26 stunning fall wedding receptions
There's nothing quite like sitting down to a beautifully decorated table to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. It's a wedding highlight for sure. We adore a thoughtfully curated wedding tablescape here at Wedding Sparrow and know how much it adds to the guest experience, elevating your reception from OK to exquisite.
In the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, there's myriad ways to create a gorgeous fall wedding reception that feels totally at one with the season. So where do you start? Read on for our top tips to create dreamy centerpieces for your autumn wedding, plus 26 stunning designs to get you inspired.
1. Design your fall wedding color palette
When we think of fall, the rich tones of crunchy leaves spring to mind, like amber, auburn, crimson and russet, and you can't go wrong using these quintessential autumn hues for your tablescape color palette. But don't be limited by them! A softer palette of muted tones like mushroom, mole and taupe can feel season too, as can brighter shades like tangerine and fuchsia. Play around with colors (paint chips are your friends) to find a color combination that evokes the aesthetic and overall feeling you want to create for your wedding reception.
2. Get creative with pattern
Using pattern in your table setting design can feel daunting but it can really take it to the next level. If you're not feeling brave enough to try a bold pattern like a large floral print, keep it simple with stripes, gingham or a subtle leaf print. Napkins, table cloths, runners, chargers... there's so many places to add pattern and don't be afraid to mix them. Pattern mixing is about staying cohesive with your colors and varying the size of the patterns. Mix prints that have different scales but follow the same color story, something softer with something a little more bold, for example.
3. Celebrate fall flowers and foliage
Flowers make a table setting at any time of year but feel particularly joyous in the season of harvest and thanksgiving. Some of our favourite fall flowers include amaranthus, chocolate cosmos, celosia, ranunculus, smoke bush, autumn hydrangea and ornamental grasses. Chat to your florist about foraging foliage and a few wildflower stems from the surrounding areas (with permission, of course) to add natural elements you simply won't find on flower farms.
4. Gather fruits and forest finds
In addition to flowers, think about incorporating natural finds into your table decor to up the seasonal factor. We're talking pine cones, acorns and conkers, as well as orchard fruits and berries. You can include the seasonal bounty throughout your tablescape or simply feature fall-inspired illustrations on your paper goods, such as place cards, favor labels, menu and table number.
6. Think about textures and fabrics
The materials used in your tablescape will really enhance the guest experience and seasonal feel of the tablescape. Think of some keywords to describe the vibe you want to create and which fabrics compliment this. For example, brushed velvet and pewter would be perfect for a feeling of sumptuous old world style, while wood and linen lends a more laid back organic feel.
7. Don't overcrowd your tables
A table overflowing with gorgeous flowers looks spectacular but can be totally impractical for dining at. Make sure you allow ample space for glassware and any sharing platters if food is to be served family style. If in doubt, check the table measurements with your venue or rental company, and do a mock up at home.
