Fall is a majorly popular time of year for weddings and we can absolutely understand why: cooler temperatures, gorgeous foliage, and there just seems to be an added element of coziness and warmth in the air!

While fall weddings can be incredibly magical, there are definitely some things to keep in mind and mistakes to avoid so your special day goes as smoothly as possible. Read on for our top tips and 7 mistakes to avoid for your outdoor fall wedding!

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Mistake #1: Not Keeping the Weather in Mind

Fall weather can be so perfect with it’s mild temperatures, soft breeze, and lots of overcast days (hello, gorgeous picture lighting). However, fall weather can get inclement fast so you’ll need to consider what the average weather is at your venue location in your selected month. In many areas, it can snow as early as October!

Have a backup plan in place in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on your big day. Ideas include:

• Alternate indoor space for ceremony/reception
• Tent option
• Heat lamp rentals for extra chilly days or nights
• Have a basket of blankets and hand warmers for guests to use
• Hot drink station

Mistake #2: Not Keeping Your Guests Warm

This mistake goes hand in hand with not considering the potential for bad weather on your fall wedding day (see previous mistake). Fall can bring some chilly days and nights so including some complimentary options for guests to keep warm during the ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour can go a long way in making them more comfortable!

Include a hot drink station, blankets, fur or other heavy-material wraps, hand warmers, and even heat lamps and/or fire pits for guests to warm up.

Mistake #3: Not Using Fall Color Palettes

While this isn’t a hard and fast rule, fall colors typically look best in, well, the fall! Pastels and bright spring/summer colors can often look out of place in the fall season. Fall also provides the opportunity to use richer, more earthy tones and heavier fabrics than other months to help reflect the intimate warmth of the season.

We love rich burgundy, burnt orange, warm olive green, decadent gold, and classic navy colors for fall wedding color palettes! There are so many fall color options to choose from.

Mistake #4: Not Having Hot Beverage Options

Who doesn’t love to sip a hot beverage on chilly fall days? Giving guests an option for hot drinks provides variety and also helps them warm up during an outdoor event. Include a hot cocoa bar with lots of optional mix-ins and toppings, or a hot cider station. Depending on the crowd, you may even want to let guests spike their hot drinks with their alcohol of choice – it is still a celebration after all!

Mistake #5: Not Considering Fallen Leaves

This may seem like a small detail compared to the rest of the wedding, but fallen leaves is definitely something that should be taken into consideration for fall weddings. The ground covered in leaves can make it hard to walk on in your heels, can get caught on the hem of your dress or veil (and even tear or snag it!), and wet leaves will be an even bigger nuisance.

Talk with your venue and wedding coordinator for a game plan. Perhaps they can make sure the aisle is clear and photo spots are free from leaves. If there’s no plan in place, just be extra careful with your dress and keep the hem off the ground in those leaf-covered areas.

Mistake #6: Not Considering the Time of Day

Weddings are usually planned so far in advance and have so many moving parts, little details like time of day can be swept aside. When having a fall wedding, keep in mind the sun sets earlier than summer weddings. The angle of the sun can also be problematic depending on your venue’s location and how the venue sits on that property.

The best way to make sure your lighting is perfect is to visit it at the time of day you’re considering in the month you’re considering, or having the venue take pictures for you. You may also be able to find photos of other couples that got married there in the fall of years past, and if you like the lighting in their pictures you can see if the venue can track down the time of day for you in their records.

Mistake #7: Not Using Microphones

This mistake applies to all outdoor weddings: not using microphones during the ceremony. Being outdoors will make it hard for guests to hear, especially if they’re sitting towards the back. Make sure you & your officiant both have microphones so that guests can hear the ceremony readings and your vows.

You can speak with your DJ/MC about making these arrangements and if they include it in their services. It really is a must-have for any outdoor wedding!