Fall Wedding Colors: How to Create the Perfect Autumn Palette

TLDR

• Couples can choose classically fall palettes with rust and gold tones or opt for unique hues of navy or teal.
• Include all five of the senses in your autumn wedding plans, such as taste and smell.
• When choosing a color scheme for your fall wedding, take cues from your venue, style, and mood you want to reflect.

As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, many couples dream of celebrating their love in a beautiful setting. It’s no wonder October has become one of the busiest wedding months.

Specific colors, like emerald green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep rust, become popular during the fall wedding time due to seasonal cues. Fall weddings offer a unique opportunity to embrace nature’s vibrant palette.

Whether you’re envisioning a rustic barn ceremony or an elegant ballroom reception—and, yes, either is totally appropriate for autumn—choosing the right color scheme is essential to bringing your vision to life.

So, if you’re looking for fall wedding inspiration, explore Zola’s picks for the best fall wedding colors for 2025 and beyond. Bonus: we also have expert tips on how to create a stunning autumn palette.

Classic fall wedding color palettes

With autumn weddings, certain color combinations have stood the test of time. These classic palettes evoke the essence of the season while providing a timeless backdrop for your special day.

These tried-and-true combinations offer a solid foundation for your fall wedding design. However, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these classics by incorporating unique shades or unexpected pops of color.

Here are some of the most beloved fall wedding color schemes:

• Burgundy with touches of gold and ivory give a rich, romantic vibe.
• Forest green coupled with copper and cream are a naturally elegant choice.
• Navy blue highlighted with burnt orange and blush is an unexpectedly sophisticated, yet warm, choice.
• Plum with silver and sage creates a dreamy, regal day.
• Rust with complements of brown and orange tones are perfectly rustic, yet classy.

Photo: Wild Love Pursuit

5 trending fall wedding colors for 2025

Classic wedding color schemes will always have their place. After all, no one can deny that pumpkins, hay bales, and vibrantly red trees indicate autumn. Of course, many couples are increasingly looking to push the boundaries with their color choices. Here are some of the hottest fall wedding color trends for 2025.

1. Terracotta and dusty blue

This unexpected pairing combines earthy warmth with a touch of serenity. Photo: Robert Radifera Photography

2. Marigold and emerald green

Bold and vibrant, this combination captures the vibrancy of autumn foliage and highlights the luxurious and versatile nature of emerald green, especially popular for fall weddings. Photo by Cat Dossett

3. Rust and lavender

A fresh take on fall hues that balances warmth with a soft, romantic touch. Photo: From the Hip Photo

4. Olive and mustard

Inspired by nature, this palette offers a sophisticated twist on traditional autumnal shades. Photo by Daniel Neal Photography

5. Jewel tones

The richness and versatility of jewel tones make them perfect for fall wedding color palettes. These shades, such as sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple, can be paired together to create a whimsical or elegant atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the event. Photo via The Elkridge Furnace Inn

How to choose your perfect fall wedding colors

Selecting the right color palette for your autumn wedding is about more than just following trends or sticking to tradition. It’s an opportunity to express your unique style as a couple and set the tone for your entire celebration. Isn’t that what your entire day is about?

Take cues from key factors

• Consider your venue: The setting of your wedding will play a significant role in determining which colors will work best. A rustic barn may call for different shades than a formal ballroom.
• Think about the mood you want to create: Do you envision a cozy, intimate gathering or a glamorous affair? Your color choices can help set the atmosphere.
• Reflect your personal style: Your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple. Don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite colors, even if they’re not typically associated with fall. Fuschia and navy? Go for it!
• Look to nature for inspiration: Take a walk outside and observe the changing leaves, ripe fruits, and autumn flowers. Nature’s palette, with its earthy hues, can offer beautiful and unexpected color combinations.
• Consider your wedding party: Think about how your chosen colors will complement your bridesmaids’ dresses. Coordinating the wedding party's attire with the overall color palette enhances the visual harmony of your big day.

As you begin to explore different color combinations, remember that Zola offers a range of tools to help you visualize and plan your perfect fall wedding. From customizable wedding websites that showcase your chosen palette to a curated registry featuring decor items in autumn hues, Zola is here to support you every step of the way.

Photo by Abby Carissimo Photography

Use unexpected color pairings

One of the most exciting trends in fall weddings is the creative use of unexpected color pairings. For example, just because navy blue isn’t associated with fall doesn’t mean that the deep tone won’t work—it’s perfect!

Rather than sticking solely to warm earth tones, many couples are incorporating pops of cooler hues for contrast and visual interest. The key is balancing warm and cool tones in a way that feels cohesive yet fresh. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries - an unexpected color combo can make your wedding stand out.

Consider these innovative palettes:

• Deep teal + rust orange + cream
• Plum purple + sage green + copper
• Navy blue + mustard yellow + blush pink

Photo by Adirondack Wedding Photography

Include seasonal inspiration beyond decor

Yes, selecting the perfect color palette is crucial, but it’s also important to consider other sensory elements that evoke the spirit of fall. Consider engaging all five senses to create a truly atmospheric autumn wedding.

Here’s how to stimulate all the senses:

• Sight: Beyond colors, incorporate seasonal motifs like leaves, pumpkins, or wheat sheaves in your decor. Wedding decor can embrace diverse color schemes, such as dusty blue and green, to create a more personalized and dynamic aesthetic. Use warm, amber lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
• Sound: Choose music that reflects the season - think acoustic guitar, cello, or even the crackle of a fireplace in the background.
• Smell: Infuse your venue with seasonal scents like cinnamon, apple, or woodsmoke through candles or subtle diffusers.
• Taste: Serve fall-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails that highlight seasonal flavors like pumpkin, maple, or fig.
• Touch: Incorporate cozy textures like wool blankets, velvet ribbons, or weathered wood in your decor elements.

Photo by Adrian Etheridge Photography

Incorporate the colors throughout your celebration

Beyond selecting colors, think about how and where you’ll incorporate them throughout your special day. By thoughtfully weaving your palette throughout these various elements, you’ll create a cohesive and immersive experience for your guests.

• Ombre effect: Gradually transition from light to dark shades of your chosen colors in elements like tablescapes, floral arrangements, or even the wedding cake layers.
• Color blocking: Create bold visual impact by using large blocks of solid colors in decor elements, signage, or attire.
• Metallic accents: Copper, gold, or rose gold details can add warmth and sparkle to any fall palette.
• Textural elements: Incorporate your colors through tactile materials like velvet linens, textured stationery, or richly-hued flower petals.
• Reception décor: Thoughtfully chosen reception décor can complement your overall wedding theme, with elements like flowers and styling choices enhancing the seasonal aesthetic.

Photo by Sara Plett Photography

FAQ about fall color palettes

Q: How can I incorporate fall colors if my venue has an existing color scheme? A: Look for subtle ways to add autumnal touches, like table runners, floral arrangements, or bridesmaid accessories. Choose a neutral base color and use your fall palette as accents.

Q: What are some alternatives to a traditional fall color palette? A: Try unexpected combinations like lavender and olive, or dusty blue and terracotta. You can also opt for a monochromatic scheme using various shades of a single fall color.

Ready to incorporate fall wedding colors into every aspect of your celebration? From fall and autumn-inspired wedding invitations to table numbers and beyond. Zola has expert tips on balancing your palette and creating a cohesive look that will leave your guests in awe. Also explore our curated collection of wedding programs and wedding planning tools to bring your vision to life.

Choosing your fall wedding colors is a chance to express your unique style while embracing the season's natural beauty. Whether you opt for classic autumn hues or unexpected combinations, let your palette guide you in creating a cohesive experience for your wedding guests. From invitations to decor, each element contributes to the warm, romantic atmosphere that makes fall weddings so special.