Friends, it’s almost the season of the autumn outdoor wedding.
Yes, I know, it’s still summer. However, autumn, my favorite season of them all, is coming up. And, with autumn, comes weddings. Next to summer, the fall is the most popular time of year to have a wedding. This is especially true in the months of September and October. During those months, the weather tends to be warm, and somewhat predictable. However, there are still some tips you’ll need to know if you are having an autumn outdoor wedding.
The beautiful thing is, if you’re prepared, you can have a wedding outdoors any time of year. Of course, with autumn weddings, you’ll need to have a plan in case of extreme heat, wind, or rain. For most locations, you may be able to avoid snow or cold weather, but you never know. Let’s be prepared for those, too. Anything can happen when it comes to having an autumn outdoor wedding.
Autumn Outdoor Wedding Tips For Any Kind Of Weather
This post is going to give you all the tips if you are hosting an autumn outdoor wedding. I’ll go over what to do if your wedding day is hot, cold, rainy, or windy. I will also share what you should plan for if the weather is perfect for your fall wedding. As someone who got married in early November in California, expecting the weather to be amazing and ending up with cold and rain, I know firsthand what you’ll need to do in order to stay in control no matter what. Pick and choose what works for you! And, of course, be sure to watch the weather forecast as you get closer to your wedding date.
Let’s get into it.
WHAT TO DO IF IT’S QUITE HOT OUTSIDE AT YOUR AUTUMN OUTDOOR WEDDING
Friends, I know that the term “hot” can mean a variety of temperatures based on your location. However, whether you’re dealing with a super dry oven-like day in northern California, or a sticky wet heat in Florida, there are some basic tips you should follow.
For starters, heat means your guests need hydration. So, be sure to have lots of cold water handy for them. It should be available before your ceremony, and all throughout your wedding. Big jugs of water is key here, so guests can help themselves. Cold drinks, popsicles, and cool refreshments will also match the weather.
Additionally, shade can go a long way. Umbrellas, tents, and shade structures will make your guests comfortable. Based on your venue, you’ll have to look at your options. Buying umbrellas right before your wedding may be a lot easier than constructing a shade structure. When in doubt, also provide hand fans for guests, or cool cloths.
If you think your autumn outdoor wedding may be quite warm, dress your wedding party appropriately. Light colors and fabrics are key for the groomsmen. Bridesmaids in knee-length sleeveless dresses, with their hair pinned up, will be weather appropriate. Also, be sure to take photos right after everyone is dressed with hair and makeup done. With the heat, their look is bound to be affected.
WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS AT YOUR OUTDOOR WEDDING IN THE AUTUMN
Oh, the rainy wedding day. This totally describes my wedding day. Luckily, we didn’t have a downpour all day long, but we did have lots of rain early on. It made everything wet and cold afterwards. It also caused me a lot of stress as we were originally supposed to get married on a lawn, outside. Some last-minute accommodations from the venue brought us indoors for an intimate and romantic ceremony. In the end, our ceremony space turned out better than planned, but it was still anxiety-inducing at the time.
First things first. If it’s going to rain on your autumn outdoor wedding, see if you can move your wedding inside. This may be for just your ceremony, just your reception, or both, depending on the weather and your options. If moving the wedding indoors isn’t an option, see if you can rent a tent. Tents can provide a wonderful respite from rain while still allowing your wedding to be elegant. If neither option is available, you may need to either change your ceremony time, move your location, or just deal with the rain by providing your guests umbrellas, poncho’s, and other rain shields.
Other considerations for rain would be to provide women some heel protectors if they are walking in heels on grass. Additionally, waterproof mascara, some heavy duty hairspray, and good quality primer to set makeup will keep everyone’s hair and makeup looking as fresh as possible.
WHAT TO DO IF IT’S COLD DURING YOUR AUTUMN WEDDING
Okay, so we know what we should do for heat and rain, but what about if it’s cold at your autumn outdoor wedding?
Cold, of course, is subjective. As someone who has lived in Canada and California, I know that certain people acclimate to their climates, and the temperature outside is all about the person, not the actual number. However, for the purposes of this tip, let’s go with the scenario that the majority of your guests will think it’s cold outside. The temperature may be unseasonably cool, or it may be the norm for your location. In either situation, it’s time to keep guests warm.
I once wrote a whole post on keeping guests warm at a winter wedding, and you can find it here. While that post goes deep into tips, I will summarize the main points. If the weather is cold at your autumn outdoor wedding, you’ve got to keep guests warm. This can be done with warming stations that provide blankets, hand warmers, and heaters. You may also want to provide shawls, scarves, gloves, or ear muffs.
Additionally, you can be thoughtful about the food you serve at your wedding if it’s cold outside. Warm cocktails, teas, coffees, and even warm water can help your guests warm up. For tips on cocktails for a cold wedding, check out this post.
And, last resort, if it’s really cold, see if you can move inside or set up a tent. Your guests will thank you.
WHAT TO DO IF IT’S WINDY AT YOUR AUTUMN OUTDOOR WEDDING
Wind is no fun. It can make everything dirty, dusty, ruin a good hair style, and blow your beautiful set up down. Unfortunately, wind is a definite risk for an autumn outdoor wedding. When the weather changes, the wind arrives.
To combat against wind, look ahead to see if it’ll be a windy day. If it will, strap everything you can down, as best you can. This may mean that you bring in extra paper weights to hold down napkins. Or, you put tape at the bottom of baskets or signs so they stay put. Your wedding ceremony arbor may need extra reinforcements. The point here is to look at everything you’ll have at your wedding and note if there’s a way to apply extra weight to it.
Another strategy for wind is to move your wedding to a location where the wind may be blocked by a wall, trees, or building. This all depends on the direction the wind is blowing and your venue’s options.
When it comes to your wedding day look, you need to have the right supplies so wind doesn’t ruin it. Put some small weights on your veil to hold it down and prevent it from becoming the center of attention during your ceremony. Get some heavy duty hair spray and pins for yourself and your bridal party so your hair can stay in place. And, be sure to have eye drops and waterproof mascara to remedy any debris coming into your eyes.
As one last tip, be sure to cover all your outside food in the event of wind. Not only can wind knock down trays, but it can blow things into the food. Some netting covers, or even foil, can go a long way.
WHAT TO DO IF IT’S PERFECT WEATHER AT YOUR OUTDOOR WEDDING IN THE AUTUMN
Oh, here’s a fun concept. The weather at your autumn outdoor wedding may be absolutely perfect.
And, if it is, that’s amazing! It’s the appeal of getting married in the fall, right? However, there may be some ways to make your wedding that much more incredible.
For example, still be sure to provide some shade. The sun can be warm in autumn, and shade is always appreciated. This can be achieved with umbrellas, a shade structure, and of course, a tent. Additionally, have a mix of cool drinks and warm food. Or, warm drinks and cool food. Do it all!
Furthermore, bugs can still be buggy in the fall. Some bug spray, citronella candles, and other bug repellants can help keep your guests comfortable. And, be sure to watch for the change in temperature. It’s entirely possible for your guests to be warm during the day and cool once the sun goes down. Some fans early on, and blankets for later, may be appreciated.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR AN AUTUMN WEDDING
Now that we’ve gone over all the possible weather outcomes for your autumn outdoor wedding, I want to share some additional takeaways. The tips below are meant for anyone getting married in the fall, just in case.
- The weather can be unpredictable in most places, so be sure to have a plan for sudden changes.
- The sun will set earlier than in the summer, so play up that golden hour. This is the hour before the sun sets. The sun is at a great angle for photos, and this is the perfect time for your cocktail hour.
- Be prepared with some cool and warm accessories ahead of your wedding, just in case. For example, fans and blankets.
- Have a tent priced out and ready to go. Tents can come in handy for any weather event.
- Watch the weather leading up to your wedding and communicate with your venue. They have probably seen it all before and can help you form a plan if needed.
- Have a plan for clearing leaves out of the way. Fall means lots of foliage, and this can be a slip hazard and clutter up your aesthetic.
THOUGHTS ON HAVING AN AUTUMN OUTDOOR WEDDING
Friends, if you are hosting an autumn outdoor wedding, congratulations in advance! Fall is by far my favorite season, and I think it’s an incredible time of year to have a wedding. Be sure to look ahead for potential weather issues, and have a solid plan in case the weather is not in your favor. Your guests will thank you, and your wedding will be that much better. Happy wedding planning!
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