Planning a fall wedding in Florida? Read these essential tips first
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” –Anne of Green Gables
So are we—especially when October is widely regarded as the most popular month of the year to get married! Given the cozy vibes of comfy sweaters, crisp leaves, and steaming cups of pumpkin spice lattes, it’s no wonder that the most heartwarming month of the year is an ideal time to tie the knot.
However, a fall wedding in Florida puts the “warm” into “heartwarming”. With hurricane season in full swing, daytime temperatures in the 80s-90s, and not an orange leaf in sight, planning an autumnal wedding in the Sunshine State can be a very different experience from planning one in cooler climates. That being said, there’s a lot to love about a fall wedding in Florida: milder weather, stunning sunsets late into the evening, and year-round vibrant greenery.
If you’re planning a fall wedding in Florida, here are some essential tips to navigating the Sunshine State’s unique autumn climate—and ways to maximize the fall vibes no matter the temperature outside.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PLANNING A FALL WEDDING IN FLORIDA
Be prepared for unpredictable weather
Autumn is well-known in Florida for being in the full swing of hurricane season, but that shouldn’t deter you from tying the knot during this time of year. While there is a chance a major hurricane could threaten your big day, the odds are actually rather low—instead, you’re more likely to experience a typical daily rain shower and thunderstorm. Prepare for the unknown by either choosing an indoor wedding venue (such as one of these historic homes wedding venues!) or a wedding venue that provides a rain backup plan such as tents or an indoor option. If you’re still concerned about a hurricane crashing your wedding party, you could consider wedding insurance to provide peace of mind.
As for temperatures, expect warm days with milder evenings. Now is the perfect time of year to host an outdoor evening wedding reception, as the evenings will be pleasant! If you’re planning a late autumn wedding, you can provide blankets to keep guests warm in cooler evening breezes and amplify the cozy factor.
Plan your wedding day timeline wisely
The onset of autumn brings earlier sunsets, though Florida is lucky to experience twilight later in the day than more northern regions. Late afternoon weddings are still ideal, though you may want to readjust your wedding day timeline to take advantage of golden hour: that time of day just before and during sunset that lends a dreamy, warm hue to your bridal photos. We typically shoot our summer wedding golden hour photos midway through the wedding reception, but for autumn or winter weddings, we recommend our couples move this special time to fall between their wedding ceremony and wedding reception. (Planning your own wedding? Grab our perfect 4hr wedding day timeline created just for micro weddings!).
If you’re traveling from out of state to get married in Florida in the fall, you might be surprised to find that it’s still quite warm in the middle of the day and into the afternoon, even in the autumn months. Consider keeping your wedding ceremony to late afternoon to steer clear of the midday sun while also making the most of the cooler evening temperatures for your wedding reception.
Embrace seasonal florals and decor
If you’re dreaming of leaf peeping on your wedding day, you’ll have to bring the autumn foliage yourself. Unfortunately, very few trees in Florida change color before falling, and even then it’s quite late in the year (or even into the start of winter). Even though we may not have the typical autumn leaves to offer, you can still infuse the essence of fall into your Florida autumn wedding. Incorporate fall colors like burnt orange, burgundy, gold, and deep green into your wedding color palette to amplify the seasonal feel. Or consider fall florals such as dahlias, sunflowers, or chrysanthemums in your bouquet or decorative floral arrangements, and add natural elements like pumpkins, pinecones, or artificial leaves (we won’t tell anyone!) for an autumnal vibe to your tablescapes. With these warm natural details and colors, your wedding will certainly bring all the fall vibes—even if the weather outside isn’t cooperating. Keep your wedding day modern yet timeless by styling these autumnal details in line with 2025’s top wedding trends.
Dress for the (unpredictable) weather
Put the cozy sweaters away—you won’t be needing them for your fall Florida wedding. Where daytime temperatures are still quite high, you’ll want to wear attire appropriate for the warmer weather and advise your guests to do the same (especially if they’re traveling from out of state expecting a fall climate). Lighter, breathable materials, short sleeves, and layers are all smart choices for you and your guests at your autumn wedding in the Sunshine State.
And with autumn bringing hurricane season, Florida sees an uptick in rain and storms—but you don’t have to let it rain on your parade! Pack a stylish umbrella to bring along in your bridal photos just in case or to use for cover during your wedding reception exit. You may not need it, but if you do you may be glad you had it on your wedding day!
Incorporate fall-inspired menus
With a little creativity, you and your guests can easily forget about the warm weather and enjoy an autumn-inspired wedding reception that brings on the cozy factor. Consider including seasonal comfort foods in your wedding reception menu such as roasted vegetables, butternut squash soup, or a pumpkin-inspired appetizer. Or incorporate fall-themed cocktails with flavors of apple, pear, and pumpkin, or even consider warm beverages such as apple cider, mulled wine, or a cozy latte bar. Your dessert table can feel festive, too: instead of a traditional wedding cake, try seasonal desserts such as pumpkin pies, apple crumble, or even a s’mores station! With the right thematic foods and beverages, your wedding reception can feel cozy and heartwarming no matter the weather outside.
Book wedding vendors early
Fall is one of the busiest wedding seasons in Florida, so securing your wedding vendors and wedding venue early is crucial. Top wedding venues get booked up quickly, so aim to secure your wedding location as early as possible after your engagement. (Looking to get married on a budget? These top 10 wedding venues under $2,000 in Central Florida are a great place to start looking!).
Caterers and wedding photographers are typically the next busiest wedding vendors—we often book couples 3 to 6 months before their wedding date, with some nearly a year in advance. Keep in mind that for many wedding vendors, prices fluctuate based on the popularity of the season, so plan your budget accordingly—and ask about any discounts for booking early or taking advantage of an early bird rate.
Top off the night with seasonal party favors and extras
The devil’s in the details, they say, and a wedding is no exception. Whether you’re loving the eternal sunshine or wishing for cooler days, amplify the coziness of your fall-themed Florida wedding with memorable and practical guest gifts, party favors, or thoughtful extras that tie into the autumnal spirit. We love the idea of giving out fall-themed favors such as mini bottles of maple syrup, fall-scented candles, or small jars of homemade jam or apple butter as easy and affordable thank-you gifts for your wedding guests. Seasonal teas, mulled spice pouches, or fall seed packets are also great ideas that can be easily DIY’d or made affordable!
If you’re throwing an outdoor wedding reception late into the evening, consider thoughtful details such as offering a few blankets, shawls or pashminas for guests to use during the evening, especially if your wedding is taking place later in the autumn season. These can then be reutilized as memorable keepsakes for your new home or given away at the end of the night as gifts to family and friends.
Planning a fall wedding in Florida can be tricky, from navigating the year’s most popular wedding months to sidestepping hurricane season. Whether you’re traveling to Florida for a fall-themed elopement or planning a hometown micro wedding, we hope these tips help you navigate the challenges of planning an autumn wedding in the Sunshine State—and maximize the coziness, no matter the soaring temps outside.
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