The rich golds, yellows, and reds illuminating the sky.  The smell of apple cider steaming from a thermos.  The crisp chill in the air that calls for cozy sweaters and knit scarves.

Oh, the joy of fall!

Except…not when it’s still 90 degrees out, the only tree changing is the palm tree outside your window that needs it’s palm fronds cleaned up, and you still live in your flip flops.

If you’ve always dreamed of a fall wedding but have a hard time imagining it in Central Florida, don’t squash your vision yet!  Just because you love the thought of all things autumn, doesn’t mean you have to travel to Vermont or Colorado (although, we can help you with that if you do!), it just means you have to be a little more creative.

Following, we touch on different wedding and event aspects that can be customized to fall – even if your air conditioner is still on high.

Concept/Theme

Our favorite aspects of fall events are the look and feel that accompanies the concept.  When you think about autumn, think about what it is exactly that you love.

Is it the colors?  The harvest?  The feeling of comfort and coziness?  Maybe just the feeling of gathering and slowing down for the season?

Whatever it is, take note of what you love most and use that as your guide.  Don’t feel that it needs to translate literally – it can sometimes be just a feeling that you get that your wedding or event planner can help convey in a variety of ways.

Flowers/Decor

Even though fall may plant visions of orange, yellow, and red in your mind, think broadly when it comes to floral and decor.

Work with your florist and/or event designer to take it to the next level.  Sure, those colors are traditional, warm fall colors.  But selecting deeper tones of greens, purples, teals, golds, and reds can also make a stark room feel cozy and intimate.

In addition, consider textiles that you may want to use as a source to bring in the feel you want.  Forgo silky tablecloths and white aisle runners and search for fabrics that are warm and unusual.  We particularly love knits and burlap!

Lastly, think about the type of flowers you want to use.  Opt for more natural greenery with wood pieces to express the organic nature of fall.  

Food & Beverage

Yes, our team loves our pumpkin lattes.  Rarely do we find people who don’t!

So what about offering them to go at the end of the night as a sweet treat and ode to fall?

 Think about fall harvest foods and work with your caterer to incorporate them into a special menu.  We especially love when a cocktail reception is filled with clever and creative items that pay homage to the season (even if the dinner is more traditional).

Consider things such as:

– warm spiced apple cider

– warm mulled wine served with a cinnamon stick 

– pumpkin filled bites

– freshly picked apples enhanced menu items

– root vegetable side dishes

Not only are many of these items fun and unique, but they are healthy for you and your guests as well!

Fashion & Accessories

So cute cowboy boots may not feel right for a ceremony amongst palm trees, but it’s not to say you can’t pick and choose fun accessories that complement your theme.

Just be creative!

You may decide on heels for your ceremony in the Florida outdoors, but an indoor reception can easily welcome those cute boots!

For pictures and the end of the evening, consider adding a white or cream knit scarf for your shoulders, a toss bouquet (if doing one) that is made of soft cotton balls and small pinecones (careful not to have it too pokey!), and baskets of miniature pumpkin pies as a takeaway (okay, not a fashion tip, but still so much fun!).

Are you learning a little more towards a fall wedding more now?  If so and you’re looking for more simple, but elegant ways to incorporate a fall concept into your Orlando wedding or event, give me a call at (407) 365-4729 or email me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com and let’s brainstorm!

We have plenty of ideas to share and can’t wait to start discussing them with you!