Vendors & Venues
Fashion & Beauty
Weddings
Podcasts
Magazine
Events

Spotlight: Embracing Autumn in Wisconsin

9 expert tips for planning the perfect fall wedding

October 28, 2024

Autumn represents a beautiful time of change, serving as a poignant reminder that endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings. As the leaves transition from green to a kaleidoscope of amber, crimson and gold, the season embodies renewal and fresh starts. From rich color palettes to cozy décor, there are countless ways to infuse your special day with the essence of fall. Here are 9 expert tips to guide you in creating a stunning autumn-inspired wedding.

1. Choose a Venue that Embodies Fall

To bring your fall wedding vision to life, start by choosing a venue with a color palette that complements the season’s natural beauty. "Monona Terrace offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with its rich fall hues accented in our carpet and chairs," shares Breanne Chase from Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. "Create a warm glow with LED uplighting in amber candlelight tones and add colorful linen napkins for an eye-catching pop to the tables. Bring everything together with vibrant and rich centerpieces in warm colors. Consider sourcing flowers from a local farmers market, where you can find an array of beautiful seasonal arrangements to perfectly reflect the autumn harvest."

2. Incorporate Rich Jewel Tones

Weaving rich hues throughout your decor can create a vibrant, yet sophisticated atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the season. “My favorite ways to incorporate fall elements into a wedding design is by using the bold purple tones to compliment the rich tones of deep green and orange,” shares Tia Hoffmann from Beauty Unveiled by Tia. “Incorporating these hues with natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, dried leaves brings it all together."

3. Serve Seasonal Delights

To enhance the fall ambiance of your wedding, consider offering a menu that reflects the comforting flavors of the season. “Delight your guests with a cozy cider bar or warm spiced wine,” suggests Renee Tantillo of Renee Breanne Design + Co. “Offering hearty, seasonal fare such as butternut squash soup, roasted vegetables, and classic apple pie creates a true taste of autumn.”

4. Showcase Golden Accents

Infusing your wedding decor with warm amber accents can evoke the cozy essence of fall. “Our favorite way to incorporate fall wedding elements is showcasing amber colors throughout the tables, such as amber cheese clothes, or amber wine glasses for your head table," states Jaclyn Thompson from Best Western Premier Park Hotel. "This really brings a classy and timeless look for fall weddings." Using these rich, golden hues not only enhances the autumnal atmosphere but also adds an elegant touch to your overall design.

5. Infuse Fall Fashion into Your Wedding Party

Incorporating fall elements into your wedding design can be beautifully achieved through the attire of your wedding party. “I love incorporating fall elements into a wedding visually with the color scheme of the wedding party's attire,” shares Heather Farr from Heather Farr Events. “Mismatched bridesmaids' dresses are a big trend right now, as is velvet. Embracing fall tones in rich velvet dresses is a great way to be seasonally appropriate and on trend." This approach not only allows each bridesmaid to express her unique style but also creates a cohesive look that harmonizes with the autumn atmosphere.

6. Embrace Earthy Hues

As the seasonal colors of autumn unfold, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your wedding becomes essential.“Fall in Wisconsin is a beautiful time for weddings," states Molly Ritzel from Events to a T. "As the leaves begin to change, our designers lean in to warm neutral floral, seasonal accompaniments, and deeper hues of foliage. Adorning the tables with luxe velvet linen, layered tableware, and custom stationery curates the perfect autumnal tablescape.”

7. Utilize the Existing Foliage

To truly embrace the essence of autumn, consider using seasonal blooms to enhance your wedding design. “We absolutely love fall florals at the vineyard. Their rich, vibrant colors beautifully complement the 360° views of the stunning fall foliage in the bluffs surrounding our valley,” shares Katie Griess from Belle Âme Vineyard. “Whether you're exchanging vows or celebrating with loved ones, the natural beauty of autumn creates a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.”

8. Achieve a Effortless Bridal Look with Autumn Hues

Infusing your bridal look with seasonal elements can significantly elevate your weddings overall design. “At Jennifer Janssen Bridal Artistry, we love embracing fall’s natural beauty in our bridal hair and makeup designs," states Jennifer Janssen. "Rich tones like deep burgundy, burnt orange, and earthy plums shape our makeup looks, from smokey eyes to bold lips. We create soft, textured hairstyles—think loose waves and romantic braids—accented with rustic touches like gold leaves. Matte finishes paired with a subtle glow highlight the season’s warmth, blending timeless elegance with autumnal charm.”

9. Embrace Nature's Stunning Backdrop

When planning your fall wedding, consider the breathtaking outdoor settings that nature provides. Jessica Gutschow from Grand Geneva Resort & Spa highlights the beauty of these landscapes: “Grand Geneva is nestled within 1,300 acres of southern Wisconsin woodlands, where fall naturally unfolds around us. Our brides have the unique opportunity to choose from a variety of outdoor venues that celebrate the beauty of the season, including our intimate Ski Chalet. One of our wedded couples recently enjoyed a wedding immersed in the vibrant fall landscape, with the Chalet offering the perfect blend of luxury and nature. The couple exchanged their vows beneath an arch of white roses with warm, autumn sunlight filtering through the trees. Upon being presented as husband and wife, a sea of confetti launched into the air, mimicking the falling of autumn leaves. We especially loved the choice of white roses and confetti to contrast the changing fall colors." Choosing a natural backdrop not only enhances the aesthetic of your ceremony but also allows you and your guests to fully immerse yourselves in the season's beauty.

10. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Creating an inviting ambiance is essential for a memorable fall wedding. “To capture the cozy, romantic vibes of the season, incorporate moody hues and soft candlelight into your design,” recommend Jaffe Wojcik and Kacie Vandiver from Graceful Events. “Imagine dark wooden farm tables lined with rich florals, illuminated by the soft glow of flickering candles, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and enchanting. Autumn weddings are all about warmth, connection, and celebrating the start of something truly beautiful."

^{Photo by C.Mae Photography}