Boone Town Story Photography, Party Reflections, Carolina Golf Club
As we enter into Thanksgiving week, we can't help but feel a little sentimental. Thinking back on all of the weddings we've coordinated, the common denominator continues to be our wonderful couples. Each couple we work with proves that every love story is unique and beautiful in its own way. We love our couples and are so so thankful to each for trusting us with their special day.
Thanksgiving sparks feelings of gratitude and warmness in our hearts, with its intimate setting, delicious food, and heartwarming significance. There are actually a lot of similarities between Thanksgiving and your wedding day. Both are known for family gatherings, appetizing spreads, and reminiscent emotions. If you're dreaming of a warm, fall wedding: keep reading for some wedding ideas inspired by the cozy holiday.
1. Fall Foliage
Kristen Privette Photography, Ribald Events, Connection Photography, New Creations Flowers
Autumn inspired blooms are a no-brainer when it comes to dressing a thanksgiving table. We'd suggest colors and textures that give your florals that "fresh from the garden" vibe. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows will warm up your space instantly. For your bridal bouquet, opt for a cascading effect - this gives your bouquet a natural and wild feel that's anything but boring. Work with your florist to create the perfect palette that flows with your design.
2. Rug Runner
Haley Lynette Photography, Ribald Events, Ritchie Hill
Warm up your ceremony with a beautiful pathway of textures. For this bohemian styled ceremony, our bride used rugs in creamy natural colors, but varied the textures to add dimension. Whether your ceremony is indoor or outdoor, layered rugs create a perfectly cozy setting for exchanging vows.
3. An Intimate Affair
Avonne Photography, Ritchie Hill, Lily Greenthumbs
Thanksgiving is all about sharing moments with your closest family and friends, so why not implement this into your special day? Minimize your guest list to an intimate affair, so you can channel more of your budget and time into little details for your guests.
4. Fall Palette
Samantha Grigg Photography, Cedar Creek Ranch, Blushing Hair & Makeup
Dress your wedding party in golden hues of rust, champagne, and taupe for a cohesive autumn palette. To keep your party warm, we'd recommend textures of velvet or corduroy. If you're going for a varied look of colors and textures, consider letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This trend is growing in popularity, since it allows bridesmaids to select a gown that fits them and their style best.
5. Dessert Spread
Noah Edwards Photography, Vortex Donuts, Candle & Quill Photography
For a twist on the traditional wedding cake, why not offer a variety of desserts for your guests' choosing? Some crowd favorites include s'mores bars, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, macarons, and donuts.
6. Rustic Touches
Hope Taudevin Photography, Emma Loo Photography, North Corner Haven
Even if your wedding design leans more classy than rustic, consider tying in elements inspired by family gatherings. Custom wooden signs, lawn games, and even a wooden bar are all ways to incorporate the warmth of wood.
7. Autumnal Details
Julia Laible Photography, Ribald Events, Yah Photography, My Little Design Company, Willow Floral Boutique, Evermore Event Rentals
Finishing touches like pinecones, pumpkins, lanterns, and fruit displays are the perfect tabletop decor. Mix in florals, candles, and personalized details for a table that's fit for a feast.
8. Thankful Stationery
Noah Edwards Photography, Taylor Ann Photography
Your wedding wouldn't be the same without the support of your loved ones all around. Guests travel far and wide to witness your special day, so why not show your gratitude with custom stationery?. You can incorporate your message into programs, table settings, or little favors for your family and friends. A simple thank you note goes a long way!
9. Feels Like Home
Amanda Somerville Photography, Springvine Florals, Samantha Grigg Photography
Holiday traditions are different for everyone. Whether you play football on thanksgiving, kick back with a glass of wine by the fire, or decorate cookies with your family: consider incorporating a tradition that's important to you both. That could mean sending guests home with a favorite fall recipe or offering custom cigars in the evening. However you celebrate, touches of home will make your day all the more memorable for you and your guests. Remember: weddings shouldn't be cookie cutter; personalized details are what makes your day yours!
10. There's Nothing Like A Home Cooked Meal
Photography by Angela Tucker, True Crafted Catering, Samantha Grigg Photography, International Truck of Tacos
Instead of booking a formal caterer, consider providing a casual buffet, potluck, or food truck! There are so many options out there, so don't limit yourself based on others' opinions. Sometimes the best meals are the ones with less hassle, which means you can focus more on making memories with your guests!
11. Less Is More
Boone Town Story Photography, Emma Loo Photography, Party Reflections
Since your wedding is more about who's around the table than what's on it, we'd suggest keeping your table simple. Less is more when it comes to autumnal tablescapes: fresh greenery, candles, and a personal place card creates the perfect table setting.
12. Easy As Pie
Anna Page Photography
Try this recipe for an easy pie that features different flavors in bite-sized perfection. Or go all out with different pies for your guests - nothing says thanksgiving like sending your guests home with leftover dessert!
13. Table Setting Sentimentality
Yah Photography, Creative Solutions, Carey Roberts Design
Incorporate family heirlooms into your setting: vintage plates, glassware, and utensils create a homey feel with minimal effort. Many couples incorporate their family's cake knife, server, and champagne flutes into their day as well. Not only does this save you a chunk of money, adding sentimental details will make your table feel warm and inviting.
14. Cozy By The Fire
Treebird Photography, Cake Expressions by Lisa, Board & Batten Events, Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty
There's nothing like cozying up by the fire on a cold fall evening. If your venue or home has a fireplace, we'd recommend using it in your design. Pair it with a cozy seating arrangement or as a backdrop for cake cutting - the possibilities are endless!
15. Homemade Cider and Punch
Yah Photography, Evermore Event Rentals, Willow Floral Boutique
For a cozy homemade beverage, mix up some fresh ingredients for a delicious cider or punch your guests will love. Consider offering a family favorite, paired with a custom sign named after a relative, memory, or cuddly pet.
16. Live Music
Noah Edwards Photography, Saylor Brothers
Consider booking your favorite local band for an after-dinner celebration that feels authentic to you. Live music feels relaxed and informal, perfect for a holiday inspired reception.
17. Team Spirit
The Stewarts Roam, Eggleston & Co.
A big part of the fall season for many families is spent watching sports games together. Whether you prefer snuggling up on the couch or tailgating with your family & friends, sports brings people together! Why not surprise your guests with a visit from your college mascot or show your team spirit with a song on the dance floor?
18. Invite Your Furry Friends
Party of Two Photography, Separk Mansion, Beauty Asylum, Chelish Moore Florals, Taylor Ann Photography, Ribald Events
The holidays just wouldn't be the same without our pets, so why should your wedding be any different? So many couples include their fur babies and it's always extra special for them! If your guests are comfortable with it, why not open up your guest list to other furry guests too?
19. Recipe For Love
Avonne Photography, Ritchie Hill
For a twist on the classic guestbook, invite your guests to share their "recipe for love" on a cute recipe card. When it comes time to read them all, bake a yummy dessert with your spouse and cuddle up to read your family & friends' advice.
20. Song Lyrics
Separk Mansion, Kristen Privette Photography, Olive Paper, Ribald Events
Add a sentimental touch by incorporating lyrics from a special song you both love. The holidays wouldn't be the same without cozy music, so why not make your favorite lines part of the design?