These Are the Color Palettes to Consider When Planning Your Fall Wedding
We took inspiration from the runway and our favorite destinations for monochrome, two-tone, and multicolor combinations we know you'll love.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Always keeping you one step ahead (or more), BAZAAR Bride editors are spending all of our time at home looking ahead to fall and winter weddings—and the inspiring, chic, sophisticated, and trend-setting color palettes they're sure to showcase.
Fall weddings mean cooler temperatures, transitional fashion, changing leaves, and seasonal menu options that welcome a shift from the bold brights and soft pastels of the warmer months. Get inspired by these takes on traditional wedding tones for a look that is as festive as it forward-thinking. Expert tip: Look to autumn's traditional tawny hues, jewel tones, and burnished blushes—then give them a twist. Or, take color combinations you'd typically associate with the warmer months, and anchor them with a smoky or dark neutral to make them appropriate for the season. Here, our favorite color schemes for any autumnal affair.
All Things Ochre
Use the natural, burnt ochre shades of the season's leaves to influence your wedding palette, and tap into all its tones for a dramatic, modern look. Auburn woods, smoky charcoal, and patinaed golds, along with a pop of bright yellow all feel festive for fall–but in fresh new ways. Case in point: Christy Baird and Brian Doxtator's Palm Springs wedding, featured on BAZAAR Bride.
Pictured from top left: Photo by Putnam & Putnam for BAZAAR Bride; Photo by Sarah Falugo; Jacquemus sandals, $740 modaoperandi.com; Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2020; Photo by Sarah Falugo.
Emerald & Blush
Take spring and summer's soft pink and pearl palettes and punctuate them with a rich, luxe emerald inspired by the Irish countryside–like Olivia and Colin’s moody Irish affair. Give this romantic palette a dose of edge by infusing hints of malachite, clean lines, and graphic shapes–contrast the overall aesthetic with wild florals and wispy, draped fabrics for a dynamic, modern aesthetic that's sure to feel forward-thinking, not flat.
Pictured from top left: Getty Images; Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR Bride; Monique Lhuilier Bridal Fall 2020; Photo by M.K. Sadler; L'Afshar clutch, $835, fwrd.com; Aquazzura sandals, $750, farfetch.com.
Burnt Peach & Buttercup
It’s time to move away from millennial pink and take the Insta-worthy hue a few shades warmer. These colors may seem spring-y, but with a perfect patina and touches of deep greenery, they feel undeniably of the season. Accent this look with touches of buttercup, peach, and amber for a picturesque palette that feels evocative of an autumn sunset–whether it’s in your backyard or somewhere far flung.
Pictured from top left: Lizzie Fortunato earrings, $190, shop.lizziefortunato.com; Photo by Putnam & Putnam for Bazaar Bride; Getty Images; Bottega Veneta mules, $1,270, matchesfashion.com; Flowers by Ariel Dearie.
Emerald, Amythyst, Citrine, & Sapphire
Hone in on the darker of the jewel tones for a moody (yet undoubtedly classy) event that will look like a dutch painting come to life. Then, add the brightest accent of them all, a chartreuse pop of citrine, to keep an otherwise winter-worthy palette from going too broody. Share this color combination with your wedding planner and your florist to cohesively bring this modern yet glamorous look to life.
Pictured from top left: Erdem Fall 2020; Getty Images; Rosantica clutch, $818, matchesfashion.com; Reem Acra Fall 2020; Cult Gaia sandals, $430, modaoperandi.com.
Shades of Red
The season's changing leaves, bold red lips, and rich rouge velvets inspired a palette of red in all its tones. Pair it with oatmeal-ivories and matte metallics for a look that captures the essence of this time of year, without looking like a theme party. To elevate an otherwise too-playful effect (unless that's what you're going for), frothy tulles, satin, and velvets are the way to go when choosing textures to pair with this striking palette of red in all its shades—from ruby to scarlet, to raspberry, fire engine, and crimson.
Pictured from top left: Flowers by Putnam & Putnam; Alexander McQueen Fall 2020; Heritage Collection Chateau de Villette; Shrimps bag, $725, modaoperandi.com; Getty Images.
Ginger, Mint, & Lemon
From the best in fashion to our favorite venues and the season's fragrant roots and herbs, this color palette is rich yet subtle all at the same time. Start with hints of mint green and sage, and add the warm tones soft yellows, taupe, and maple browns; cap off this combo with a burnt coral if the mood strikes. This look creates a mood and feel that is refreshing yet elegant—with a bit of whimsy.
Pictured from top left: Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR.com; Prada earrings, $294, matchesfashion.com; Getty Images; Heritage Collection Chateau de Villette; Sylvie Corbelin bracelet, $88,300, modaoperandi.com.
Concord Grape, Copper, Steel, & Lilac
The richest tones feel right at this time of year–especially when used to elevate a more rustic al fresco setting or offer a darker mood to a glamorous, over-the-top ballroom affair. Think copper, deep violets, lilac, and steel-blue for this sultry color combination, accented with metallic touches.
Pictured from top left: Reem Acra Pre Fall 2020; Prada sandals, $850 net-a-porter.com; Florals by Sarah Winward; Getty Images.
Fifty Shades of Grey
Soft greys and rich charcoals topped off with a bit of silver and patinaed dove–with touches of greyish whites and prasiolite–pair all too well for a soft, romantic, and all-around dreamy vibe. This color palette suites any wedding style–from an intimate countryside soiree at home to a chateau in the South of France.
Pictured from top left: Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR.com; Bottega Veneta earrings, $815 modesens.com; Getty Images; Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Valentino Couture Spring 2020.
Fine China Redux
Inspired by vintage delftware in shades of blue—with small cracks and imperfections revealing what lies beneath. Think toile, old oil paintings, and countryside vibes, with a modern slant. This is a new take on monochrome, with a color not always associated with the autumn months. Tap the rich tones of indigo, sky, robin's egg blue, cerulean, cobalt and more to create the coolest event of the season. Pro tip: Play with mix-and-match place settings on your tables for a look that is reminiscent of decades past, and that feels perfectly imperfect.
Pictured from top left: Getting Images; Heritage Collection Chateau de Villette; Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2020; Prada sandal, $750, modaoperandi.com.
Bold Brights
Fall's muted hues are no reason to abandon color. While this playful palette may feel more apropos for summer, look to your wedding destination for inspiration. If you plan to wed in warm weather, these colors will set the tone. Expert tip: Punctuate a color-rich palette with hints of black or muted greys instead of white to make this look feel more appropriate for fall.
Pictured from top left: Carolina Herrera Pre Fall 2020; Suzanne Kalen earrings, $7,600, modaoperandi.com; Getty Images; The Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Miami Beach.
All Natural
Let the neutrals of the season drive your color palette, and go all neutral–infusing deep earthy browns in russet, umber, and other dried, late-autumn tones. This palette may seem simple, but it's totally dependent on texture. Go all out with grainy linens, toothy papers, rich wools, cashmere throws, and more to keep this palette feeling as cozy as the mood it's sure to set.
Pictured from top left: Getty Images; Max Mara Fall 2020; Photo by M.K. Sadler.
Turquoise, Periwinkle, Ivory, & Plum
For a clean yet colorful mood, take inspiration from your favorite home decor—then give it a twist. Here, we combined hues of turquoise, periwinkle, and plum with shades of bone and sand for an end-of-summer vibe that feels cooler-weather worthy, but nowhere near drab. Incorporate unique multi-color textures and prints, and accent with touches of gold or platinum, for a luxe feel that will work from Lake Como, to the Hamptons, and beyond.
Pictured from top left: Brinker & Elsa earrings, $100, modaoperandi.com; Monique Lhuillier Spring 2020; Photo by Monolo Langis Photography, Design by Christine Markatos Lowe for Elle Decor; Jimmy Choo pumps, $625, modaoperandi.com; Rodarte Fall 2020.
Sage, Fuschia, & Rose
Channel a tropical vibe with this chic palette inspired by bold blooms, painterly palms, and on-trend accessories. Pink may seem girly at the start, but this palette packs a punch for events taking place in island locales. For a more playful approach, accent your this look with ivory or sandy neutrals; for a moodier feel, opt for backgrounds of deep sage greens and go full-force with lush foliage.
Pictured from top left: Alexander McQueen Resort 2020; Valentino Fall 2020; Getty Images; Photo by Carla Guler for BAZAAR.com; Silvia Furmanovich earrings, $5,940, modaoperandi.com; Jacquemus sandals, $810, modaoperandi.com.
Pumpkin Spice
Take the most admittedly delicious—yet basic—indulgence of the fall season and turn it into this wedding season's most inspired color scheme. Think butter, pumpkin, sepia, burnt oranges, and amber. Extra points for serving riffs on the seasonal hot drink for dessert.
Pictured from top left: Elie Saab Couture Spring 2020; Rosantica bag, $325, matchesfashion.com; Schiaparelli Couture Spring 2020; Grainne Morton earrings, $445, modaoperandi.com; Isabel Marant sandals, $750, mytheresa.com; Getty Images.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
