Fall weddings are magical. Especially in New England! The crisp air, vibrant leaves, and cozy atmosphere make for a perfect backdrop. If you’re planning a wedding during this season, you’re in for a treat! Here are some tips to help you throw the best fall wedding in New England.
1. Embrace the Season’s Colors
Fall is all about rich, warm colors. Think deep reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. Incorporate these into your wedding decor. Use autumn-colored flowers in your bouquets and centerpieces. Add touches of gold or copper for a bit of sparkle. The colors of fall are already stunning, so let them shine in your wedding!
2. Choose Seasonal Decorations
Pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves can make beautiful decorations. They’re also budget-friendly! Place them on tables, along the aisle, or at the entrance. Consider using hay bales for seating in outdoor areas. Lanterns with candles can add a cozy, romantic glow. Don’t forget about blankets! A basket of warm throws can be a nice touch for guests to grab if it gets chilly.
3. Serve Seasonal Food and Drinks
Fall is the season of comfort food. Think about incorporating seasonal flavors into your menu. Serve butternut squash soup, roasted vegetables, or a hearty stew. For dessert, consider apple pie, pumpkin spice cake, or caramel apples. Warm drinks are a must. Offer hot apple cider, spiced tea, or even a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and whipped cream.
4. Consider the Weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s chilly or raining. Prepare for all possibilities. If your wedding is outdoors, have a plan B. Rent a tent or reserve an indoor space just in case. Provide blankets or wraps for guests. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the weather forecast as the big day approaches!
5. Dress for the Season
Fall weddings are perfect for layering. Brides can opt for long-sleeved gowns or add a stylish shawl or jacket. Grooms can wear suits in rich, autumnal colors like burgundy or forest green. For the bridesmaids, consider dresses in warm tones with wraps or shawls. Comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear is also key, especially if your wedding is outdoors.
6. Incorporate Fall Scents
Engage your guests’ senses with the smells of fall. Use scented candles or diffusers with autumn-inspired scents like cinnamon, apple, or vanilla. You can also incorporate these scents into your food and drink choices. Nothing says fall like the smell of warm apple pie or spiced cider!
7. Choose the Right Venue
New England offers plenty of fall venue options. An outdoor ceremony surrounded by colorful leaves is stunning. A rustic barn can provide a cozy, intimate setting. Vineyards and orchards are also great choices, offering natural beauty and seasonal charm. When selecting a venue, consider how it will look in the fall. Make sure there’s plenty of foliage or other seasonal elements to set the scene.
8. Time It Right
Fall days are shorter, so plan your wedding timeline accordingly. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, aim for mid-afternoon when it’s still light out. This will also give you plenty of time for photos before the sun sets. An earlier ceremony means you can transition smoothly into the reception as the evening cools down.
9. Capture the Beauty of the Season
Fall offers some of the most beautiful natural backdrops for photos. Work with your photographer to take full advantage of the season. Plan for golden hour shots to capture the warm, soft light of the setting sun. Don’t forget to get some shots among the fall foliage. The colors will make your wedding album truly stand out.
10. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Fall is all about coziness. Make sure your wedding reflects that. Use warm lighting, such as string lights or candles, to create an inviting ambiance. Provide comfortable seating areas with plush pillows and throws. Consider setting up a fire pit or outdoor heaters to keep guests warm. Your wedding should feel like a warm, welcoming retreat on a cool autumn day.
11. How a DJ Elevates a Fall Wedding
A DJ plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your wedding, and this is especially true in the fall. The right DJ will understand how to read the room and adjust the music to match the cozy, laid-back vibe of the season. During the cocktail hour, they might play soft, acoustic tunes that complement the fall atmosphere. As the evening progresses, they can transition to more upbeat tracks to get everyone dancing.
A good DJ also knows how to keep the energy going, even when the temperature drops. They can play crowd-pleasers that get people moving and warm. Plus, a DJ can help coordinate the flow of the evening, making sure that everything runs smoothly from the first dance to the final song. They can even incorporate some fun fall-themed music into their playlist, adding a unique touch to your wedding.
12. Don’t Forget About Favors
Send your guests home with a little taste of fall. Consider seasonal wedding favors like mini pumpkins, jars of homemade jam, or apple cider donuts. You could also offer personalized blankets or cozy socks for guests to take home. These thoughtful touches will leave a lasting impression and remind your guests of the cozy, autumnal celebration.
13. Plan for an Early Evening
Since fall days are shorter, consider ending your wedding a bit earlier than you would in the summer. An early evening departure allows guests to enjoy the festivities without feeling like they’re out too late. Plus, it gives you a chance to make a grand exit under the stars, with a backdrop of twinkling lights or sparklers.
14. Coordinate the Details
All the little details add up to make your fall wedding unforgettable. Consider fall-inspired invitations with leaves or pumpkins. Use natural elements in your place settings, like wood slices or acorns. And don’t forget about the cake! A fall wedding cake could feature flavors like spiced carrot, apple, or pumpkin, with decorations that match your seasonal theme.
15. Think About the Experience
Finally, remember that your wedding is an experience, not just an event. Think about how your guests will feel from the moment they arrive until they leave. Greet them with warm drinks, offer plenty of cozy spots to relax, and make sure the music, lighting, and decor all work together to create a memorable experience.
A fall wedding is all about embracing the beauty and warmth of the season. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to throwing a celebration that’s as cozy, vibrant, and unforgettable as the season itself. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and get planning!
