Best Autumn Wedding Shoes for Brides, Bridesmaids & Guests

The Short Version

Autumn weddings open up colors and materials you can't wear in summer — velvet, suede, burgundy, forest green, rust. The trade-off: weather is unpredictable, and outdoor venues get tricky.

This guide covers what works for brides, bridesmaids, and guests. Skip to your section, or read the color and material guidance first.

The Autumn Color Palette

Forget the summer pastels. Fall weddings suit richer, deeper tones.

The classics:

• Burgundy / wine
• Forest green / olive
• Rust / terracotta / copper
• Gold / champagne
• Navy / slate blue
• Black (always works)

The underrated options:

• Mustard (bold but beautiful with navy or green dresses)
• Olive (softer than forest green, very "early autumn")
• Toasted almond / taupe (a warm neutral that feels seasonal)

Still safe:

• Nude / champagne — works year-round
• Metallics — gold especially suits autumn

Autumn Materials — What Works

The season changes what's practical, not just what's pretty.

Velvet The autumn MVP. Warm, rich, luxurious. Looks intentional at a fall wedding in a way it wouldn't in July. Deep burgundy or forest green velvet is peak autumn.

Suede Beautiful, soft, very "fall." But risky if rain is possible — water marks suede permanently. Save it for indoor venues or check the forecast.

Patent Leather The practical choice. Wipes clean, handles damp grass, still looks polished. If your venue is outdoors or weather is uncertain, patent beats suede.

Leather Timeless and durable. Works year-round but feels especially appropriate for autumn's earthier palette.

Satin Still works, but reads slightly more "summer wedding." If you're choosing satin, go for deeper autumn tones rather than pastels.

The rule: If the ceremony is outdoors and rain is remotely possible, choose patent leather or leather over suede or velvet.

For the Bride

Autumn gives you permission to go richer than the typical ivory-and-blush palette.

Velvet Pumps Deep burgundy or forest green velvet against a white gown is a statement. It photographs beautifully and says "I planned this wedding for this season."

Ankle Boots / Booties A bridal bootie in ivory, champagne, or even a subtle metallic works perfectly for autumn — especially outdoor or rustic venues. Warmer, more stable, unexpectedly chic under a long dress.

Block HeelsPractical for outdoor ceremonies on grass or uneven ground. In velvet or satin, they're just as elegant as stilettos — and you'll last until the final dance. If all-day comfort is a priority, see our guide to the best wedding shoes for dancing.

Classic Pumps in Autumn Tones If you want a traditional silhouette but seasonal color, a champagne or gold pump bridges the gap. Still bridal, but with warmth.

Wearing a lace dress? See our guide to pairing shoes with lace gowns. Looking for designer options? Browse our edit of luxury wedding shoe designers.

For Bridesmaids

Your job: complement the bride and the season without stealing focus.

Match the dress, not the season If the bridesmaid dresses are burgundy, sage, or navy, your shoes should work with that — not add another competing color. Nude, champagne, or metallic gold are safe. Black works with most darker dress colors.

Velvet or Suede Block Heels Comfortable for a long day, and the texture says "autumn" without shouting. A forest green velvet heel with a sage dress is a subtle, beautiful pairing.

When in Doubt: Nude or Champagne If the bride hasn't specified, a nude heel that matches your skin tone works with any dress color and keeps the visual focus on the dress, not the shoes.

Coordinate, Don't Match Exactly Unless the bride requests it, bridesmaids don't need identical shoes. Same color family or heel height is usually enough.

For Guests

More flexibility here. You're dressing for the event, not the bridal party.

Jewel Tones and Metallics Emerald, burgundy, sapphire blue, copper, gold — these feel right for the season and elevate a simple dress. Autumn is your excuse to wear richer colors.

Consider the Venue Barn wedding? Block heels. Ballroom? Anything goes. Garden ceremony? Skip the stilettos unless you want to aerate the lawn.

Black Works Black shoes at a wedding are completely fine — especially for autumn/winter events. Pair with a colorful dress so the overall look doesn't feel too dark.

Re-Wearability Unlike bridesmaids, guests can choose shoes they'll wear again. A classic black pump, a gold block heel, or a burgundy velvet loafer will work well beyond this one wedding.

Venue Quick Guide

Pro tip: If the ceremony is outdoors and reception is indoors, bring two pairs. Practical flats or block heels for the grass, statement heels for the dance floor.

What to Avoid

• White shoes (if you're a guest): Reads bridal. Skip it.
• Suede in rain: Water stains are permanent. Check the forecast.
• Stilettos on grass: You'll sink, wobble, and regret it.
• Pastels and clear plastic: These read "summer." Save them for next year.
• Brand new shoes: Break them in before the wedding. Blisters don't care about aesthetics.

FAQs

Can I wear open-toe shoes to an autumn wedding?

Yes — if the weather is mild and the venue is mostly indoors. For late autumn or outdoor ceremonies, closed-toe is warmer and more practical. A peep-toe is a good middle ground.

What colors work for a fall wedding?

Rich, deep tones: burgundy, forest green, rust, copper, gold, navy, slate blue. Neutrals like nude, champagne, taupe, and black also work. Avoid bright pastels — they feel out of season.

Are booties appropriate for a wedding?

Yes. Bridal booties are increasingly popular, especially for autumn and winter weddings. They're warmer, more stable on outdoor terrain, and look beautiful under a long dress. For guests, ankle boots work fine at rustic or semi-formal weddings.

What if it rains?

Choose patent leather or leather over suede or velvet — they handle water. Bring a backup pair of flats in case conditions get muddy. And consider a block heel over stilettos for stability on wet ground.

What about late autumn or winter weddings?

If your wedding is late November or beyond, heavier materials and warmer options become more important. See our winter wedding shoe guide for cold-weather picks.

Ready to Shop?

Autumn weddings are the sweet spot — richer colors than summer, more flexibility than winter. Match your material to the weather, your heel to the venue, and your color to the season.

Browse our guide to the best bridal shoe retailers in the USA or the UK.