When Should You Put Up a Fall Wreath? | RussellWreaths

If you're ready for pumpkins, warm colors, and a little fall at your front door, you don't have to wait for the first official day of fall.

Late August through mid-September is a great time to put up a fall wreath. Some people start earlier, while others wait until the weather begins to cool. There really isn't a wrong date.

Here in Texas, September can still feel a lot like summer. If we waited for sweater weather before decorating for fall, our fall wreaths might not make it onto the door for quite a while.

So instead of watching the thermometer, think about when your home feels ready for the season.

What Month Should You Put Up a Fall Wreath?

For most people, September is the sweet spot.

Summer is winding down, school is back in session, and fall decorating is beginning. Putting your wreath up in early September also gives you plenty of time to enjoy it before Halloween and Christmas decorating take over.

A simple schedule might look like this:

Of course, you don't have to change your wreath that often. A versatile fall wreath can stay on the door from September through Thanksgiving.

• Late August to early September: Start putting out fall decorations.
• September: Hang your fall wreath and enjoy it for the month.
• Late September or October: Switch to Halloween if you decorate for it.
• November: Bring your fall wreath back for Thanksgiving.
• Late November or early December: Make the switch to Christmas.

Is Early September Too Soon for a Fall Wreath?

Not at all.

Early September is actually one of my favorite times to start decorating for fall. You get almost the entire season to enjoy everything you put out.

And yes, it may still be 90 degrees outside.

That's just fall decorating in Texas.

The calendar says fall is coming even when the weather hasn't gotten the message yet.

Should You Wait Until the First Day of Fall?

You certainly can, but you don't need to.

The first day of fall in 2026 is September 22, but that's an astronomical date, not a decorating deadline.

Your home doesn't have to follow the calendar.

If you're finished with summer decorations and ready for sunflowers, pumpkins, autumn leaves, burlap, orange, rust, navy, or other fall colors, go ahead and make the change.

If you're looking for inspiration, browse the RussellWreaths Fall Wreath Collection to see different ways those colors and textures can work together on a front door.

What About Halloween?

This is where your decorating style makes a difference.

If you love Halloween, you can hang a traditional fall wreath in September and switch to a Halloween wreath toward the end of the month or in early October.

After Halloween, bring the fall wreath back out for November and Thanksgiving.

If you don't decorate much for Halloween, there's no reason to change it at all. A fall wreath without Halloween-specific decorations can work beautifully throughout September, October, and November.

That makes a traditional fall wreath one of the longer-lasting seasonal decorations you can put on your front door.

Choose a Fall Wreath That Can Stay Up Longer

If you'd rather decorate once and be done, look for a wreath that celebrates fall instead of a specific holiday.

Pumpkins, sunflowers, autumn leaves, pinecones, fall ribbon, and warm seasonal colors aren't limited to Halloween or Thanksgiving.

For example, a sunflower-and-pumpkin design can feel right in September without looking out of place in November.

That's also something to consider before buying. Ask yourself:

Do I want one wreath for the whole season, or do I enjoy changing my front door for each holiday?

Both are perfectly fine. It just changes what kind of wreath makes the most sense for your home.

Think About Your Front Door Before Hanging It

September may mean fall decorating, but it doesn't necessarily mean fall weather.

This is especially important in Texas.

Your wreath could still be exposed to strong sunlight, high temperatures, wind, humidity, and rain. A covered porch offers more protection than a completely exposed front door.

If your door gets several hours of strong sunlight, read our guide on how to protect a wreath from the sun before hanging it.

Have a porch where everything seems to move when the wind picks up? We also have a guide explaining how to keep a wreath secure on a windy porch.

A little thought about placement can help keep your wreath looking good throughout the season.

Make Sure the Wreath Fits Your Door

Fall wreaths can be full, especially designs made with deco mesh, ribbon, pumpkins, florals, and signs.

That's part of what makes them stand out, but you still want the wreath to look proportional to your door.

Before ordering, measure your door rather than judging the size from a product photo alone.

Our wreath sizing guide explains how to measure your door and think about the finished width of the wreath.

And if you have two front doors, there's a little more to consider. See how to choose wreaths for double front doors for help with sizing and matching the pair.

How Long Can You Leave a Fall Wreath Up?

You can leave a fall wreath up until you're ready to decorate for winter or Christmas.

For someone who doesn't decorate separately for Halloween, that could mean nearly three months of use from one wreath.

That's one reason I like fall designs that aren't tied too closely to one holiday. A pumpkin, sunflower, or autumn-themed wreath can make sense on September 5 and still look at home on the door around Thanksgiving.

If yours is made with deco mesh, proper care also matters. Our deco mesh wreath care guide explains how to help protect the mesh, ribbon, decorations, and overall shape.

So, When Should You Put Up Your Fall Wreath?

Whenever you're ready for fall.

If you want a more specific answer, late August through mid-September is a great window, and early September is definitely not too soon.

Don't worry if the temperature outside still says summer.

Decorating your front door is supposed to make you happy when you come home. If seeing pumpkins, sunflowers, autumn colors, and a big beautiful wreath on the door does that for you, that's reason enough to put it up.

Welcome Fall With a Handmade Wreath

Every RussellWreaths wreath is handmade, so each design has its own personality. You'll find fall wreaths with pumpkins, sunflowers, scarecrows, farmhouse details, deco mesh, seasonal ribbon, and plenty of autumn color.

Shop handmade fall wreaths

Find one that feels like fall to you, and put it up whenever you're ready.