As we step into mid-November, it’s clear that autumn weddings in Italy have that special something, a unique feeling all their own. With golden-hued landscapes and the crisp hills of Tuscany or the vine-covered mountains of Piedmont shedding their leaves, there’s something so romantic about saying getting married in Italy in the autumn season.. If you’ve been on the fence about an autumn wedding, all you have to do is simply imagine yourself strolling through cobblestone streets lined with fallen leaves, sipping on a warm cappuccino the morning of your wedding, surrounded by the vibrant tones of the Italian countryside in full autumn magic.This season brings a cosy and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a wedding celebration. To help you make the most of your Italian autumn wedding, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Photography: Emmanuela Esposito
Be Prepared for Weather Surprises:
Autumn days in Italy can be unpredictable, from crisp, sunny mornings to sudden rain showers. To ensure you’re ready for whatever the day brings, plan on warm, stylish cover ups for you and your wedding party. Umbrellas are a must for walking through any kind of terrain if it’s been rainy or humid the night before. Consider some cosy flats or boots to change into after the ceremony for comfort on those charming (but sometimes uneven) Italian cobblestones.
Create a Realistic Plan B: While the idea of an outdoor ceremony with views of golden vineyards or historic piazzas is magical, it’s essential to have a sheltered option for when Italy’s autumn turns chillier. Make sure there’s a covered space for guests to enjoy food and drinks, ideally with a view of the beautiful autumn scenery, even if it’s from indoors. This flexibility will allow you to celebrate fully, rain or shine.
Keep Guests Warm and Cosy: A fabulous Italian autumn wedding includes making sure guests are comfortable and cosy so they can emjoy the celebrations to the fullest. In case of a church ceremony in a centuries-old stone chapel, consider providing blankets or shawls so everyone stays warm. For the reception, outdoor heaters are great for a terrace or courtyard setup, and offering mulled wine or Italian hot chocolate can add a deliciously comforting touch.
Let Nature Set the Stage: Italy’s autumnal scenery, with its warm palette of burnt orange, ruby reds, and deep greens, provides a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos. Take advantage of this natural beauty for your couple’s shoot—whether in the vineyards, olive groves, Italian gardens or on a terrace with a view of historic rooftops.
Keep Group Photos Efficient: Italian autumn evenings can get chilly, and guests may want to move quickly through outdoor photo sessions. Prioritise essential group photos, and consider creating a warm, comfy indoor photo corner that still remains in theme of your wedding. This can also serve as a perfect spot for guests to snap their instagram shots.
Plan Around Golden Hour: Italian autumn sunsets are truly something to behold, with a soft golden light that adds a stunning quality to photos. Speak with your photographer about the ideal time for portraits, especially since autumn days are shorter. Capturing those dreamlike “golden hour” moments will add a magical glow to your wedding album.
Decorate with Seasonal Charm: Autumn in Italy offers a wealth of natural decor inspiration. Incorporate locally-sourced elements such as olive branches, rosemary sprigs, and dried wildflowers. For a touch of the harvest season, add fruits like pomegranates, figs, or persimmons to your table settings. Work with your florist to design arrangements that celebrate the natural beauty of Italy in the fall.
Set the Tone with Lighting: Autumn evenings in Italy can be cool and dark, so create a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of candlelight and twinkling fairy lights, this is especially beautiful in rustic style villas or agriturismos. Consider lanterns on tables or along pathways, and if possible, take advantage of fireplaces or overhead chandeliers to add that warm glow.
Serve Seasonal Comfort Foods: Italian cuisine is famed for its warmth and richness, and autumn is an ideal time to showcase it. Think about serving hearty dishes like risotto, roasted vegetables, and soups, or why not set up a polenta bar where guests can choose their own toppings such as melted cheese, mushrooms or stew.. For dessert, a hot chocolate bar with Italian cioccolata calda or mini tiramisu can be a delicious and fun idea.
Inquire About Seasonal Pricing: Autumn is often the shoulder season for weddings in Italy, which may mean lower rates for certain venues and services. While this isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth asking vendors if there are off-peak pricing options, especially as November approaches. Many venues and vendors appreciate the extra business during quieter months and may offer competitive packages. Browse our directory of wedding venues and reach out to your favourite for further information.
Lastly, as a bonus, let’s talk about fashion during a chillier celebration, there is no doubt that you’ll have guests asking you this question if you do decide on a fall wedding.
Autumn Wedding
What Do You Wear to an Autumn Italian Wedding?
For a fall wedding in Italy, you’ll want to balance elegance with a nod to the season’s cooler temperatures. Italian style leans toward classic, understated fashion, so go for refined and timeless pieces.
Women: Why not go for a midi or long-sleeve dress in autumnal shades like deep greens, rich burgundy, or navy. Fabrics like silk or fine cashmere are stylish choices that still offer warmth. A tailored blazer, shawl, or pashmina can be a great idea to keep cold breezes off shoulders or to throw on if walking between locations. Comfortable, stylish shoes are also important—Italian weddings often involve walking on cobblestone streets or vineyard paths!
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Emmanuela Esposito
Men: A classic suit in charcoal, navy, or deep green works well for an autumn wedding in Italy. Since the weather can be chilly, choose wool or a wool-blend fabric to stay warm. Add a smart overcoat if the forecast is cool or rainy, and accessorise with a pocket square or tie in seasonal colours like burgundy or burnt orange for an Italian-inspired look.
Extra Touches for Everyone: Italy’s autumn weather can change quickly, so prepare for the unexpected with a stylish umbrella and a comfortable, warm layer or even a chic hat.
