Weddings

7 Mistakes Brides Make When Planning An Outdoor Fall Wedding

August 23, 2017 by Blair Donovan
shefinds | Weddings

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September and October are two of the most popular wedding months, and with good reason. The weather's just right, the outdoor backdrops are stunning, and everyone just loves fall in general. Outdoor fall weddings can be magicial, but also risky. Check out 7 planning mistakes you need to avoid at all costs if you want to go the outdoor route.

 

[Photo: Shutterstock]

fall wedding dress

Not considering the falling leaves. Depending on when you set your fall wedding date, the ground might be doused with fallen leaves. This might not seem like a big deal, but think of your dress! Leaves and a long, lacey, white hem make for a big tangled mess. Protect your skirt at all costs, especially from any twigs or branches that could tear it. Plus, if the leaves are wet, that's a whole other hazard.

snowy wedding

Not weighing in unpredictable weather. Fall weather is great...until it's not. In some places, it's been known to snow as early as October. You really never know what you're going to get in terms of fall weather on any given day. If you're worried about Mother Nature potentially ruining your outdoor wedding, research the historical weather and temperatures for your desired wedding date.

fall wedding decor

Not using seasonal decor or colors. Nature in the fall has a much more subdued color pallette, so plan your wedding color scheme accordingly. As much as you love pink or light blue, these slightly vibrant colors won't mesh well with your outdoor surroundings. Stick to colors like navy, burgundy, or hunter green.

indoor fall wedding

Not having an indoor space. Even if it's just as a backup option for crummy weather, you need some sort of indoor or covered space available for your outdoor wedding. You can rent a tent or relocate to a nearby venue for dinner and maximum dancing room.

monogram wedding blanket

Not keeping your guests warm. Your guests are kind enough to sit through your outdoor fall wedding, no matter the weather, so do them a favor and hand out wedding favors they can actually use to stay warm. Gift your guests with comfortable blankets, embroidered with your monogram or wedding date, so that that they don't freeze their butts off.

 

[Photo: Etsy]

warm wedding reception drinks

Providing only cold beverages. Everyone loves a good cocktail, but you might want to reconsider serving ice cold champagne at an outdoor fall wedding. Along with providing cozy wedding favors, serve up spiked hot chocolate or apple cider. Make sure you also have non-alcoholic versions to accommodate any non-drinkers. 

fall wedding sun setting

Not considering the time of day. When you're planning your wedding 1-2 years in advance, you tend to forget about the little details, like the fact that the sun sets earlier in the fall. This means less time to capture photos in the daylight, and even chillier temperatures come nightfall, which is why you need to move the festivities to an indoor (preferably heated!) venue after the ceremony when the sun sets.

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