Picking Your Wedding Date / Thoughts About Planning a Midwest Fall Wedding
Fall weddings are my absolute favorite and that’s probably why I’m always booked solid from September to November! I also recognize that I may be a little bias because Andrew and I got married in October. But seriously, who doesn’t love the temperature and the colors of Fall!?
Ashley and Joey tied the knot in October 2019!
That said, a lot of my brides have expressed concern about the color. We all know how gorgeous it can be so when the leaves aren’t quite cooperating it can turn into a sense of frustration. Not to worry though, all I need is one tree with some color in order to make it look like the perfect fall day! A little bit of color can go a long way!!
If you are considering a Fall wedding date or have already picked one and are beginning the planning process, I do have some things for you to think about as you get started.
First of all, as said above, don’t worry too much about the color or lack there-of. However, if you want the best chance for lots of pretty leaves here in the midwest, shoot for middle to end of October. Last year in 2019 we didn’t see many reds and oranges until around the 2nd weekend in October, and even then we were limited to just a couple trees. But again, ONE tree is all I need, I promise!
Also, know that the recommended portrait time varies significantly in the Fall. At the end of September, the sun sets close to 7:00pm, by the end of October it’s an hour earlier, and after the first weekend in November we experience the lovely daylight savings time and lose yet another hour of light in the day. This will be important to note when planning out your wedding timeline because you want to make sure all of your portraits are done before that sun set time. The best idea for a Fall wedding is to plan your ceremony in the late afternoon (around 5:00 is great) and do a first look so most of your photos will be done ahead of time. If you’re really set on passing on the first look, then move that time up a couple hours to around 3:00 to ensure there will be enough time afterward for portraits. And because of the varying times, these numbers are far from set in stone. You’re actual date will determine the appropriate timeline, but there’s a good jumping off point anyway!
On another note, while the weather is usually perfect in the Fall, when you live in the Midwest you know there is always the chance for an October rain…or snow. Ugh, not ideal I know. But if that happens, just embrace it and let it be a part of your story! Maybe plan on some jacket or shawl options for the ladies and close-toed shoes just in case.
My wedding date was October 11th and it was like 86 degrees! You just never know so there’s no point in letting a forecast get you down. No matter what, your day will still be beautiful!