Photo by Olivia Rae James
From warm color palettes to cozy vibes and rich flavors, fall weddings are all about embracing the season—and that goes for the food served as well! As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, the way we eat changes, so it's no surprise that caterers have noticed a difference in what couples are requesting for fall wedding fare.
To break down exactly what's different (and great!) about cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert menus this time of year, we called on top caterers to chat about everything from what guests want to what's in season. And, well, we learned a lot!
So if you're planning a fall wedding (in 2019 or 220), read on for a step-by-step guide to creating a fall wedding menu that's flavorful, creative, and comforting in all the season's best ways.
Think Less Stations, More Passed Apps
As the weather changes, weddings tend to start moving inside. There’s still a fair share of outside weddings in the fall, amongst the trees and the leaves, but the way we dine definitely has the tendency to change. “Cocktail hours traditionally start to drop off in the fall,” says Ryan Carey, Owner of Fire and Co. Wood-Fired Catering. “People tend to lean toward more small bites and passed apps rather than stations.”
Consider Comfort Foods
Chillier weather definitely means more comfort food, and there’s nothing wrong with bringing these to the table. To accomplish this at your wedding, start by thinking about the foods you incorporate into your diet once summer is over and how you can serve those in a creative way. “In the fall, we are not serving as lite of fare as we see in July," Carey says. "We do less seafood and definitely more comfort food and more hearty foods like rotisserie chicken and smoked pork.”
Embrace Seasonal Flavors
As with weddings any season, using what’s fresh is a great way to set your menu for the season—and, thankfully, fall has a lot of powerful, earthy flavors to incorporate. “We are always farm-to-table, so you want to see what's fresh and available and in-season,” says Davi Sobotta, Sales Manager for Foodz Catering. “Fall trends gravitate toward squashes, like your acorn, butternut, and delicata, along with pumpkins and yams. We also start working with more chutneys and deeper, richer sauces.”
Break Out the Wood Fire
Everyone loves a bonfire on a cool night, so why not incorporate those warm, hearth flavors into your wedding menu for fall? “September and October are our busiest times of the year because of the wood-fired smells and flavors,” says Carey. “It speaks well for a fall dining experience and portrays itself much better in the cooler months.” According to Carey, wood-fired pizza stations are incredibly popular, as are smoked meats like a smoked brisket or doing a pig roast.
Yum! To put these ideas into practice, we curated a list of nine flavorful dishes that are sure to impress every foodie on your guest list. Check them out below!
Charcuterie
Photo by Poor Girls Pantry
Charcuterie spreads are for every season! As the weather transitions to fall, consider bringing in heartier cheeses and incorporating seasonal fruits and veggies such as grapes, apples, and nuts.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup
Photo by Summer Street Photography
Nothing screams comfort food more than this go-to combo. Take this concept and elevate it at cocktail hour by pairing mini grilled cheese triangles with shot-size cups of tomato soup.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Photo by Alicia Lucia Photography
Pizza is a totally timeless and classic comfort food, and it can offer a flavor combo that all of your guests will love. Take your pizza offerings up a notch by bringing in a wood-fired oven to get that smoky, crispy crust.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Photo by Ambitious Kitchen
Brussels sprouts are quintessential fall vegetables, so incorporate this fresh, seasonal option in a roasted dish at dinner to bring out nature's earthy flavors.
Meatball Skewers
Photo by Belathee Photography
Bring back the comfort of spaghetti and meatballs, without all the mess. To do this, ask your caterer to serve meatballs (dipped in warm, fall flavors) on skewers for easy eating at dinner or cocktail hour.
Chicken and Biscuits
Photo by Kate Headley
What says comfort food better than a warm biscuit? Get creative and serve this traditional breakfast food with chicken (and honey drizzle!) to end the night on a warm, seasonal note.