While a wedding is certainly a wonderful cause for celebration any time of the year, there's just something special about fall weddings in particular. For many of us, fall is the time of year we look forward to most, and with good reason. The weather is just right--not too warm, but not too chilly yet, either. Something about the changing foliage makes everything feel just a little bit more magical, as well. What better time to start a new life with the person you love most in all the world?
Even so, pulling off the perfect fall wedding still calls for some savvy planning. Here, we'll go over the essentials you need to make your upcoming fall wedding picture perfect. We'll cover what to wear and what to make sure you have on hand. We'll also go over some tips for setting the perfect mood.
Beautiful and Trendy Fall Wedding Looks
Whether you're in the middle of planning a last-minute fall wedding yourself or looking for the perfect outfit to wear to someone else's, it goes without saying that you've got to look fantastic. The following are just a few of this year's trendy fashion must-haves that would be right at home in a fall wedding setting. Which ones grabs your attention?
Off the Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder looks are already terrific choices for any wedding since they are so romantic, graceful, and stylish. They're also great picks for fall, as it's not yet too chilly to show off the last of your summer tan. Plus, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are very much in fashion this fall for dressy and casual occasions alike.
You don't necessarily have to be the bride to rock an off-the-shoulder look, either. An option like this mocha off-the-shoulder dress makes an elegant (and comfortable) fashion choice for a style-conscious guest. Pair with a mid-weight wrap in a complementary color just in case the temperature drops unexpectedly.
Lovely in Yellow
You can never go wrong with a neutral color palette, but sometimes you just need a little color in your life. If that sounds like you, then you'll be thrilled to know that sunny, cheerful yellow is one of the hottest colors to incorporate into your wardrobe this fall.
It's also perfectly suited to an autumn wedding, whether you're looking to outfit your wedding party or simply looking for something lovely to wear to the reception. Think simple but lovely shift dresses or chic pant suits in shades like goldenrod or honey. Add complementary accessories in shades like coffee, auburn, or rust for a look that's beautifully pulled together for the season.
Retro Footwear
Of course, deciding what to wear from a wardrobe standpoint is one thing. Deciding what to put on your feet is another, especially during a season that can sometimes bring unpredictable weather. Naturally, you don't want to show up in strappy sandals if it's chilly or knee-high boots if it's still unseasonably warm on the day of the wedding.
Fabulous retro footwear options like this French-inspired stacked heel are the perfect happy medium. They provide the perfect amount of coverage while remaining perfectly elegant and stylish, no matter what you've decided to wear. They're comfortable enough for dancing the night away. Plus, they're versatile enough that you'll wear them again and again throughout the season.
Plunging Necklines
These days, more brides and wedding guests are choosing plunging necklines for special occasions. Try striking a beautiful balance between time-honored tradition and modern-day flair with a gown in a classic shade like eggshell or taupe but featuring an ultra-deep neckline that really flatters your figure.
Not part of the wedding party, but eager to give the plunging neckline trend a try anyway? Try a deep-V blouse or dress in a classic fall jewel tone like emerald or plum.
Whimsical Embellishments
The embellished look has been in style for several seasons running, and it's showing no signs of losing steam now that fall's here. Think elegant details like over-sized floral accents, 3D butterflies, pretty medallions, or sparkling gemstones! You'll definitely see plenty of embellished looks at just about any wedding you attend this fall.
Look for dresses, wraps, and footwear that add depth and a sense of whimsy with unique stand-out details that complement the rest of your look. Alternatively, you style a simple dress for the occasion with thoughtful accessories like brooches, hair ornaments, or a statement necklace.
Shimmery Metallic Accessories
The bright, glittery metallics you loved all spring and summer long are still in fashion for fall. They're especially perfect for evening weddings. Just picture an outdoor ceremony that plays out at twilight, complete with ensembles or decor options that shimmer gently as the sun sets!
You can choose from standard metallic tones like bronze, gold, or silver, but rose gold is also an excellent choice for a fall wedding. If you are unsure about metallic fabrics, try subtle accents like metallic beading or accessories that pack plenty of shimmer, instead.
Metallic shoes always look festive. For instance, these metallic heels from City Classified will let you dance the night away while still looking like a million bucks!
Simple Must-Haves for a Ceremony to Remember
Pulling off the perfect fall wedding is about a lot more than simply making sure you look dazzling. If you're in charge of planning a wedding this fall, it's important to realize that it's often the little touches that takes a ceremony from good to great. The following are just a few stellar ideas to keep in mind.
Natural Venue
If you're lucky enough to live in an area that's filled with trees that change color in the fall, make the most of it by choosing a venue that features a natural foliage. After all, no season shows off Mother Nature at her very best than fall. Just think of how magical and picturesque the wedding photos will be!
Worried about it being too cold and wet on the day of the wedding to do everything outside? Recreate the same autumnal ambiance indoors with natural decorations like fall-toned garlands, gourds, and wooden accents. Don't be afraid to be creative!
Cozy Accessories
As lovely as fall weather can be, you'll definitely want to plan ahead for any possible fickleness, especially if your wedding will be taking place outdoors or later in the season. Not only can it hurt your carefully planned ambiance, but it's challenging to select the right ensemble that is perfect for pictures and the lively night ahead.
It's thoughtful to offer some stylish ways for the wedding party to keep cozy in case the big day turns out to be unexpectedly damp or chilly. Faux fur capes, pretty cardigans, or elegant wraps are all excellent ideas. We're personally in love with this graceful cardi-wrap in cider! Options like seasonal booties in neutral colors or scarves that match the rest of your color palette are all great items to keep on hand to keep everyone comfortable.
Thoughtful Wedding Favors
While you're busy considering how you'll keep the bridesmaids and wedding party comfortable and warm, make sure you don't forget about your guests! Consider choosing wedding favors that might come in handy should there be a chill in the air at the reception.
While you're free to get creative, blankets, throws, or wraps make especially good options for fall weddings. Your guests will be able to snuggle up underneath them and enjoy the festivities in comfort. Then they can take them home and enjoy them forever as souvenirs of the wonderful event.
Comfort Food
Don't simply assume that because you're planning a wedding, only standard menu fare should be served. One of the best things about fall is the delicious comfort food that's officially back on the table for the season. What better reason than a wedding to partake in all your favorites?
In addition to a more traditional wedding cake, consider building a dessert table filled with seasonal staples like carrot cake, pecan pie, candied apples, or fruit crumbles. If the bride and groom have time-honored family recipes that have been handed down for generations, feel free to add them to the table as well.
Seasonal drinks like hot apple cider or mulled wine make excellent additions as well. Consider keeping seasonal drinks perfectly warm with thermal tumblers and chasers your guests can take home with them.
More Fall 2017 Wedding Trends to Consider
Looking for even more ways to keep your upcoming fall wedding perfectly trendy this year? The following are some more stylish ideas to consider. Remember, it doesn't have to break the bank in order to make the occasion memorable. A little creativity goes a long way!
Unique Invitations
Wedding invitations are a lot more important than many people realize. Consider the fact that they're a guest's first impression of what to expect from the upcoming celebration. For that reason alone, it's important that they be as unique as every other detail you're planning.
This year, trendy couples are getting their guests excited with invitations that truly break the mold. Think glow-in-the-dark ink, pretty embellishments, or hand-drawn illustrations! Anything that really stands out is fair game, so let your creativity run wild.
Non-Traditional Colors
If you're tired of the neutrals and pastels that have been traditional wedding staples for decades, fall is the absolute best time to get married. However, you don't necessarily have to stick to a traditional autumnal palette of golds, rusts, and auburns, unless that's your preference.
Pantone's Color of the Year is always an excellent choice for any wedding, and this year it's called "greenery." Not only is the shade vibrant and earthy, but it provides a beautiful contrast to the warmer tones that are sure to be present in the fall. Some of this year's trendiest weddings will include it in every aspect of the decor, from the table linens to the floral arrangements, to the party favors.
Interactive Feasts
If you're not sure a traditional sit-down spread is right for the wedding, you're definitely in luck this year. People love nothing more than an accessible, interactive dining experience these days. It's one of the biggest trends of the 2017 weddings season.
Planning an elegant ceremony and reception? Consider including options like an oyster bar complete with attendants shucking the shellfish on demand or a sommelier to handle personalized wine recommendations. If you're working with a shoestring budget or simply looking to create a cooler, more casual ambiance, alternative options like food trucks and taco bars are also incredibly popular this year, especially among millennials.
Itineraries That Break the Mold
As more wedding parties start to embrace the unconventional, it's not uncommon to start to see some changes in the actual line-up of events. Think cocktail parties and snacks before the wedding ceremony gets underway or non-traditional schedules that spread a celebration across several consecutive days! Whatever the choice may be, it is sure to create a magical event that people will remember for years to come.
Autumn isn't just a great time to plan or attend a picture-perfect seasonal wedding. It's an ideal time to create something truly magical and unique. Between the dramatic natural background and the season's best fashion trends, a fall wedding is always something special!
