Changing fall leaves and cooler weather set the perfect scene for a romantic wedding. Besides setting a backdrop, warm foliage and signature autumn flavors offer inspiration for an authentically fall ceremony. Spiced cocktails and earth-toned paper goods are perfect for incorporating seasonal elements into your special day. If a full fall embrace is less your style, there are plenty of ways to use subtle seasonal details that still evoke the spirit of autumn.
Whether you’re planning a classic wedding in an indoor ballroom or a scaled down ceremony at a rustic location, these versatile ideas are perfect for any kind of harvest celebration.
Florals
When choosing your fall flower arrangements, think warm tones and earthy textures. Golden garden roses and berry-hued dahlias are perfectly paired with wild green fauna. When contrasted with strands of emerald eucalyptus, your autumn flower arrangements are the perfect representation of the changing seasons.
Don’t be afraid to stray from the traditional fall palette by opting for dried florals instead. Dried ruscus, silver dollar, bunny tails, and feather pampas are perfect for creating a standout bouquet. For an out-of-the-box arrangement, mix cotton stems with orange ranunculus or garden roses.
Tablescape
Of course, there is no wrong way to create a beautiful autumn tablescape, but there are a few classic touches that will really make it pop. Incorporate moody tones in your table to make warm-toned florals and glassware stand out. A deep orange statement runner sets the perfect tone for a fall reception, and adds an elegant touch to rustic wood tables. Once you’ve chosen linens, dress the table with seasonal blooms and long-stemmed candles.
Adorning your chairs with flowers or throws is a great way to create an added layer of luxury in your autumn wedding. If you plan on hosting your reception outdoors, offering your guests a warm seat is a special touch that won’t go unnoticed.
Paper Goods
Neutral tones like sandstone and off-white are perfect for any season, and they are easily customized to fit an autumnal celebration. Pair minimal invites with rust-colored envelopes or add a dried bloom to menu cards for added texture. Warm palettes like burgundy and orange are also perfect for interpreting a fall vibe—try mixing them with bright metallics for an unexpected pop.
Dessert
Adding seasonal details to a wedding cake is surprisingly simple, whether that be fresh foliage and berries or romantic fall accents. For a subtle nod to the season, place your cake on a display of eucalyptus or dried amaranthus and incorporate deep burgundy colors. For a bold yet natural cake, adorn each tier in a mix of seasonal fruits like cranberries, figs, grapes and kumquats.
Of course, don’t forget about the flavor of your cake. Consider delicious fall flavors like maple butter, cinnamon apple, spiced pear and salted caramel.
Beyond the cake, serve your guests other autumn-inspired desserts. Pumpkin spiced cookies and donuts are always a big hit.
All In The Details
As any experienced wedding planner will tell you, it’s the little details that make a wedding memorable. Include activities for kids and adults alike, like a giant chess board complete with pumpkins. Or, take advantage of the rich spices of the season and offer a delightful fall punch. Spending time on the small stuff is a great way to make your wedding authentic to you and your partner, while adding a little extra sprinkle of fall into the celebration.
You can find more fall inspiration here.