Colors for Late Summer and Early Fall Weddings

Petals and palettes picked for September and October nuptials.

By Kaitlyn Murray

A wedding date in the late summer or early fall is great choice. The only problem is things can be a little hazy around that time of year, and we don’t just mean the weather. When is the right time to break out your comfy sweaters and skinny jeans? At what point is it acceptable to fill your kitchen with all things pumpkin spice? And, when you’re planning a wedding at this time of year, what color palette is most appropriate?

Jessica Gemma, co-owner of Perfectly Planned Events, says there is generally a divide between the summer and fall wedding seasons. “You tend to see most brides continuing with ‘summer’ colors throughout September, then the start of October tends to bring on the darker colors and flowers.” Of course, this is your wedding so what’s most important is that you go with what will make you happy. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to get a sneak peek of the most recent trends. Along with Gemma, Engaged spoke with Elaine Godfrey of Weedweavers and Mary Kate Kinnane of the Local Bouquet about which color schemes and floral arrangements are hot for summer and cool for fall.

So, what should you choose first: colors or flowers?

KINNANE: Definitely colors. When a bride has a clear vision on how she wants her day to look based on colors, it makes our job as the floral designer that much easier.

Which colors and flowers inspire that summer lovin’?

GODFREY: In the summer you see a lot of blush tones, like soft pink, ivory, pale gray. We end up using a lot of peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and, of course, light blue hydrangeas.

Have there been any particular trends this past summer?

GEMMA: We find that brides gravitate towards pastel colors for the summer months, but we have even seen some brides opting for all white weddings, bridesmaids included.

KINNANE: I personally love this [blush tone] palette. To me it is a classic palette that not only never goes out of fashion, but one that works well with all types of bridal party fashion. What I have seen this year that is a bit different is the inclusion of soft, dusty lavender to the blush palette. It is super pretty and stunning for all styles.

In your experience, what have brides typically fallen for?

KINNANE: With the fall comes more warmth and rich saturated jewel tones. Brides are all about embracing this change in color, so lots of deep purples, rich pinks, burnt oranges, and mustard yellows. Even the greenery we choose to use is a rich green instead of a dusty summery gray or soft green. Dahlias are always a sign of autumn as well as ingredients that bring texture like gourds and berries.

Have you noticed any changes to the autumn wedding look in recent years?

GODFREY: A more subdued and natural look. I would say the flowers I’ve used are made up of 90 percent green and whites. My fall bouquets are usually a mix of grasses, eucalyptus, dusty miller and romantic succulents. In recent years there has definitely been a shift away from the modern to a more natural theme.

Do you have any personal favorites for the fall?

GEMMA: We absolutely love sunflowers and Gerbera daisies. They are both timeless and classic.

KINNANE: I am all about this particular scabiosa variety called dark knight. It is a beautiful deep purple, almost black, and to me it embodies perfectly what the autumn palette is. Plus it’s a bloom that not a lot of people are familiar with so it adds that element of surprise, which is fun.

What advice would you give to brides-to-be who are just beginning to consider their color palettes and floral arrangements?

GEMMA: When trying to decide on a color scheme or floral arrangement remember to keep your venue, dress and the overall feeling of your wedding in mind. If you are looking for a very formal atmosphere, your flowers should reflect that. The same goes if you are looking for a more relaxed setting. Don’t be afraid to ask your florist for suggestions. They’ve done many weddings, and often times have done a wedding or two at your venue. They can suggest which look will fit the venue and overall wedding the best.

And what do the florists say?

GODFREY: Don’t get too caught up in the season. I’ve noticed a lot of brides will actually do just a hint of fall. You don’t need to base your entire theme around it.

KINNANE: Think of what you want your flowers at your wedding to say to your guests. A bride should clearly express to her floral designer her and her groom’s taste so that a personal touch can be added in all of the florals. We love adding a sentimental bloom in a bride’s bouquet that holds significance maybe from her childhood or from her love story with her soon-to-be husband. This is what makes the flowers for a wedding more personal and more beautiful in the end.