More and more couples are saying "yes" to a fall wedding. Not only is the weather reliably amazing, but couples that say "I do" during autumn have such a wide variety of stunning color palettes and clever venue options to choose from.
5 Simple Steps for Capturing Stunning Fall Wedding Photos
Another one of our favorite aspects of fall nuptials? The inspired reception tablescapes. After a summer filled with bright pink and white centerpieces, there's something so magical about a warm-colored reception and cozy seating. So, how do you turn your space into one brimming with fall-inspired details?
“Adding colorful fall foliage to centerpieces is one the chicest and easiest ways to create aseasonaltablescape,” says Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events. “We love adding a few sprigs of leaves to an existing floral centerpiece to add textureand natural fall color." Another great way to enhance a fall tablescape is to look at textures and patterns. “Plaid can be preppy or outdoorsy, formal or casual,” says Zabinski. “It's so versatile, and when used theright way, really evokes a feeling of fall coziness.” Of course, other textures such as leather and wood are sure to enrich a table design as well.
Meet the Expert
Jennifer Zabinski is the owner of JZ Events, a full-service wedding and event planning firm based in New York City.
From seasonal flowers and greenery in warm hues to wooden details, plaid linens, and plenty of pumpkins, there's no wrong way to create a fall tablescape. It’s all about embracing what you love about the season! Below, find 37 ideas for a fall tablescape to deck out the reception tables for your autumn wedding.
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Look to Earth Tones
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Earth tones are a great option for incorporating fall hues in a muted way. We love this combination of beige and yellow, with plenty of texture. Plus, these centerpieces make the rustic wooden tables they're sitting on that much more stunning.
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Opt for Old-World Opulence
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Of all the seasons, autumn is by far the most decadent. Lean into the aesthetic with hints of opulence and rustic charm. The medieval-looking gold goblets at this boho-chic garden wedding in California look exquisite paired with the burgundy blooms and colored wine glasses.
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Upcycle Vintage Finds
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Vintage finds play into a fall theme perfectly. This moody, Victorian-inspired wedding in New Orleans used apothecary jars as bud vases for tiny posies and we couldn't love the look more. The deep amber hue complements the bright marigold candles and soft florals beautifully.
Not only are vintage pieces budget-friendly décor options that can be repurposed in your home (or as guest favors!) but you can make a bonding experience out of sourcing them, too.
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Display Earthenware Elements
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Whether it be terracotta, stone, or clay, earthenware features inject a tactile elegance to autumnal tablescapes. From the color to the texture, these elements just feel like fall. The clay chargers at this playful wedding in Big Sur add a sense of grounding to the otherwise light and bright décor.
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Lay a Dark Linen
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It's no secret that we're all about warm-toned hues for fall, but that doesn't mean we're totally against moody dark tones. The two palettes can be paired together, as demonstrated with this navy-backed tabletop. We love that the dark tablecloth doesn't overwhelm the tablescape. Instead, the contrast makes the warm tones pop even more.
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Make a Statement Installation
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Make the head table the real focal point of the reception by hanging a special display up above. We especially love this install because it incorporates fall foliage to beautifully complement the color palette on the table below.
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Curate Colored Glassware
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A great way to add stunning color into your tablescape? While chargers and plates make a statement, glassware is important, too. Consider a gold, yellow, or orange-hued option to be sure your drink goblets stand out for the season.
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Hang Bistro Lights
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Warm enough to host your dinner outside? Consider hanging bistro lights across the top of the entire reception space. Not only will this create a romantic, well-lit ambiance, but it can also add a casual, cozy touch to your event décor.
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Set the Mood With Color
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Once your color palette is decided on, spread it throughout the table décor in a way that doesn't feel too matchy-matchy. You can accomplish this by using shades of your favorite tones (rather than an exact match) splashed around the table's linens, paper goods, vessels, candles, and, of course, en masse with the flower arrangements.
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Bring in Black and White
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Black and white table settings are perfect for any season or wedding theme, whether you're planning a modern summer wedding or a cozy fall celebration. Build off of the contrasting hues with the addition of seasonally hued blooms.
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Pick a Unique Palette
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One of our favorite color concepts for fall? The one that combines vibrant hues in a completely unexpected way. Take this bright orange, brown, and blue display as proof that, sometimes, the most unexpected color pairings can create one pretty place setting.
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Celebrate Harvest
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Fall means harvest time for a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Why not use these elements to deck out your table? Consider adding sprigs of wheat, leafy greens, artichokes, and more to create a seasonal centerpiece.
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Provide Comfy Seating
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Set up a space that's sure to make wedding guests happy. Provide comfortable seating at both the ceremony and reception. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, from spacious benches to cushioned bistro chairs—or even banquette seating à la your favorite restaurant.
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Add a Pop of Orange
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Not interested in a full-on fall color palette? You can still keep things simple with light, muted colors. However, adding a nod to fall with a vibrant orange linen is such a fun way to embrace the season with a small touch.
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Decorate With Fresh Foliage
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This one's a given, but consider bringing a bit of nature into your reception display. Do this by adding leaves, grasses, and berries into your existing centerpieces or go all out by making a show of foliage on its own.
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Incorporate Unique Textures
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Nothing says fall like layering suede, leather, and knits. Do this on your tabletop by pairing a nice cognac leather menu with burlap linens and something unexpected, like this bone napkin holder.
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Consider Coordinating Flatware
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When choosing flatware for a fall wedding, we say skip silver and opt for a warmer-toned option such as gold or copper. Copper feels especially elevated yet rustic. Go for it with copper chargers, utensils, and even metallic-rimmed plates.
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Use Colored Candles
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We're obsessed with taper candles in all colors, and we love them for any season. For fall, take this design as inspiration: Nude taper candles are woven between pale blue linens, a garland of spirea branches, and more votive candles for a curated, cohesive finish.
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Weave in Wooden Details
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The texture and warm tones of wood are sure to enhance any table design. Consider elements such as wooden lanterns with pillar candles for a seasonal look.
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Go Big With Candelabras
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At fall weddings, there's something especially great about mixing styles, especially when it comes to table décor. Here, we love how the fancy gold candelabras contrast with the rustic wooden tabletop and centerpieces of fresh foliage for a warm look.
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Don't Be Precious
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With all those shiny candelabras and pristine candles, it can be enticing to keep them looking immaculate for the big day. But purity and perfection are not what this season is all about (save that for springtime fêtes). The fixtures at this glamorous New York City wedding are dripping in wax and looking enticingly lived-in and well-loved. Now that's a fall feeling.
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Focus on Statement Blooms
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Fall calls for statement blooms, like dahlias and mums, so embrace them by incorporating the season's finest into your flower arrangements. Focusing on a few statement blooms (rather than an abundance of flowers) can even cut down your floral budget if you pair them with (less expensive or free) foraged fillers.
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Play With Plaid
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Plaid evokes such a cozy feeling for fall, and there are so many color palettes to choose from. Match a plaid tablecloth to your centerpieces for a bold look, or opt for just a hint by incorporating plaid napkins.
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Add Apples
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Fall is apple harvest season, so add some fruit to your floral centerpieces for a feast-like feel. We love the look of apples spread throughout the table, whether placed neatly in small compotes or scattered about on their own.
The Ultimate Guide to Fall Weddings
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Play With Pumpkins
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Of course, you can't forget about pumpkins when setting the table for fall. Underscore your fall aesthetic by putting them front and center. They're the perfect addition as a centerpiece or you could even consider an individual mini pumpkin at each place setting.
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Accentuate With Feathers
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Add texture and height to table centerpieces with faux feathers. As with this arrangement, feathers can also add a necessary rustic touch when paired with blush blooms and gilded accents.
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Feature Snacks
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Complete your table by giving guests what they really want: food! As guests wait on dinner, they'll be pleasantly surprised to find a chic breadbasket or next-level charcuterie board (complete with meats, cheeses, figs, and nuts) on the table for pre-dinner munching. Plus, serving this snack on a wooden board or in a warm-toned basket will enhance the cozy feel of your tablescape even further.
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Make It Personal
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Proof you don't have to pull out all the bells and whistles to achieve a subtle fall vignette. For their tented reception in the mountains, this couple lined long tables with handmade beeswax candles and gorgeous arrangements consisting of geranium leaves, chrysanthemums, scabiosa, and chocolate cosmos.
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Add a Candlelit Glow
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When designing your tablescape, simple votive candles can be incorporated to create a warm, cozy feeling. The soft glow from these candles not only feels inviting, but it serves as the perfect juxtaposition to textured arrangements of peppergrass, lisianthus, heuchera, sage, scabiosa, and honey dijon roses.
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Use a Rustic Table
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Channel a fall cottagecore aesthetic with none other than wooden farm tables dressed to impress. Allow woven gold runners to anchor the tables alongside brass candelabras and gold vessels filled with locally farm-grown dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, and golden fern.
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Go for Gilded Texture
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Gold is one of the most stunning hues to bring into a fall color palette. Consider going bold with gold tablecloths for every reception table. Enhance the look with tall gold centerpiece pillars paired with plenty of dried, textured elements.
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Relish the Reds
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While yellow and orange tend to steal the show, red is still very much a fall hue. Think about adding bold pops of red via pretty blooms or linens. Just a hint of vibrant red is sure to liven up any table.
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Make a Floral Statement
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A floral statement can be for any season, but we especially love this look! Simple place settings with cream-colored plates and napkins create a clean canvas. Then, build an incredible centerpiece down the length of your reception table with Earth-toned blooms and plenty of texture. Voilà!
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Choose Copper Mugs
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Copper mugs are perfect for serving Moscow Mule co*cktails, but they're also great for warm apple cider or even hot cocoa. Plus, the pop of color is sure to add to the overall cozy feel of a fall tablescape.
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Include Blankets
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Provide everything your guests need to cozy up for a meal. While these blankets aren't part of the tablescape, they certainly pull the whole look together displayed on each wooden chair.
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Pair Bold Blue and Maroon
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It's not all about oranges, yellows, and gold. Switch up the traditional fall color palette with jewel tones instead. We can't get over this stunning pairing of maroon and white hues with a bold blue linen.
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Remember the Little Details
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Often the biggest impact can be achieved through the smallest of details. If going all-in on the fall décor feels like overkill to you, there are a number of ways to inject tiny odes to the season. From the rattan chargers to the brass napkin holders or textured, burgundy linens, any one of the details from this tablescape can bring a sense of autumn to your wedding.
