Fall has a way of inspiring weddings that feel warm, cozy, and effortlessly romantic. The season’s natural beauty makes it easy to set the tone, but 2025 is bringing even more inspiration for couples looking to make their celebration stand out.
This year’s palettes strike a balance between timeless elegance and modern creativity. Some lean into the richness of the season, while others take a lighter, more playful approach. No matter your style, there are plenty of ways to bring autumn’s charm into your wedding in a way that feels uniquely you!
Bold pops
Bold colors are having a big moment in 2025. A splash of saturated color on your tablescape, stationery, or florals can instantly liven up the mood and keep the day feeling fresh.
Erin Dabbs, Lead Photographer at Erin Ren Photography, LLC, confirms, “After years of trending, ‘classic’, black and white weddings, the pendulum seems to be swinging back on this trend. Couples are ready to step into vibrant, joyful color. I love it because it can add whatever element you desire based on the color you pick: vibrancy and fun, warmth and grounding, happiness and joy, creative and wow-factor. There are so many options.”
If you’re worried about going too bright, balance is key. Pair bold hues with grounding neutrals like cream, black, or soft gray so the colors shine without overwhelming the space.
Warm brown
Earthy and grounding, warm browns are making a strong return in 2025 fall weddings. They pair beautifully with textures like wood, linen, and leather, creating a palette that’s warm yet timeless.
“We continue to lean into the Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse,” states Casey Cannon, Owner of EBJ & Company. “Pairing this with mauve or even taupe and blush makes for a romantic palette that is still soft and inviting for guests. For our couples that appreciate a neutral palette but want it to have a little color, this is a perfect palette that can be used for a fall wedding.”
Brown also works as a versatile anchor color, complementing everything from soft neutrals to bold jewel tones.
Kelley Nudo, Client Relations & Operations Director at Momental Designs, confirms, adding, “With Mocha Mousse being the 2025 Pantone color of the year, we are seeing a departure from the gray tones; instead, couples are beginning to favor shades of brown.”
Try pairing it with cream and gold for an elegant vibe, or with burnt orange and mustard for a retro-inspired look. Regardless of how you style it, warm brown adds depth and sophistication to your fall wedding palette.
Reds
There’s something about red that feels undeniably autumnal. From burgundy and wine to bright scarlet and cherry, this bold palette brings warmth and drama to your wedding design.
McKenzi Taylor, Founder & Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, shares, “I’ve had several couples leaning towards bold and bright reds to bring a passionate feel into their ceremonies, receptions, and portrait sessions. It’s wonderful to see photography that highlights these reds by posing the couple on red seat cushions, or against red stairways and red wall sconces.”
Pair deep wine with soft blush for a romantic vibe, or lean into a monochromatic palette by layering several red tones together. The beauty of red lies in its versatility!
Jewel tones
Jewel tones are practically made for fall weddings. They’re a perfect choice for couples who want their celebration to feel opulent without losing that seasonal charm.
“I’m also seeing couples use deep jewel tones—like aubergine or emerald—as visual punctuation: not the whole story, but the moment that makes you look twice,” notes Natasha Cardinal, Photographer & Owner at The Cardinals Elopements.
One of the best parts about jewel tones is how well they mix and match. A combination of emerald green bridesmaid dresses, sapphire glassware, and ruby florals can create a layered look that feels sophisticated.
French blue
Soft, romantic, and just a touch unexpected, French blue is making waves in 2025 fall weddings. While it’s often associated with spring and summer, this airy shade brings a refreshing contrast to autumn’s deeper hues.
Mary Angelini, Founder of Key Moment Films, says, “French Blue is not just for summer weddings. We’re seeing this color palette carry into fall celebrations that embody the romance of the season. This soft, romantic hue embodies classic European style and appears in details beyond florals like hand-painted porcelain, vintage-style glassware, and delicate blue floral stationery. Paired with vintage gold accents and ivory blooms, it creates a refined and elegant look that’s becoming a popular choice for autumn 2025 weddings.”
Couples looking for a modern twist might combine French blue with terracotta or copper, allowing the warm undertones to balance the coolness of the blue. This color adds an elegant touch that feels memorable for a fall affair.
Soft purples
Soft purples may not be the first colors that come to mind for fall, but in 2025, they’re proving just how versatile they can be. These show-stoppers add a dreamy quality to your palette, great for couples who want something unexpected yet understated.
“Lavender and plum are in right now, and when paired with amber or similar, they bring a moody twist,” emphasizes Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography.
Different shades of purple shine especially when paired with deeper autumn tones, such as burgundy or navy. You can use them in bouquets or accent décor to bring a whimsical elegance to your celebration.
Unexpected combinations
If tradition isn’t your thing, this year’s trends are all about mixing the unexpected. Surprising combinations create a palette that feels playful, ensuring your wedding design stands out from the crowd.
Alicia Parks, Owner & Photographer at Alicia Parks Photography, explains, “This fall, I’m excited to see couples move beyond the classic fall colors and embrace more unexpected combinations. Like deep rust paired with dusty blue, or emerald with a soft peach, or even mustard yellow accents mixed with light mauve. These are going to be some beautiful color palettes for 2025.”
Try anchoring the mix with a neutral (like ivory, taupe, or black) so the bolder colors don’t compete too much. With the right styling, these creative pairings can add an element of surprise your guests will remember long after the celebration.
This season offers no shortage of stunning color inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics, rich jewel tones, or bold pairings, the key is choosing a palette that feels true to your style and story. With so many options to choose from, your fall wedding is sure to be as beautiful as the season itself!
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a long time wedding industry speaker who travels globally.
