Are you dreaming of a Fall wedding? Fall is the most popular time to get married in the Austin and Texas Hill Country area. October seems to be by far the busiest wedding month. But the season seems to stretch from mid-September til mid-December, before the Christmas craziness kicks into high gear.

The rich autumn colors and natural beauty make it a perfect season for a wedding. The skies are so blue and the sunsets tend to be epic. Central Texas doesn’t usually have as much vibrant Fall color as other areas, as the predominant trees are more evergreen, but many native plants bloom their most beautiful in the Fall, and there is more variation in tree color than in the summer. Many people automatically associate Fall with cooler temperatures, but in Central Texas, that is rarely the case. When a couple says to me, “It will be cooler in the Fall.” I generally joke back at them, “Yes…….in New England! Not here!” Here is more like Summer with Pumpkin Spice.

I saw a great meme on Facebook recently where someone had posted in a group saying they were traveling to Texas in August and asked what they should expect the temperature to be like. Someone answered by asking them, “Have you ever been cremated?”

In all seriousness, you do still need to be very cognizant of the heat in the Fall, although it definitely is not nearly as bad as July and August, and there is a bigger chance of rain. There is little relief from the heat in September, but it does tend to mitigate more and more as it gets later in the year. It truly is hit or miss. Some Christmases we are in shorts and sweating while drinking a margarita on the Riverwalk, and sometimes we are in sweaters enjoying the cold. You need to be prepared for everything!

Weather is Still a Huge Consideration for a Fall Wedding

You may get very lucky with comfortably warm, beautiful weather! And it will definitely be cooler at night as Fall progresses. But preparing for the heat is still just as important, as is having a rain plan. Here are some tips to ensure your guests are comfortable:

1. Timing: Consider scheduling your ceremony and reception for the late afternoon or early evening when temperatures are more likely to be pleasant. This is also the most popular time for capturing those epic Golden Hour and sunset photographs.
2. Venue Selection: Choose venues with indoor and outdoor options. This allows flexibility in case of unexpected weather changes. If at all possible, choose a venue that has at least a climate-controlled reception area. Preferably one that could also be a backup ceremony location.
3. Beating the Heat: Provide fans, parasols, or misting stations to keep guests cool. Renting tents or canopies can also provide much-needed shade.
4. Stopping the Shivers: If there is a rare Fall cold snap, provide comfy blankets, throws, or shawls for guests to wrap in during the ceremony. Rent outdoor heaters, such as propane or electric patio heaters. Offer disposable hand warmers that guests can tuck into their pockets or gloves.
5. Rain Plan: Work with your planner and venue to develop a rain plan that can be executed quickly if necessary.

Planning Around Football Season

In Texas, football is not a matter of life and death. It’s far more important than that!

Here’s how to plan around the busy football season:

1. Check the Schedule: Consult the college football schedules (especially the Texas Longhorns, since their games affect Austin the most) and avoid scheduling your wedding on major game days. This will ensure better attendance and avoid traffic issues with home games.
2. Accommodations: Book accommodations very early. Hotels fill up quickly during football weekends, so securing room blocks for your guests well in advance is crucial. Hotels in the Dripping Springs and Hill Country area are sparse, so it’s even more important. Consider Air B&Bs and venues that have onsite lodging to avoid lodging issues.
3. Additional Conflicts: There are other major events in the Austin area in the Fall. For example, this coming Fall one of the biggest football games in the NATION is October 19th, when the Texas Longhorns host the Georgia Bulldogs. But guess what? That’s not the only huge event! The F1 race is the same weekend! It’s pure insanity. Hotel rooms and other lodging have been booked up for months already. Also, take a hard look at the Austin City Limits schedule.
4. Game Day Alternatives: If you can’t avoid a game day, consider incorporating a viewing area at your reception for football-loving guests. Ask if your venue has televisions in the reception area and getting ready suites.

Holidays and Events

Fall is also packed with holidays and local events that can impact your wedding planning:

1. Holiday Conflicts: Avoid dates around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s to ensure more guests can attend. It may also be very difficult to book vendors during major holidays, and some have higher rates.
2. Local Festivals: Austin and the Hill Country host numerous Fall festivals and events. Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, WurstFest, Pumpkin Patches, Wine Festivals and the aforementioned Austin City Limits are examples. Check local event calendars to avoid date conflicts and potential logistical challenges.

Advantages of a Fall Wedding in Austin and the Texas Hill Country

Despite the potential challenges, Autumn offers numerous benefits for a wedding:

1. Scenic Beauty: The Texas Hill Country is breathtaking in the fall, with intensely blue skies and some color in the hills, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
2. Pleasant Weather: Cooler temperatures in the evenings allow for more comfortable outdoor ceremonies and receptions, making it an ideal time for alfresco dining and dancing.
3. Sunsets: With the shorter days and the time change, sunset ceremonies are easier to schedule. And the sunsets tend to be very intense. Cooler receptions after sundown under the stars are magical.
4. Seasonal Décor: Fall offers a rich palette of colors and seasonal decorations. Think pumpkins, autumn leaves, rustic elements, and cozy accents that add warmth and charm to your Fall wedding.

Decor and Fall Color Palettes

Decorating for a Fall wedding offers endless opportunities to embrace the season’s natural beauty and warmth. Here are some ideas to inspire your decor choices and color palettes:

Color Palettes

1. Rich Autumn Hues: Embrace deep, rich colors such as burgundy, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and forest green. These colors evoke the essence of fall and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
2. Elegant Neutrals: Combine warm neutrals like cream, taupe, and caramel with metallic accents in gold or copper for a sophisticated and timeless look.
3. Jewel Tones: Deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst add luxury and opulence to your decor.
4. Rustic Charm: Incorporate earthy tones like terracotta, rust, and olive green to enhance the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Fall Wedding Decor Elements

1. Seasonal Florals: Use seasonal flowers like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers, complemented by autumn foliage. Incorporate these into bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arches.
2. Rustic Accents: Integrate natural elements like wooden signage, barrels, crates, and lanterns to create a rustic, cozy atmosphere. Consider using hay bales for seating or decor.
3. Pumpkins and Gourds: Decorate with pumpkins, gourds, and squash in various sizes and colors. These can be used as table centerpieces, aisle decor, or even carved with intricate designs. One of our weddings last year used white pumpkins touched with gold and silver leaf. Gorgeous, unique and elegant!
4. Twinkling Lights: Add a magical touch with string lights, fairy lights, and candles. These create a warm and romantic ambiance, especially for evening weddings.
5. Cozy Textures: Incorporate cozy textures like wool blankets, plaid table runners, and velvet cushions. These elements not only add warmth but also enhance the rich fall aesthetic.
6. Vintage Touches: Utilize vintage furniture and decor pieces such as antique mirrors, lace tablecloths, and brass candlesticks to add a touch of elegance and charm.

Personal Touches

1. Seasonal Favors: Give guests seasonal favors such as mini jars of local honey, homemade jams, or small potted succulents. These can also double as adorable table decor.
2. Signature Fall Cocktails: Offer a selection of signature fall cocktails like spiced cider, mulled wine, or pumpkin spice drinks. Consult your bartending company for creating custom concoctions.
3. Comfort Food: Serve comfort foods that reflect the season, such as butternut squash soup, roasted vegetables, pumpkin pie and apple cobbler.

Halloween

This deserves its own category. If you’re like me, and LIVE for spooky season, go ahead and embrace the Halloween vibe. Whether it’s subtle decor or a full-fledged haunted house or costume party, having a ‘Hallowedding’ is a lot of fun. Chances are, your guests love Halloween also, and will get into it. Look for a venue that lends itself to a Halloween aesthetic and find vendors that love to create the vibe.

When I was creating cakes, Hallowedding cakes were my specialty. I absolutely LOVED Hallowedding cakes and was sought out by many clients just for that style. I even competed on Food Network’s Halloween Wars…..a dream come true for me.

(OK, so the above is a not-so-subtle plea to have your Hallowedding at Rose Haven. Please. Shameless Plug. I want Halloween weddings. Indulge me. I have so many ideas………….)

The Joys of A Fall Wedding

Planning a Fall wedding in Austin, Dripping Springs, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country can be so much fun if you avoid the issues. By planning for the unpredictable weather, working around football and holidays, and embracing the advantages of the season, you can create a personal and enchanting celebration. With careful planning, attention to detail, and thoughtful decor choices, your Fall wedding will be a stunning reflection of your love and the natural beauty of Central Texas.

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When you are considering a venue for your corporate or personal event, please choose a locally owned venue! If you love Austin, Dripping Springs, and The Texas Hill Country as much as we do, support a locally owned venue. These are small business owners who treasure our community. They live here (often AT their venue!), invest in our community, and care about their employees and their clients. The experience you get when you choose a locally owned wedding or event venue is drastically different than the experience you get at a corporate owned or investor group wedding leasing company.

In every blog we write, we will include 5 locally owned wedding venues who support their colleagues and the wedding industry in essential ways. If you are searching for a venue, please consider a locally owned venue. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

• The Venue @ 112
• Wild Rye KC Ranch
• Vista West Ranch
• The Creek Haus
• L AND L Farm

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My name is Christy Seguin. I created amazing cakes in Austin, Dripping Springs and the Texas Hill Country for over 10 years. But I recently retired from cakes and am now passionately working on my new venture–the most unique and charming event venue in Central Texas, Rose Haven Event Venue!

For Rose Haven Event Venue Information, please contact us HERE.