5 Must-Try Fall Wedding Trends

Autumn is the perfect season for a wedding: warm enough to celebrate outdoors but crisp enough for cozy, memorable moments. With fall around the corner and wedding season always on our minds, we’ve put together a list of five trends to make your special day truly unforgettable.

From outside-of-the-box colour palettes to autumnal food, drinks, and decor, our event specialists have you covered this season! Here’s what they’re calling their favourite fall wedding trends:

Photos by Carlos Torres, Hector Vasquez, Jennifer See, Mango Studios and Garbo Kwan.

Jordan and Nelson wedding

Embrace unexpected colours

First things first: let’s talk about colour. This fall, we encourage you to think outside the box! Instead of opting for traditional autumn hues, consider palettes that will pop while Mother Nature does her thing.

Blue and burgundy

Striking and far from ordinary, this unique combination begs to be remembered. Your bridesmaids can wear deep burgundy dresses and your groomsmen can sport crisp navy suits. To make the entire theme cohesive, incorporate burgundy and navy touches into your table settings and floral arrangements, too!

Black and white

Another theme to consider is a classic combo of black and white. Reflecting sharpness and sophistication, this colour palette is incredibly easy to pull off and pays homage to Capote’s Black and White Ball (aka the party of the century)! Why not kick the theme off early with black and white wedding invitations? Just make sure to specify white attire is reserved for the bride – that’s wedding etiquette 101, after all.

All black

Our last colour recommendation is fitting for Halloween enthusiasts: all black! This is a bold, confident choice that your guests can easily adhere to. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this theme will be right up your (Diagon) alley – try decking out your venue with candles and warm lighting to make your guests feel like they’re celebrating at the Great Hall.

Espresso Martini

Fall for seasonal sips

Once your guests arrive and settle in, it’s time to put a drink in their hand! This year, we’re predicting lots of seasonal beverages with a twist. One of the most popular cocktails on our radar is the well-loved espresso martini.

Pairing smooth, full-bodied espresso with coffee liquor, simple syrup, and vodka, your guests will get a frothy fix that boosts their energy and confidence on the dance floor. Take the “wow” factor up a notch by serving it in a photo-worthy champagne tower!

Another favourite is a cozy glass of mulled wine. This drink serves quintessential fall vibes with every sip – and best of all, it’s easy to make in large batches. Combine red wine, brandy, fresh oranges, cinnamon, mulling spices, and sweetener in a slow cooker and let it simmer gently, then strain and serve in heat-proof glasses. Go all-out with autumnal table decorations or keep things easy with cinnamon sticks and fruit slices to garnish.

Because good things come in threes, our last cocktail recommendation is another cozy one: an apple cider twist on a hot toddy. Easy as can be, this warm, seasonal beverage calls for apple cider, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and bourbon. For a non-alcoholic version, serve the apple cider with a cinnamon stick. Voila! A sip for little ones and grown-ups alike.

Tuck into hearty cuisine

After welcome drinks, mingling, and a dreamy ceremony, it’s time to celebrate love with some delicious seasonal fare. Fall is the perfect time to lean into warm, hearty dishes like soups, potatoes, squash, and slow-cooked meats.

Whether you want to serve plated dishes or go all-out with buffet-style offerings, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate hearty fall favourites. Check this one off your to-do list and consider O&B’s full-service catering!

It goes without saying that no celebration is complete without dessert. Why not swap the traditional white-tiered classic for a decadent pumpkin cheesecake? Get one specially made for cake-cutting photos and serve mini pumpkin cheesecakes to guests. More of a pie person? Go all-out and serve multiple flavours so everyone can enjoy their favourite. Whipped cream required!

Ashley and Daniel wedding

Opt for a second look

As the bustle of food, drinks, and speeches comes to an end, many newlyweds choose to slip into a second look for the night. Some want an opportunity to dazzle in two different outfits while others want to sport a more practical look for the dance floor.

From lace and florals to blazers and crisp white sneakers, there’s no shortage of options that will compliment the season’s foliage. A second outfit also allows you to stay comfortable as the evening air turns chilly. Choose a long-sleeve number or an elegant shawl you can easily remove while dancing!

Malaparte wedding sparklers

Create a cozy ambiance

The shorter days and cooler evenings of autumn provide ample opportunities for cozy details. Why not plan a magical send-off with sparklers as dusk turns to dark? If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, hand out sparklers to your guests and snap photos during a lively toast.

If sparklers aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to make the final hours of your celebration warm and inviting. Deck out the space in candles (real or fake!), choose a venue with a fireplace, or provide your guests with soft blankets to snuggle up with as the temperature drops. Creating a snug and warm atmosphere to wrap up your special day will have everyone leaving on a high note!


From seasonal beverages and themed desserts to second looks that welcome cooler evenings, these recommendations will make your fall wedding one for the books.

In planning mode? Explore our wide range of stunning event venues across Toronto and let us help you bring your dream wedding to life. Inquire today about our all-inclusive wedding packages, catering services, and one-on-one personalized consulting.