Fall wedding timelines: planning around early sunsets

Fall is one of the most popular wedding seasons in Central Kentucky, for good reason: cooler weather, changing leaves and soft afternoon light. The trade-off is that the sun sets earlier every week, and that shapes the whole day.

Work backward from sunset

Look up the sunset time for your date before you set the ceremony time. Most couples want portraits in the hour before sunset, so the ceremony usually needs to happen earlier than it would in summer. Your photographer can help you build the schedule around it.

Consider a first look

Seeing each other before the ceremony lets you take couple and family portraits while it's still light, and frees you to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.

Plan the evening lighting

By the time dinner starts, it's dark. String lights, candles and uplighting do a lot of work at fall receptions, especially in barns and tents. Ask your venue what lighting it has and what you'll need to add.

Keep guests warm

Evenings cool off quickly. If any part of the night is outside, think about heaters, a fire pit or a basket of blankets near the door.

Watch the Lexington calendar

October weekends in Lexington compete with Keeneland's fall meet and University of Kentucky home football games. Both fill hotels fast. Check the race and game schedules before you pick a date, and set up a hotel block for out-of-town guests early.