Everything You Need to Know About Fall Wedding Fashion, Whether You’re the Couple of Honor or a Guest

Fall is arguably one of the most beautiful and memorable times of the year for weddings. Factor in the crisp air, turning leaves, and cozy vibes, and it’s no surprise that many couples choose to tie the knot during this particular season. But autumn’s big-day advantages don’t stop there: When it comes to wedding fashion for fall, there are so many dress and suit options to choose from, making it the best season for brides, grooms, guests, and wedding parties alike. 

“The great thing about fall wedding fashion is that you can have so much more fun because the weather is cooling down. You don't have to worry about trying to find something that's formal or nice, but also cool,” says Kennedy Bingham, a Los Angeles-based bridal stylist and content creator. “[In comparison], during the summertime, it's really just impossible to find something with variety because you're just so worried about overheating the entire time.” 

Another pro? The season’s key colors—think burgundy, navy, hunter and emerald green, burnt orange, and golden yellow—translate beautifully in photos. “The fall colors are always really, really nice,” adds Bingham, noting that it can also be easier to find these hues when shopping (as opposed to searching for a trendy “summery, bright color,” like Barbiecore pink, she says).

To help make big-day dressing for this season even more straightforward, we spoke with Kennedy and Anny Choi, a New York-based stylist and creative brand consultant, to break down everything there is to know about fall wedding fashion. Whether you’re a bride, groom, bridesmaid, groomsman, mother of the bride or groom, father of the bride or groom, or guest, here’s what you need to know to look your best at an autumnal celebration. 

Fall Wedding Fashion Tips for Brides

Finding a wedding dress as a fall bride can be tricky—the transitional weather might call for a look that’s light and airy or something that’s cozy and warm. One solution? Keep the season top of mind when you choose your main ensemble’s fabric. In general, lightweight materials are better suited for the beginning of the season, while thicker textures work best for late fall. 

For those on the hunt for a versatile option that works for either timeframe, set your sights on wool—which, yes, can be comfortable on a warmer fall day. “Wool wedding dresses [are] one of my favorite new things,” Bingham shares. “Wool is one of the coolest materials because in the winter it keeps you warm, and then in the summer it keeps you cool.” Wool gowns also look more textural and dimensional in photos, whereas something like crepe, another popular fall-time fabric, can look a little flat, she adds.

Additionally, consider pieces, like leather jackets, boleros, overcoats, sweaters, and removable sleeves, that you can put on and take off over the course of the event as temperatures shift. These items can also easily bring you from day to night. “I think you can have a more versatile wardrobe for a fall wedding as a bride and really play around with layering,” shares Choi. “There may be certain wardrobe restrictions due to heat during the summer months, for example, but from September through November, you're able to transition from something lighter during the day and add on styling bits, such as a fun jacket or even a pant look, for late-night.” 

Brides should also pay special attention to their shoes, opting for pumps over sandals—especially if they’re getting married outdoors, says Choi.

Fall Wedding Fashion Tips for Grooms

Like brides, grooms should focus on the fabric of their suits when selecting a look for a fall wedding. “You can use so many different materials because you're not worried about the heat during the summer,” notes Bingham. “You can wear velvet, you can wear leather, you can wear corduroy.” Grooms also have free reign when it comes to styling their autumnal ensembles, and they should absolutely consider layered looks and timely accessories during this time of year. According to Bingham, bolos and hats, specifically, are great pieces that show off a groom’s personal style. “Even underneath [the suit], you can wear a button-up, you can wear a turtleneck, you can wear a sweater. There's a lot more variation with fall men's fashion,” she adds. 

Lastly, considering that color is a huge trend for fall, grooms should feel free to wear non-black suits this fall. Whether that’s a maroon tuxedo for a formal affair, a light tan suit for a cocktail attire celebration, or even a burnt orange getup for a festive bash, there are so many ways to stand out once it’s time to say “I do.” Just be sure that what you wear complements the overall wedding color palette. The last thing you want is to clash with the shades you and your partner have selected for the big day.

Fall Wedding Fashion Tips for the Wedding Party

Bridesmaids

Color can also play a major role in fall bridesmaids’ ensembles, since bridal party dresses are the perfect opportunity to experiment with an autumn color palette. Picture a bridal party in a gradient of complementary fall hues to match a foliage-filled autumnal backdrop. 

Unexpected (and even casual) accessories might be another route to take if you want to up your bridesmaids’ fall factor. Bingham loves styling bridesmaids in sweaters and boots. “I love sweaters on bridesmaids. There are a couple of designers who do sweaters specifically for weddings and I think they're just so chic and fun,” she shares. “And then you don't have to worry about your bridesmaids freezing. I know that's a big thing for a lot of people.” 

Go ahead and add boots—specifically cowboy boots—for a unique, seasonally-appropriate look your bridal party members will love. “A lot of people just assume that you have to do open-toe shoes all year, but I think you can really dress up a super chic boot for your bridesmaid,” Bingham says.

Lastly, bridesmaids (and brides, too!) should consider playing around with different styles and silhouettes when dressing for autumn nuptials. With temperatures cooling down, jumpsuits or two-piece pant ensembles could be a great way to infuse personal style into a mismatched look. 

Mothers of the Bride or Groom

Mothers of the bride and groom, the fall season is for you! The reason? Autumn allows moms to play around with color, textures, and silhouettes in a modern, but modest way—something Bingham says is top of mind for these VIPs. “I love a really interesting sleeve, like an oversized puff sleeve or a bell sleeve, or a really architectural gown with interesting fabric during the fall months,” says Bingham. “I think you can just play so much more with modesty in the fall just because it’s not as hot.” 

Ready to start shopping? Retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Sachin & Babi offer a wide selection of contemporary fall mother-of-the-bride and groom looks for every budget and dress code. 

Groomsmen and Fathers of the Bride or Groom

Regarding men’s wedding fashion, what “works for the groom, works for the groomsmen” says Bingham—and the same goes for the father of the bride and groom. This means that colorful suits, different fabrics and materials, and fun accessories, like bolos, are all fair game. 

However, Bingham notes that men’s wedding party attire should always allow the groom to stand out. So while groomsmen and dads can wear similar styles to the man of the hour (and should wear the same level of formality), their actual ensembles shouldn’t be too over-the-top or draw too much attention.

Fall Wedding Fashion Tips for Wedding Guests

First things first: No matter the season, wedding guests must follow the couple’s dress code to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Once you meet those formality requirements, the fun can begin! For both women and men, the autumn season is the ultimate time to take risks and wear looks that showcase their personalities. This often results in a broader array of choices, says Choi, noting that there are less options in spring and summer (when most guests stick to floral frocks). Come autumn, however, attendees can play around with separates and be more adventurous with heavier fabrics (since you don’t have to worry about sweat!).

There are more styling opportunities, too. For example, Choi points out that women should take full advantage of the cooler weather and opt for layered looks (consider a shawl or light jacket). As for which colorways to wear as a female wedding guest this fall? “I would suggest darker and muted colors over pastels—and avoid fabrics that feel too summery and casual like linen,” she says.

The same holds true for men in terms of styling and color. Try a light tan suit paired with cowboy boots for a cocktail attire dress code or a navy checkered three-piece suit for a formal affair—both are great options for men to consider if they’re looking for something that’s fresh, trendy, and contemporary, but still seasonal.

One final suggestion? “Shoes are important no matter the season, really. Find out from the couple what sort of flooring they are working with,” shares Choi. “If they are getting married on grass, you'll want to avoid skinny stilettos that might dig into the dirt. If a lot of time is going to be spent on cobblestone, you might want to avoid high heels altogether, for example.” As for men, let your outfit dictate your shoe choice—and remember that overly casual shoes, like sneakers or open-toe sandals, are never appropriate to wear to any wedding. Ultimately, wear what makes you feel comfortable (and check out our fall wedding essentials for suggestions) while respecting the couple of honor.