I got married in October, so I have some firsthand experience with planning a stunning fall wedding. I thought it might be helpful to share some of my favorite fall wedding aesthetic inspo with all the newly engaged couples out there. The season is usually associated with pumpkin spice, haunted houses, and autumn foliage. But perhaps you’re looking for more of a chic twist on autumnal wedding decor. Read on for some ideas on how to channel the cozy warmth and dark drama of autumn without placing spiderwebs all over your wedding venue.
Fall Wedding Aesthetic Color Palettes
Black is always a cornerstone color for many wedding color palettes since it’s more formal, but I also think that introducing dark chocolate brown or caramel tones adds a luxe touch to your wedding. This works especially well if your wedding gown is ivory or off white. Vintage whites paired with brown will exude autumnal old money vibes, without being too rustic.
There are quite a few unique ways to introduce brown into your wedding color palette. An often overlooked element is through the furniture. A classic dark wood for the chairs elegantly pairs with white table linens. Wedding rental companies also have a selection of lounge furniture to choose from. Brown leather chairs for the reception and lounge areas will infuse the space with elegant comfort. Amber colored glassware can also add that classic warm autumn glow to your celebration. Keep the shapes delicate and minimalist to avoid a brewery look.
Fall Wedding Venues
Perhaps you love the dark drama that comes with the autumn months, but don’t necessarily want a spooky wedding. Gothic cathedrals and historic mansions can deliver on the autumn romance without feeling too “haunted house.” They offer a timeless elegance with details that will serve as a beautiful backdrop for your wedding. When searching for a suitable venue, include historic libraries, art museums, and private residences available for rent. Of course, anything built in the Victorian era will definitely deliver on the dark drama.
Fall Wedding Beauty Aesthetic: Dark Lipstick
Now that the wave of minimalist makeup has passed, women are experimenting more with facial contrast and bold makeup looks. The 90s were onto something with the brownish red lipsticks. Once the temperatures drop, a darker lip really defines a makeup look. I think this would work well for a modern bride’s makeup look as well. It’s elegant and memorable, and will add an editorial feeling to your overall look. Take swatches to find your perfect shade and wear it a few times in advance to decide if you’ll like the look for your wedding day.
Autumnal Wedding Flower Ideas
Fall foliage aside, the flowers in autumn also offer a stunning range of colors. Marigolds and mums may not be the most traditional wedding flowers, but they’re a beautiful choice for brides that want a warmer color palette. Consider pairing them with gold cutlery and moody lighting for a joyful celebration. These work best in large quantities, so embrace abundance and create entire flower archways.
Fall Wedding Aesthetic: Pattern Play
Wedding decor often shies away from patterns. And while it can be difficult to pull off, there’s also so much potential for creating a uniquely layered fall wedding aesthetic. You can take inspiration from fall outfits and then apply it to your wedding decor. Whether this means choosing a subtly printed napkin or a jacquard drapery moment, I encourage you to think outside the box! When combining multiple prints, just make sure they exist within the same color family without too much contrast.
Wedding Cafe
I always look forward to autumn because the coffee shop beverages at this time of year can’t be beat. Plus, I’m always looking for a little motivation to leave the warm embrace of the blankets. One way you can incorporate this fall tradition in your wedding is by having a cafe service at your wedding. People usually want a little caffeine as the night progresses to keep up on the dancefloor. Don’t just offer coffee, provide an entire beverage list, including espresso, hot chocolates, and chai lattes. Maybe even include a signature beverage with custom latte art! This makes every part of the wedding celebration special and infuses some autumn coziness into the night.
Fall Wedding Fireplace
If your wedding venue has a patio or space for some outdoor lounging, check to see if they allow electric firepits. The warm orange glow from the fire automatically creates a romantic fall ambiance and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Make sure to leave some blankets on the chairs for additional warmth. This is the perfect addition for guests who want to take a breather from the dance floor and look up at the stars.
Fall Wedding Aesthetic Inspiration
Fall is a gorgeous time to get married and some venues even offer discounts for booking a wedding date in what’s generally considered the off-season. I think all wedding designs work best when they work with the season, instead of trying to fight it. You just have to spend a little time looking for inspiration that fits your personal aesthetic! A few thoughtful details can capture the season’s feeling of abundance and moody romance. If you found this list of fall wedding aesthetic inspiration helpful, subscribe to my newsletter for more helpful wedding planning tips and style guides!