Here’s What to Wear to a Fall Wedding

While most people think of spring and summer as wedding season, fall weddings have become much more popular in recent years, and there are plenty of reasons why. The colors are beautiful, the temperatures are cooler, and people probably aren’t as busy as they are during the summer months.

But, if you’ve been invited to a wedding this season, you’re probably facing a big issue right about now—what to wear to a fall wedding.

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to come up with beautiful, classy fall wedding attire. Use seasonal colors and fabrics, make the most of the cooler weather, and with a few tips and tricks, you’ll have plenty of fall wedding outfits lined up.

How to Choose a Fall Wedding Outfit

Fall wedding outfits are a bit different from spring and summer ones because the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. And it can change throughout the day. It might warm up a bit in the afternoon but cool down in the evening, so while you want to look your best, it’s also important to be practical when it comes to your attire. There are a few things to consider that will make choosing an outfit easier.

Dress Code

When you receive a wedding invitation, it will probably have some basic information, including the location, time, and what to expect when it comes to the reception. If you’re lucky, the happy couple will also include a dress code. They might suggest dressy casual attire, or they might be going for something more formal.

Knowing the dress code ahead of time makes it easy to know what to wear to a fall wedding. It takes out the guesswork and can limit your options quickly. Before you consider any other factors, check out your invitation and see if there’s a dress code.

Venue

If your invitation doesn’t say anything about a dress code, don’t fret! You can use other context clues to determine what fall wedding attire is appropriate—starting with the venue.

Is the couple getting married at a country club or in the ballroom of a hotel? Chances are, your attire should be more on the formal side.

Are they having a backyard wedding or embracing the season by getting married in a barn with hay bales and pumpkins? If so, you can probably go with something dressy casual.

Time

Considering the time of the wedding can also help you determine what’s appropriate to wear. In general, evening weddings tend to be more formal. Or, at the very least, they might expect you to wear cocktail attire.

If the ceremony is in the late morning or early afternoon, things will probably be more casual. Think about what you might wear to a nice brunch or engagement party for a mid-afternoon wedding, and you’ll probably be on point.

What to Wear to a Fall Wedding

If you’re searching through your wardrobe for fall wedding outfits and still coming up short, you might just need a bit of inspiration. Even if the dress code is listed on your invitation, it can be a little confusing knowing the differences between things like “black tie” and “formal.” So, what kind of fall wedding attire will keep you fashionable and comfortable while you celebrate your loved ones getting married?

Black Tie

A black tie event is likely the most formal dress code you’ll see at a wedding. Some people take it quite literally, meaning men are to wear tuxedos or dark suits, and women are supposed to wear evening gowns. Women can also get away with certain types of cocktail attire, but if you know the wedding will be on the fancier side, have fun and dress up! To keep things in the autumn mood, dark colors are favorable, and make sure you choose something that will keep you warm and make it easy to move around.

Formal

A step down from black tie is formal attire. While the expectation for a formal fall wedding is that you’ll come in dressier clothes, there’s a bit more freedom and room to be creative with what you wear. For example, most men will probably opt for suits over tuxes, and women can choose formal floor-length dresses, cocktail dresses, or even separates as long as they have a bit of extra flair.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is usually a bit more fun and laid-back. While suit jackets and dresses are still largely expected, the whole idea of a cocktail dress code is to make everyone understand the couple wants you to enjoy yourself. Chances are, the wedding is in the late afternoon or evening if cocktail attire is expected, and the couple might have a “happy hour” after the ceremony or offer an open bar at the reception, encouraging people to mingle, dance, and have fun. Your attire should reflect that so you can enjoy yourself without feeling uncomfortable.

Dressy Casual

If your loved ones are getting married in a more casual setting, you can likely get away with dressy casual attire. While it’s a few steps above t-shirts and jeans, it’s the most relaxed dress code here. Dressy .casual typically means a nice pair of slacks and a button-up or polo shirt for men. For women, it can mean a jumpsuit, skirt and blouse, dress, or dress pants and a casual top.

You likely already have plenty of dressy-casual fall wedding attire in your closet, but if you’re planning on attending multiple weddings this season, it’s worth it to invest in a few informal outfits.

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Clearly, there are plenty of fall wedding outfits to choose from. It can be a lot of fun to attend a ceremony and reception this time of year, thanks to the cooler temperatures and natural beauty.

Many couples will use fall’s gorgeous color palette to their advantage, so don’t be afraid to do the same when it comes to your wedding outfit. Most importantly, make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing and that it’s appropriate for the seasonal temperatures so you won’t be uncomfortable throughout the event.