Here Are the Trends Fall Wedding Parties Need to Know Ahead of the Big Day—Plus, Our Favorite Looks to Shop Now

Fall is one of the most popular times of year to tie the knot, and it’s easy to see why: From colorful foliage to moody color palettes, autumn nuptials are especially romantic and magical. When it comes to fashion choices for bridesmaids, groomsmen, moms, and dads, fall is also a popular time to think beyond what’s considered the norm. 

In recent years, wedding parties have moved away from tradition, and experts predict that statement-making garments will continue to grace the aisle this upcoming season. From non-black suits for groomsmen to floral gowns for mothers of the bride or groom, wedding parties will have plenty of options to choose from that are both seasonally appropriate and fashion-forward. That’s not to say that traditional styles aren’t trending, however, as experts also see an emphasis on classic silhouettes for those with minimal aesthetics. 

Interested in learning more? Ahead, with the help of two bridal stylists, we break down the top fashion trends fall wedding parties need to know right now. Plus, we’re sharing a selection of shoppable options you can purchase to get the looks yourself. 

Bridesmaids

Bold Colors and Metallics

It should come as no surprise when we say that autumn weddings are the perfect time to lean into jewel-tone hues when choosing bridesmaids’ dresses. According to Gina Vinnitsky, a bridal stylist and owner of Silk and Style Bridal, “pops of magenta, fuchsia, and bold reds and oranges” are the perfect shades to consider for celebrations held in September, October, or November. 

However, for the 2023 fall season, there’s one hue that’s predicted to make a huge (and unexpected) impact in the bridal party fashion space: metallics. Michigan-based bridal stylist Erika Plackowski predicts that metallics will make a considerable appearance at fall weddings this year. “With Beyoncé on tour, we have seen a lot of metallic, and I think this will be part of the accessory influence for brides,” she shares. “For the bold bride, we can see metallic dresses for bridesmaids, which will be perfect for evening weddings that start after 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.” 

Classic Silhouettes

Though non-conventional color palettes may be taking over this year, classic silhouettes will always be popular for fall nuptials. “As far as the style of dress, a classic silhouette will be perfect for fall—mermaid, A-line, or something with a slight flair,” shares Plackowski.More specifically, she recommends a mermaid or A-line gown for black-tie and cocktail-attire weddings, and garments with shorter hemlines, like tea-length dresses, for more casual affairs. 

To create a timeless yet modern look, bridesmaids should be allowed to choose the type of silhouette they’d like to wear on the big day. “More and more, I'm seeing brides trusting their girls to pick out their own gowns, albeit with some criteria. Usually, there's a color palette and length requirement, but the rest is up to each individual bridesmaid,” Vinnitsky says. “What I love about this approach is that, since every girl knows what they feel and look their best in, you end up with a really stunning bridal party.”

Groomsmen

Double-Breasted Blazer

A double-breasted blazer is a timeless choice that Vinnitsky says is “the perfect way to elevate a groom or groomsman outfit.” The best part? This jacket style can suit every type of fall wedding—from a Disney-inspired affair to a mountaintop ceremony—and is the perfect mix of classic and modern when paired with a bold color or, more importantly, a textured fabric. “While wool is traditional and perfect for fall and winter weddings, I've also seen a few dapper blazers and suits made from corduroy and linen,” explains Vinnitsky. Just be sure to always keep the dress code in mind, as you’ll want to pick a material that reflects your chosen wedding aesthetics. For example, a velvet double-breasted blazer would suit a formal wedding, while linen tends to be more casual. 

Non-Black Suits

Both Plackowksi and Vinnitsky agree that we will continue to see more garments in deeply saturated hues, like midnight blue, burgundy, purple, and emerald, as this is a menswear trend that is most popular during the fall season. That’s because embracing the colors of autumn is a great way to create a unique look for groomsmen, one that’s versatile enough for every type of celebration. Just remember to pair any bold outfit with a neutral button-down shirt and a matching tie to avoid a color overload. 

Mother of the Bride or Groom

Florals

After seeing the way rosettes have dominated the fashion space lately, it’s no surprise that florals are trending for a mother-of-the-bride or -groom look this fall. Though floral dresses are usually a marker of spring, opting for a dark floral print or 3D appliqués is a great way to bring the aesthetic into this season. “One of my favorite patterns is a floral motif with a dark background,” Vinnitsky says. “It's an elegant way to wear florals during the fall and winter months, and they look spectacular on moms who want to add a little more drama to their look.” 

Minimalist mothers of the bride and groom can even adopt this fashion-forward trend by opting to wear floral accessories—instead of a fully floral dress—or choosing a look with only a few floral motifs. 

Skirt Suit

If you’re a mother of the bride or groom looking for a conservative option, a skirt suit will provide the same structure and elegance of a gown with slightly more coverage. “With blazers still being on trend and the classic look, mom can opt for a suit with a longer skirt,” says Plackowksi. “For the mom who is a little less conservative, a blazer dress to the knee would be an amazing look.”

Is your child hosting a formal wedding? A navy blazer paired with a pencil skirt is a sleek choice for a black-tie dress code and would double as a future wardrobe staple. For a more festive affair, a blazer dress in a rich hue, such as burgundy or dark purple, would feel glamorous and sophisticated. 

Father of the Bride or Groom

Classic Tailoring

Similar to groomsmen's attire, classic tailoring is a trend fathers of the bride and groom should consider embracing this fall. “There's just something about a well-tailored suit that never goes out of style,” shares Vinnitsky. “And for dads that need a little something extra, a three-piece suit is a surefire way to elevate and enhance their look.” 

When it comes to styling, Plackowski suggests sporting vests, traditional ties, and crisp white button-downs. “Make sure you incorporate the wedding colors for the ties and vest,” she adds. “For a more formal wedding, I would love to see three-piece suits with a nice bow tie.”

Wide Ties

No suit is complete without a few accessories, and wide ties are a lovely way to elevate a fall-inspired look. “Wide ties are finally back in style and giving that ‘quiet luxury’ look,” Vinnitsky shares. “I always recommend pairing a wide tie with a classic Windsor knot or the ever-formal Prince Albert knot. A well-appointed tie bar is also a nice way to bring the whole look together and have Dad feeling cool and confident.” 

Before committing to this trend, don’t forget to consider the dress code of the wedding your child is hosting. Since wide ties have a very formal appearance, they typically suit black-tie or cocktail attire guidelines. 

Shop the Trends

Did any trend catch your eye? Here are 15 options to help you get these fashion-forward wedding party looks this fall.