Fall Wedding Reception Ideas

Year after year, brides continue to choose fall months for their weddings. Color schemes, decorations, favors and food offer a variety of ways to incorporate elements of fall into the wedding reception.

Color Schemes

Traditional fall colors like oranges, yellows, reds and browns make wonderful choices for fall wedding receptions. For a twist, consider adding a nontraditional fall color to the mix. Deep purples and bright greens can work well with the classic fall colors. For a less-traditional, but still fall-inspired palette consider pairing deep purples with gold, or a dark brown with a bright shade of turquoise or yellow.

Decorations

Natural fall elements can be incorporated into the décor to enhance a fall wedding reception. Pumpkins, apples, autumn leaves and acorns can all be used to enhance the reception decorations. Any of the above elements can be arranged with candles or flowers to create elegant and colorful fall centerpieces. These elements can also be incorporated in a more subtle way. Twine and acorns can be tied around cloth napkins in place of napkin rings, or symbols of harvest like wheat or millet can be used in place of pumpkins. Bundles of corn stalks or bales of hay are bold ways to add a fall feeling to a reception location.

Favors

Guests can retain fond memories of fall wedding receptions with fall-inspired favors to take home. Candied apples, mini bottles of maple syrup and hand-poured candles are all small favors that guests can appreciate. Any favor can be personalized by adding a tag with the bride and groom's names and a short message to the guest.

Menu

Incorporating fall flavors into the reception menu is another way to capture the feeling of fall at the reception. Substantial meats like roast turkey, quail, rib roast or brisket served with hearty comfort foods like baked macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and squash will make a satisfying menu. Small servings of toasted nuts can be served as passed appetizers or on each table. For an impressive impact, consider serving a warm fall soup in small hollowed-out pumpkins to each guest.

Beverages

Autumn-inspired beverages can add an element of fall to the main menu. Serving warm apple cider with cinnamon stirring sticks or a flavored hot tea can compeiment the hearty meal. When serving coffee after the meal, give guests the option of adding a fall flavor to their cup by offering caramel or white chocolate syrups to stir into the coffee.

Cake

Wedding cakes come in many flavors. Even a cake with a traditional look can have nontraditional fall flavors inside. Carrot cake and apple or pumpkin spice cake can add an additional flavor of fall to the reception. Other fall wedding dessert menus skip the cake altogether and serve individual baked apple pies or warm brownies a la mode.