Fall is prime wedding season for a reason! With beautiful weather and an array of natural colors as your backdrop, the stage is set for a gorgeous, photogenic ceremony.
When you're planning your Fall wedding in Texas, though, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. Considering the unique geography, culture and backdrop you'll often find at a small Texas wedding venue, we've made an easy to navigate list of 10 important things to remember when planning your Fall wedding!
10 Best Fall Wedding Planning Tips for a Small, Texas Wedding
1. Book vendors well in advance.
When you're planning your Fall wedding, it's important to remember that Fall is one of the most popular times in the year to tie the knot. So, many venues and vendors are booked up months, if not a year, in advance. If there's a special vendor that you feel is a must-have, reach out to them immediately to see if they have any openings in your date range, and consider being a bit flexible with your wedding date to accommodate busy vendor openings.
2. It's still hot outside. Lose the sweaters.
Chances are, your Fall wedding in Texas will be held in warm weather. While temperatures may not be as high as they were in Summer (but trust me, they CAN be), you can still expect to see highs in the 80s through the end of October. Choose light, airy fabrics for your dress and bridesmaids' dresses, and make sure to have plenty of fans on hand to keep your guests cool. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, consider moving it to the evening hours when the temperature will be cooler.
3. Consider the lower temperatures at night.
On the flip side, the temperature can drop dramatically at night during this time of year, after a warm day. So, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, and it's going to run late, be sure to rent or bring outdoor heaters and offer some blankets to your guests. Guests will appreciate this small details, no matter what the temperature is. And they'll appreciate your thoughtfulness!
4. Plan your Ambience around Sunset Time.
Remember that daylight savings time ends during Fall. This means that sunset will be earlier than usual, depending on your date. So, plan your event accordingly. You may want to start the festivities a bit earlier in the afternoon so that you have enough natural light for photos and speeches. With event venue check-in times varying, be sure to schedule yourself enough time to check in, setup and prepare for your ceremony, in coordination with the sunset. With a little planning and extra lighting, you can have a beautiful outdoor wedding during autumn; just be sure to account for the shorter days.
5. Set up a gas fire pit.
Nothing says Texas wedding like an old fashioned fire pit. Plus, it's a great way to keep guests warm and toasty during nightfall. Plus, the kids can make s'mores and sit around listening to Grandpa's stories! If you're planning an intimate Fall wedding, then having a fire should absolutely be on your list of things to consider. Just make sure to have plenty of marshmallows and sticks on hand!
6. Keep an Eye on the Fall foliage calendar.
Beautiful foliage is one of the main perks of a Fall wedding. It's important to plan around the foliage calendar, though. In Texas, peak foliage comes a bit later than most of the country, usually around the last two weeks of October. Keep in mind that the exact timing of peak foliage can vary depending on the weather, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. But with a little planning, you can have the perfect Texas Fall wedding surrounded by the beautiful colors of autumn.
7. Remember, it's Holiday Season.
Consider how holidays may affect your guests travel plans. If your wedding is close to Halloween or Thanksgiving, many of your guests may already have obligations or be busy with family matters. On the other hand, it may allow for some fun themes and flavors through the ceremony. Pumpkin-Turkey wedding, anyone? Mainly, keep in mind that some holidays are more popular than others for travel, so plan accordingly.
8. Also Remember, it's Football Season.
Someone in your family (maybe even your partner) is a big football fan. This is Texas. It's going to happen. So, take into consideration when planning your Texas wedding in Fall. While the majority of NFL games are played on Sundays, college football games are typically on Saturdays and depending on who you're inviting, High School football is on Friday nights. Keep these things in mind (particularly with the Cowboys). The last thing you want is people to do is stare at their phones instead of enjoying your celebration! It may be worth it to work your wedding around the football schedule if it's something that will distract the guests of honor.
9. Add Seasonal Produce & Flavors to your Menu
Use this time of the year as an excuse for delicious, Fall ingredients to make your reception menu extra unique and tasty. Consider incorporating some autumnal favorites into your menus, such as roasted squash, sauteed kale, and crispy roasted potatoes. For dessert, why not try a classic pumpkin pie or a decadent apple crumble? Turkey and Dressing is a hard YES with many folks. Why not create a personal, Fall-inspired menu for your big day and leave guests feeling full of love and pie.
10. Use flowers that are in Season.
Choosing seasonal flowers is a real money-saver and can offer some beautiful and affordable looks that are specific to Fall for your Texas wedding. For example, chrysanthemums, dahlias, and marigolds are all in season during the autumn months, as well as greenery such as ivy and ferns.
Best Tips to Plan a Fall Wedding in Texas Takeaways
Fall is the most popular season for weddings, and with good reason! The weather is milder than in the summer months, but there's still plenty of beautiful fall color to be had. If you're planning a Fall wedding in Texas, don't forget to keep our ten tips in mind!
And if you're looking for aTexas Airbnb wedding venue to host a small Fall wedding, Olde House would love to be a part of it. Book now
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