written & Photographed by Susan Blackburn
Fall is prime Wedding Season
in Upstate New York?
It isn’t surprising because the foliage is colorful, the temperatures are often very pleasant, and the air is crisp and clear. However, a Fall wedding comes with some unique challenges that couples often don’t really think about ahead of time. As a Wedding Photographer for many years, I have pretty much seen it all. I love photographing Fall weddings, but you want to avoid Fall Wedding Planning Pitfalls.
The best Wedding Photos do not magically happen by accident. They are the product of careful planning and experience. Here are common mistakes I have seen couples make when planning a Fall wedding in Upstate NY...
1. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Not Accounting for the Earlier Sunset Time
Couples often plan late afternoon ceremonies because they want an evening candlelit reception. But many times, they do that without realizing how quickly it gets dark in September and October.
Easy Pivot: Recommend scheduling outdoor ceremonies earlier in the day (2–3pm). As a photographer, we are happy to offer a custom timeline that maximizes natural light for portraits, especially during the Golden Hour. Many clients prefer a First Look and doing their formal photos prior to the ceremony to maximize daylight.
Pro Tip: You can check the time of sunset here:
www.timeanddate.com/sun/@5136335
The sun sets earlier in the Fall. Many of our clients choose to do a First Look as well as all their photos before the Ceremony.
2. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Ignoring Weather Volatility
While we all love Fall weather, don’t assume your Wedding Day will be “crisp and sunny.” You might wake up to frost or rain. Fall in Upstate NY can swing from 75°F and sunny to 40°F and drizzly. In short, weather in the Fall can be highly unpredictable.
Easy Pivot: We encourage clients to have contingencies in place:
• A solid rain plan (especially for outdoor ceremonies).
• Accessories like clear umbrellas or shawls
(also make for great photos!).
• Indoor backup portrait locations.
Pro Tip: Talk with your venue in advance about how they handle inclement weather.
3. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Over-Relying on Peak Foliage Timing
Planning a wedding only around peak foliage week (usually early to mid-October) is unpredictable. Many factors have an impact on foliage.
Easy Pivot: Fall in Saratoga lasts for weeks — and we can highlight rich tones even before or after peak season. We highly suggest choosing venues that look great year-round (like barns, stone buildings, or wineries).
Pro Tip: Include a distinct Fall color palette when choosing attire, florals and linens.
4. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Choosing Summer-Weight Attire
Bridesmaids in spaghetti straps and groomsmen in light suits — only to be freezing during portraits
or the ceremony.
Easy Pivot: We recommend warm layers or seasonal fabrics (velvet, wool, long sleeves, shawls) for Bridal Party attire, especially later in the season. After all, comfort leads to better expressions in photos. No one looks great shivering!
Pro Tip: Your local bridal boutique or menswear shop can tell you all about Fall-friendly fashion options.
The weather in the Fall in Upstate NY can be unpredictable. Be sure to plan ahead for any contingency.
5. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Booking Vendors Too Late
Fall is just as popular if not more so, as summer now — but some couples still underestimate how fast venues and vendors book up.
Easy Pivot: We encourage booking your vendors at least 12-months out–especially the ones you are passionate about. Early booking ensures you are able to secure the vendors you really love.
Pro Tip: Most couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day and begin planning soon after. Do not procrastinate.
6. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Not Preparing for Guest Comfort
Outdoor cocktail hours or tent receptions with no heating or weather contingency.
Easy Pivot: We highly suggest an indoor venue for a Fall wedding. However, if your heart is set on a tented reception, we definitely suggest renting space heaters and offering blankets
Pro Tip: Other ideas for guest comfort include hot cider stations or fire pits—they also make for great photos.
7. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Underestimating Fall Lighting Challenges
Assuming Fall light is always perfect. Sorry, it is not.
Easy Pivot: As an experienced Wedding Photographer, I am very comfortable using all kinds of techniques for working in low light situations, including off camera strobe. However, nothing is a substitute for having adequate time to accomplish all the photos. Be sure to build in a buffer to your timeline!
Pro Tip: Make sure you communicate clearly to anyone you want for group photos the time and location where these photos are taking place.
Because lighting can sometimes be challenging with shorter daylight hours, we are sure to bring off camera strobe.
8. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Forgetting About Local Fall Events & Tourism
Scheduling a wedding during major local events (like concerts, leaf peeping weekends, or Fall festivals) without accounting for traffic, hotel scarcity, and parking issues.
Easy Pivot: We encourage early hotel blocks and inform guests of any big local events, offer more than one lodging option just in case.
Pro Tip: Put together a short guide with tips on how to get around town like a local, for your out-of-town guests.
9. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Going Overboard with ‘Fall’ Themes
Everyone loves rustic weddings. However, try not to overdo the pumpkins, burlap, or orange everything.
Easy Pivot: We love elegant, timeless Fall palettes — like burgundy, forest green, navy, rust. They photograph beautifully and will not look too trendy in photos. Subtle seasonal touches (dried florals, rich textures) also photograph well.
Pro Tip: Compare “trendy vs. timeless” Fall wedding aesthetics using real weddings on Pinterest. Decide what your style is in this regard.
10. Fall Wedding Planning Pitfall:
Not Having a Clear Photography Timeline
Cramming everything into the day without enough of a time buffer.
Easy Pivot: A solid Wedding Day Timeline — especially for Fall, when light fades fast — is incredibly valuable in providing clients a stress-free Wedding Day. As experienced professionals, we know how long certain things take, and we usually always build in a “buffer.”
Pro Tip: Be sure to share your Wedding Day Timeline with all the key players so everyone knows where to be at what time.
Using these simple tips when planning your Fall wedding will ensure you have a stress-free and fun day!