Having an autumn wedding means you’ve chosen one of the most magical seasons to celebrate your nuptials. You have a ton of options when it comes to colors, themes, decor, and especially the food. As the leaves start to change, and the weather starts to cool off, you should let your wedding reception menu reflect these seasonal changes. Guests will be craving something besides traditional fare, so treat them to some rich and intense flavors.
We’ve been talking to all the pros about the hot trends this fall so check out these great ideas and get creative with your catering! For award-winning, yet affordable Raleigh wedding catering, call Catering by Design. We’re number one in the Triangle!
For Starters – Make your starters stand out this fall by embracing the seasonal change. Since the weather is cooling off we want you to skip that simple salad as your first course and consider having a soup or bisque instead. Salads are so summer season, the warmth and heartiness of soup really sets the seasonal tone for your menu. Pumpkin or squash bisque served in miniature hollowed out pumpkins would be a fantastic option that your guests will love. Another idea would be for you to replace the common crab cake with something more seasonal, like smoked salmon instead.
If you are committed to serving a salad as your first course customize it for the season. You can really jazz up a salad by adding a few hearty elements, such as aged sharp cheddar, roasted pumpkin seeds, figs, and roasted walnuts.
Can’t decide? A great compromise would be to have both. Just reduce the portion sizes of each and your guests will be blown away.
Main Course Worth Remembering – Fortunately, the fall season is still perfect to serve the classic proteins as your main course or buffet anchor. Prime rib, filet, salmon, and roasted chicken will all make great choices, but if you really want to wow your guests go with something like a veal cut, rack of lamb, or Cornish hen.
An outside of the box option that is perfect for the fall would be to serve individual potpies. This rustic option is both homey and hearty and can take you back to your childhood days. Fill them with chicken and all of the popular fall vegetables like carrots, turnips, onions, and leeks.
Delicious Desserts – Over the past few years, couples have been presenting guests with outstanding dessert bars overstocked with several options. A popular catering trend for this fall is moving beyond the outrageous and choosing a more subtle style. Sweet and simple is the way to go this year. The classic Americana desserts are big this year so treat your guests to apple pie or tarts with honey vanilla ice cream, pie a la mode, or gooey homemade brownies served with espresso ice cream.
For formal weddings that require something a little more elegant, how about delivering dessert trios? Each guest is served a small assortment of three sweets on their plates. This will allow you to really get creative with your presentation and dessert choices. Miniature homemade doughnuts, candied apples, and other fall favorites come to mind.
For your wedding cake flavors, go beyond the traditional vanilla or lemon flavor. For the fall 2015 season, it appears that chocolate is leading the way for brides and grooms that are looking for rich flavors. For more outside of the box ideas, check out a previous blog we posted about alternative wedding cake flavors.
At Catering by Design, we know how important your wedding reception is, so let us help you plan a menu that you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you need the very best in wedding reception catering in Raleigh, NC, then you should call us today. When you call, ask us about our free menu tastings.
