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Fall wedding season is one of my favorites! The cooler weather, cozy atmosphere, and beautiful colors make for such an incredible backdrop, but they also come with a few things that are easy to overlook while you’re planning. A little preparation ahead of time can make your wedding day feel much smoother, so here are a few of my favorite tips for couples getting married this fall. (Especially in Colorado!)
Build a Timeline That Works With the Sun
One of the biggest differences between a summer and a fall wedding is how much earlier the sun sets. Before you lock in your ceremony time, talk with your photographer about how much daylight you’ll have. A small adjustment to your timeline can make a huge difference when it comes to portraits, family photos, and making sure you aren’t racing against the clock.
Pack a Small “Just in Case” Bag
Fall weather loves to keep everyone guessing. It might be sunny and warm in the afternoon, then chilly by dinner. I always recommend packing a few extras that can save the day if you need them. Think a neutral wrap or jacket, comfortable shoes, hand warmers, lip balm, tissues, safety pins, and a clear umbrella. You may not use everything, but you’ll be happy it’s there if you do.
Put Your Details Together Before the Wedding
One of the easiest ways to make your wedding morning feel less hectic is by gathering all of your details a few days before the wedding. Place your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, perfume, shoes, vow books, veil, and any meaningful keepsakes into one box. That way, everything is ready to go when your photographer arrives, and you won’t have to search for missing earrings or your invitation while everyone is getting ready.
Have a Backup Plan You’re Excited About
If your ceremony or portraits are outdoors, spend a little time thinking through what happens if the weather changes. Instead of treating your backup location like a last-minute option, choose one you’ll actually be happy with. Going into the day with a plan already in place takes away so much unnecessary stress if the forecast decides not to cooperate.
Let Your Guests Know What to Expect
If your cocktail hour is outside, your reception is under a tent, or guests will be walking across grass or gravel, let them know ahead of time. A simple note on your wedding website can help everyone dress comfortably and arrive prepared. It’s one of those thoughtful details your guests will definitely appreciate.
Don’t Skip Golden Hour
Even if you’ve already finished your portraits earlier in the day, I always encourage couples to sneak away for a few minutes around sunset if the timeline allows. Fall light has such a beautiful warmth to it, and those few minutes often end up creating some of the favorite images from the entire gallery. It’s also a chance to step away together before heading back to celebrate with everyone you love!
Remember That the Day Doesn’t Have to Go Perfectly
Maybe the leaves haven’t changed yet. Maybe it’s windier than you expected, or your timeline shifts by a few minutes. Those things are completely normal, and they rarely affect the memories you’ll take with you.
Your wedding day isn’t about everything going exactly according to plan. It’s about marrying your best friend and celebrating with the people who matter most. If you focus on that, everything else tends to fall into place.
Fall weddings have such a special feeling to them, and with a little preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every part of the day without worrying about the little things. Trust the planning you’ve already done, lean into the season, and let yourself soak it all in. It’ll be here before you know it.
If you are planning your wedding in Texas or Colorado, I would love to help capture your day in a timeless and genuine way. Click here for more!
