When we think of fall and food a few key words come to mind: rustic, savory, and warmth. The arrival of fall is a change of the season and rhythms. It is a transformation of many things, from the changes of the weather, to the transformations that occur in nature. As the leaves change from green to red, orange, or yellow, or taste buds anticipate fall. For caterers, falls signals many changes with produce and ingredients that are found at the market. The market offers many ingredients that are not found in other seasons or that have been waiting for an opportunity to shine. Autumn foods and catering are rich flavors, often farm to table, and play off the season. Fall is often tied in with food, from football Sunday appetizers, to Thanksgiving tables, fall is about food and celebrating. So, why should your wedding day be any different? 

Creating a fall reception menu should begin at what the season has to offer. We recommend that you sit down with caterers and select a caterer who’s values align to yours. This could mean finding ingredients that are locally sourced, or exploring organic options. Whatever your core wants with a caterer are, being the hunt there. Then, once you’ve found a caterer that aligns with your wants and needs, it’s time to talk fall. 

As you create your fall menu, start from the top to bottom. You want all aspects of your food to be cohesive. If you’re serving an appetizer at cocktail hour, work to create a cohesive menu from start to finish. You definitely don’t want to serve your guests food that doesn't align to your overall theme, and season. If you’re planning to serve a salad, ask your caterer to explore warm salads, such as potato leek. You can serve your fresh greens with a warm balsamic vinaigrette that has hints of maple or bourbon. Or, you can opt for a pumpkin or squash soup instead of a salad.

At the dinner hour, some of our favorites to see on the table are green brussel sprouts, root vegetables that are fresh from the garden, and all the herbs. I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall I think of the richness of flavors. Autumn flavors are savory. They are savory due to all the fresh herbs and spices. Select items for your main courses that feature bold herbs such as a braised chicken, or a warm roast or bourguignon. Do not be afraid to add rich flavors with spices and create dishes that will warm your guests in all the right ways. One of our favorite dishes to see at fall weddings is risotto. Risotto is the perfect, creamy, savory addition to any fall menu. 

Now, for dessert… Now even if you don’t plan on having a dessert table, you can still incorporate fall into your dessert. Ask your baker for fall flavors in your cake such as pumpkin spice, spice cake, vanilla bean, or chocolate. If you’re craving a dessert table or larger spread, explore all the options that dessert can offer. We’re talking about pies, cupcakes, or even s’mores. 

Your seasonal menu can make one final stop at your bar. Meet with your bartender to curate the perfect fall menu. Add hints of cinnamon, select savory choices like a whiskey or bourbon, and offer some hot drinks as well. Your guests are sure to have the full fall experience at your wedding. 

Now, we can’t finish a post about fall catering menus, without sharing a few of our favorites. So, here’s our TOP favorites from weddings in the past.

Appetizers: 

• Filo tarts filled with cheese and veggies

• Bacon wrapped dates

• Berry or apple brie bites

• Potato Bar or a sweet potato crisp

Dinner: 

• Grilled chicken, or cornish hen with fresh herbs 

• Pork Chops with a maple peach glaze 

• Roasted pork loin with apple slices

• Wild rice

• Root vegetables roasted or as a puree

• Mushroom risotto 

• Butternut squash in any form 

Dessert: 

• Mini hand pies 

• Caramel apple bar 

• S’mores

• Spiced cake

• Carrot cake 

• Pumpkin cheese cake

…& MORE. The options are endless, but when it comes to planning your perfect fall menu, think of what experience you want your guests to leave with. With a fall wedding, leave your guests feeling cozy, warm, and full of goodness. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.