5 Tips for a Memorable Fall Wedding at The Ebell

It’s hard to beat the romance of an autumn wedding. The days are shorter, the leaves are brighter, and there’s a distinct dose of magic in the air as holiday season ramps up. In sunny Southern California, leaning into details and color palettes of a fall wedding —even when it’s warm out—can be a unique, welcome touch that your guests will surely remember.

 Here are a few tips for hosting a memorable fall wedding.

Photo: Darian Shanty

 1. Get creative with color palettes.

Autumn events call to mind warm, harvest-inspired color palettes filled with deep reds, yellows, oranges, and browns that mimic the changing leaves. But this time of year also allows for a bit of creativity. How about gold and copper bridesmaid dresses, or vivid, jewel-toned table linens like burgundy or emerald green to enhance that season’s cozy feeling?

Fall weddings can also be a time to have a little run with fabrics like plaid or argyle. Even more minimalist shades like champagne, cream, or gray can be a great choice to offset more vibrant flowers and patterns.

2. Have fun with foliage.

Fall is also the time to think outside the box for your wedding flowers, incorporating elements like seasonal leaves and branches, along with berries and fruits like pomegranates, apples, and pumpkins.

Bold foliage that is year-round in So Cal can be perfect for your fall wedding. Photo: Rad and In Love

Even in Southern California, bringing in the colors of autumn leaves can transport your guests to cooler climates. Consider in-season fall flowers like dahlias, garden roses, marigolds, amaranthus, cymbidium orchids, pampas grass, chrysanthemums. But don’t feel tied to autumn-inspired shades—even in-season sunflowers can offer a unique and memorable touch.

3. Get cozy with it.
Remember when “hygge”—the Danish idea of coziness—was all the rage in event decor? Fall weddings are the perfect time to lean into that concept, creating a warm, inviting environment for your family and friends. Consider materials like faux fur, velvet, and leather—and of course, plenty of twinkle lights to brighten outdoor spaces after those early sunsets.

Glazed Miso Sea Bass

 For catering, comfort food can be a great choice for fall weddings, with in-season items like harvest salads with butternut squash and cranberries, creamy soups, Thanksgiving-inspired flavors—and plenty of pumpkin spice. And why not lean into the season by serving something like warm apple cider, hot cocoa, or hot toddies featuring your favorite bourbon or whiskey?

Add more fall colors in your after-party lounges as well! Photo: Darian Shanty

4. Keep guests warm.

Even in a city like Los Angeles, fall months can bring a bit of unexpected weather, especially for evening events. Look for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options and consider heaters and other warming like cushions and pillows to warm up outdoor furniture.

Another fun idea? Have a welcome table where guests can grab coffee, blankets, or pashminas—branded with your wedding logo, if applicable. Tell guests to keep them as a fun wedding favor.

 5. Think through your timing.

Remember that autumn kicks off holiday season—so be sure to time your wedding carefully around events like Halloween, Election Day, and Thanksgiving. And let’s be honest: If you have a sports-loving crowd, don’t neglect how distracting football season can be! Why not lean into it by naming a signature cocktail after your favorite team?

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The historic Ebell of Los Angeles is ideal for fall weddings, with indoor and outdoor spaces including two ballrooms, an art salon, a theater, and a romantic courtyard garden. Contact us today for a virtual or in-person tour of The Ebell Los Angeles.