Are you looking for autumn wedding wardrobe ideas? Whether you’re the bride, groom or a guest, you want to feel elegant, confident and effortless. With the seasons changing and temperatures dropping, autumn can feel like a tricky season to dress for.
At Eastnor Castle, we’ve spent 25 years hosting weddings through every season, so we know what works and how couples and their guests shine. This guide will help you pick the perfect wedding or guest outfit for autumn weddings.
Why dressing for an autumn wedding feels magical
The crisp countryside air always feels like it’s here too soon but dressing for an autumn wedding will make you feel cool and comfortable.
With just an extra layer or two, you’ll feel more comfortable in your outfit choices, and it’ll show. You’ll be warm and composed, and the photographer’s lens will capture you and your guests at your best, not hunched over or shivering!
Any wedding wardrobe looks elegant against Eastnor Castle’s regal backdrop, but there’s something even more magical about autumn weddings and feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
How to dress for an autumn wedding at a castle
Worried about what to wear for a wedding in autumn? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with fast fashion trends, unpredictable weather, and wanting to be as stylish and sustainable as possible.
Here are some suggestions for your autumn wedding outfit.
Fabrics
Autumn is the season to truly showcase rich, textural fabrics. Choosing the right texture not only keeps you comfortable in the shifting weather but also adds depth and sophistication to your look.
Soft tweeds and wools bring a subtle nod to the Herefordshire countryside, while velvet offers warmth and richness that’s suited to evening celebrations in this historic venue. For something lighter to layer, flowing silks and satins catch thr light and complement the castle beautifully. Whether it’s rustic charm or refined elegance you’re after, autumn fabrics mean you can worry less about the weather and still look the part.
Colours
One of the most common questions is whether it’s acceptable to wear black to a wedding. And the answer depends. A tuxedo is always timeless, but this is usually reserved for the groom. For guests, black can sometimes feel too stark against certain colour schemes.
Instead, autumn is the season to embrace warmth. Deep earth tones and softer, tinted ivories offer a neutral base, while accents of brighter reds, greens and yellows help with layering. If you’re opting for a neutral suit or dress, you can include pops of colour in accessories like cufflinks, handkerchiefs, jewellery and bags.
Layers
Smart layering for weddings in autumn is essential. Guests might be sipping on canapés on the terrace one moment, then moving into the heart of the Great Hall the next. Find the balance between style and comfort with light base layers like rollnecks or fine knits under a tailored jacket. Longer hemlines also add a touch of elegance while keeping out the chill.
And when the camera comes out to capture the castle’s opulent rooms, thoughtful layering ensures you look polished no matter the weather.
Prints and patterns
Prints and patterns are some of the easiest, most expressive ways to give your outfit personality. While florals are often thought of as spring motifs, that’s not the case. Geometric patterns are also a go-to if you want something a bit more modern.
Shoes
Practicality matters just as much as style, so it’s essential you don’t neglect your shoe options when picking your autumn wedding guest outfit. Sturdy boots or polished dress shoes will carry you comfortably across the castle’s drive and lawns. Suede and sudden showers aren’t the best combination, so be mindful of your material choices.
Want to see how your wedding colour palette suits the grounds of Eastnor Castle?
If you’re planning your special day, our dedicated wedding team at Eastnor Castle will bring your seasonal vision to life. Book a showround today to visit the grounds and envisage your special day in the Herefordshire countryside.