PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE
Gather, eat, repeat. October is only a few days away and after what felt like a long sticky summer, we're seriously falling for fall.
Alongside embracing cooler temperatures, dreaming up Halloween costume ideas and Sunday night football, fall is the perfect time to utilize natural tones and earthy textures. And that famous golden hour just before sunset where the light looks otherworldly? It's every photographer's dream!
Pumpkin spice everything aside, fall brings a sense of comfort and familiarity that is perfect for any gathering or celebration. Hoping for an outdoor wedding? You'll be kissing the humidity goodbye before you kiss your new spouse! Not ready to give up your patio hangs? No need. What better place to enjoy a cup of cocoa with loved ones?
Whether it be rich hues and seasonal foods or decadent desserts and a hot chocolate station, we love how our sweet couples have embraced the turning of the leaves over the years.
So, you're sold on fall but worried that your event might feel too thematic? Don't stress, there are plenty of ways to decorate without going full fall frontal.
Grab a PSL and scroll on for our top five ways to style a fall wedding.
1. Style
Ah, the never ending quest for the perfect bridesmaid's dresses continues. The struggle is real, and it can be extra tough when you're competing with a strong seasonal aesthetic. Not to mention considering the individual styles and personalities of all your girls.
If falls fiery hues feel a little too loud or matchy-matchy for your taste, consider more sleek and subdued colors such as neutrals, navy, gray, burgundy, or even black. Chic!
Guys can embrace the turn of the season with a little fall fashion flair of their own, too! Mix it up with a stand-out suit in hunter green or navy and don't forget to play with a variety of fabrics!
Don't want to heavily commit to a certain color? No sweat! Have a little fun by including a printed tie, pocket square, or socks in your ensemble instead.
2. Decor
If you're an autumn aficionado, you already know that fall is the most popular season for weddings. With September being the most popular month to get married and October close behind in third, options for fall decor are plentiful and loved by many.
Venues are often at their most beautiful during the fall with plenty of breathtaking backdrops at the ready, perfect for scenic ceremonies. One of our favorite times of year is fall on the riverfront at The Bridge Building. The skyline is aglow with golden light and the surrounding scenery is washed with warm tones.
Embrace the season right from the get-go and treat your guests to a preview of your gathering with a mood-evoking, foliage-inspired invitation suite. Just like our couple Meredith + Taylor did.
For tabletop decor, traditional fall favorites such as pumpkins, apples, cinnamon sticks and acorns make fun, festive additions to any centerpiece or table setting.
Looking for a less obvious choice? We're cuckoo for candles! Set the mood with elegant additions such as tall taper candles, lanterns, natural foliage and even real trees.
Worried that your favorite flowers will be napping? The bad news is that cult favorites like peonies are out, but the good news is that garden roses are in and are just as decadently feminine. And they come in plenty of sweet shades, too!
Going for a darker, moodier vibe for your florals but unsure where to start? Meet your new best flower friend, Chocolate cosmos! These deep brown perennials are almost black with some leaning more towards the deepest of burgundies.
These sweet stems are the perfect way to incorporate deeper tones to any fall arrangement. They will give your overall aesthetic depth and dimension without looking, well, dead. Easy now, we're not that into Halloween, folks!
Photography: Matt Andrews, Darcy Ferris, Miss Alysse Wedding Photography, Sally O'Donnell
3. Lighting
Often overlooked, lighting can make or break your vibe. Spread ample cheer with an amber color wash that mimics fall's gorgeous golden hour. Not only will it add to your seasonal decor, but it'll also warm up your venue in all the right ways, keeping guests comfortable at all times.
Photography: Krista Lee
4. Menu
Calling all comfort food to the table! Treat your guests to a taste of fall with seasonal selections. With plenty of fresh produce readily available as fall kicks off, festive and flavorful menus are the name of the game.
Need a little nosh inspiration? We can help! Our balsamic grape and apple salad with candied pecans and cider honey vinaigrette is the perfect way to begin your fall feast.
To follow, Infinity fall favorites like tomato bisque and mini grilled cheese, pumpkin risotto, cranberry feta bruschetta, and slow-roasted lamb loin with cranberry mint pepper jelly are sure to leave guests feeling more like a turkey on Thanksgiving!
Photography: Sara Bill
5. Dessert
Here in the south, pie reigns supreme. Celebrate the season and make your guests feel at home by forgoing a traditional wedding cake and opting for pies instead. And is there truly anything more representative of fall than a big pumpkin pie? We think not. All we ask is that you save us a slice!
Photography: 30 Miles West, Jen & Chris Creed
