Spotlight: Embracing Autumn in Minnesota

5. Curate a Seasonal Menu

Food plays a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding. Kailey Levin from Windows at Marquette notes, “Opting for a butternut squash or maple sweet potato side, or including cranberries on your salad is a way to not only highlight seasonal ingredients but also create a cozy, festive vibe perfect for a fall wedding!” Consider a seasonal menu featuring warm, hearty dishes that highlight autumn flavors, such as a harvest-inspired salad, wild mushroom risotto or braised short ribs.

6. Utilize Antlers

Leanne Kolodziej from Jewelry by Johan recommends enhancing your décor with antlers. “Deer are an ever-present reality in Minnesota, and incorporating their naturally-shed antler can be a creative, rustic way to inject autumn vibes into your wedding. You can go big and include deer antler in your wedding rings, or try a subtle look with antler accessories like cuff links, pendants, charm beads, and tie clips. These also make excellent and personal gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen! At Jewelry by Johan, we make our antler jewelry with naturally-shed antler samples, but we will make custom pieces using antler you've harvested as well.”

7. Embrace Nature As Your Backdrop

Take full advantage of the stunning autumn scenery by using nature as your ultimate wedding design. Carrie Scarfino from Cragun's Resort suggests, “Utilize a tree, vine wall, or beautiful leaves as your ceremony arch.” Katie Griess from Belle Âme Vineyard agrees sharing, “We absolutely love fall florals at the vineyard! Their rich, vibrant colors beautifully complement the 360° views of the stunning fall foliage in the bluffs surrounding our valley. Whether you're exchanging vows or celebrating with loved ones, the natural beauty of autumn creates a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.”

8. Create Signature Scents

It's important to engage all of the senses when developing your wedding design. To truly elevate your fall celebration, Jenna Culley of Jenna Culley Events and Linen Effects recommendscreating a signature scent that blends spicy, woodsy, and musky notes and placing them throughout the venue. "They can be placed anywhere from bathrooms, to entrances and welcome tables. Using as many of the five senses as you can at your event provides an experience that guests will always remember. However, doing this can be tricky because people can be very sensitive to smells. That's why we only recommend using all-natural essential oils instead of artificial fragrances like candles or air fresheners." (And if you didn’t know, Linen Effects offers diffuser rentals and can help you craft a custom scent!)

9. Extend the Theme to Invitations

Don’t forget to extend your autumn theme to your invitation suite. “Incorporate autumn warm or muted tones into your invitation suite, along with illustrative elements to evoke a warm, romantic feel," suggests Katie Murphy from Katie Murphy Design & Stationery. Consider featuring a custom crest that reflects a meaningful location, such as where the couple got engaged, alongside beautiful autumn foliage, utilizing techniques like thermography in deep green and digital printing.

10. Elevate Attire

For grooms, suits in deep shades like copper, navy, and emerald green are gaining popularity. Vivian Milbern from Milbern Clothing notes, “These bold yet sophisticated choices not only complement the colors of fall but also elevate the overall look. Some grooms are stepping up their fashion game by pairing their suits with floral ties that mirror the bouquets and invitations of the wedding, creating a beautifully coordinated appearance.”

Brides can enhance their looks by choosing gowns that reflect autumn's rich hues and textures. "Small details, such as brides matching their shoes to the groom's outfit, can also make a significant impact," suggests Milbern. Whether it’s a dress adorned with intricate lace or a simple gown paired with a striking fall-themed bouquet, these thoughtful details contribute to a cohesive wedding aesthetic.

^{Main Photo by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design}