Creative and Fun Wedding Ideas Made Simple Creative and Fun Wedding Ideas Made Simple
The weather and the surroundings are going to be gorgeous come autumn! So, we suggest planning your wedding rehearsal dinner to celebrate the season—but with a creative theme to style your table settings around. Here are more than 10 fall dinner themes we found to inspire you, whether you plan an al fresco gathering or one in a barn, country cottage, restaurant, or right in your home.
Autumn Rehearsal Dinner Themes Set Outdoors
Make the most of what fall has to offer by hosting your rehearsal dinner outdoors. Think golden sunlight, lush foliage, rich colors and textures, seasonal fruits. Then incorporate these in your table styling to suit a theme—as these 5 amazing examples did!
Chic Al Fresco Dining Theme – A casual wine and cheese gathering out on a patio gets instant pizzazz from boldly striped table linens, styled by Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home. How chic would this be for a fall rehearsal dinner! Note the individual cheese boards for each guest, the mismatched tea towels lining woven chargers, and the vase of cheery sunflowers.
Try this THEME: A Vintage Travel Theme
Autumn By the Sea Theme – An open terrace by the sea is not just for summer nuptials. This rehearsal dinner set in romantic Tuscany and featured on Floridian Social made use of autumn-inspired elements, like apples, pears, lots of greenery, and rustic-style furniture and lanterns for a warm and welcoming effect.
Try this THEME: “Apple of My Eye” Rustic Vintage Inspiration
East Meets West Theme – If yours will be a multi-cultural wedding, take some cues from this travel-inspired theme from Q Weddings, via Marigold Events. The outdoor reception could inspire your rehearsal dinner, with pops of bold red, aqua, and gold and clever references to travel destinations the couple has been to.
Fall Backyard Theme – For an intimate rehearsal dinner, consider hosting it in your own backyard. But rather than go with the traditional colors and textures of autumn, freshen up the table settings as Domestic Fashionista did, with cool gray linens (love the polka dots!) and zesty lime colored napkins (folded to resemble autumn leaves?). Greenery in wine bottles, mason jar glasses, and yes white pumpkins complete the carefree autumn vibe!
Try this THEME: All You Need is Love
Autumn Apple Theme – Another fall gathering styled by Chris Nease, featured on Hostess with the Mostess, is an eclectic mix of elements associated with the season. The overall look is outdoorsy and rustic, but brightened by yellows and reds, softened by bits of lace, and of course focused on playing up the apple theme.
Charming Themes for an Indoor Rehearsal Dinner
Now, if your venue is indoors, see the range of fall-inspired styles and looks you can create for your rehearsal dinner. You can go with a barn, modern farmhouse, country, or Western look—or even a Chinese mid-autumn festival theme!
Theme Inspired by Your Location – If you’re lucky enough to have a truly picturesque venue, like the 1824 House Inn shown here featured on Vermont Weddings, then take full advantage of all its charms. You can choose to go with classic or rustic table settings amidst the wood plank walls, rough-hewn beams, and stone floors. Either will be stunning.
Try this THEME: Maple Leaf Wedding Rehearsal Inspiration Board
Pumpkins and Peaches Theme – You could also opt for a light and bright look for your guest tables, set in a farmhouse-style venue or private home. Here Maison de Pax presents a gorgeous blend of blush-toned florals and fruits, gleaming copper elements, and stone gray napkins for a truly fresh take on fall. (Visit the full post for the peaches and pumpkins!).
Easygoing Country Theme – This charming down home look, found via Williams Party Rentals, is something you can pull together with ease and at minimal cost. A length of red checkered cloth sets the country mood. Then, you can just add red glasses, kraft menu cards, and mini sunflower arrangements in jars. Hay bale seating (spotted at left) is a fun touch, if you can manage it!
Try this THEME: Country Western with a Barnyard Feel
Western or Ranch Theme – Similar to the country theme above, you need just a few elements to create this look for your table settings. As in Red 25 Events’ “Cowboy Kitch” styling, red bandanas tied with horseshoe napkin rings on each guest’s plate, burlap runners on bare wood tables, and wine-bottle centerpieces holding wildflowers will do the trick!
Try this THEME: A Magical Wizard of Oz Theme
Chinese Mid Autumn Festival Theme – Considering a cultural fall motif? Then, take tips from this actual rehearsal dinner, styled by Yang Yang (then a bride-to-be) of Fortune Goodies. Choosing an authentic venue, like an actual Chinese restaurant, provided the ready-made ambiance and of course their choice of menu. Plus, she shares all the creative decor details and the links to recreate a party like this!
Try this THEME: A Bowling Rehearsal Dinner Theme
Are you loving all these autumn rehearsal dinner ideas? There are lots more in this collection of posts!