X
Future Inns

REWARDS

LOGIN | REGISTER
|

Autumn Wedding Reception Ideas

Simple Autumn Wedding Inspiration

 

Autumn is one of the most romantic and magical times to get married. With crisp air, golden leaves, and the rich warmth of the season, autumn weddings are full of charm, elegance, and cosiness. Whether you’re dreaming of rustic autumn wedding decoration ideas, a boho celebration, or a glamorous October wedding, this guide will give you all the autumn wedding inspiration you need to create the perfect day.

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest parts of the journey. This autumn, our hotels offer flexible wedding packages to suit every budget. Whether you’re planning a cosy gathering surrounded by warm seasonal touches or a grand autumn party with all your loved ones, our team will help you design a themed wedding that reflects your personal style.


The Ultimate Guide to an Autumn Wedding

An autumn wedding offers endless opportunities to design a beautiful and unique event. From September wedding ideas to October themed weddings and cosy November gatherings, each month brings something special.

Consider warm autumn wedding theme colours, such as burnt orange, deep burgundy, forest green, and golden accents. Picture pumpkin displays, flickering candles, rustic tables adorned with seasonal flowers, and guests savouring hearty food and spiced cocktails.

Whether you’re looking for autumn wedding ideas on a budget or want a fully custom design, autumn is the perfect season to create an unforgettable party that blends romance with nature’s beauty.

 



Autumn Wedding Themes

From rustic pumpkin displays to candlelit receptions, our elegant fall wedding ideas will help you create a warm and romantic celebration.

1. Rustic Autumn Wedding

Rustic weddings are a perfect fit for the season. Wooden tables, simple but stylish wedding centrepieces, fairy lights, and seasonal flowers bring the countryside indoors. Add custom touches such as handwritten cards, seeded wedding favours, or mini pumpkins at each place setting.

2. Boho Autumn Wedding

If you’re drawn to free-spirited style, a boho-inspired autumn wedding is ideal. Design your wedding decor with macramé backdrops, soft rugs, mismatched chairs, and plenty of dried flowers. Autumn wedding dresses in lace, soft cream, or champagne shades perfectly complement this look.

3. October Themed Weddings

October is the month of cosy nights and rich autumn colours. For October wedding ideas, consider bold orange tones, candlelit wedding decorations, and a subtle Halloween-inspired touch. A pumpkin display can make a stunning photo backdrop, while seasonal treats add fun to the party.

If you think pumpkins are too cliche, sliced dried oranges, blood oranges, or kumquats (Chinese oranges) tucked into table centrepieces or wedding cakes add a rustic yet elegant pop of colour. Elegant metallics, such as copper and brass, in candle holders, cutlery, or charger plates, reflect warm autumn tones.

4. Seasonal Autumn Wedding Flowers Ideas

Flowers are key to autumn wedding decor ideas. UK-grown flowers for September and October give you gorgeous warm tones for autumn weddings. These blooms can be used to design gorgeous bouquets, statement centrepieces, and floral arches. Some favourites include:

  • Dahlias – Rich reds, oranges, yellows, and burgundy shades (a classic autumn wedding flower).

  • Chrysanthemums – Full blooms in warm tones, perfect for autumn wedding centrepieces.

  • Roses – Available almost year-round, with deeper reds, oranges, and apricots in autumn.

  • Hydrangeas – Transition into vintage tones in September, with muted blues, greens, and burgundy shades.

  • Marigolds – Vibrant orange and gold, perfect for October wedding ideas.

  • Dahlias – Still blooming vigorously into October in bold autumn wedding theme colours.

  • Ivy, eucalyptus, and ferns - For greenery.

 



5. Autumn Wedding Decorations & Styling

Here are some autumn wedding decor ideas to help you save money and create a magical atmosphere:

  • Pumpkins and leaves as table centrepieces

  • Candles, lanterns, and fairy lights for warmth

  • Orange and copper tones in invitations, flowers, and linens

  • Rustic crates, barrels, and seasonal wreaths

  • Custom signage and place cards to tie everything together


Fall Wedding Food and Drink Ideas

Autumn is all about comfort, warmth, and seasonal flavours. Here are some wedding ideas for autumn menus:

Seasonal Autumn Menu

  • Roasted butternut squash soup or pumpkin bisque

  • Slow-roasted meats with autumn vegetables

  • Wild mushroom risotto

  • Apple or pear desserts with cinnamon and spice

 



Drinks to Warm Your Guests

  • Mulled cider or wine served on arrival

  • Pumpkin-spiced cocktails

  • Herbal infusions with rosemary or thyme

  • Autumnal gin spritz with orange slices

Autumn Wedding Cake Ideas

Make your cake a seasonal showstopper. Popular autumn wedding cake designs include:

  • Naked cakes with berries, figs, or seasonal fruits

  • Cakes decorated with edible flowers and herbs

  • Deep coloured icing in burgundy or burnt orange

  • Rustic designs with buttercream textures and floral toppers


Autumn and Fall Wedding Inspiration

With thoughtful design, clever tips, and seasonal styling, autumn weddings can be warm, romantic, and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning rustic celebrations or elegant October-themed weddings, autumn is a season that truly delivers charm and beauty.


Autumn Weddings at Future Inns

Planning your wedding venue is one of the most crucial aspects of the wedding planning process. Our hotels in Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth each offer flexible wedding packages designed to suit every budget. Whether you want an intimate gathering or a large party with all your friends and family, our team will help you create a themed wedding that reflects your personal style.

  • Future Inn Bristol – Stunning top-floor wedding suites with city views.

  • Future Inn Cardiff – Ground floor suites in the heart of Cardiff Bay, with Welsh-inspired menus.

  • Future Inn Plymouth – Award-nominated wedding venue with outdoor space for photos.

Our dedicated wedding planning teams will guide you through every detail, from wedding favours to invitations, ensuring your special day is stress-free.

 

Weddings at Future Inn Bristol

From an intimate feel to a grander affair (up to 200 guests), the wedding suites are on the hotel's top floor with fantastic views over Bristol city centre. There is even a small terrace balcony to take in some air and enjoy the scenery.

Please speak with our wedding planner, Katie, who can advise you on weddings in Bristol on 0117 304 1010 or meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

Special Offer - Get Married in 2026

WEDDINGS IN BRISTOL

Weddings at Future Inn Cardiff

Our wedding venue in Cardiff Bay offers a variety of suites to choose from, all of which are located on the ground floor. Choose from an all-day wedding celebration, wedding breakfasts, or evening-only events.

Appointments must be booked in advance with Martin or Emily. They can be contacted on 02920 487111 or meetings.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk. Ask about their Welsh-themed wedding breakfast menu, too!

Special Offer - Get Married for £1950

WEDDINGS IN CARDIFF

Weddings at Future Inn Plymouth

You are welcome to speak with our highly experienced Wedding Coordinators, Ellie or Ben, on 01752 701000 or meetings.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk.

Our wedding venue in Plymouth has been nominated for several wedding awards over the last few years, so you are in knowledgeable, safe hands. The wedding suites are all on the ground floor, and guests love the outdoor space for photographs.

WEDDINGS IN PLYMOUTH

Frequently Asked Questions

Autumn is one of the most atmospheric seasons to get married. With crisp air, golden leaves, and cosy evenings, it sets a naturally romantic scene. In Cardiff Bay, Bristol city centre, and Plymouth’s coastal setting, you can make the most of scenic photo backdrops — from colourful parks and harbourside views to historic architecture glowing in autumn light.

The most popular autumn wedding theme colours in the UK include burnt orange, burgundy, forest green, gold, and copper. Couples in Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth often choose to incorporate these warm tones into their wedding decorations, wedding invitations, and flowers to create a seasonal look.

September and October bring stunning seasonal blooms, including dahlias, chrysanthemums, marigolds, hydrangeas, and roses, in rich autumnal shades. Adding foliage, berries, and pampas grass helps create rustic wedding centrepieces and autumn wedding bouquets that perfectly fit the season.

Autumn weddings are all about comfort and seasonal flavours. Think roasted squash soup, slow-cooked meats, hearty pies, or wild mushroom risotto. For dessert, apple crumbles, sticky toffee puddings, and spiced cakes are always a hit. Drinks menus often include mulled cider, spiced cocktails, and warming wines — perfect for parties in Bristol, Cardiff, and Plymouth.

Popular autumn wedding decor ideas include pumpkins, dried flowers, candles, fairy lights, and rustic wooden details. You can create a cosy and elegant feel with warm lighting and seasonal details, such as dried oranges, copper touches, or berry garlands. In Future Inns, couples often design their tables with custom wedding favours, autumn foliage, and themed wedding cards to tie the look together.

Autumn wedding dresses often feature long sleeves, lace details, or warmer fabrics to suit the season's cooler temperatures. Rich ivory, champagne, or blush tones pair beautifully with seasonal bouquets. Bridesmaids often wear dresses in burgundy, forest green, or burnt orange, matching the autumn wedding theme colours.

Autumn weddings in Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth can be more affordable than those in the summer. To save, consider mid-week or late-afternoon ceremonies, using seasonal flowers, and opting for autumn wedding ideas on a budget, such as DIY invitations or handmade wedding favours. Choosing a wedding package at venues like Future Inns also helps manage your budget, as catering, drinks, and room hire are bundled together.

Yes! Autumn weddings are becoming increasingly popular in the UK due to their romantic settings, seasonal colours, and budget-friendly availability. Cardiff couples love the bay and castle backdrops, Bristol weddings benefit from city views and historic harbourside venues, and Plymouth’s coastal charm makes autumn seaside photos especially magical.

UK autumn weather can be unpredictable, but most venues (including Future Inns) offer flexible indoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. You can design your party with warm, cosy lighting and autumn wedding decor ideas indoors, while still taking advantage of any dry spells for outdoor photography.

Absolutely. Autumn light is soft and golden, which photographers love. In Cardiff, Bute Park and Cardiff Bay offer stunning autumn backdrops. In Bristol, Cabot Tower and Harbourside are popular attractions. In Plymouth, coastal views and nearby gardens add a dramatic touch to autumn wedding photography.


Special Offers

Enjoy great savings when you book direct and in advance of your stay.

View Offers

What's On

View upcoming events, from live music to festivals, sporting events and much more.

Explore

Blog & Latest News

For news, guides, tips and expert opinions on the best things to do in Bristol, Cardiff & Plymouth

Read the blog

For the latest news and exclusive offers

Sign Up

Join Rewards Club