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Spotlight: Embracing Autumn in Washington

10 expert tips for planning the perfect fall wedding

October 28, 2024

Autumn represents a beautiful time of change, serving as a poignant reminder that endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings. As the leaves transition from green to a kaleidoscope of amber, crimson and gold, the season embodies renewal and fresh starts. From rich color palettes to cozy décor, there are countless ways to infuse your special day with the essence of fall. Here are 10 expert tips to guide you in creating a stunning autumn-inspired wedding.

1. Embrace Earth Tones

Desiree Jones from Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering emphasizes the beauty incorporating natural tones: “We love when our fall table settings can embody a "from the earth" look. This means sticking to neutrals and natural tones for decor, such as jute, wicker, and wood, with splashes of oranges and rusts. We took this look a step farther by adding in living potted plants in rustic terracotta pots.”

2. Bring the Outdoors In

Karly Davis of The Edgewater Hotel highlights the sophistication of seasonal greenery: “One of my favorite ways that couples incorporate fall elements into their wedding is through elegant centerpieces with seasonal greenery. I love how lush florals paired with greenery create a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere. Including elements like eucalyptus, branches, and autumnal shades (such as warm whites and muted greens) gives a beautiful nod to the season without feeling too thematic. It’s a refined way to bring the outdoors in and infuse that fall feeling into the reception space."

3. Incorporate Seasonal Produce

Using seasonal fruits in your wedding décor can evoke the essence of fall beautifully. Madison Henrie from Seattle Wedding Show states, “Using seasonal fruits in your wedding décor is such a beautiful way to capture the essence of fall. Imagine tables styled with antique trays filled with grapes, berries, figs, and other seasonal fruits—bringing a natural, cozy feel to your celebration. Add vintage brass goblets and baskets overflowing with fruit, and you’ve got an inviting, old-world vibe that’s perfect for the season. Not only does it look stunning, but it also adds a personal, thoughtful touch that your guests will love. It's an easy way to bring the warmth and richness of fall into your wedding day.”

4. Enhance Your Bridal Look with Warm Tones

As you prepare for your big day, think about incorporating warm, autumn-inspired shades into your makeup. “As a Bridal Makeup Specialist, one of my favorite ways to incorporate fall elements into your wedding is by utilizing warmer fall colors like soft browns and rose gold shades on the eyes with cozy pinks and subtle browns on the lips and cheeks, shares Kayla Okpareke from . "As our Summer tans begin to fade, we tend to lose the natural glow to our skin. To ensure you're glowing in your wedding photos, I recommend asking your Makeup Artist to incorporate colors that will warm up your complexion and bring life back into your skin. Additionally, using a bronzer with the appropriate undertone can make the world of difference!”

5. Celebrate the Harvest

Desiree Jones from Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering also notes the charm of a harvest-themed wedding: “We love leaning into the feeling of a bountiful harvest for fall weddings and events. For example, our fall menu inspiration shoot featured handfuls of fresh fall produce that looked as if they had just been plucked from a garden. Using wooden crates for displaying dishes and decor added to the earthy, farmer's-market aesthetic.”

6. Let Nature Inspire Your Venue

Danielle Crowson from Georgetown Ballroom shares how her venue naturally embodies fall: “At our venue, our courtyard trees turn into vibrant Fall colors that lend a natural fall element to our weddings. Our clients have also added fall touches by bringing in assorted colorful vintage water goblets and floral accents. Georgetown Ballroom’s gorgeous brick, handmade lanterns and reds and oranges throughout the venue make our venue the ideal space for Fall weddings with little need to add lots of additional décor.”

7. Offer Signature Drinks

Michelle Rankin from Tipsy-Trailer Mobile Bartending suggests crafting signature drinks that reflect fall’s essence. “Some of our favorite ways to incorporate fall elements into wedding design is to create signature drinks that hold the colors and smells of the fall season. Using a cinnamon smoke on the classic old fashioned, or adding pumpkin spice to the fan favorite espresso martini. Creating a drink to match the colors of the falling leaves, or using amber and olive green glassware are also a great way to showcase the fall and highlight its beauty through our Tipsy cocktails.”

8. Draw Inspiration from the Season

Ashley Stender from The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa encourages couples to embrace seasonal beauty: “At The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa, we're fortunate to be surrounded by the quintessential beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We especially love when couples draw inspiration from the natural colors of our hydrangeas as they transition through the season. Incorporating these hues into a wedding color palette brings out the full spectrum of their beauty, capturing the delicate, muted tones that reveal themselves over time. It’s a stunning reminder that there is beauty in every stage of nature's cycle."

9. Design Cozy Lounge Areas

A cozy lounge area can transform your wedding atmosphere into a warm, inviting space. Karly Davis of The Edgewater Hotel suggests, “I love seeing cozy lounge areas either by a fireplace or under a tent. These intimate setups combine comfort with elegance, offering soft seating with plush pillows in neutral tones, paired with rich floral arrangements. It creates a welcoming space where guests can relax, and the warm lighting along with seasonal flowers makes it perfect for a fall evening, adding an inviting and cozy vibe to the celebration while creating an appealing outdoor space even in those colder weather months.” This thoughtful addition encourages guests to relax and enjoy intimate conversations.

10. Incorporate Rustic Feasting Tables

For a rustic, yet elegant touch, consider using farm tables into your reception setup. “Farm tables are the perfect look for a fall wedding because they evoke the warmth and nostalgia of the classic extended family dining table during the holidays," states Desiree Jones from Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering. "Accentuate the season with orange, brown, or rust decor and your reception tables can feel elegant and inviting even with minimal decoration.”

^{Photo by Mandee Rae}