Best Fall Foods To Select for Your Wedding Menu
Fall is the most sought-after season for weddings, and it’s easy to see why. The vibrant colors of changing leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow provide a breathtaking backdrop for your big day. Add to that the crisp autumn air and the rich, comforting flavors of the season, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable celebration.
When you choose The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake as your wedding venue, we’ll help you have a dining experience that will impress everyone. We have several packages with delicious options that are sure to delight your guests. To guide you in making these important choices, we’ve highlighted the best fall foods to select for your wedding so every bite is delectable.
Autumn Wines and Spirits
When you choose The Lodge for your wedding, you have two beverage packages to choose from for your wine and spirits: The Premium and The Elite. We’ve thoughtfully created both packages to appeal to various guest preferences so everyone can enjoy a drink that complements the spirit of your celebration and the magic of your big day.
While both packages include a list of alcohols, some stand out as fall classics. Our Premium Selections feature a variety of spirits, wines, and sparkling options, including fall favorites like Bulleit Bourbon, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
For those looking to indulge further, our Elite Selections include an expanded variety of alcohols, with seasonal standouts such as Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, and Stoli Vanilla.
Your Signature Drink
Both of our drink packages include the option to feature a signature cocktail, allowing you to share a favorite drink with your guests in a fun and memorable way. Many couples choose a crowd-pleaser and give it a playful, personalized name—for example, serving an Old Fashioned named after your beloved pet.
Options for Cocktail Hour
As you select fall flavors for your wedding menu, you should also pay attention to what you’ll serve for cocktail hour. After all, you want to keep guests happy and entertained as your photographer takes photos of you and your partner. The Lodge offers classic hors d’oeuvres, paired hors d’oeuvres, grazing boards, and bistro stations for your selection.
Hors d’Oeuvres and Paired Hors d’Oeuvres
When choosing from our classic hors d’oeuvres , consider fall favorites such as:
Grown-up mac & cheese: A comforting fall favorite, this twist on classic mac is prepared with a blend of signature cheeses nestled in a crispy phyllo shell.
Wild mushroom strudel: The earthy flavors of shiitake and cremini mushrooms, paired with sherry cream and Parmesan gratinée, are perfect for fall.
Truffled potato croquette: Riced potatoes with white truffle oil and crème fraîche offer a rich, indulgent bite that screams autumn comfort.
French onion soup boule: Caramelized onion and Gruyère cheese in a petite brioche is a warm, comforting classic for cooler weather.
Pear and Roquefort star: Poached pears with French Roquefort cheese wrapped in buttery phyllo dough bring a sweet and savory fall flavor.
Apple dill smoked trout: The combination of smoked trout, apple dill sauce, and cucumbers is light yet seasonally appropriate.
If you opt for any Paired Hors D’Oeuvres fall favorites, like our shepherd’s pie and ale or house-made tomato dill bisque paired with grilled cheese, they’re sure to delight your guests.
Grazing Boards and Bistro Stations
A grazing board or bistro station is a perfect choice for cocktail hour or a late-night snack, giving your guests a chance to refuel and savor something special. Fall is the season for hearty, warm flavors and dishes featuring roasted and caramelized ingredients, making these options a delightful complement to your celebration.
Some of our top options include:
Distinctive cheeses: Enjoy international cheeses paired with roasted nuts, sweet fruit, and honeycomb chèvre.
Carving stations: Turkey breast, baked country ham, roast pork loin, and beef tenderloin are delicious at any autumn celebration.
Potato “tini” station: Mashed potatoes with toppings like hickory bacon, aged cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, and candied pecans leave guests feeling cozy and satisfied.
Pasta station: Choose hearty sauces like Bolognese, sausage and fennel, or “Absolut” ala Vodka to create a warm and satisfying option for the season.
The Main Course
After mingling at cocktail hour, guests will move to the reception space to kick off the night with the main course. The Lodge offers various on-site food service options, including the Classic, Elegant, Exquisite, or Grand Dinner Receptions . You can select foods from your package and curate a menu that perfectly complements your fall wedding.
Below, we’ve detailed some of the best options for fall that you’ll find on each menu.
The Classic Dinner
Crunchy kale salad: Super greens, toasted quinoa, and ricotta salata paired with Dijon cider vinaigrette offer earthy, seasonal flavors.
Short rib ravioli: Rich cabernet demi-glace with cremini mushrooms is hearty and perfect for fall.
Tortellacci formaggi: Five-cheese pasta with a hearty Bolognese sauce is warm and comforting.
Champagne chicken Florentine: Rich champagne cream and baby spinach evoke fall indulgence.
The Elegant Dinner
Charcoal-grilled beef sirloin: Wild mushroom Bordelaise and herb butter bring enchanting flavors that are perfect for fall.
Grilled prime pork: The apricot brandy glaze adds a warm, tasty touch ideal for the season.
Chicken pommery: Forest mushrooms and creamy stone-ground mustard create a hearty, autumnal dish.
Royal tide salmon: The beetroot relish provides a seasonal, earthy complement to the salmon.
Exquisite Dinner
Pear pistachio salad: Shaved pear, Maytag bleu, and pistachios with white balsamic dressing evoke autumn’s fresh and nutty flavors.
Pumpkin pasta: Smoked Gouda, pumpkin cream, and toasted pepitas are quintessential flavors of fall.
Southern pecan crusted chicken breast: Poached pear and Kentucky bourbon hollandaise bring warm, seasonal flavors.
Crisped European duck half: Raspberry Chambord glaze adds a sweet, indulgent fall touch.
Grand Dinner
Baby romaine salad: Roasted butternut, pepitas, aged cheddar, and maple brown sugar vinaigrette are quintessential fall flavors.
Cabernet braised short ribs of beef: This rich, hearty option is an ideal meal for cooler weather.
Grilled prime pork: The apricot brandy glaze adds a warm, fruity touch ideal for fall.
Sour creamed scalloped potatoes: Rich and comforting for the season, these potatoes fill bellies and hearts.
Dessert
The Lodge offers all couples a delightful selection of delicate mini sweets, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and tea, as well as our signature three-layer cake. For an additional fee, consider adding on our Create Your Own S’mores Bar.
This interactive s’mores station allows guests to craft their own sticky treats with a variety of gourmet toppings and flavors. It’s a fun and memorable way to wrap up your celebration, leaving your guests with a sweet and lasting impression.
Plan Your Perfect Wedding
The Lodge has various items on each of our menus that will perfectly complement your fall wedding. Our beautiful setting and seasoned chefs can help you create an amazing meal for your special day. Contact The Lodge at MSL today so we can help you plan your wedding!