Click to shop; Image via @octaviab_
There’s nothing quite like hosting a wedding in the fall. It’s the time of year when the weather has begun to cool down a bit, but it’s still nice enough to enjoy outdoor activities. The trees are beginning to change, making for one of nature’s most beautiful color palettes. And the food and drink menu is unmatched (hot toddies, anyone?) 

But with the change of season, it’s important to know and keep track of a few key details. The most obvious example, as you’re probably aware, is that keeping a close eye on the weather is imperative, depending on where you live. Weather restrictions aside, your fall wedding color scheme, bridal looks, decorations, and cocktail menu will likely look different than your bestie’s, who celebrated her wedding in June. 

Whether you are just beginning your planning process, or are putting the final touches on your perfect night, we rounded up some of the top trending outdoor wedding ideas for the 2021-22 season that are sure to make your fall wedding one your guests won’t soon forget!

Click to shop; Image via @tiffaniwithaneye

Choose a Versatile Venue

Before you can solidify your wedding details, it’s important to book a place that offers versatility. Keep track of the weather patterns in your area when booking a place. If you live in a city that has inconsistent weather, especially in the fall, consider booking a wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor mingling options.

Some great choices include barns, greenhouses, parks with pavilions, or country clubs. That way, if your wedding day sees a little rain or other inclement weather, your guests will have a place to hang out at a moment’s notice. 

Customize your Wedding Decorations

Fall weddings allow for some amazing decor ideas. From the floral designs to the tables and chair settings, a beautiful fall day can serve as the perfect backdrop to your outdoor wedding. Begin by using your bridesmaids’ color palette to determine what the rest of your setup will look like.

Common fall colors include earth tones, rich complementary colors like burgundy, burnt orange, rust, and mustard yellow. A new color trend emerging is bold, fresh, and fun colors. No need to stick to just whites and creams: Feel free to jazz up your fall wedding reception with light blue hues, rose gold, or emerald green.

Click to shop

Try Mismatched Seating

We all know and love the chic trend of mismatching your bridesmaids’ dresses. Take your unique taste to the next level by coordinating some mismatched seating. Feel free to get creative with it, and offer seating that matches your fall aesthetic.

Play into your deepest cottagecore fantasies by dressing your venue up with wicker chairs covered in your floral arrangement, white vintage couches with gold accents, and comfy mustard yellow armchairs. Not only will it set the scene for your beautifully decorated night, but it will also look amazing in photos. 

Consider a Brunch Wedding

Brunch weddings are the hottest trend to hit the wedding scene this year. And why not pair everyone’s favorite Sunday activity with your fall wedding?

Take advantage of the early afternoon daylight and host the best brunch ever. Your wedding guests will fall in love with your  “build your own bloody and mimosa” bar for cocktail hour.  And the food, of course, can be anything you’d typically order at brunch: From savory to sweet, the options are endless–and quite frankly, much cheaper. 

Click to shop; Image via @lisamarieprang

Have Fun Outdoor Activities

No outdoor wedding is complete without fun fall activities. During your cocktail hour, set up some lawn games that you would normally play during tailgate season. Bags (AKA cornhole), ladder ball, bocce ball, and croquet are all great options.

Anything that makes you think of fall should be considered. Not much of a game person? Try setting up a s’mores station for when the sun goes down. Bonus points if you can orchestrate a real fire, and encourage your guests to tell their favorite stories while lounging on an Adirondack chair. 

Curate a Unique Cocktail List

Autumn is hands down the best time for cocktails. The warming flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, honey, and baking spices make for some amazing drinks that top any season. If you are planning a wedding in the earlier fall months when the weather is still fairly warm, keep your menu traditional, but add a few fall touches. For example, experiment with a caramel apple martini, pear mimosa, apple cider cocktail, or a spicy autumn sangria.

For the colder months, offer your guests something that will keep their hands warm. Examples include mulled wine, boozy pumpkin hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and hot toddies. When curating the wine menu, consider adding wine that contains notes of smoke, spice, and jam–-all things that remind you of what you love about fall. Some great options include Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah. 

We want to see your fall wedding details! Show us on Instagram @lulusweddings using #lovelulus #lulusweddings and shop Lulus wedding dresses, wedding guest dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and more in our Weddings Shop!