16 Fall Wedding Guest Essentials Our Editors Are Loving Right Now

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Wedding guest essentials picks for September

Design by Tiana Crispino

Here at Brides, we love all wedding seasons, but there’s something especially romantic about fall nuptials. Watching duos trade vows with a backdrop of colorful foliage—whether it’s a rustic barn bash or a cozy mountain gathering—is one of the most breathtaking ways to celebrate a marriage.

Now that it's officially the first day of autumn, it's clear that the cool-weather wedding season is finally upon us. This autumn, our editors are gearing up to attend a number of ceremonies and reception, and we know our readers are, too. To help you plan accordingly, we're sharing a handful of trusty products we rely on when attending a wedding. Makeup essentials, hair styling tools, fashionable dresses, and chic handbags are just a few of the staples we’re turning to this fall.

Keep reading for all of our favorite fall wedding guest essentials we’re loving at the moment.

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane

Sephora

“If your event calendar looks anything like mine, you have at least half a dozen weddings between now and the end of the year. Weekend after weekend of wearing makeup can weigh heavily on the skin, and my goal is to keep it as light as possible this fall season. Summer Fridays, the beloved beauty line by influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, recently launched Sheer Skin Tint, which adds a touch of coverage while infusing the skin with hydration. I'm a big fan of the no-makeup look to begin with, and this is most definitely going to replace foundation in my wedding guest prep routine.” — Samantha Netkin Brash, Assistant General Manager

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler

Nordstrom

“I have super straight hair, which makes styling it for anything—but especially special events—difficult. The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler has been my go-to tool for achieving soft waves or a bouncy blowout before a wedding. Plus, when you're traveling for a wedding, it makes packing so much easier. Toss it in your overnight bag or carry-on, and you have a hair dryer and curler in one.” — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Editorial Director

Guerlain Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Metal 16-Hour Wear Lipstick

Guerlain lipstick

Courtesy of Guerlain

“I love a red lip for a formal wedding look, but I’m also paranoid it's going to disappear by the time cocktail hour is over. This stunning formula from Guerlain comes in a perfect hue and actually can last. Best of all? You can add a chic case on top that not only keeps your lipstick from opening up and ruining the inside of your clutch, but it also has a secret mirror inside so you can easily make touch-ups (or check to see if your mascara is still running post-ceremony).” — Shelby Wax, Senior Editor

DÔEN Blair Dress

Blair dress

Courtesy of DOEN

“I am so excited to debut this dress at an October wedding in Utah. The dress print feels so autumnal, and the length is perfect for the chillier weather. Plus, the fabric is so soft; it fits like a glove, and I can really move (a must for dancing). Pair these elements with puff sleeves and an elegant silhouette, and you have the perfect wedding guest dress for fall. I'd love to try it out with tall Western boots, or a slim low heel.” — Ellie Nan Storck, Senior Editor

Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk

Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk in blue nylon

Brandon Blackwood

“The perfect handbag is key when it comes to dressing for any event, and Brandon Blackwood's Mini Kendrick Trunk purse is a must-have for every wedding guest. I personally love the evergreen hue for an unexpected pop of color, which also complements an autumn colorway aesthetic. Even better, it's literally the perfect size—small enough to carry around but large enough to fit all your essentials.” — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Editor

Patrick TA Major Glow Lip Shine

Patrick TA Major Glow Lip Shine

Sephora

“As someone who rarely wears makeup, a subtle glossy lip is a must every season. My recent go-to has been Patrick TA's Major Glow Lip Shine in 'She's Expensive.' With a glass-like finish, this gloss leaves my lips feeling moisturized with a glow, which is essential as the weather gets colder during the fall wedding season. It'll fit into any wedding guest's clutch. Just apply every few hours to have the perfect shine all day.” — Araziel Jackson, Associate Social Media Editor

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

Dermstore

“I’m a huge proponent of clean beauty, but not every non-toxic makeup product on the market delivers the best results. Ilia Beauty’s Limitless Lash Mascara is one item that not only works, it’s something that I can’t live without, which means I’ll absolutely be wearing it as a wedding guest this fall. The all-natural formula lengthens and strengthens your lashes, so your eyes pop with just a few effortless swipes. The compact size makes it easy to pack, no matter the destination. Throw it in your clutch and reapply as needed (especially after a tear-jerking ceremony).” — Lilly Blomquist, Editorial Assistant

Steve Madden Lilah Tan Heels

Steve Madden Lilah Tan Heels

Courtesy of Steve Madden

“I wore these heels to almost every wedding I attended this summer (and there were many), and I'm excited to take them into the fall wedding season too. I love to wear a colorful wedding guest dress, and these nude shoes go well with everything. I think they'll look especially nice with the darker jewel tones that are common in the cooler seasons. I've been styling these with a tan purse and gold jewelry to match, but the neutral shade makes it easy to get creative with your ensemble. Not only are the shoes trendy and versatile, but the chunky heel makes them comfortable to dance in all night long. Bottom line, these are a must for any wedding or formal event!” — Chloe Caldwell, Commerce Writer

Veja x ba&sh Alveomesh Sneaker

Veja x ba&sh Alveomesh Sneaker

Courtesy of Revolve

“Sneakers are no longer reserved for running errands and hitting the gym—they're a fashion staple to dress up or down, day or night. Stars are even wearing them on the red carpet—take Hannah Waddingham at the Emmys, for example—so you better believe they have our stamp of approval. Since white and sparkles are likely to be the bride's choice, I love this neutral pair in autumnal tones for guests, a new collab by Veja (a Meghan Markle favorite!) and Parisian brand ba&sh. They're perfect for outdoor weddings in the fall. Plus, the hint of something blue is a sweet nod to a timeless wedding tradition.” — Samantha Netkin Brash, Assistant General Manager

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf

Amazon White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap

Amazon

“The last thing you want to do is cover your brand-new dress with a jacket, but warm wedding days and cool reception nights pose a tricky fashion problem for guests. This cashmere wrap is the solution. It folds up small, making it easy to bring along to any wedding, but it's large and cozy, so you can stay comfortable if the temperature drops. And since it comes in so many different colors, there's something to match any wedding guest dress.” — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Editorial Director

Béis The Convertible Mini Weekender

Béis Travel The Convertible Mini Weekender Bag

Béis

“The first thing I often think about when I say "yes" to a wedding invite is planning for all the travel ahead. I'm not known for packing light, but I'm also terrified of losing luggage if I check a bag. So, packing strategically is a must. I already have a carry-on suitcase I love, but this bag from Béis is the perfect option to take as a personal item. The bag itself has multiple pockets to keep items organized and protect a laptop. But, the best part is the removable bottom compartment. You can pack clothes in the cube or easily zip it off, so you have a lighter tote to take around on a trip or even take into the office when you’re not traveling.” — Shelby Wax, Senior Editor

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil

Sephora

“I don't go anywhere dressed up without this lip pencil. My favorite color is 'Do Me Baby,' but there are so many options, so it's hard to choose! I like a more brown-red for fall, and I wear it just as a light liner with lip gloss (I love Glossier's clear gloss over this color), or I smudge it onto my lips for a fuller look. It goes on so smoothly, and sometimes, I even pat a little from my lips onto my cheeks for a cohesive blush look.” — Ellie Nan Storck, Senior Editor

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream

“My dermatologist recently recommended I use Vanicream, as I struggle with psoriasis and dry skin on a day-to-day basis. And honestly, it's been a game changer! I highly recommend this lotion for guests who want to look fresh-faced and moisturized when attending a loved one's wedding this fall.” — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Editor

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer

Sephora

“I never leave the house without my Touchland Power Mist hand sanitizer, and their 'Beach Coco' scent was the perfect tropical smell for the summer. As we transition to the fall wedding season, whether you're traveling for a celebration or just have too many to attend, you can choose one of their 14 scents (or buy a bundle of your favorites!) to stay safe. Plus, this award-winning hydrating sanitizer will keep your hands moist in the cold and crisp fall air.” — Araziel Jackson, Associate Social Media Editor

Gorjana Lou Hoops

Gorjana Lou Hoops

Courtesy of Gorjana

“No outfit is complete without some bling, and that’s certainly the case with wedding guest attire! My go-to for fall weddings is this pair of chunky gold hoops from Gorjana. This versatile accessory will complement any outfit, and the gold finish will give your ensemble a touch of glam. These earrings are also lightweight, so they won’t weigh you down while you dance the night away.” — Lilly Blomquist, Editorial Assistant

Margaux Downtown Boot

Margaux Downtown Boot

Courtesy of Margaux

“If you love pairing dresses with booties in the fall, you need Margaux's 'Downtown Boot.' Not only are they incredibly chic, but they're also the perfect option for wedding guests: Thanks to a cushy foam insole, I can wear these boots all night—even through hours on the dance floor—without any pain. I'll never have to pack a pair of backup flip flops for a wedding again.” — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Editorial Director

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