Three Ways to be the Best Guest at a Fall Wedding

A Guide to Attending Autumn “I Dos”

Fall weddings are quickly becoming one of the most popular times to say ”I do.” And why not? The air is crisp, there is less conflict with guests’ vacation dates. The autumn leaves create the perfect backdrop for pictures. There are pumpkins, apples, and mums to use as decorations and deep, rich colors to dress the wedding party in.

If your autumn social calendar is filling up with weddings, but you aren’t quite sure how to make the most of this new trend, never fear! Here are three ways to be the best guest at a fall wedding:

Dress For Success

In most states, autumn weather is unpredictable. It can go from warm and pleasant to windy and cold in a matter of hours, so it’s best to be prepared. I’ve attended a few fall weddings that were outdoor affairs. one in particular sticks out in my mind. It was the tail-end of hurricane season here on the East coast, and a tropical storm decided to crash the party. We took off our shoes to dance in the mud and made the best of it. I opted to keep my favorite heels at home and was particularly glad about that.

Avoid missing out on the fun. Watch the weather and pack a backup pair of shoes, an umbrella, sweater and fashionable scarf, as well as a bag of makeup and hair accoutrements to refresh yourself if you get caught in a downpour.

Give A Seasonal Wedding Gift

If it’s autumn, then chances are cold weather, long nights, and hosting season are all right around the corner. Be the best guest at the bridal shower by presenting the couple with the perfect gift that they can put to use right away. Think luxurious throw blankets for chilly nights spent cuddling on the couch and cinnamon-scented candles to make their new space feel cozy. If they are the hosting type, then help equip them for their first Thanksgiving with handmade serveware or linens that they will be proud to pull out of their cabinet.

It’s also worth remembering that after autumn comes winter, and with it the hustle and bustle of the holidays. There’s something very special about the first holiday season together as a married couple. There’s a home to decorate and new traditions to start. Be a part of their memories for years to come. Help them prepare for the season with keepsake ornaments that will kickstart their collection. Even a menorah or handmade nativity might be just the thing they were hoping to have to make their first house feel more like their home.

Help Them Be In The Moment

One of the reasons fall is such a special time is because the beauty is so fleeting. With each leaf that falls, we know we are one day closer to winter. But the knowledge that we need to stop and take it all in now, before it’s gone, is what makes it so beautiful. The same is true with weddings, no matter the time of year. Ask any bride or groom, and they will tell you that the long-awaited ceremony and reception went by in a flash. Months of planning result in a day that feels like a short, joyful blur of hugs, toasts, dancing and smiles.

One of the best ways to be a guest at a fall wedding is to fully embrace the day with the happy couple. Be prepared with a sincere message for the guest book. Try on all the silly hats in the photo booth. Dance your heart out, have seconds of cake, and laugh with old friends. When you see the couple later and tell them how much fun you had at their wedding, they will know that all the to-do lists, seating charts, food tastings and dress fittings were worth it. And that is one of the greatest gifts of all.

Chilly winds and colorful leaves don’t just bring in the change of the seasons anymore. They signal the beginning of fall wedding season! So don’t get left out in the cold. Embrace the beautiful uniqueness of an autumn wedding and be the best guest at the party.