7 Fall Wedding Trends You'll Love, From an Expert Planner

Fall Wedding Trends You Won't Want to Miss

 

Autumn is now the most popular time of year to get married, with more couples tying the knot in October and November than any other month. Fall weddings promise a sweet mix of cooler weather, natural color, and family gatherings, making them a perfect choice to celebrate. 

 

We spoke with wedding planner Lisa VanHorton of Lisa VanHorton Weddings to learn about the fall wedding trends she’s seeing this season.

 

Related: Officiants: Adapt Your Business as Climate Change Fuels More Fall Weddings

 

 

7 Fall Wedding Ideas From an Expert Wedding Planner

 

1. Intentional Spending 

 

“I’m seeing a trend where couples are choosing to splurge on a few priority details—such as live music, an unforgettable band, or a wow-factor element like ice luges [for cocktails], or a live painter—while being more cost-conscious with aspects that aren’t as meaningful to them. 

 

This intentional approach allows couples to allocate their wedding budget in a way that reflects their values and creates a celebration that feels both personal and memorable. I would say similar budgets [to previous years], but more awareness of where they spend their money,” VanHorton says.

 

Get inspired! Get tips on how to include live painting, caricature drawing, and other ‘wow-factor’ elements to add to your wedding day: 

 

♦ Beyond the Band: 5 Unique Wedding Entertainment Ideas 

 

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Extravagance is in -- in moderation. Couples are being intentional when and how to splurge on the wedding day. (Photo: pvstory / iStock)

 

 

2. Silk Flower Arrangements & Fresh-Floral Alternatives

 

Silk flowers aren’t trending yet, but with massive tariffs looming around every corner, VanHorton says this is an emerging trend to watch. We've definitely seen more interest in paper flower wedding bouquets lately, and this might be one reason why.

 

“One main area where tariffs could impact couples is florals, especially those imported internationally,” she explains.

 

We expect this to include a wide variety of popular wedding flowers, such as roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, lilies, and sunflowers, as it’s estimated that 80-88% of all flowers sold in the U.S. are imported.

 

“This has the potential to significantly affect both floral budgets and the variety of blooms available. If costs rise,” VanHorton predicts, “some couples may choose to steer toward high-quality, realistic silk florals or scale back on heavy floral designs in favor of more budget-conscious alternatives.”

 

Get tips on how to prepare for tariffs: 

 

♦ How Will Tariffs Impact the Wedding Industry for Vendors & Couples?

 

 

(Photo: Redheadedhornet / iStock)

 

 

3. Smaller Guest Lists

 

“I’m seeing smaller guest counts,” VanHorton says, “ ranging from 80-150 [guests], which seems to be a sweet spot for couples.”

 

Smaller guest lists, elopements, and micro-weddings have been trending all year – so this comes as no surprise. At this rate, we might even see more midsized and micro-weddings this year than we did back in 2020 and 2021!

 

Searching for small wedding ideas? We’ve got you covered: 

♦ 10 Micro Wedding Ideas to Inspire An Intimate Ceremony
♦ How to Elope: The Complete Elopement Checklist

 

4. Immersive Wedding Venues & Intimate Elegance

 

“Couples are wanting unique venues such as glass buildings, mansions, and boutique hotels,” VanHorton says. 

 

These alternative venues have something special in common: an atmosphere of intimate elegance created by a thoughtful mix of creative architecture, welcoming amenities, and classic elements. These types of venues help couples create an immersive wedding experience for their guests that’s steeped in comfort and old-money luxury. 

 

See more unique wedding venue ideas here: 

 

♦ 10 Unusual & Unique Places to Get Married in the U.S.

 

 

Unique indoor wedding venues are trending this fall, will elegant accents and surprising extras like live painting and bands. (Photo: Yaroslav Litun / iStock)

 

 

5. Guest Comfort is a Growing Priority

 

“Guest comfort has been moving up on priority lately,” VanHorton says, “and I 100% support it!” 

 

She adds, “I’m seeing more intention for indoor events, or at least the option for an indoor / covered contingency plan.” 

 

Given the amount of online backlash we’ve seen directed at newlyweds in recent months, a push to improve the guest experience makes sense! The most common complaints we’ve seen from guests are about the high cost of attending a wedding, followed closely by attending an uncomfortable outdoor ceremony. 

 

Get inspired! Read are our best tips for planning a wedding your guests will enjoy: 

♦ Plan a ‘Guest Friendly’ Wedding & Help Stop Guest Burnout

 

6. Having a Friend Officiate the Wedding

 

“75% of the time, my clientele will have a personal connection marry them,” VanHorton tells us. “The other 25% is mainly Catholic weddings, with a select few others still bringing in a pastor to an outside venue.” 

 

This echoes our experience, too. Every day, American Marriage Ministries ordains hundreds of people who want to officiate a wedding for their friends or relatives – many of whom officiate more than one wedding! 

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If you want to have a friend or family member perform your wedding, you’ve got options!

 

“Propose” to your wedding officiant with a specialty gift like the “Will You Marry Us?” Gift Box from AMM, or simply send them the link below to complete our free online ordination application. 

 

♦ How to get ordained online to officiate a wedding with AMM

 

 

Guarenteed to make your wedding day unique, personal, and unforgettable! Ask a friend to officiate your wedding with free online ordination from American Marriage Ministries. (Photo: AnnaStills / iStock)

 

 

7. Cakes Are Out, Tacos Are In

 

“Cakes are going out in popularity,” VanHorton says, “with some couples bypassing the cake ceremony all together or having a very small ceremonial cake. Late night snacks continue to be popular, especially fan favorites from local taco joints, coney dogs and pizzas.”

 

This trend ties in with couples being more intentional about their wedding budgets and prioritizing guest comfort by making sure everyone’s well fed all night long. While couples with a sweet tooth may always prefer a cake cutting ceremony, focusing on late-night snacks is a great way to make your money – and your hospitality – go farther. 

 

What other trends are you seeing as fall arrives? We can’t wait to see what else this joyful season has in store! 

 

Related: 10 Traditional Wedding Cakes Served Around the World

 

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Meet the Expert

Lisa VanHorton

"Lisa VanHorton is a visionary, planner, and curator of occasions with nearly a decade of experience in events and luxury celebrations, specializing in the artistry of weddings — serving clients all over Indiana - and the Midwest."

 

Her company, Lisa VanHorton Weddings, is LGBTQ+ friendly and offers unique concierge wedding coordination to all couples, for a unique, unforgettable day.

 

Connect with Lisa online: 

 

INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK / PINTEREST / WEBSITE

 

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More Fall Wedding Ideas from American Marriage Ministries

 

• Fall Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading From "Harvest Moon"
   
• 7 Creative Autumn Equinox Wedding Ideas
   
• So you’ve been asked to officiate a Halloween or Samhain wedding...
   
• A Witchy Halloween Wedding Ceremony Script with Handfasting

 

 

Planning a witchy wedding theme this Halloween? Click the link above for a full-length wedding officiant script - then personalize it for your ceremony!

 

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Autumnal Fall Leaves

Marriage Certificate

 

This beautiful marriage certificate captures the spirit of brisk autumn days, spiced cider, kisses in the park, and all the joys of a festive fall wedding! Illustrated with colorful fall leaves, acorns, and a pair of sweet woodland moths, this unique keepsake can be displayed in your home year round as a reminder of your wedding day.

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/store/products/autumnal-fall-leaves-wedding-certificate", "ORDER NOW" *|

(Above: Original Fall Wedding Certificate from AMM, available now in our Store)

 

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