10 of Our Favorite Fall Wedding Dresses From Real Brides

By Sarah Title

With fall comes crisp air, colorful leaves, and a whole new season full of wedding dresses that take our breath away. While sifting through some of our past fall real weddings, we realized that we've featured some super stylish brides. Yes, we're a little biased, but you have to see for yourself just how chic they are. Prepare yourself for major fashion inspiration ahead! 

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The structured bodice paired with the ruffled mermaid skirt is extra flattering. 

Gown by Vera Wang

Is it just us or does this strapless ball gown look even more amazing with the fall foliage in the background?

Gown by Vera Wang

We can only imagine how beautiful this ethereal gown looked blowing the in the fall breeze. 

Gown by BHLDN

This ruched A-line gown features lace illusion short sleeves, the perfect way to keep warm on a breezy fall day. 

These sheer sleeves provide coverage and extra style!

Gown by David's Bridal

Silk is a great go-to fabric for fall and winter weddings, especially when it's off the shoulder like this one. 

Gown by David's Bridal

Not sold on the idea of a white dress? Take a page from this bride's book and go beige! It'll blend right in with the colors of autumn. 

We're not sure what we love more, the asymmetrical neckline or the tulle overlay on the bride's skirt! 

Gown by Romona Keveza

These illusion lace sleeves are both super swoon-worthyand practical for fall. 

The tiered skirt on this strapless gown lends an old-world feel to this fall wedding.

What to Consider While Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

After you find your own dress (or at least begin the process), the next step is to outfit your ‘maids. Bridesmaid dress shopping isn’t as easy as going to the mall and buying something off the rack, there are a number factors that go into pulling together a cohesive look. Here are some things to think about while you’re on the hunt.

Season
It’s important to consider the time of year in which you’re getting married. If it’s in the middle of July, long black dresses may not be the best way to go. Shorter dresses made of lighter fabrics in paler tones will match the aesthetic of the day. Think of color palettes that typically correlate with each season and use those colors to inspire the attire.

Length
Again, let the time of year and location dictate the length of the ‘maids dresses. If you’re getting married in the fall or winter, long dresses are a good way to go, especially if you’re getting married outside. You also need to consider if you want all your gals in the same length. You can mix-and-match between short and long or you can opt for high-low dresses. There’s no right answer for how long or short each dress should be, but it’s important you think about what you’d prefer.

Fabric
Some fabrics are heavier than others and may not be ideal for certain climates. For warm weather weddings, chiffon gowns are a good go-to fabric because of their light and airy feel. A heavy silk gown may be best suited for a winter wedding when high temps and potentially sweaty situations aren’t an issue.

Related: 11 Things Your Bridesmaids Do NOT Want to Hear >>

Style
Think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Is it a casual summer wedding by the beach? Or is it a more formal affair in a country club? Your venue and wedding style can help guide your decision. An outdoor farm wedding might call for more rustic attire, while one-shoulder floor-length dresses might be more appropriate for a downtown fête. Think about your aesthetic before making a decision!

Color
Consider your wedding colors. If the palette you’ve picked out is navy blue and blush, then your ‘maids should be donning a similar hue. You may also want to consider the idea of having a variety of shades of one color. For instance, instead of dressing all of your gals in forest green, give them the color green, then have them pick out the specific shade. That way you’ll create a unique bridal party look and your ‘maids will feel more comfortable in a hue they picked.

Your bridesmaids 
It’s very likely that your closest pals will be different heights and sizes, making it impossible for one dress to look the same on all of them. Keep them in mind while browsing for a dress. The beauty of mix-and-match dresses is that your gals can pick out a neckline and fit that works with their body type. Just give them a color, fabric, and length you prefer, and the rest is up to them!

Price
It is customary for the bridesmaids to buy their own dress. Keep this in mind when you’re searching for a style you want. Certain designers have higher prices than others, so be cognizant of that. Your ‘maids will be happy to shell out some money for your special day, but they probably have some kind of spending limit you should be mindful of.

7 Things to Do Before Putting on Your Wedding Dress

After the many months of dreaming, shopping, and fitting, you probably can’t wait to finally wear your gorgeous wedding gown. But, wait! Here are a few things you should do before you finally step into your wedding dress.

Eat and Drink
Once you put on your wedding dress, you’ll need to be a bit more careful when it comes to eating and drinking. So we recommend eating your pre-wedding meals and snacks before you get dressed. Once the gown is on before the ceremony, stick to clear liquids, snacks that aren’t messy (think carrot sticks or dried fruits), and, okay, fine, maybe a glass of champagne is allowed! After the ceremony and your portrait session, you can be a bit more lax about what you eat—what’s a little stain in the name of delicious food and a great celebration?

Go to the Bathroom
It’s a good idea to head to the loo before you put on your dress. Depending on the silhouette of your gown, you may need some assistance if you need to go after the dress is on, so take the opportunity to go to the restroom solo. 

Freshen Up Your Mouth
Since you're probably going to be doing a lot of smooching on your wedding day, it's a good idea to do a thorough brushing, flossing, and mouthwashing before you proceed with your nuptials. 

Get Your Hair and Makeup (Mostly) Done
Don’t put on your gown until your hair and makeup is pretty much ready to go. And remember to step into your gown, rather than pulling it on over your head to avoid getting any makeup or hair products on your dress. Once your gown is on, be sure to do a spot check and touch up your hair and makeup in case anything fell out of place while you were dressing.

Move Your Body
Between all the walking, posing, and dancing, your wedding may feel a bit like a marathon. So before you jump into your gown, do a few stretches or yoga moves to prevent your muscles from getting too sore. You may not have your full range of motion while in your wedding dress, so use this as a good opportunity to get those muscles moving!

Take Getting Ready Photos 
Whether or not you’re wearing cute getting ready attire or just relaxing in your favorite robe or jammies, it’s a nice idea to take some casual photos with your bridal party before you get into your dress. You’ll always want to remember those last few moments before you say “I do!”

Last-Minute Wedding Set Up
If there are any wedding-related projects you’re tackling on your own, from setting up the escort card display to arranging the favors, do that before you’re dressed. Once you’re in your gown, you’re officially a bride and doing any work (wedding-related or otherwise!) is not allowed!

How to Choose a Perfect Wedding Dress

Decide on a silhouette

Ball gowns  

Fit: Except very short and small bodies, any body type.

Description:  Crinolines built in or a slip to support the shape of the gown. Heavy and bulky, be careful to wear!

A-lines   

Fit: Hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown.

Description：A fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape.

Sheaths  

Fit: Slim, balanced figures

Unfit: Thighs or butt are too big

Empire waist  

Fit: A casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate, also excellent for pregnant brides.

Decide on circumstances

Formal ceremonies:Floor length gowns & long trains

Informal ceremonies: A shorter gown without a train 

Winter：Heavy fabric

Summer：Light, thin fabric

Traditional ceremonies: A white gown 

In many cases: Don't have to be pure white. Choose dress color that best complement their skin tones.

Decide on Body Shapes

Pear-shaped 

A-line, sturdier fabrics: duchesse satin and taffeta.

A spaghetti-strap bodice/ a V neckline 

Showcase a more slender upper body

Busty

A scooped neckline/ a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across

Plus-Sized  

An Empire dress, A-line, floor-length. 

Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric.

Apple-shaped 

A-line, deep V neckline. Avoid trumpet dress styles