Planning a Fall Wedding

With the crisp temperatures and abundance of natural beauty, fall is an ideal time of year to exchange your vows. In most places, the weather is still mild enough that you can choose from either indoor or outdoor sites. This allows you to have gorgeous fall foliage as your backdrop for your ceremony and reception. Because the weather can vary, though, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as a covered tent or alternative indoor site, in case the weather becomes unfavorable. 

Regardless of whether you choose an indoor or outdoor location, you can fully embrace rich color palettes, rustic decor and comfort foods while celebrating the season's cozy aesthetic. 

Keep in mind that September and October ceremonies are extremely popular, so you should book a date at your favorite wedding venue far in advance. If you need some inspiration, Weddings at Baywood has put together some of the best fall wedding ideas to help you get started preparing for your special day.

The Best Fall Wedding Flowers

Fall wedding flowers tend to take on a more rich and rustic appearance. This season is the time to embrace those dark shades of plum, burgundy, rust and emerald green in your bouquet and table, altar and aisle arrangments. To balance out some of the deeper, more luxurious shades, you can add in a few touches of gray or cream as well. 

Some of the best flowers for fall wedding arrangements include dahlias, marigolds, sunflowers, anemones, astilbe and asters. For a natural touch, you can incorporate oak leaves, berries, acorns, scabiosa pods and dried grasses. 

The arrangement of your flowers can also make a big difference. Typically, arrangements take on a more natural, wild and rustic look in the fall months. So, go with less structured arrangements and allow the natural shape of your foliage, fillers and blooms to take center stage. For the perfect finishing touch, secure your blooms with a jewel-toned or velvet ribbon.

(Check out our Complete Wedding Guide)

What to Add to a Fall Wedding Menu 

Fall wedding menus are all about warm, filling comfort foods. Choosing a harvest-themed menu means you can take advantage of some of the freshest and most flavorful dishes of the season. 

A harvest table filled with farmhouse cheeses, cured meats, bread and crackers serves as the perfect appetizer. For your main entree, choose dishes ranging from wild mushroom tartlets or Cornish game hen "under the brick." Of course, don't forget about the many fall-inspired vegetables you can choose from, such as honey bourbon-glazed carrots, cider-glazed root vegetables, turnip au gratin and truffled whipped butternut squash. 

Your drinks, both nonalcoholic and alcoholic, can also embrace the coziness of the season. Have a hot cocoa bar filled with an assortment of marshmallows, stir sticks and garnishes. For the adults, you can celebrate your big day with apple cider cocktails, mulled wine or hot buttered bourbon. 

Your desserts and wedding cake can feature a rustic style as well. Whether you choose a naked tiered cake or one with rough buttercream icing, incorporating flavors such as apple spice, pumpkin, gingerbread or red velvet can help round out your fall theme and tie everything together. 

What to Wear at a Fall Wedding

Getting married in the fall means your wedding party can don rich jewel tones and heavier fabrics while staying comfortable and stylish. From lace to satin and silks, you have a wide range of dress fabrics to choose from. Fall is also the perfect time to wear an elegant long-sleeved wedding dress and floor-length bridesmaid dresses. 

Groomsmen can opt for darker suit shades and accessorize their look with fall-inspired boutonnieres, metallic-accented cuff links and deeply hued or even plaid-patterned bowties.

Fall-Inspired Party Favor Ideas

In keeping with the season, treat all your guests to some fall-inspired party favors. Decorative pumpkins with each of your guest's monograms will be something they can use and enjoy year after year. You can also gift cinnamon-scented pinecones or rustic wood-scented soy candles. To help those attending your wedding stay warm and cozy as the temperatures start dropping, consider gifting everyone flannel blankets.

There are also countless edible fall-inspired party favors you can pass out. Individually wrapped caramel or candied apples will be a hit with guests of all ages, while mini apple cider and pumpkin donuts can satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Also, apple cider or pumpkin spice latte mixes inside copper mugs are other great treats inspired by the rich, cozy flavors of the season.

Plan Your Dream Fall Wedding With Weddings at Baywood 

If you've been searching for the perfect venue to get married in the fall, Weddings at Baywood is ready to exceed your expectations. We are proud to be one of the only premier venues in Coastal Delaware offering multiple indoor and outdoor locations on our property. We have the perfect location for you to host your fall ceremony and reception no matter your wedding size, style or budget.

If you'd prefer to have an indoor wedding, choose from our newly remodeled and classically styled ballroom or our historic, wood-paneled library. If you'd like to exchange your vows outdoors, we offer a romantic ceremony garden, paver patio or veranda to choose from. If you'd like a bit more protection while still being able to enjoy our landscaped and manicured grounds, we also offer a large tented reception option. 

Because we are an all-inclusive venue, our team is available to guide you every step of the way. From deciding where to get married in the fall on our property to catering and florals, we help you handle every detail and transform your wedding vision into a reality.

If you have any questions or are ready to start planning your September or October wedding, fill out our contact form and we'll get in touch with you soon.