Cheap Fall Wedding Menu Ideas
If you are looking for delicious fall wedding food ideas on a budget to serve your wedding guests this fall, then you have come to the right place.
Making decisions about what you will serve at your fall wedding is a big deal and is a task that should not be taken lightly.
Lucky for you you, we have a few wedding reception food ideas on a budget you can use for your big day.
Your wedding budget will account for almost 40% of your wedding budget total.
You must carefully consider your fall wedding menu ideas, especially if you are paying for the wedding yourself.
You will soon realize that wedding food costs are rising, and things are getting expensive yearly.
Finding ways to cut wedding expenses is a smart move on your part.
A quick wedding budget checklist can help you stay within your budget for your dream fall wedding.
I love the fall season and enjoy looking at fall weddings on Pinterest.
It’s all about sweater season, so it’s time to get cozy and enjoy it.
My top reason for loving the fall is its warm colours and rich flavours.
If you are having a fall wedding, you need to focus on these two elements.
So make sure your fall catering ideas also reflect this.
If you are a bride planning an elegant fall wedding, you will enjoy working with your caterer to devise delicious fall wedding menu ideas on a budget.
You can also use these wedding dinner ideas for Halloween-themed and November weddings.
You want a fall wedding menu packed with flavour and hearty meals!
Incorporating foods that represent the fall will help tie in your theme perfectly.
When I think of fall wedding foods, flavours such as caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon come to mind.
You don’t have to look far to come up with some tasty fall wedding reception food ideas your guests will love.
We have plenty of fantastic fall wedding food ideas for you below that are affordable.
And even if your goal is to keep your day inexpensive by sourcing cheap wedding ideas, you still need to ensure that the meals you serve are delicious enough that your guests will enjoy them.
There is nothing worst than serving your wedding guests lousy food.
You just need to put some creativity into your food menu planning for the big day, and it will all work out.
Don’t forget to work with your caterer or wedding venue to plan inexpensive wedding reception food options you can serve your guests.
They are the best people to come up with excellent suggestions for great fall wedding food ideas on a budget that could work with your already tight budget.
Make sure they show you a few sample fall wedding menu ideas for you to pick from.
If you have no clue where to start, we put together a mega list of fall wedding food ideas on a budget to ensure that you and your guests have an unforgettable experience on your special day!
Weddings are stressful enough, and our goal is to give you everything you need to make it easier on you.
This list is packed with cozy and hearty fall menu ideas that are perfect for fall weddings.
We have included various fall wedding food ideas that are great for a wedding reception, from fall soups to comforting pasta.
And if you don’t have a wedding budget yet, it’s time to get started on one before any planning can take place.
Lucky for you, you can grab a budget planner for FREE right here.
For those not sure how to create a budget for your wedding that works, read this post.
I also suggest genuinely looking at our Ultimate Wedding Budget bundle for creating a detailed wedding budget.
It’s designed to meet all your wedding planning needs and ensure you cover all your wedding expenses, leaving little to no surprises.
Making a budget will help ensure you can afford your dream fall wedding and have the budget to cover your fall wedding food ideas.
It will also help you avoid spending more than you planned.
Consider reading this post to learn more ways to plan a wedding reception on a budget.
Don’t forget to check out the printable wedding shop for your wedding planning checklists, worksheets, and freebies.
What are some cheap wedding food ideas for fall weddings?
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Mouthwatering fall wedding food ideas on a budget:
Did you know that the average wedding food reception cost typically ranges from $20 to $160 per person plus taxes and, sometimes, gratuities (or tips) also need to be considered?
If you have about 100 guests, that could easily cost you between $2000 and $16000 plus additional taxes and tips.
That is a lot of money, but understandably, you also want to ensure your guests are well fed.
Your guests will mostly remember the foods they ate (including drinks) and how much fun they had (entertainment).
Your ideas for wedding food must be a top priority.
I recommend putting most of your wedding budget towards the food you serve to make this happen.
Whether you are looking for inexpensive fall wedding menu ideas or affordable wedding food ideas you can try to cater for your wedding, we have some epic options for you.
These are the perfect fall wedding food ideas on a budget worth discussing with your caterer or venue if you want to stay within your allocated budget.
This post is for all my budget couples looking for cheap wedding food ideas!
So let’s get started.
Affordable fall wedding appetizers
Ensure you have some delicious wedding appetizers or finger foods to pass out to guests after your wedding ceremony.
Fall weddings typically take place when the weather is a little chilly.
It’s a great idea to warm your guests up by serving them warm fall foods.
Anything from a warm spiced apple cider punch, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup will do just perfectly.
Appetizers are usually passed around before the reception starts to tie your wedding guests over before dinner.
I like the idea of having sweet and savoury flavoured appetizers for a fall wedding.
Some great ideas for fall wedding appetizers include:
- Potato and leek soup shots
- Crispy potato skins
- Chic pea squash fritters
- Mini fried apple turnover
- Bacon-wrapped dates
- Smoked pork or brisket sliders
- Mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
- Baked carrot fries
- Bacon-wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese and pecans
- Sweet potato rounds topped with sour cream
- Mini fried apple turnovers and bacon-wrapped figs
- Butternut squash apple bruschetta
- Sweet Potato – Lentil Kebabs
- Mini Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts
- Cranberry cream cheese appetizers
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Bites
Envy Apple Mini Appetizer Bites
Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Cranberry Brie Bites Appetizer
Polenta Bites With Apple And Gorgonzola
If you are looking for a great party appetizer that is super easy and fast to throw together and that your guests will love, all these easy appetizers could work and are not expensive.
You do not want to skimp on offering your guests delicious appetizers during the cocktail hour as they will surely be hungry or bored.
These fall-themed appetizers are perfect for couples on a budget, so you don’t need to worry about skipping out on having them available.
Fall wedding reception food ideas
Your main entrees and courses will have to play with fall flavours in a big way.
You will want to ensure that you welcome the seasonal flavours as much as possible.
If you want the perfect fall menu idea to wow your guests, include traditional dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, spiced apples, squash, butternut and pumpkins!
The more comfort foods you can incorporate into your fall wedding menu, the better.
When it starts to get cold outside, people tend to gravitate more towards comfort foods!
When preparing your wedding food ideas for fall, include filling meal options such as pork chops served with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Or something like cider-braised chicken with apples and kale.
For a vegetarian option, something like butternut squash ravioli would work perfectly.
Here is a list of delicious comfort food menu ideas for fall weddings:
Whether you are craving the classic combo of meat and potatoes (delicious garlic rosemary pork chops with lemony mashed spuds) or something a little more interesting (such as an impressive from-scratch pasta), there’s something for everyone on our list!
- Pumpkin Lasagna
- Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Garlic & Herb Turkey Roulade
- Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
- Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
- Chicken Carbonara
- Sheet-Pan Curried Chicken
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Braised Short Ribs with Garlic
- Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
- Maple Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
- Pork Loin Roast
- Tuscan Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Five spice pulled pork tacos
Recipe: Five spice pulled pork tacos
Recipe: Maple Mustard Grilled Salmon
Recipe: Easy Chicken Francese
To save money, stick to two meat options: roasted beef or pulled pork.
Chicken is also a safer option for couples looking for fall wedding food ideas on a budget.
Pasta dishes are much more affordable and are incredibly filling.
You can never go wrong with a taco bar or a self-serve salad station.
Serving potatoes of any type as a side is a great option and good on the wallet.
Remember to stick to comfort fall foods to ensure you fully embrace the season.
Delicious fall sides for your entrees
These easy fall side dishes are perfect for serving with your main fall dishes at your wedding.
From Brussels sprouts and honey-glazed carrots to roasted vegetables, these sides for fall will bring the season’s flavours to life and make your day even more special.
- Broiled Broccolini and Capers
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
- Honey glazed carrots and ginger
- Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Mashed/baked Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted cauliflower or green beans
- Grilled eggplant
- Apple & Kale salad
- Roasted pumpkin
- Medley of roasted fall vegetables
I hope you enjoy these fall menu ideas that are perfect for a wedding crowd.
Cheap fall wedding desserts and treats
Pumpkin pie is one of the most popular fall desserts, and with good reason.
I had my first apple pie of the year just this past Sunday.
It was delicious.
But why not take it up a notch?
Whether you are looking for traditional pumpkin spice cake or fall-flavoured donuts, these fall dessert ideas will satisfy your guests.
Forget the traditional creamy pumpkin pie; try different fall desserts such as spiced carrot cake or even these deliciously looking apple butter donuts with maple glaze!
You can even serve the donuts with some ice cream on the side.
Carrot cake is already one of my favourite fall dessert options.
It’s hard to choose an option or two.
And for this reason, you can even offer a variety of fall desserts beautifully displayed on an elegant dessert table.
- Spiced Churros with Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin roulades with mascarpone and white chocolate
- Blackberry, pear and white chocolate crumble
- Berry tarts and pumpkin spiced lattes
- Spiced carrot cake
- Caramel apple pie
- Pumpkin spice cupcakes
- Caramel apples
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Apple butter donuts with maple glaze
- Churro bites
- Praline pumpkin pie
Recipe: Apple butter donuts with maple glaze
Recipe: Praline pumpkin pie
Recipe: Disney Churro Bites
What are some of your favourite delicious fall treats?
Sticking to fall-inspired cookies, pies, or cupcakes can also save a lot of money.
Having a S’mores bar is a great way to entertain and feed guests.
You will also enjoy these delicious fall rustic cake ideas and these elegant-looking fall wedding cupcakes!
For my unconventional couples, you will enjoy these beautiful Halloween wedding cakes perfect for Halloween-themed weddings, including these classy black wedding cakes.
Delicious Fall Wedding Drinks
No menu is complete without a selection of fall beverages, whether alcoholic or not.
When you are planning a fall wedding, every last detail counts.
From mulled wine, apple ciders, pumpkin beer, or caramel apple martinis, these drinks are perfect for drinking during the fall season.
There are plenty of autumn-inspired drinks to please a crowd.
You can choose to serve tasty signature drinks that reflect who you are as a couple or one that matches the colour or wedding theme.
The wedding cocktails you serve on your big day should complement your style and the mood you wish to set.
We have a great list of excellent fall wedding signature drinks perfect for fall couples.
You won’t be disappointed.
Recipe: Fit Foodie Finds
And if you are planning a winter or summer wedding, be sure to check out this list of winter wedding drinks and this list of refreshing summer wedding cocktails to serve your guests.
There are perfect for any type of wedding, from the rustic theme, backyard, or even spooky Halloween weddings.
Speaking of Halloween, consider these Halloween wedding cocktails for your day.
I hope you enjoyed our delicious fall menu ideas on a budget!
Use these fall wedding food ideas as inspiration for your big day!
You can also use them to come up with a few fall wedding menu ideas or food items on your list of foods to discuss with your caterer.
Are you thinking of having a buffet instead?
Use these wedding dinner ideas to create your own unique fall wedding buffet menu.
Make a list of your favourite food options and ask a caterer to create an affordable wedding reception buffet menu.
Or simply create your own buffet wedding menu ideas using this list.
Either way, these wedding dinner ideas can work for any type of menu you want.
Use it to come up with:
- Family-style wedding menu ideas
- Fall wedding food stations
- Self-catered wedding menu
- Fall wedding buffet menu
Remember, this is your wedding day, and you want your wedding catering to reflect what you and your partner love while staying within your budget.
To save money, or cut costs, work with your wedding venues to ensure you can work within your budget.
Opt for non-expensive meat options for the main course or main meal.
During the cocktail hour, create a fall food station buffet filled with food options that will keep the guests satisfied.
If you are going with a self-catered wedding many options; make sure you have enough food, consider how you will keep food warm or cold and don’t forget food safety.
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