October Weddings
Summer is officially behind us, and fall is in full swing.
Advantages
- No holidays to compete with (unless you’re Canadian and you celebrate Thanksgiving in October!)
- Temperatures are cooler, but still warm enough for outdoor photos.
- Hurricane season is drawing to a close and there’s little chance of snow.
- The leaves are changing color, which makes for great photos.
Disadvantages
- It may be fall, but some vendors may still be charging peak-season prices.
- Higher chance of unpredictable weather.
- It’s hurricane season in the tropics, which can impact your honeymoon (and future anniversary) plans.
Decor
Take advantage of this gorgeous season by incorporating undeniably autumn textures and accents in your event decor, such as bright colors reminiscent of changing leaves. Don’t be afraid to use actual leaves in your decor either! Or for a tidier alternative, paper leaves add a DIY touch without the risk of crumbling or trailing in residual dirt.
Dark lanterns also add ambience to your tables and event decor. Arrange them with warm and dramatic pillar candles for added glow. Flannel is another great addition to your table decor—it’s warm and cozy, which makes it perfect textile for when the temperature starts to cool off a little.
When it comes to florals, rustic tin vases filled with dried wildflowers and other seasonal greens are perfect for October. You can also include other fresh seasonal blooms, such as:
- Crab apples
- Pepperberries
- Dahlias
- Marigolds
Woodland elements like branches, wooden serving dishes, placemats, or pedestals, as well as birch-wrapped vases (or even cakes iced to mimic birch bark!) are textural and can complement both rustic and elegant decor themes. Pinecones and acorns are other wood-adjacent accents that can be incorporated into your floral arrangements and stationery design.
If Halloween is your favorite holiday of the year, pumpkins are Halloween-esque, and they don’t need to scream “boo” at your guests. Mini pumpkins and gourds make great table decor, while white or painted pumpkins can add a hint of elegance.
Colors
It may be fall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate bright colors into your palette. The autumn season begs for rich hues—the trick is to balance rich jewel tones or with contrasting neutrals:
- Burgundy: Burgundy is both rich and fairly neutral, and it’s gorgeous for a fall wedding. Brighten it up with blush, or add some glam by pairing it with gold.
- Shades of Gray: Add dimension to this classic monochrome palette by using bright orange accents, or even muted blues or blush pinks for a subtler effect. Dark plum tones are also very dramatic and on-season.
- Burnt Orange: This distinctly fall tone gives a nod to the changing leaves. If orange isn’t your style, try using a bright red instead, or pair it with a muted teal or dark purple.
- Chocolate Brown: This dark neutral is warm and inviting. Pair it with green, bright orange, purple, or teal.
See them together:
Paper and Stationery
Invites for an October wedding will be sent mid-summer. Strike a balance between summer and autumn using these ideas:
Leaf Motifs: The leaves are starting to fall! Toss a few paper leaves into your outer envelope, or incorporate leafy colors or motifs into your stationery design.
Kraft Paper: Kraft paper is perfect for fall weddings. It’s light and summery, but rustic and warm for autumn. Pair it with dark, warm shades like rich purple for an autumnal look.
Metallic Envelopes: The glimmering sheen of a metallic envelope adds brightness for summer, but gives you an opportunity to incorporate darker, richer fall tones.
Aromatics: Toss a piece of cedar or rosemary into your envelopes for an extra touch of wintery charm, or attach a small sprig to your placecards, programs, or menus.
Keep Reading
Get our decor, color palette, and paper suggestions for every month of the year! Keep reading our month-by-month guide:
