Autumn can be a beautiful time of year for a wedding, with autumnal trees as a backdrop for your photos and a natural colour palette of reds, oranges and yellows for your décor and flowers. An autumnal day can definitely make an amazing alternative to a summer wedding whether this was your plan all along, or whether your plans have recently had to change. Here are a few ideas of some seasonal ways you can keep your guest taste buds and tummies happy!

Drinks

Holding your wedding later in the year gives you the perfect excuse to swap the classic sparkling wine reception drink for something a little different.

Mulled wine or mulled cider goes down really well, and can help to keep guests warm on a crisp autumnal day.

Alternatively, why not try some delicious themed cocktails such as a pumpkin spiced martini or caramel apple mule – these are great when guests first arrive or during a cocktail hour after dinner to get everyone ready for your evening celebrations!

Canapés

Your canapé reception is the perfect time to make the most of the afternoon sun (hopefully!) and spend some time outside with lots of delicious bite sized treats being circulated round.

Warm canapés are perfect for this time of year; just make sure you have an indoor area as a back-up plan in case the British weather doesn’t work in your favour.

Wedding breakfast

Whether you are passionate about planning a sustainable wedding, or just want to make sure you have a tasty menu that fits in with your day, adding seasonal dishes to your wedding breakfast is lovely idea.

Meats in season at this time of year include venison, lamb and duck as well as a range of fish such as haddock, sea bass and scallops to name but a few. If you are having sharing food, something like warm squash or pumpkin can make a delicious side or perhaps a candied beetroot salad.

Ask your caterer if they have a seasonal menu which can help guide you with this (our autumn dining menu is a great place to start if you are planning a plated wedding breakfast!).

Midnight munchies

Finally, something hearty near the end of the evening is always welcome.

Given the cooler evenings at this time of year you may decide to have something that can be laid out, or served round inside your venue. Cheese stations, fish and chip cones and pitta pockets are amongst the most popular, but the options can be endless whatever you favourite late night treat is, as long as it is easy for guests to eat.

Alternatively, you could head outside to be served something like wood fired pizza or paella, street food style. Depending on your venue, some of your guests may appreciate star gazing while munching on their late-night snack – you could even provide a few blankets or a firepit to keep them warm.