Even though the weather is typically hot and warm during the summer, we associate these months with cold elements like lake water, popsicles, light fabrics, and soft colours. On the other hand, with fall weather, we think of warmth, such as spices, colours, knit sweaters, and anything cozy! This might be because, regardless of the seasons, we’re subconsciously trying to divert our attention from the outside temperature and associate it with something else, like watching Christmas movies during a heat wave. So, how do you plan a wedding that falls at the end of summer but at the beginning of fall? Especially if you live in East or Central Canada, where late August and September can have unpredictable warm or cold weather, with them being transitional months.
On top of that, what decor and theme do you lean into? Do you pretend it’s still peak summer and stick with soft pastels and hope it’s not cold that day and the leaves don’t start changing early, or lean into richer colours, use pumpkins as accents, and hope it’s not hot that day, making the theme feel disjointed. Unfortunately, we can’t control Mother Nature. Still, luckily, we can marry the two seasons and create a transitional wedding theme that uses both summer and fall elements that will work for whatever is on the radar that day and will end the summer and start the fall for your guest with a memorable event!
Below, I have eight late and early fall transitional wedding decor mood boards for you to show your wedding planner or use to guide you on your do-it-yourself wedding journey!
1. Regal Romance in Purple Hues
Colour Palette: Shades of eggplant, plum, and mauve, complemented by natural greens from lush foliage or venue backdrops like a forest or lakeside.
This palette blends summer and fall seamlessly—light purples for summer, deep purples for fall. The aesthetic is whimsical, romantic, and regal, making it perfect for an intimate lakeside or forest wedding. Natural elements like stone, wood, and greenery add to the charm. Think gold accents in cutlery, candles, and vintage-inspired decor, with full floral arrangements that cover the spectrum from light to deep purples. A ground arch for the ceremony against a backdrop like a lake creates a stunning centrepiece.
Inspiration: Think of Bella and Edward’s wedding in Twilight: Breaking Dawn, but with twinkle lights.
2. Rustic Elegance in Sage and White
Colour Palette: Sage green, whites, creams, and gold, with hints of black for modern contrast.
This soft, elegant palette is ideal for those who love the lightness of summer and the rustic coziness of fall. Heirloom pumpkins, pinecones, birch trees, and wood accents create a warm, rustic feel against a washed-out barn venue. Seasonal blooms like late-summer green hydrangeas paired with baby’s breath and roses bring the summer vibe, while gold accents in candle stands and charger plates add a touch of elegance.
Perfect for the bride who can’t decide between summer and fall and wants the best of both!
3. Dusty Rose Dream
Colour Palette: Dusty rose, soft pink, creams, and beiges.
This mood board evokes a romantic, European-inspired aesthetic, especially in a magical garden or greenhouse setting. Dusty rose, a pink with brown undertones, is the perfect transitional shade between summer and fall. The aesthetic is minimalist and romantic, with garden-style bouquets of roses and dried florals like bunny tails and wheatgrass.
Gold accents and crystal details play beautifully off a glass venue, adding texture and dimension. The overall vibe feels natural and dreamy, perfect for a bride seeking an intimate, magical wedding day.
4. Vibrant Summer-Fall Fusion
Colour Palette: Red, pink, orange, with blue accents.
This energetic and fun colour scheme pairs bright reds and oranges representing fall with vibrant pinks and soft blues from summer. While loud, the colours should be used sparingly, with florals being the main focal point. Think minimal decor elsewhere, using glass elements and subtle gold accents to let the flowers pop.
Ideal for an outdoor wedding under a white tent adorned with twinkle lights, this theme will have your guests on the dance floor, embracing both seasons in a vibrant, joyful celebration.
5. Sunset Beach Minimalism
Colour Palette: Soft oranges, beige, and creams.
If you dream of a beach wedding but not the high summer prices, this palette is perfect. By blending light and deep oranges, it evokes the warmth of both summer sunsets and early autumn tones. Driftwood, sand, and washed-out wood finishes bring the beach aesthetic to life, while ceramics and rippled glass add depth and texture.
This mood board is all about minimalism, making it a wonderful choice for casual, relaxed beach weddings that still feel elegant and cohesive.
6. Timeless All-White Affair
Colour Palette: Predominantly white with gold and minimal black accents.
An all-white wedding is timeless, romantic, and suitable for any season, including late summer and early fall. What makes this palette transitional is the subtle incorporation of white pumpkins, a nod to fall, paired with elegant vintage pieces like gold taper candles, crystal finishes, and Chiavari chairs.
The floral arrangements, featuring white hydrangeas, baby’s breath, and cranberry branches against green foliage, complete the elegant, seamless blend between summer’s end and fall’s beginning.
7. Golden Hour Warmth
Colour Palette: Warm yellows, greys, beige, and white.
Yellow is a colour associated with positivity, joy, and celebration, making it a fantastic choice for any wedding. The goal here is to use it sparingly in accents like the centers of white flowers or dried billy balls, paired with warm wood finishes. This mood board’s aesthetic, with wood charger plates and amber glasses, gives off elegant Italian vibes, perfect for a winery or estate venue.
Simple decor like glass votives and pillar candles let the florals and venue shine, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
8. Natural Boho Bliss
Colour Palette: White, cream, and beige.
The boho aesthetic focuses on organic, natural elements, making it perfect for a late summer or early fall wedding. This mood board blends dried florals and foliage with classic wedding staples like white roses and eucalyptus. Scandinavian candle holders, ceramic pots, and wicker placemats add earthy textures to the setting.
Ideal for an outdoor wedding with a park or forest backdrop, this theme exudes effortless, nature-inspired beauty.
No matter the weather, these transitional wedding themes will create an unforgettable experience perfectly suited to late summer and early fall. The key is to embrace the best of both seasons, and with these mood boards as your guide, you can design a wedding that feels cohesive, beautiful, and reflective of this unique time of year. Whether you lean into regal purples, rustic whites, or vibrant fall tones, your wedding will be the perfect celebration of both summer’s end and fall’s beginning. To explore these themes in more detail and gather inspiration for your special day, head over to our Pinterest board where you’ll find each of these mood boards along with individual pins for colour palettes, decor ideas, and more!
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