Autumn in the Midwest is BEAUTIFUL, which is why so many couples love to plan outdoor fall weddings. It’s clear to see why! The leaves are changing colors, everyone is craving apple cider and hot cocoa, and the season just bursts with flavor and fall wedding ideas!
All of those reasons—or some of them—is a good reason to plan an outdoor fall wedding in Chicagoland (especially during September or October). An outdoor fall wedding is an opportunity for couples to embrace the beauty of the season and totally indulge in the season and the beauty of the outdoors.
Coordinating a wedding during this beautiful time of year does come with a few challenges associated with the fall season—and holding an outdoor event!
Look at the calendar.
Fall is a beautiful time of year to get married, but it’s also full of other favorite fall activities. Think football, fall festivals, and other activities that Chicago loves. Before setting a wedding date, make sure that date is clear of any local events that are marked on your guests’ calendars. (As another option, it’s okay to rent a big screen for the occasion if you don’t mind your guests away from the dance floor.)
Have a plan B for rain.
Planning an outdoor fall wedding comes with the risk of rain. For that reason, it’s okay to envision a beautiful fall wedding in the sun—or under the stars—but have a plan for inclement weather. If there is rain in the forecast, consider renting a tent to provide cover from the rain. If the wedding date forecast is incredibly soggy, add an outdoor floor to the outdoor wedding equipment checklist. A tent floor keeps everyone’s feet dry and protects their dancing shoes. Even on the most beautiful days, it makes sense to rent a tent to protect guests from the sun and heat (without sacrificing beauty).
Consider ways to dress up the wedding tent.
A wedding tent is another way to continue to build a beautiful autumn wedding. There are so many ways to dress up a tent with beautiful fall wedding décor and bring the beauty of the outdoors in: fall leaf décor, fall scents to create an autumn event atmosphere, lighting, favorite fall foods, and all those other beautiful autumn touches. Another wonderful fall wedding idea? Couples can rent a clear plastic tent so guests can see the stunning fall season or enjoy a (comfortable) night under the stars.
Be ready for warm or cold.
Autumn temperatures can range from one extreme to the other. It can be incredibly hot, pleasant and perfect, or freezing cold. Unfortunately, couples can never be sure! The good news is that the weather doesn’t have to put a damper on the wedding reception. Tent heating and cooling systems can save the day and keep guests comfortable even on the coolest and hottest autumn days.
If the weather is really cool, couples can take the comfort of themselves and their wedding party a step farther—and get some really cool photo shots as well! Some of the best fall wedding photos are of the couple and wedding party in warm, snugly shawls and blankets.
