Autumn weddings might not be as popular as spring and summer celebrations, but they’re certainly some of the most unique and picturesque ceremonies that stand out from most others. Typically, engaged couples choose dates between May and September to celebrate their special days, mostly in hopes of sunnier and warmer weather that everyone can enjoy. The issue is that your chosen date could fall during a heatwave in the US, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees! Without an air-conditioned or indoor-outdoor venue, guests could feel uncomfortable in the extreme heat.
Choosing a date in Autumn eliminates that situation. Of course, you have to consider rainfall more than you would throughout summer, but luckily hundreds of wedding venues can accommodate the slightly unpredictable autumn weather conditions. Additionally, autumn weddings perfectly lead into winter honeymoons, where you can choose from a list of dream destinations to escape the winter darkness. In this article, we will share the ultimate guide to planning a romantic autumn wedding.
Choosing a Venue
Many believe autumn wedding venues are limited to indoor locations, but in fact, there are a variety of options that combine indoor and outdoor facilities and can be tailored to your guest list and budget. After all, it’s often the case that with the autumn season, we see calm, clear and sunny days, particularly in the early months of the season, which is why venues that accommodate both desirable and unpleasant weather conditions are great options for your special day. Popular autumn venues include converted barns, castles and gardens, and impressive manor houses and estates. These venues suit autumn weddings because they are often enclosed to stay warm and cozy inside, while still offering large windows and open-sided areas that maximize natural light. Decorating possibilities in these venues are endless, with natural timber, warm wood tones and rustic finishes that perfectly complement the autumn wedding colour palette. Because Autumn weather can be unpredictable, choose a venue that prioritizes guest comfort. Here are a few ideas of what to offer guests to improve their comfort:
- A warm welcome drink like a luxury hot chocolate or mulled wine
- Provide cozy blankets that guests can use if they get chilly.
- Organizing a wet-weather plan for any outdoor activities in the day, including a gazebo or function room option
- Providing a basket of umbrellas which guests can use when moving around the venue
Catering & Beverages
Just as your venue and wedding decorations should be tailored to the autumn season, so should your food and beverage choices. Some brides have suggested that with autumn weddings, there’s a greater variety of food and drink options to choose from, mostly because in the summer, when the weather is particularly warm, guests can be much pickier with what they’d like to eat, often looking for a light meal to enjoy on the day. Autumn is also a prime season for an array of different high-quality meats and spices. Options include venison, beef, lamb and duck, and in this season they’re known to be richer in flavour compared to the summer months. Here are some popular dishes often served at autumn weddings:
- Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon
- Pan-Roasted Duck Served With a Sweet Blackberry or Cherry Reduction
- Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto
As well as main courses, dessert options for autumn weddings often include firm favourites such as toffee apples, warm apple crumbles and artisan cheeseboards, offering something seasonal and delicious for everyone. You can also continue with the autumnal theme and offer guests a choice of signature cocktails featuring autumn fruits and spices. Here are a few ideas:
- Blackberry and Thyme Fizz
- Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
- Sloe Gin Bramble
Entertainment & Music
When choosing entertainment for your wedding, base it on what you, your partner, and your guests will enjoy. Some couples spend a significant portion of their budget on entertainment, especially if they’re big music fans or have a large guest list. Similarly, other couples may choose more subtle, more affordable entertainment. The best thing about autumn weddings is that there’s no particular type of entertainment that’s more suited to the season than others. You can expect to see live acoustic bands, DJ’s and outdoor fire pit sing-alongs that all go down a treat with guests.
Wedding entertainment isn’t limited to music professionals, as many couples choose more interactive options that get guests involved. This could include a seasonal tasting bar, offering whiskey, hot mulled cider and a bourbon tasting flight for guests to experience throughout the night. For weddings with families and young children invited, consider activity stations for the little ones, such as pumpkin painting or leaf art activities.
Photography
Most couples think the season your wedding takes place in doesn’t affect the photographer you choose for your special day. In reality, this is an important consideration because photographers who specialize in outdoor photography with sunny landscapes and bright, natural daylight may be less experienced in darker, more intimate settings. When choosing a photographer for your autumn ceremony, look for experience or specialties in low-light photography for the best-quality photo prints. It’s also a great idea to use the autumnal season to enhance your wedding photos. If it’s a dry, sunny day, your photographer may set up a frame that incorporates the rich brown and orange tones of autumn leaves, or use natural sunlight to create warm, atmospheric photographs.
If you’re considering the different seasons for your wedding date and looking for an option that is unconventional yet just as beautiful and magical as any other season, autumn could be the perfect choice for you.
