Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas

If you don't want a full bar at your fall wedding, you can offer a few signature cocktails instead. That will be much easier for your bartenders, plus, it'll save your wedding budget. For some help choosing, check out these Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas.

We have some more posts about drinks that can help your wedding planning for other seasons.

This post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

Having your wedding in the fall? Awesome idea. Summer weddings are nice and all, but personally I have no desire to go to another wedding where I'm so goddamn hot I wind up wearing only my pants and a tank top from the second I leave the church till the end of the night. And if wasn't for that "indecent exposure" law, I'd straight up walk around in ONLY socks. Please man, what I got to show is the opposite of indecent. Ah crap, who am I kidding? When I disrobe I can easily be mistaken for an adolescent Sasquatch or something.

So let's talk for a minute about the absolutely most important part of a wedding, next to getting a wife: BOOZE! C'mon, admit it ladies you know you agree. The selections you make regarding alcohol can make or break your wedding -- and like buying the ring, there's a lot of wiggle room. There are also some pretty creative ways to be original while saving a couple bucks.

One great way to save some dough, while also being original, is to offer a few fall signature cocktails inspired by the season instead of a full bar (we have a post all about that here).

When I think of fall, I think of the colors from my childhood in New York. We live in southeast North Carolina now so the foliage I'm used to is now mere memory. But I'd still let it inspire my signature drink menu if I was having a fall wedding!

With that being said, my mind instantly thinks dark cocktails; particularly drinks that reflect the earth tones of the season -- brown, yellow, orange, burnt sienna (thanks Crayola crayons), and all of the fantastic tone variations contained therein.

So take a look at these fall inspired cocktails and pick one or three as your signature drink.

Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas

Affiliate links are included in this post and A Bride On A Budget may make a small commission if you use them.

'Tis the season for bourbon, rye, and whiskey!

There are so many amazing drinks based on any one of these three nectars of the gods, and I'd love to share a few of my favorites that I found online. I searched the Internet for my favorite fall signature cocktail ideas so you don't have to waste time looking for them. Just enjoy the ones below.

Fall-Themed Manhattan 

A fall-themed Manhattan. Don't even get me started on how good this freakin' drink is. It's so good it's dangerous. It's like fall in a glass, and trust me you'll love it so much you'll be “FALL”-ing all over the place in no time.

It's made from applejack, rye whiskey, maple syrup, orange bitters, champagne, and an orange rind (for garnish).

Fall-Themed Cosmo 

You like cosmopolitans? Yeah, me too because they're fresh and delicious and awesome and make me dance better.

Since darker liquors aren't loved by all (as they should) be, vodka is a good alternative. 

And for good reason. Add it to anything and all of a sudden it's an instant party, resplendent with loud singing, blaring music, and (maybe) getting complained to by your neighbors.

A fall themed cosmo has vodka, triple sec, cranberry-juice cocktail, lime juice, and cranberries (for garnish).

Apple Cider Margarita

And now I've saved the best for last: apple cider margarita. Take one of the most delicious summer drinks ever made and simply move it to a new season.

Holy freaking brilliance. Nay, genius.

I don't know how many times I've fallen into a deep depression at the end of the summer. Not so much because summer was ending, but that I will no longer be able to enjoy margaritas on the beach on a Tuesday.

Now I've got an entirely new way to enjoy my other favorite season: fall.

Here's the rundown: gold tequila, triple sec, apple cider, cinnamon, sugar, apple slices (for garnish).

More Signature Cocktail Ideas:

If you like the idea of signature cocktails, but you're not planning a fall wedding, that's fine. We have a list of Spring Signature Cocktail Ideas, Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas, and Summer Signature Cocktail Ideas.

Just click on the season your wedding is in and get some great ideas.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these fall signature cocktail ideas is your favorite?

Super Simple Apple Cider Wedding Favors

Fall weddings can be cold. I'll be very honest about that. But there is so much personality that you can add into fall weddings. Pumpkins, pies, apples ... that can actually all make your wedding really stand out. Just don't do all at once. Skip the idea of an apple pumpkin pie instead of a wedding cake. Instead, just go with super simple apple cider wedding favors.

I actually got these at a wedding at the tail end of last year. I'm not sure if the couple DIY'd them or purchased them, but you can totally make them yourself if you have a little time on your hands.

Or if your family and friends have a little time on their hands.

See, if you're making these yourself, you are basically just opening apple cider and pouring it into nottles. This post is more of an idea than a tutorial, to be honest. You want the favors to be as fresh as possible, so you want to make these as close to your wedding day as possible. Plus, if you actually keep them too long, they'll ferment and can potentially explode when your guests open them.

Super Simple Apple Cider Wedding Favors

If you really wanted to, you could make homemade apple cider. But honestly, you're getting married. You don't have time for that. Instead, just buy gallons of apple cider from the local orchard or the grocery store.

That's why I'm calling these super simple. Not because they're basic (they're not!), but because they're easy to assemble simply.

What You'll Need:

• Screw top glass bottles
• Gallons of apple cider
• Funnel
• Ribbon
• Thank You tags

What You'll Do:

When you're buying the glass bottles, choose ones that match your style. So if your wedding has a vintage feel, look for vintage bottles. If you're having a very modern wedding, go with more of a square- or block-shaped glass bottle. A mason jar would work for a rustic wedding And if you want to keep it classy, a tall, smooth bottle works.

Wash and dry your glass bottle.

Open the apple cider. Very carefully, use the funnel to help fill each bottle with apple cider. Close the bottle.

Continue on until you have enough of the apple cider wedding favors for your guests.

Tie the thank you tag to the jar using a piece of ribbon.

The apple cider wedding favors we got were so cute and had thank you tags that said "apple'y ever after" on them. You could use that play on words or you could just write thank you. If you're feeling really whimsy, you could get apple-shaped thank you tags.

These apple cider wedding favors would pair perfectly with apple cider doughnuts.

If you're getting the apple cider from a local orchard, there's a good chance they make apple cider doughnuts on site. So order those, as long as they can be individually wrapped, and give them out as a pair.

I'm a huge fan of edible wedding favors, so if you're inviting me to your wedding, give me something I can eat on the car ride home.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you give out these apple cider wedding favors?

Hot Drink Mixes Wedding Favors

It's cold here today. It's dreary and gray ... and cold. I made coffee this morning, but here's the thing with me and coffee. I make it hot when I wake up, then drink it as I start working, and by the time I finish it, I'm drinking cold coffee. I love cold coffee because it reminds me of Japan, but it doesn't warm me up. So now, I'm thinking about making tea to break the chill I'm feeling. Chill, and I'm bundled up in cozy socks. If your wedding guests will be exposing legs and arms at your (potentially) chilly fall or winter wedding, hot drinks are a must. And having hot drink mixes wedding favors as a take away, it's perfect.

It really is such a fun fall wedding favor idea.

Hot drink mixes as a wedding favors could be an easy DIY. Actually, the last post on this list is a DIY that we did previously on A Bride On A Budget. But if you're not into DIY and would rather purchase your favors, we have a lot of great ideas for you too.

Hot Drink Mixes Wedding Favors

1. Apple Cider Drink Mix
2. Personalized Hot Chocolate Wedding Favor
3. The Perfect Blend Burlap Bags
4. Wedding Cappuccino Mix Favor
5. Personalized Tea Favor
6. Coffee Mug Candles
7. Thanks A Latte Coffee Favor

Apple Cider Drink Mix

One of my favorite fall drinks is hot apple cider, but I can't have it any time other than apple season without it feeling out of place. So fall weddings are the perfect time for this Apple Cider Drink Mix in personalized bags.

You can choose your text and image, which is nice. What I really like, though, is this also comes with caramels. I never put caramel in my apple cider before, but what a great reason to try it. And who doesn't love caramel apples? They scream fall.

Purchase here.

Personalized Hot Chocolate Wedding Favor

My favorite hot drink is hot chocolate. Who doesn't love it? No one I know. A hot chocolate packet as a favor sounds great to me -- and I'd probably drink it as soon as I got home, especially since weddings usually don't have hot chocolate at the end of the night. Coffee and tea, sure, but hot chocolate is almost never offered. 
You can give it to all your guests with this personalized hot chocolate wedding favor. You can personalize it with your own text and you can choose from a variety of colors and designs. Plus, you can purchase it with or without the whisk (I vote with because hot chocolate that's whisked tastes great, plus your guests will have something to remember your wedding by after the mix is done).
Purchase here.

The Perfect Blend Burlap Bags

Coffee favors are a no brainer when you're thinking about hot drink favors, but they're actually a little more DIY than anything else. I wasn't able to find packets like I did for the others. I guess because it's easy enough to go to the store and purchase coffee. If you do, purchase beans, not grounds. Grounds can be really, really messy as a favor. 

So grab the beans and these The Perfect Blend burlap bags by Kate Aspen. They're cute, especially if you're incorporating burlap into your rustic wedding (which is really trendy right now).

Purchase here.

Wedding Cappuccino Mix

I've never had a cappuccino, if you can believe that. I've only been drinking coffee for couple years (and mostly because I really love the last sip with all the sugar), so I think cappuccino is something I have to work towards. 
If you like cappuccino, you'll like this Wedding Cappuccino Mix favor.
Purchase here.

Personalized Tea Favors

At my last job, I drank a lot of tea. People would take coffee breaks and I would walk with them to get tea. It's one of those beverages that I think coffee drinkers forget exist. And restaurants too. There are so many places where I can get coffee but there's no tea on the menu. But there is tea on this hot drink mixes wedding favors list. Y

ou can get these personalized tea favors for your guests. They come in a variety of images, so you can find one that fits your wedding best.

Purchase here.

Coffee Mug Candles

If you like coffee a lot, but you don't like the idea of a mix packet as a favor, I found something cute for you: coffee mug candles. You can order a set of six -- and they come in a mug shaped holder with a plate.

What's great is that after the candle is done, your guests can just wash these in the dishwasher and use them for espresso. So cute.

Purchase here.

Thanks A Latte Coffee Favor

If you're a little more creative and want to make your own coffee-based favors, but you don't feel like designing tags, I have you covered. Our Thanks A Latte Coffee Favor comes with a free printable gift tag. Just add beans, a mug, or whatever you can imagine.

Get the DIY here.

For more favor ideas, check out our favors link. If you're curious, check out what we had as our bridal shower favor and wedding favor.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these hot drink mixes wedding favors is your favorite?

Deciding on wedding favors?

Check out our post: 100 Wedding Favors (Your guests will actually take).

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

I wish I could just sit around all day and plan weddings. It wouldn't even have to be mine. Actually, I think I'd prefer it wasn't. See, we had a beach wedding and everything was beachy. But right now, it's starting to feel like fall ... and all I want to do is think about fall weddings. All the browns and burlap.

Since no one has hired me to plan their fall wedding, I window shop for fall wedding ideas. Seriously. I open tabs online and plan imaginary weddings in my mind.

If you're planning a fall wedding, I put together a fall wedding inspiration board. You can find my favorites below and take a peek at our fall wedding Pinterest board too.

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board pins: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Fall weddings need to incorporate things like naked wood and colored leaves. That's what makes fall so special and what will make your wedding stand out. Start that as soon as your guests walk into your wedding with these rustic real wood place cards. What's great about them is they double as photo holders so your guests can use them after the wedding too.


What about your decor? You should absolutely go with these cinnamon-stick wrapped candles. They're so easy to DIY. I've actually been meaning to make them for our home (and then blogging it, of course). But, a quick DIY:

What You'll Need:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Glass candles
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Ribbon

What You'll Do:

• Glue the cinnamon sticks around the glass candles.
• Add a piece of ribbon, tie it in a bow, and add a dab of glue to hold it down.
• Display at your wedding welcome table, on the bar, and on your tables.

If you want a little bit "more" on your tables, these centerpieces are for you. Go with a slice of a tree (which yes, is a thing you can buy), adorned with mini pumpkins, acorns, burlap-wrapped bottles, and twigs. It all screams fall. It's also a lot that you might be able to collect from your own backyard -- and that would definitely help save a few bucks.


You know I'm a big fan of signature cocktails, and you would be completely missing a great opportunity if you didn't serve apple cider at your wedding. What would make this perfect is also having a "spiked" station at the end of the table. That way, your guests could choose either regular apple cider or a spiked version. Either way, it'll be a tasty option that most weddings don't offer.


Speaking of tasty options, a candy bar -- especially one with s'mores and candy apples -- will be a great addition to your fall wedding. If you have one, be sure to pick up a cute fall(ing) in love banner. I love any sort of play on words, so of course, I think you need to incorporate this. Plus, every fall after your wedding, you could hang this banner above your fireplace. It'll be a cute decoration and a reminder of your wedding.


What about the rest of your decor? I like burlap and lace for fall weddings. It's part rustic, part elegant, and all fall. Be sure to ask your venue if they have something like this. Many venues will actually save items for the next brides (we actually picked up mini plastic champagne glasses because our venue didn't have any and then left them for future brides). If your venue doesn't have them, you can actually purchase burlap and lace chair sashes. That's much easier than buying all the materials and DIY'ing them.


What are you thinking for a guest book? You could go with a thumbprint tree, but I just think that is really overdone. But play on that. Pick up a tree branch canvas and a small leaf paper punch. Use that to cut leaves from card stock, then have your guests sign their names and glue them on to the tree. That's definitely something you can hang in your home year round.


What about a send off? Put sparklers in a basket and have your guests light the night. It'll be a great ending to a great wedding.


If they send you off with sparklers, you should send them off with blankets. Seriously, that's the perfect fall wedding favor. Put them in a wire basket with a "Please snuggle" sign and your guests will melt.


Don't worry. I didn't forget about the cake. How gorgeous is this rustic fall wedding cake. Like I said, fall weddings need to incorporate things like naked wood and colored leaves. Your cake should have those things as well.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which fall wedding idea is your favorite?

Planning a fall wedding?

Check out our Fall Wedding Invitation Ideas.

Fall Wedding Invitation Ideas

We're in the thick of fall, which means if you're planning a fall wedding, you're looking at invitations now. It can be overwhelming, so I'm here to help. I put together a list of my favorite fall wedding invitation ideas.

For fall wedding invitations, go with browns and branches and lightning bugs (or, fireflies, depending on what part of the world you live in).

You want to also stay towards more rustic fall wedding invitations than ones that are bright and bold (that's better for a summer wedding).

Fall Wedding Invitation Ideas

Fall Tranquility Wedding Invitations

I love these Fall Tranquility Wedding Invitations. The orange leaves really stand out. But it's the sunbeams that are selling me on it. It's just a little pop that is so special.

Everything about this invitation screams fall and really sets the tone for your fall wedding.

Purchase here. 

An Autumn Affair Square Invitations

The back of these An Autumn Affair Square Invitations really makes them stand out. The small black diamonds are just so special. And really, you don't want any part of your invitations to be dull, not even the back. But, keep in mind that you can actually change the color of these, so if the black is too intense for you, choose another color.

The front has copper flowers and gray and black acorns and pine cones, which just screams fall. I love them.

Purchase here.

Fireflies Wedding Invitations

Mason jars were all the rage a few years ago. They've cooled off a little, which means your Fireflies Wedding Invitations will look unique again, not overdone.

Plus, the lightning bugs flying up to the top of the invitation is just so romantic.

Purchase here.

A Falling of Leaves Gate-fold Invitations

So remember before I said fall invitations stay away from bold colors? These A Falling of Leaves Gate-fold Invitations contradict that. They're bright and bold -- and have falling leaves that are just like the fall foliage you'll see on your wedding day.

And aren't the fall leaves the reason you're choosing fall?

Purchase here.

Under The Tree Wedding Invitations

I love the softness that the pink brings to these Under The Tree Wedding Invitations. It has the leaves and acorns that scream fall, but then flowers that just add a little spring to it. And it's a way to get in some flowers because there aren't too many options for fall floral wedding invitations.

I love the banner that the sparrow is holding as well. Sparrows are just so sweet.

Purchase here.

Classic Leaves Foldover Pockets

These Classic Leaves Foldover Pockets are so different. The leaves aren't one solid color. So many are incorporated into them that it is more of a mosaic. And that will be beautiful on your guests' fridges.

The insert cards are all different colors too, which is a really unique feature.

Purchase here.

If you're planning a fall wedding, be sure to take a look at our fall wedding Pinterest board.

Don't forget, if you're still deciding on your wedding invitations, samples can help. Get a free invitation from MagnetStreet plus eight samples from Wedding Paper Divas.

BRIDAL BABBLE: What of these fall wedding invitation ideas do you like best?

DIY Pine Cones And Pumpkins Fall Wedding Centerpieces

I often say "Don't DIY everything for your wedding." You just can't. Time wise, it's kind of difficult. But skill wise, it's kind of impossible. If I'm being completely honest, not everyone has the vision and skill to DIY some wedding projects. So that's when a beautiful DIY crosses my eye -- like these gorgeous DIY Pine Cones and Pumpkins Fall Wedding Centerpieces that Brittany made -- my heart skips a beat.

Her centerpieces are incredible. And gorgeous. And festive. Did I mention they're incredible?

When I saw them, I flipped out. They're basically perfect. She added a silver crinkle wire bell and that takes them up a notch and that little extra touch is exactly what you need when you DIY something. See, the secret when you're DIY'ing wedding items is that you don't want them to look like you made it yourself. You want to make it yourself, of course, but you want your guests to think you paid a professional.

That illusion is key.

DIY Pine Cones And Pumpkins Fall Wedding Centerpieces

What You'll Need:

• Tall vases
• Mini pumpkins
• Pine cones
• Plastic leaves
• Silver crinkle wire balls

What You'll Do:

If you're getting your pine cones from outside (as you should because don't pay for nature), you need to prepare them for crafting first. We actually wrote a full post about how to prepare your pine cones for crafting.

Gently place the leaves against the side of the vase, then fill with pine cones, pumpkins, and silver balls.

Work in small batches because you don't want the leaves to fall into the center of the vase. You'll never see them and that will waste them.

You also don't want to just dump everything in because then you won't be able to see it all and it will look like a mess.

If you have table number flags, you can stick them in the top.

And, if you want to jazz them up a little, put square mirrors under them. The variety of geometric shapes will play on your guests' eyes.

Brittany has a few pumpkins to place around these, including one which will have the table number on them. She told me they're boxed up for her wedding this weekend (Ahh! It's her wedding week! So exciting!), so maybe she'll be kind and send us a photo of them set up after her wedding!

BRIDAL BABBLE: What is your favorite part of these DIY Pine Cones And Pumpkins Fall Wedding Centerpieces?

Mason Jar Luminary Leaf Centerpieces

When you think of a fall wedding, you think of tones that are warm and inviting. You think of being cozy. And you think of leaves.

At least, that's what I thought of when I was coming up with ideas for a fall wedding centerpiece. I also decided this was a good time to create a mason jar craft since I actually haven't done any of those on A Bride On A Budget yet, despite mason jars crawling their way into a ton of wedding themes. After a ton of thought (I actually enlisted three people to help), I came up with these mason jar luminary leaf centerpieces. They're perfect as a fall wedding centerpiece or a centerpiece for any other fall party you might be having.

They were easy to make, although they did take a bit of time since I left them to dry overnight before finishing them. After I added everything up, these are under $5. For a centerpiece, that's an incredible price.

Mason Jar Luminary Leaf Centerpieces

What You'll Need:

• Pint mason jar
• Flameless tea light
• Artificial leaves
• Chocolate jute cording
• Mod Podge
• Paint brush
• Scissors

What You'll Do:

Paint Mod Podge on a section of the mason jar.

Stick one of the leaves onto the jar.

Paint Mod Podge over the leaf.

Continue around the jar, layering the leaves as you want.

Now, this is a good time to point out that many of the leaves came folded. It was a big part of the reviews on Oriental Trading's site, but for this project, I didn't care. The leaves would be flat with a layer of Mod Podge over and under them, so folds wouldn't affect my project. If you were using these to decorate on their own, you need to keep this in mind.

Don't worry about being neat with the Mod Podge or that you can see white on the jar. This will dry clear.

At this point, leave these overnight to dry completely.

The next day, wrap the jute cording around the top of the jar. Double knot it and cut the excess cording.

Drop a flameless tea light into the jar.

Scatter some of the leaves around as decorations and your mason jar luminary leaf centerpieces are complete.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you make these mason jar luminary leaf centerpieces as fall wedding centerpieces?