your wedding attire. Layered looks and textured outfits can look so elegant. Additionally, you can also take cues from the season and incorporate pumpkins, leaves, and other natural elements into your decor.

Autumn also evokes a sense of reflection and gratitude as the days grow shorter and the holidays approach. Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the flavors of the fall season, including clove, pumpkin, and cinnamon.

No matter what type of event you’re planning, our fall wedding ideas will hopefully perfectly align with your plans for the big day. Whether you’re going all in for a spooky Halloween event or want an outdoor November fest, here are a few autumnal ideas to get you started.

5 Unique Fall Wedding Ideas

If you’re having trouble deciding on your wedding theme, are looking for unusual fall wedding colors, or need general information about small wedding ideas for fall, you have come to the right place. Here are 5 quick tips for fall wedding ideas.

1. Consider nontraditional fall wedding colors.

Traditional fall colors are harvest-centered, ranging in hues from burnt orange to golden yellow and maple red. You don’t have to go with the standard colors for your wedding. Instead, think outside of the box and consider unique fall wedding color schemes!

Purple is a huge trend. All shades of purple are lovely: maroon, lavender, sangria (please, hand one over), and plum. Romantic shades of nontraditional fall wedding colors will look wonderful on your bridal party. The decor will also pop. Lavender, vibrant fuchsia dahlias, and dreamy hydrangeas are perfect additions to your floral arrangements. Purple is perfect, or use it as an accent to complement neutral fall wedding colors.

2. Opt for an autumn outdoor wedding. 

Traditional church or concert hall weddings are beautiful, but have you ever been to a fall outdoor wedding? Oh my, they are a sight to see! Natural environments showcase their own beauty, often requiring no elaborate displays.

Fall foliage, gorgeous beach views, and garden sights are perfect spots as outdoor wedding venues. Keep the temperature in mind when considering fall outdoor wedding ideas, and be sure to dress accordingly, which brings us to our next point.

3. Dress for the cooler temperatures. 

With cooler temperatures setting in, make sure you think about not only your own comfort but your guests’ too. Fall in Virginia can drop as low as 48°F, but generally stays around 58°F. If the change in temp doesn’t bother you, great!

Just make sure to think about those who may be traveling from warmer states or those who can’t tolerate the cold weather. Offer them some suggestions! Fancy fur coats, warm cardigans, or long-sleeved outfits work wonders for cold weather. For your bridesmaids, consider dressing them in flannel sweaters for a fun, more casual wedding vibe. Velvet suits can be an option for the groomsmen.

photo by Banter Snaps

4. Get creative with your fall footwear.

Every little detail makes your wedding perfect! Shoes are just one minuscule part of the day, but they can be so much fun! Fall is the perfect time to get a little funky with your footwear, especially for an autumn wedding.

Instead of going for a sparkling high-heeled number, why not try country boots, tennis shoes, or custom-designed closed-toed shoes? Inspire your guests to tag along and wear their best and brightest shoes. Have a little fun. It will be something that your wedding party and guests will never forget. The last tip is to keep those toes warm and invest in closed-toed shoes, even for the simplest fall weddings.

5. Select seasonal foods for a budget-conscious wedding. 

When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are typically more affordable than at any other time of year. Use this to your advantage in your menu or when decorating with harvest wedding ideas.

Squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, and pears are just a few examples of fruits and vegetables in season during the fall. Pumpkin soup could be a great dinner item on the menu, or dried pears could act as ornaments on your wedding cake. Adding fruits and veggies to wedding decor is one of my favorite fall wedding ideas. Get creative, which is perfect for fall wedding ideas on a budget.

Fall weddings are stunning. The weather, the deeper shades and hues, and trends make for show-stopping weddings. While you’re in the midst of planning your big day, remember to enjoy every detail. All will love all of your careful planning and rustic fall wedding ideas. Happy days are ahead!

Save our autumn wedding ideas!

Rebecca Gutknecht is a substitute teacher by day and a creative blog writer by night. She enjoys all things travel, making it a point to take trips annually. With her artistic flair, she runs a small Etsy shop, Sparkle Drop, dedicated to sparkle and charm.