17 Ideas for a Fall Wedding Tablescape

Turn up the fall charm at your reception with these colorful, autumnal tables!

by Gabriella Rello
Updated 08/26/18

Photo by Rachel Red Photography

There are a multitude of reasons why more and more brides are saying yes to a fall wedding. Not only is the weather (and the light!) totally amazing, couples that say "I do" during autumn have a fresh color palette of warm reds, bright oranges, and pale yellows to work with. While there's plenty we love about fall nuptials, one of our favorite aspects has to be the harvest-inspired reception tablescape.

After a summer filled with bright pink and white centerpieces, there's something downright magical about a warm colored reception and cozy seating. So how do you turn your space into one brimming with harvest-inspired details? While there are a lot of ways to ensure your reception is filled with autumnal style, there are a few surefire ways to give your guests a taste of the season. Among our favorites are seasonal flowers and greenery in warm hues, wooden details, plaid linens, and plenty of pumpkins.

There's no wrong way to create a fall tablescape, but there are a lot of ways to do it right. Here, we've found 17 of our favorite reception tables for your fall wedding, with countless ideas you can incorporate into your own party. Consider dressing up wooden tables with miniature white pumpkins for a refined look, or go full-on fall with golden apples and a tartan runner. For a more glamorous look, a metallic leaf-shaped charger makes for an eye-catching place setting, or go for something a bit more casual with picnic-style tables dressed up with gourds and greenery.

Whether you prefer the look of classic blooms in a fall-inspired color palette or want to go all out with changing oak and maple leafs and plenty of pumpkins, there's no shortage of ways to create a gorgeous harvest table for your big day.

01 of 17

Unexpected Soft Colors

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Mix natural wood tones with shades of blush for a pretty and unexpected fall palette.

02 of 17

Pumpkin Centerpieces

Studio EMP Inc.

Pumpkins don't need to be Halloween-esque. Layer them with greenery such as eucalyptus and ferns for a budget-smart centerpiece.

03 of 17

Add Fruit for a Feast

Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick Photography

Fall is harvest season, so add some fruit to your floral centerpieces for a feast-like feel.

04 of 17

Bring In Bold Hues

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Match your florals with your napkins! Purple can be a hard color to pull off, but when it's the right shade (and it picks up on some of the subtler shades in your centerpiece) it can work out beautifully!

05 of 17

Set the Mood With Burgundy

table details

Photo by Lev Kuperman

Get moody with burgundy and hints of gold. Add a modern touch with acrylic table numbers and simple brass candle holders.

06 of 17

Hang Florals to Make a Statement

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Who says the flowers just belong on the table? Mirror your centerpieces with a similar hanging installation to really make a statement.

07 of 17

Set a Spread

bread for the table

Photo by Laura Gordon

To keep your guests sated while they wait on dinner, add wooden bread boards to each table with a fig spread, breads, cheeses, and nuts.

08 of 17

Use Taper Candles for a Real Mood

Wedding reception table

Photo by Felix Feygin for Fred Marcus Studio

Pack a punch! Go all-out in the moody department with an abundance of taper candles and essentially a garden of florals in rich fall colors.

09 of 17

Go for Black on Black

Reception venue table setting

Photo by Katrina Jayne

There's something extremely chic about a black-on-black table, complete with black menus and dusty shades of pink flowers.

10 of 17

Use Black Candles

Photo by Plum & Oak Photo, Design and Table Décor by Folklore Vintage Rentals

And while we're at it, we're big fans of black taper candles. Talk about setting the mood!

11 of 17

Take Advantage of Pretty Foliage

One of our favorite things about fall is the abundance of pretty foliage. This pretty rusty red adds sophistication and a nod to autumn amongst an otherwise green and white table.

12 of 17

Never Enough Candles

Tablescape with table number

Photo by For the Love of It

If we've said it once we've said it a hundred times! The more candles, the better.

13 of 17

Go for Bright and Poppy

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Who says fall tables have to be dark and moody? We love this bright and poppy table, and the jewel tones of the linens make it feel more autumnal than spring-like.

14 of 17

Use a Brick Wall

<p>candlelit reception</p>

Photo by Ryon Lockhart Photography

Mood lighting and a brick wall turns a color palette that may have not felt as fall-ish into something cozy.

15 of 17

Use Seasonal Foliage

<p>fall beach wedding place setting</p>

Photo by Heather Waraksa

Budget tip: have your florist use seasonal foliage to create a pretty table runner.

16 of 17

Think Soft Colors

bread for the table and floral centerpieces

Photo by Laura Gordon

We love the dusty taupe and beige tones in this pretty fall centerpiece.

17 of 17
<p>place setting</p>

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Add some black flatware and autumn fruit to your table for an added level of sophistication.

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