Fall wedding receptions are casual, chic and fun!

More and more couples are saying "I do" in the fall. Some with big weddings, and others with just the family, still others eloping – but just about all of those weddings include a really fun fall reception.

Why fall? Depend on Mother Nature to help with fabulous foliage in rich fall colors – well worth repeating at your reception. Fall leaves, dried flowers and cornstalks cost considerably less than the fresh spring and summer flowers of June.

Nature also supplies an abundance of incredible fresh produce such as gourds, pumpkins, and squash in every color, size and shape you can think of. All Indiana grown, too. Plus there’s dried corn, sweet potatoes, cranberries, bales of hay, and the lovely scents of pumpkin and spice.

And... we’re just getting started! We are loving fall receptions here at Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering. Because we’re in farm country, there are a ton of gorgeous, spacious, re-habbed and updated wedding barns.

Plus with cooler evenings and warm days, you can plan a reception inside and out – with activities, food and drinks especially suited for both.

Here’s how Jacquie’s team likes to bring the rich bounty of the fall season into barn and inside/outside wedding receptions:

• Evenings get cool in the fall. Add heaters and string lights along the path to the reception.
• Borrow liberally from Mother Nature when decorating. Choose rich colors including earth tones with shades of peach, burgundy, fig, gold, and jewel tones.
• Brilliant foliage and autumnal styles make perfect reception centerpieces. Crisp white birch branches really stand out against harvested fall leaves, pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and bright taffeta ribbons.
• Add seasonal pumpkins, gourds and garlands around tables and strung along pathways.
• Who needs pale uniform brides’ maid dresses? Go full on fall with for burgundy, coriander, cinnamon and latte brides’ maid dresses. Mix and match. Let your besties decide what they want within a color scheme. Have fun!
• Think about your guests’ comfort level as evening temps drop. Drape earth-toned wraps and blankets over the back of chairs here and there with invites to “wrap up” against the chilly evening.
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• Food and drink should be a little heartier for a fall weddings. Think red blends and cabernets, merlots, and pinot noirs.
• Give foods a casual fall makeover with sliders, beef brisket sandwiches, pork tenderloins, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, and fajitas bars.
• Have a special seasonal signature cocktail on hand. Maybe a hot toddy, Irish coffee, or hot buttered rum. Name it after your best man, your college school mascot, or your dog’s nickname. Have fun with it. Your guests will love it.
• Cocktails at an open bar could include hot toddies, spiked ciders, or old fashions.
• Seating or name cards might be placed in fresh pears or apples. Add a basket of farm-picked apples here and there.
• Consider warm cider donuts as a take-home-in-a bag thank you gift as guests leave.

And – we love this idea -- have a specialty coffee bar to go with your wedding cake. Offer serve-yourself specialty liquor toppings, fresh whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin flavoring. Yummm!

Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering can bring your crisp fall wedding reception ideas to life in all kinds of ways, keeping foods organic, sustainably and locally raised, and always... colorful, fresh and delicious!