Martha Stewart Weddings

22 Seasonal Ideas You'll Want to Copy for Your Fall Bridal Shower

October 30, 2017
Credit: Sleepy Fox Photography

From a seasonal dessert bar and incense favors to fortune tellers and an outdoor venue, these fall-inspired bridal shower ideas are sure to wow.

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Credit: Sarah Deragon

If your bridal shower is set to take place during the fall, consider yourself lucky. While we hold nothing against the other seasons, there's something so festive and warm about this time of year—and that's not the mulled apple cider talking. The best part about an autumnal party date? You don't have to throw an exclusively fall-themed celebration to embrace the season's rustic elements.

Here, we've rounded up a series of ideas to help you do just that. From birch tree place cards and pie desserts to cider-based signature drinks and in-season florals, we've culled the best autumnal inspiration for your bridal shower. A general rule of thumb? The cozier the idea, the better. If you're open to it, you could even host an outdoor party with the changing foliage as your backdrop. Just be sure to set up a fire pit for warmth. 

While the most important thing about your bridal shower is celebrating your upcoming nuptials, the second most important aspect is showing your loved ones a good time. Start things off by passing around a signature cocktail, then make sure everyone fills up on a meal packed with seasonal flavors. If your shower falls closer to Halloween, opt for slightly spooky details. Set up offbeat entertainment like an incense bar or dine by candlelight. No matter how you choose to include the season in your pre-wedding celebration, we've got you covered. Click through for more pretty fall bridal shower inspiration. 

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Muted Peach Balloon Arch

Credit: Ashley Kelemen
24 Cute Ways to Use Balloons Throughout Your Wedding

Paired with dusty rose dinnerware, a soft peach balloon and eucalyptus arch is a subtle nod to the season.

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Champagne Cart

Credit: Brklyn View Photography
Trending Now: Drink Stations to Elevate Your Reception

The only thing better than a glass of Champagne? Champagne served off a festively-decorated cart.

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Set Up Camp

Credit: Carography Studios
Discover More Fall Wedding Inspiration

While we love everything about this fire-side bridal shower brunch, we're particularly taken with the chunky knit table runner.

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Dessert Glow

Credit: Christina Block Photography
More Ways to Deck Out Your Table with Candles

Turn the lights down low come dessert time and eat tasty treats by candlelight.

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Cider and Cinnamon Cocktail

Credit: Elisa Bricker

Rosemary sprigs and a cinnamon rim make these spiked apple cider cocktails even more fall-appropriate.

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Fall Donuts

Credit: Elizabeth M Photo
Click for More Ways to Serve Donuts

Donuts may be an all-seasons treat, but we love how this bride-to-be adorned her stack with rustic blue thistle. 

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Harvest Tablescape

Credit: Emma Barrow

Set your table with fall's greatest hits, including jewel-toned goblets, dried blooms, sliced figs, and pomegranates. If you can't convince your groom to decorate your reception tables with fresh fruits, the idea works just as well for a bridal shower.

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Smudge Sticks

Credit: Sleepy Fox Photography
Discover More Bridal Shower Fun

There's so much more to bridal shower activties than just registry gift bingo. Make smudge sticks with all your favorite herbs, instead.

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Ombré Leaf Backdrop

Credit: Tom and Keidi

With a little gold spray paint, a leafy DIY becomes the perfect selfie backdrop. Who says you can't have a photo booth at your shower?

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Fall Flatbread

Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

Caramelized onions, pomegranate seeds, and goat cheese make for the perfect harvest-inspired snack. Add this seasonal flatbread to your bridal shower menu for a definite crowd pleaser.

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Fig and Vanilla Bean Cocktail

Credit: The Homemade Haus

This cocktail's blush pink hue doesn't scream fall, but its gin, fig, and vanilla bean notes definitely do. Plus, it's light enough to sip on during a daytime party.

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Cozy Chair of Honor

Credit: Sleepy Fox Photography
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Cozy up the head chair with a faux-sheepskin throw and a leafy spray.

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Fortune Teller Booth

Credit: This Rad Love with The Wedding Coven

Perfect for a Halloween-themed bridal shower, a fortune teller or tarot card reader offers spooky entertainment.

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Incense Bar

Credit: This Rad Love with The Wedding Coven

Alternatively, set up an incense bar to banish any lingering spirits. Your guests will love the non-traditional favor.

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Birch Place Cards

Credit: Wai Reyes

Guide your guests to their seats with the help of these birch tree slice place cards.

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Pumpkin Presentation

Credit: Virginia Ashley Photography
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Serving virtually any type of salad or dip in a mini pumpkin transforms it into a fall recipe.

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Hard Cider Bar

Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick

Stock an apple cider bar with whiskey, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries so guests can craft a custom drink.

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Mini Pies

Credit: Cluney Photo
Upgrade Your Dessert Table Here

From the chalkboard menu to the bite-sized treats, everything about this pie station screams fall.

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Charcuterie Table

Credit: Liz Banfield

With apples, meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits, this hearty assortment was as delicious as it was aesthetically pleasing.

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Pear Place Cards

Credit: Boonetown Story

The best kind of fall place card is the one you can eat—especially if it comes in the form of a juicy pear. For a smaller party like a bridal shower, first name-only escort cards work well.

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Moody Bloom Bundt

Credit: Steve Cowell Photography
Go Inside This Long Beach Wedding

You don't need a massive cake to feed your bridal shower guests, so get creative with your dessert. A seasonal bundt, decorated with moody flowers, is a great choice.

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Cross Stitch

Credit: Jeff Loves Jessica

These place cards double as sweet and personal party favors.

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