Our Top 10 Favorite Wedding Expert Tips for an October Wedding

Are you planning an October wedding this upcoming fall? There are many wonderful reasons to celebrate your nuptials during the fall season! However, that doesn’t mean celebrating your wedding during the month of October is the same as if you scheduled your wedding date for May.

If you want your day to go off without a hitch, you have to make sure you plan your day with the season in mind. Here are a few tips from the experts on everything from food to décor, and venues to attire that will make sure your big day is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Apple Cider Margarita: Wedding Chicks, Cinnamon Roll Wedding Cake: Pure Wow, Rustic Fall Bouquet: Rustic Wedding Chic

      1.  Colors

Some obvious hues come to mind when you’re searching for the perfect October wedding colors. Deep plum, rusty orange, and navy blue are popular colors, but Ashley Douglass of Ashley Douglass Events encourages you to go beyond color and consider texture.

“When you are thinking about color, also keep texture in mind: stucco, wood, stone, paper qualities, metal, cotton, silk, etc.” For an October wedding, that might mean incorporating wood and burlap instead of silk.

      2.  Food

A wedding just isn’t a wedding without food. If you’re planning your wedding this October, you have the opportunity to let fall flavors inspire you.

Tyler Speier, an event planner at Tyler Speier Events, suggests using seasonal flavors, like butternut squash. October wedding food ideas include serving smooth soups, a hearty stew, and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Don’t forget dessert! By all means, order a wedding cake if you want, but if you want to do something a little different, consider serving warm fruit pies, apple turnovers, or serve a cake made of cinnamon rolls on a geometric cake stand.

      3.  Drinks

Some drinks, like beer and wine, can be served at nearly any wedding, no matter what time of year it takes place, but you’re really missing out if you don’t take advantage of seasonal flavors.

Some of the best October wedding ideas include serving drinks like apple cider. Not only is it something the kids will enjoy, it can also be spiked with a variety of liquors, transforming it into a fun adult beverage. Mulled wine, pumpkin cocktails, and wine flavored with pear are also great drinks for an October wedding.

      4.  Flowers

There’s nothing like fall wedding flowers. Take advantage of blooms that are recommended by the pros at Viviano Flower Shop by choosing flowers like zinnias, dahlias, sunflowers, safflowers, celosia, and amaranthus.

Just don’t make the mistake of thinking that means other flowers are out of the question when designing your October wedding bouquet, boutonnieres, and other flower arrangements. You can still incorporate flowers that are popular all year round, like baby’s breath and roses.

      5.  Decorations and Centerpieces

One of the best tips for brides looking for October wedding decoration ideas? "You don't have to have a Halloween or Thanksgiving theme to have pumpkins in your wedding," Amanda Dawbarn of 100 Layer Cake says. “These centerpieces are subtle and seasonal."

October is the best time to plan a rustic fall wedding. Valarie Falvey of Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design says, “When we think of fall, we think of a cozy atmosphere with rustic influences. Incorporating wooden tables into your reception layout adds an amazing homey feel, not to mention that candles, flowers, and greenery always stand out beautifully on them!”

Rustic Cabin Wedding: Junebug Weddings, Bride in a Fur Shall: Wedding Dresses Guide, Hot Chocolate Wedding Favors: Weddings Online

      6.  What to Wear

Many brides often ask, “Is it too cold to have an outdoor wedding in October?” It’s never too cold to have an outdoor wedding, as long as you’re prepared! October wedding dresses that feature long sleeves are best, just in case the weather is chilly. Faux fur shawls and jackets can keep everyone in your bridal party warm, even if the temperatures are low.

Don’t forget about accessories! "Instead of a veil or a tiara (which) have been popular in recent years, some brides now are wanting to go to a crown with flowers," Ruth Hempel, owner of Forth Floral, shares. Capelets can make sleeveless dresses look more seasonal, while bronze jewelry with champagne sparkles can add fall flair to your wedding day look.

      7.  Location

October wedding venues can be located indoors or outdoors, as long as you’re prepared. If you want to get married outdoors or hold your reception under a tent in a field, make sure you have blankets ready for guests and heaters to keep everyone warm.

Depending on the location you choose, you may have to be flexible about your date. For example, why is October 19 a popular wedding day? Mid-October is a beautiful time to get married, and the weather is more likely to be agreeable. Plan your date early or late in October for more options. Otherwise, start planning early for a mid-October wedding.

      8.  Ceremony

There couldn’t be more differences between a May vs. October wedding. First, October wedding décor tends to be moody, while May décor tends to be light and cheerful. You’ve also got to consider possible scheduling conflicts in the fall that you wouldn’t have to consider in the spring.

The experts at the Knot have made a list of all the dates to avoid over the next few years. It might involve avoiding Yom Kippur, or an unlucky date, like Friday the 13th. Of course, it also means avoiding certain football games, if members of your family are big fans.

      9.  Reception

When it comes to October wedding reception ideas, think outside the box and choose a venue that can do more than serve dinner and host a DJ.

“Couples take advantage of the cool weather by picking venues that can accommodate their guests onsite – think cabin or ranch-style venues,” says Anna Price Olson, senior editor at BRIDES. “Normally, they'll host events such as a pre-wedding movie night or organized group activities, such as wine tasting and hiking at the venues.”

      10.  Favors

Don’t forget to send your guests home with something when your wedding is over! Danielle Aspromatis of d’Luxe Events suggests, “yummy seasonal treats for dessert or for favors! S’mores, hot chocolate bars, hot apple cider, maple syrup, candy apples. Your guests will love these nostalgic treats of their youth!”

Useful October wedding favors are likely to be a huge hit too. Think scarves, blankets, and flashlights, if your outdoor reception will go late into the night.