Summer in the PNW is probably my favorite season, and yet once the end of September rolls around and pumpkins start popping up around shops I get so darn excited for fall and all of the wonderful things autumn brings! Fall is increasingly becoming a more and more popular choice for weddings and it’s not that surprising! With the cooler temperatures, and a sun which sits a bit lower in the sky for the whole day, your wedding images often look spectacular!

There are a few things to consider when planning a fall wedding, so I’ve gathered a few tips together for you to take full advantage of your autumn wedding day!

Fall Wedding Tip #1

Add pops of bold color to your florals and wedding details!

In the autumn the greenery tends to be a bit more muted in saturation and there aren’t quite as many pops of color from the various flowers which are no longer around in the fall. To keep the color in your autumn wedding, you can go a bit more bold with your florals, ties, pocket squares or even bridesmaids dresses.

Normally I caution brides from choosing deeper reds and oranges as colors for bridesmaids dresses or as the main color in their bouquets in the summer. The reason for this is that in the summer the sun is quite strong so the light tends to reflect colors in a much stronger way than during the fall, winter or spring. These strong reflections can show in the face and you can get red and orange discoloration on lighter skin which isn’t something you want!

In the fall however, the sun is further away, so you don’t have nearly the trouble with reflecting color that you have in the summer, so going bold with your colors won’t cause any trouble in that respect! Adding pops of bold reds and oranges also make some of the more muted hues of the fall more exciting, and also compliment any colorful foliage that has turned to golds, reds and oranges in the trees!

Fall Wedding Tip #2

Take full advantage of incorporating fall touches in your wedding decor!

There is a reason the whole world seems to go “pumpkin-spice crazy” as soon as the fall rolls around! There are so many amazing elements to fall that people love! The pumpkins, fall leaves, plaids and autumn hues just bring with them a feeling of coziness and love!

Adding in fall-themed elements to your decor will add a cozy element to your wedding, making everyone feel right at home!

Fall Wedding Tip #3

Make sure to plan in ample portrait time while the sun is sill up!

Especially in the Pacific Northwest, the fall brings a surprisingly early sunset time, so you won’t have that safety net of having extra evening light to fit in any additional bridal portraits. Unless you are planning a very early ceremony, I would highly suggest using a First Look and getting as many portraits done prior to your ceremony as possible. If you are still on the fence with a First Look or aren’t sure why that would benefit your wedding timeline, take a look at my blog which goes over First Looks here.

The wonderful thing about the light in the fall is that you almost get that gorgeous “golden hour” glow throughout the entirety of the afternoon, so having your portraits earlier in the day still gives you that romantic low lighting to swoon over in your bridal images.

Most wedding ceremonies start 5-15 minutes late, and in the fall those 15 minutes can mean that the later half of the time you’ve allotted for post-ceremony portraits could be after sunset. Needing to use flash in the last half of your portraits will then create a less-than consistent feel to your overall wedding images.

Work with your photographer to plan enough time for your portraits while that gorgeous autumn light is still in the sky and you’ll end up with the most amazing images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

Fall Wedding Tip #4

Make sure to prepare for those chilly autumn evenings!

Especially if you have an outdoor area for your wedding or for a portion of your reception, you’ll want to add in a few ways for your guests to keep toasty.

Adding in a nice campfire, hot coco or cider station, or a basket with blankets allows guests to warm up as they chat and enjoy toasting some s’mores or sipping on a warm cocktail.

For yourself, consider adding in a lovely jacket to your wedding look! You certainly don’t have to keep your jacket on for every portrait, but adding in a funky embroidered jean jacket or an elegant faux fur short coat will not only keep you warm, but also add in an extra style kicker to those images you choose to don it in!

Fall Wedding Tip #5

Take advantage of all the yummy fall dessert options of the autumn!

The fall brings about some of my absolute favorite dessert choices! Pies, cinnamon tarts, pumpkin cupcakes and all of the wonderful autumn flavors are treats that are incredible, taste amazing and are fantastic options for your guest’s sweet tooth at your reception!

Pies can be topped with berries which compliment the other pops of color in your bouquets and other wedding decor. Pumpkin cupcakes can be sprinkled with autumn hues to carry your fall theme through the dessert table as well!

Bonus Tip!

Don’t forget to plan a backup plan for those fall rains that may drop in on your wedding day.

At least in the Pacific Northwest, when the fall temperatures drop, the wetter weather tends to arrive as well. Planning a rain backup plan is crucial for a fall wedding and will leave you feeling much calmer if the forecast does include some drizzling.

The most common and easiest rain backup plan includes tents for coverage and clear umbrellas, but for a more detailed list of tips to prepare for rain, check out my blog on rainy wedding days here!

If you are planning an autumn wedding I hope these tips help you to make the most of your big day! If you are still searching for a photographer to fit into your fall celebration don’t hesitate to drop me a note, I’d love to chat!