From red leaf confetti to wedding gowns with sleeves: the best autumn wedding ideas from Instagram
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- Amy Lewis
- Published

Google "wedding ideas" and the bulk of inspiration out there is all geared-up for a summer ceremony. Great if your date lands between April and August, but what about those of us getting hitched in the autumn?
Whether it's orange-blush flowers, red leaf confetti or sleeved wedding dresses, we've scoured Instagram to bring you the best and most beautiful seasonal wedding ideas out there.
Floral crowns aren't just for summer
Swap summer blooms for autumnal ones, and a bohemian flower crown still works. The colour clash between rich oranges and soft pinks will be just as striking as the bright shades of spring and summer.
Match eye make-up to your flowers
Whether you're wearing flowers in your hair or just carrying them in your hands, pick one shade from the theme and work it into your make-up. This lilac eyeliner works well with the purple thistles.
Match your flowers to your lipstick
The earthy shades of autumn work well on the face, so try carrying one colour through your lipstick and flowers like this striking bride.
Bold dresses
Summer might have its hot pinks and and pastels, but richer shades fare much better in autumn and winter. This bride from Glasgow wore a colourful Alice Temperley dress while her bridesmaids sparkled in deep green Badgley Mischka gowns.
Deep navy blue is an excellent idea
Deep navy dresses like these from Adrianna Papell will look great with any colour scheme.
Wine-coloured bridesmaid dresses
From from grape to marsala, wine shades are a great option for striking bridesmaid dresses too.
Autumnal pastel shades do exist
Pastel shades do indeed exist outside of the typical spring hues. Try a powdery lilac or soft grey like these bridesmaids, or look to ice-blues and creams.
Small touches
Try nodding to the season with small touches like these bespoke illustrated heels, from artist Deborah Thomson-Kakoz.
Heavy lace never looked better
Too heavy for a wedding in the warm weather, autumn brides have the advantage when it comes to wearing a heavy lace gown.
Sleeves don't have to mean full coverage
Long sleeves don't have to mean full-body coverage, however. This Duchess gown balances things perfectly with its long lace sleeves and backless details.
Take it sheer from head to toe
Another advantage of long sleeves on your wedding dress - you can go semi-sheer from head to toe while making far less of a statement.
Sleeves can still be delicate
If you're not into the long sleeves try a floatier option like this.
Wrap up in a cape
If you don't want to commit to sleeves, try pulling on a cape or pashmina as and when you need it like this savvy bride.
... or pull on a bridal knit
Olivia Palermo did it, and so did this bride. If you need an extra layer come prepared with a gorgeous knit that looks great pulled over your gown.
Hair florals don't have to be in crown form
If flower crowns aren't for you. try adding a floral touch with metallic hair clips and accessories like this. Mixed metallic shades will go with any colour scheme.
Swap flowers for leaves
If you're worried about flowers not suiting the season, look to leaves instead like this foliage-inspired hair piece.
Add glamour to boho hairstyles
If your boho waves feel too summery, try adding a hint of seasonal glamour with a diamante hair brooch.
Braids suit every season
Braids have long been associated with the summer months, but in our opinion they're right whatever the season. This bride wore her hair in a side-swept fishtail plait, complete with co-ordinating flower crown and bouquet.
Autumn leaves instead of confetti
In a genius move this couple's friends and family showered them with gathered autumn leaves rather than confetti. Of course, we'd suggest going for the drier ones among the pile.
Autumnal shades are the richest around
It's true that summer flowers have their impressive near-neon hues, but you can't beat the burnt oranges and vivid berries of autumn.
Autumnal flowers don't have to be dark
If you are looking for light hues however, fear not. Autumn has those too. This bride's bouquet pulls off a pink versus red colour clash brilliantly.
Pale pinks are autumnal too
Pale pinks aren't just the property of a spring wedding. Mix soft shades with deeper and darker pinks or purples like this gorgeous bouquet.
Go big on the foliage
A bouquet packed with greenery looks great against an autumnal backdrop, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding.
Embrace the red roses
Valentine's Day may have staked its claim, but red roses look fantastic at autumn and winter weddings too.
Try blending the seasons
If you can't settle on an autumn-only flower theme, try mixing the last of the summer blooms with autumnal flowers like this bride.
Make the most of nature at its best
There's no denying the beauty of nature in autumn. Make the most of dramatic backdrops like this creative couple.
Seasonal desserts
Try a clever twist on autumnal desserts like these cupcakes topped with sugar leaves. A great wedding cake alternative or tasty guest favour.
Vintage cars in the colour of the season
Max out the shades of the season like this couple, with a vintage car in a bold autumnal red.
Pumpkin ring cushion
Forget frilly ring cushions or tying your wedding bands to the collar of your dog. It's a pumpkin you need at an autumnal wedding.
Counteract bad weather with flowers
If you're likely to have bad weather, balance it out by packing the venue with colour. Has there ever been a better excuse to go big or go home on the flowers?