How to Design the Perfect Fall Wedding Tablescape, According to Bridal Experts
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Every year, I look forward to fall weddings. There’s something about the crisp air, changing leaves and autumn hues that scream romance to me. I especially love fall-themed wedding décor and tablescapes that boast visually arresting colors and warm textures. The season naturally offers up an opportunity to make bold choices and play with traditions or defy them altogether.
I spoke to six leading bridal experts to help you craft autumn-themed wedding reception tablescapes that your guests will fall for. Here’s what they had to say.
Lean Into the Fall Theme with Amber and Brass Harvest Glow
If you’re having a fall wedding, why not go all in? Experts suggest including the traditional autumn colours of brown and gold bronze and boldly mixing them with greens and pinks. Incorporating the golden hues of fall symbolizes change and transformation — apt for a wedding event joining two hearts into one.
“Use a terracotta runner with a mix of amber glass bud vases and brass candlesticks topped with white tapers,” suggests Craig Peterman, owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “Add rust and persimmon mums, blush roses, and a little olive and eucalyptus. The metal and glass catch the candlelight so the table feels warm, modern and unmistakably fall.”
Minimalist Fall Wedding Tablescapes for an Elegant Look
Sometimes, less is more. I had a fall wedding with minimalist tablescapes that still left a mark.
Begin your minimalist design with a basic black or white tablecloth. Then you might add a table runner in a fall-hued color such as ivory, cream, khaki, olive green or brown. The main focal point of a minimalist tablescape could be a vase with fall flowers or a bouquet of branches. Tie everything together with contemporary tableware, clear cutlery and clear glasses.
Jewel-Tone Fall Wedding Décor to Elevate Your Tablescape
Jewel box toned tablescapes are having a moment. Wedding planners this season are loving richly saturated tones like sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow and emerald green. These colors help to signify the abundance of the fall season.
“Lean into rich shades of emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst for your floral palette, balanced with warm wood, gold tones, and velvet linen in a surprising shade like cadet blue. It’s an elevated take on what a fall wedding means,” remarks Gina Jokilehto, owner and creative director at Shi Shi Events. “Up the abundance vibe by adding seasonal fruit elegantly incorporated into the florals. Fruit like deep purple grapes, blackberries, and pomegranates.”
Incorporate Natural Elements Into Your Fall Wedding Tablescapes
If you don’t know where to begin while designing your fall wedding tablescapes, simply go outside and bring nature in. That’s just how simple it is.
“Incorporating natural elements into a fall tablescape instantly brings warmth and authenticity to the design,” declares Martina Asgari-Majd, founder of Parisa Social Events. “Think seasonal fruits like mini pumpkins, figs, or pomegranates, along with leaves, branches or acorns for texture and interest. Combining these organic touches with elegant accents like candles or metallic details creates a tablescape that feels both cozy and sophisticated.”
Additionally, for the tablescapes to reflect your particular town or city, choose natural elements local to the region.
Adrianne Smelko, private events coordinator and concierge at The Harbor House Inn, gives a great example, proclaiming, “We showcase freshly harvested vegetables from our own farm. Floral arrangements inspired by the native plants of the Mendocino coast and accents drawn from our private cove such as shells, smooth stones and other natural treasures. Every detail enhances the tablescape, creating a true sense of place and weaving the story of a couple’s special day perfectly into the surrounding landscape.”
Make Your Fall Tablescapes Personal and Unique
If you’re not that into fall-themed elements for your wedding tablescape, don’t force it. Instead, choose décor pieces and elements that showcase your personalities and interests. If you love fashion, art or architecture, add elements from those worlds into your tablescape design.
“A reception table isn’t just a table, it’s a mood. A story your guests step into. For fall, skip the usual pumpkins and leaves and draw from fashion, art, and architecture instead,” states Neha Varma, CEO and founder of Amora Events. “Think sculptural elements like concrete vessels, stone chargers, sculptural branches and raw metal candlesticks paired with soft velvet runners or silk napkins for contrast. Choose bold, fashion-forward colors over typical rust tones and keep florals minimal. Even your napkins can nod to couture with pleated folds or layered textures. It’s fall but with a fresh and stylish twist.”
Go Bohemian with Bold Fall Tablescape Ideas
Another fall tablescape idea that’s trending right now is a bohemian-inspired design that embraces boldness and eclectic charm.
The best thing about bohemian tablescapes is that there are no strict rules. Get creative and have fun.
To craft your own bohemian tables, select décor pieces from different styles and eras and pair them to your liking. For instance, lay a velvet tablecloth in deep hues like burgundy, purple or maroon. Then opt for a mix of vibrant florals and dried flowers that seem to have grown in the wild, and place them in vases of varying heights. Lastly, add candles of different hues and shapes, and mix and match tableware and glassware.
Choose a Fall Tablescape Design That Reflects You
At the end of the day, whichever fall-inspired tablescape you choose, don’t forget to make it your own. While following themes to a tee can be beautiful, it’s just as important to let your personality shine through. Pick a tablescape design that resonates with you and have fun with it.
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