How to Style an Autumn Wedding

Autumn weddings have a magic all their own, crisp air, golden leaves, and a natural colour palette that’s hard to beat. But with pumpkins and burgundy everything popping up left, right and centre, it’s all too easy to cross the line from tasteful to tacky.

If you’re planning an autumn celebration and want to keep things elegant, we’ve put together a guide on how to style your big day with warmth and sophistication, without falling into seasonal clichés.

When people think of autumn, they often jump straight to burnt orange and deep red. While those hues can be beautiful, they’re also overdone. To avoid looking like a Pinterest board from 2014, try softening your palette.

Think muted tones:

• Sage green
• Dusty rose
• Mushroom grey
• Taupe
• Copper accents
• Creamy neutrals

These shades evoke the season without shouting it. If you still want a pop of classic autumn colour, use it sparingly, perhaps in your florals or napkins rather than drenching the entire reception in orange.

Autumn is the season of cosy fabrics, and this is where you can truly bring in the warmth, literally and stylistically. Think velvet ribbon on bouquets, linen napkins, and touches of wool or tweed in the groomsmen’s suits.

Texture also plays beautifully in your tablescapes:

• Use rustic wooden chargers
• Opt for stoneware plates
• Add candles in antique brass holders
• Mix in dried florals with fresh blooms for depth

Layering materials gives your wedding a rich, thoughtful feel, without relying on overt autumn symbolism like leaves and pumpkins.

We love a nod to the season but subtlety is key. A few white or heirloom pumpkins in a muted tone can look chic. A whole patch of bright orange ones? Not so much.

Consider incorporating natural elements in a refined way:

• A scattering of acorns or conkers on the tables
• Dried leaves pressed into place cards
• Seasonal fruits like figs, blackberries or pomegranates in your centrepieces

The trick is to use the season as a muse, not a theme park.

Florals are where you can truly shine with your autumn wedding style. Instead of going full harvest with sunflowers and mums, think garden-style arrangements with dahlias, scabiosa, amaranthus, and lisianthus in soft, romantic shades.

Mix in dried elements like:

• Pampas grass
• Seeded eucalyptus
• Dried hydrangea
• Bunny tails

This combination feels wild, modern, and elegant, far from the dated autumn bouquet.

Autumn weddings shine when you focus on creating a mood. Use candlelight generously, line your aisle with it, cluster it on tables, and add it to fireplaces or windowsills.

Other ideas:

• Serve seasonal cocktails (think spiced pear or fig gin spritzes)
• Offer cosy wraps or blankets for guests at an outdoor ceremony
• Play acoustic versions of your favourite songs to create a warm ambience

You want guests to feel the season through the experience, not be hit over the head with themed decorations.

Your bridal look can also reflect the season without being heavy-handed. Consider gowns with long sleeves, soft crepe or satin fabrics, and intricate lace details. For a bolder statement, a deep ivory or champagne dress can be incredibly flattering in the golden autumn light.

Bridesmaids can wear mix-and-match tones in your refined palette, just steer clear of overly shiny satins or anything that screams “Halloween party”.

Autumn days are shorter, which means lighting takes centre stage. Make the most of the golden hour for your photos, and lean into twinkling lights, lanterns, and uplighting for the evening.

Avoid harsh LEDs or coloured lights that can cheapen the look. Stick to warm tones and layered lighting for that soft, romantic glow.

An autumn wedding doesn’t need to be a sea of pumpkins and falling leaves. By choosing refined colours, rich textures, and a thoughtful approach to décor, you can celebrate the best of the season without slipping into cliché.

Remember: it’s all about embracing the feeling of autumn, cosy, romantic, and effortlessly elegant.