— Top Autumn Wedding Tips – How to Plan a Warm, Cosy and Stylish Celebration —

Top Autumn Wedding Tips – How to Plan a Warm, Cosy and Stylish Celebration

Planning for Autumn: Setting the Scene

Autumn weddings are enchanting — full of texture, warmth and atmosphere — but they do require a little extra thought. Cooler weather and shorter daylight hours can add challenges, yet with the right approach, these can become opportunities to create a celebration that feels deeply romantic.

Here are Dine’s top autumn wedding tips to help you design a day that runs smoothly from the first look to the last dance.

1. Light Is Everything

Autumn light is beautiful but fleeting. Make the most of it by planning your ceremony earlier in the afternoon to capture golden-hour photos before the sun sets. Consider soft lighting options like fairy lights, lanterns and candles to keep the venue glowing into the evening.

At Rise Hall, uplighting along the grand staircase and warm candles on the tables add instant atmosphere. At The Mansion, string lights on the terrace or soft uplighting around the colonnades create a magical evening effect. At Howsham Hall, the grand chandeliers cast an elegant glow over proceedings- just add the party!

2. Keep Guests Warm and Comfortable

If your day includes outdoor moments — confetti, photos or welcome drinks — consider providing blankets, heaters or baskets of shawls. Personalised shawls with your names and wedding date can be found online, such as these at Etsy.

Warm cocktails such as mulled wine or spiced cider also add a lovely seasonal touch. Guests will remember those thoughtful extras, and they’ll make your celebration feel relaxed and inviting.

3. Dress for the Season

Embrace fabrics and tones that suit autumn’s aesthetic — velvet, tweed, satin and lace all photograph beautifully in soft light. Three-piece suits or velvet jackets for men, and bridesmaids in deep jewel tones like burgundy or emerald will complement the natural surroundings perfectly. And don’t forget the bride! Autumn temperatures can vary, so a jacket, wrap or shawl that can be added or removed as required is a good call.

4. Plan for Weather — and Work With It

Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so have a flexible plan. Keep umbrellas handy (clear or white styles look great in photos), and choose a venue that offers beautiful indoor backdrops if the rain arrives. All our dine venues have stunning indoor photo opportunities- check out the gallery at Rise Hall with its cupola, the stunning Great Hall of Howsham Hall. Of course, Sefton Park Palm House is a tropical wonderland all year round.

5. Create a Seasonal Menu

Dine’s culinary team are experts in crafting menus that highlight the best of the season. Warm starters like roasted butternut squash soup or wild mushroom tartlets, followed by hearty mains and spiced desserts, perfectly suit the autumn palette. Pair your dishes with locally sourced wines or craft ales for a distinctly Yorkshire twist.

6. Add Personal Seasonal Touches

Handwritten menus, leaf-shaped place cards or pumpkin arrangements can tie the theme together without feeling overly rustic. Use texture and colour to bring depth — dried grasses, berries, and soft fabrics create a cohesive, warm look.

The Takeaway

Autumn is a season of comfort, colour and celebration — and with careful planning, it can deliver one of the most atmospheric weddings imaginable.  Read more about creating the perfect autumn wedding on our blog Autumn Weddings in Yorkshire