I worked a wedding on Saturday and, even though I was sweating like crazy, when the wind blew, I could feel fall on its way. I like riding boots, plaid, and puffy vests. I’m a chai, caramel, and s’mores girly. I exclusively order seasonal menu items (when available). Cozy candles smell the absolute best. I love fall. I’m not quite ready for fall fall though. I.e. Pumpkins, orange, yellow, and red, apple cider. I want to feel a little chill but I don’t want to decorate for Halloween yet. This Muted Fall Wedding is perfect for the late summer/early fall period (though you could definitely use it all the way through the season). There are nods to autumn without being explicit.
Colors
For colors, we’re going heavy on the “muted.” There are still typical fall colors like mustard, burnt orange, olive, burgundy, terracotta, and rust, but the focus is on the peach, sage, amber, cream, and beige. I recommend cream or beige table linens with pops of color in the napkins, glassware, or candlesticks. Sage in greenery or décor works well to soften the look of a tablescape or bouquet. Peach offers a color in between beige and terracotta to add some contrast without straying from softer colors.
I haven’t done this before, but I would even go so far as to recommend a photography style. A photographer and their editing can contribute to the color palette of an event. I would avoid high contrast or light and airy styles. Instead, someone who specializes in low contrast, sepia tones, cross processing, or film photography would be a great choice. Of course, you can pick any photographer whose aesthetic you love, but photography can really contribute to the overall look of a wedding.
Décor
This wedding is not rustic. No raw wood edges, burlap, hammered metal, or lace. I only mention this because another one of my fall weddings leans farther into bright and rustic. On that same note, there are no pumpkins or autumn leaves (once again, see this fall wedding if that’s your jam) My muted fall wedding is somewhere in between elegant and bohemian.
For the elegant- glass, jewel toned goblets, brass candle holders and tall candlesticks, and highly curated tablescapes.
For the bohemian- Touches of rattan, minimal pampas grass, sage green eucalyptus, and flouncy stems.
All of this contributes to a very romantic feel.
Some florals that lend themselves to this season and aesthetic are bunny’s tail, peach dahlias, and champagne roses.
What the Main Two Wear
A bride could lean into either the elegant or bohemian side with her outfit. I think an off white, cream, ivory, or champagne would be beautiful next to the rest of the muted color palette. This is one place where I think a larger, whimsical lace would be appropriate. A large, freeform bouquet would be a perfect accessory.
A groom could wear a sage, peach, or tan suit. I wouldn’t incorporate any of the darker colors here (such as olive, burgundy, or burnt orange), in order to enhance the muted colors. A pocket square, tie, boutonniere, could incorporate those other colors.
Wedding Party
My favorite looks for the bridesmaids are when each takes a different color- terracotta, sage, olive, peach, champagne, or burnt orange.
Groomsmen could similarly pick all of these colors, (not matching the bridesmaid whom they are paired with) or, all wear a lighter color like sage or tan.
Food
Similar to the décor, the food is an abstract representation of fall. No sweet potato pies, caramel apples, or pumpkin spice. Instead, I would have charcuterie and grazing tables with late summer and early fall foods like peaches, grapes, melons. Nothing too heavy or hot. Dessert featuring the color palette would be a lovely touch.
This time of year is so beautiful. The nights are a bit cooler, the leaves on a few trees are just starting to change while most remain green, and the excitement of holidays are just around the corner. It is my hope that this design encapsulated that transitional period. Stay tuned- up next is a fall event design that is anything but subtle.
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