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Step 1
Prepare for Variable Weather-
Fall weather can be unpredictable: what starts as a sunny warm morning can turn into a brisk chilly evening. Be prepared for both extremes. Have portable heaters available (if your wedding will take place outside), and dress the wedding party in layers. -
Step 2
Celebrate the Outdoor Splendor -
The season seems to call for an outdoor, rustic setting affording prime leaf peeping views. Some ideas: parks, orchards, vineyards, farms, ranches, barns, mills, or the grounds of an historic inn or mansion.
If an outdoor setting isn’t an option, find a venue boasting a clear view of the fall foliage or countryside. -
Step 3
Plan Your Fall Decor -
Use your decor scheme to tie together the fall theme. Here are some tips:
- Pick your color palette - you can go with the traditional colors of the season: reds, oranges, browns, rusts, and yellows, or make a rich, interesting twist to the autumn color scheme by incorporating jewel tones. For added pizzazz, mix in some metallics: gold, copper, and bronze.
- Seasonal blooms – popular fall wedding flowers include montbretia, hypericum, mums, sunflowers, roses, and daisies.
- Get back to nature – use simple décor to subtly enhance the season’s natural bounty. Use the autumn harvest for inspiration; think gourds, pumpkins, squash, gold dipped fall leaves, bales of hay, jugs of cider...you get the idea.
- Go fall glam – you’re not confined to rustic and casual in the fall. Create a posh autumn ambiance, and drape lush velvet (a traditional fall/winter fabric) in a rich chocolate brown or gold throughout your reception space. Accent the scene with antique broaches, crystal candelabras and stemware. -
Step 4
Plan Your Fall Wedding Menu -
You cannot go wrong with seasonal standbys: turkey, red potatoes, corn bread dressing, green beans, and honey glazed carrots. Here are some additional tips and ideas:
- Family style – re-create a traditional thanksgiving feast by incorporating your family recipes into your wedding menu and serving the meal family style (if your guest list is small).
- Hearty proteins - choose a hearty meat that will pair with heavier side dishes – turkey, roasted quail, rib roast.
- Keep it elegant – you can serve traditional fare in sophisticated, creative ways – present soup or veggie puree in mini shot classes or hallowed out gourds, or warm apple cider in glass mugs with cinnamon sticks.
