Not usually known as wedding season, fall weddings offer many options for gowns and décor. Unlike summer weddings, full of bright colors and crisp looks, fall weddings tend to be full of variety.

Fall and summer brides may begin shopping for their dresses at the same time, but they definitely have two different looks in mind. Although summer weddings have always been popular, more brides are leaning toward fall looks for their weddings.

“September is actually the No. 1 month for weddings, followed by October and then June,” said Stacey Fox, owner of Stacey’s Bridal in Urbandale. Stacey’s is a full-service shop, home to more than 5,000 gowns, with sizes of 0–30 hanging in store.

As the summer sun fades, so does the desire for pure white wedding dresses. Summer weddings tend to pull out all stops for a more glamorous look. “A lot of times fall brides are looking for a more down to earth, less glamorized and less glitzy look,” said Kayse Carter, co-owner of Pure Bridal in Ames.

Pure Bridal about 50–70 dresses in store and also offers tuxedo rental, accessories, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses.

“The fall bride usually wears more of an ivory, champagne or light gold color,” Carter said.

Fall weddings tend to be full of natural colors. “Light gold is a new color for this fall and is in between the ivory and champagne palette,” Carter said.

Fall brides aren’t the only ones choosing to opt for ivory gowns, though.

“About 87 percent of all the gowns we sell are ivory,” Fox said. Although pure white gowns are no longer the norm for weddings, Fox said fall brides tend to go with more muted tones.

“The flowers that are available in the fall are naturally darker than those in the summer,” Fox said.

As many brides opt for more evening looks, colors like eggplant, dark blues and black have become popular choices for bridesmaid dresses.

“Fall colors like dark browns, pumpkin and dusty rose have always been in, but this fall dark blues are also are very in,” Carter said.

Not only are darker colors on trend for this fall, but looks reminiscent of the ‘80s are also becoming ever popular.

“Women are starting to go for the looks their mothers and aunts got married in — dresses with poufy shoulders and sleeves — they’re all coming back,” Fox said.

During fall wedding season, sleeves and straps also come into play. “Bolero jackets and straps are more popular during the fall than summer,” Carter said.

Stacey’s also helps brides customize their fall wedding dresses. “We have a seamstress that can add sleeves to many of our dresses,” Fox said.

Longer dresses are more common during fall months as well. “We see less of the super-tight and fitted dresses. The mermaid style is also not as popular for fall weddings,” said Carter.

Changes in fabric also take place for fall weddings. “It’s usually all about the volume and texture. Light fabrics like organza are voluminous, but still lightweight,” Carter said. Fabric like chiffon and satin remain popular as well.

Many companies are offering more color options in their most popular fabrics.

Although fall bridal season may give way toward muted, more natural and darker tones, Fox said a bride should always go with colors she wants.

“We always tell our brides it’s up to them. If they want short, bright, yellow gowns for their fall bridesmaids, go ahead and do it,” Fox said.