Welcome back to another week at the Wedding Edit and to Tasting Tuesdays! If you’re planning a wedding in Ottawa, you already know there is a certain je ne sais quoi about a fall celebration in the National Capital Region. The crisp air, the kaleidoscope of colours along the Gatineau Hills, the mandatory, yet utterly chic, plaid scarves—it’s all pure magic. But you know what truly sets a spectacular autumn wedding apart? The food.
Fall is here to wrap your wedding menu in a warm, buttery, and utterly delicious hug. It’s the season of comfort, of richness, and of flavors that make your guests feel like they’ve just snuggled up by a roaring fireplace. Your wedding feast shouldn’t just fill bellies; it should celebrate the harvest, the coziness, and the deep, rich essence of your love story—all with a hearty laugh and a good drizzle of maple syrup.
Ready to trade those dainty summer bites for an opulent, cozy spread? Let’s dive into the sensational, smile-inducing fall flavors that your guests will be talking about all the way through winter.
The Appetizer A-Team: Starting the Cozy Story
Your cocktail hour is the opening act, and in the fall, that means saying goodbye to overly chilled cucumber canapés and hello to warming, savory starters.
First up, the mighty squash. No, not the weird, decorative kind you put on your porch; we mean the velvety, comforting kind that transforms into a glorious soup. Picture this: Butternut Squash Soup Shooters. They are miniature cups of liquid sunshine, often topped with a tiny swirl of crème fraîche and some toasted pumpkin seeds. They’re chic, they’re warming, and they’re impossible to spill on a fancy outfit—a triple win!
If you’re a couple who lives for a good nostalgia trip, the Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup combo is mandatory. But this isn’t your childhood after-school snack. We’re talking gourmet grilled cheese, perhaps with a touch of aged cheddar and apple chutney, paired with a tiny shot glass of rich, roasted tomato soup. It’s an elevated hug in a mug (or a shot glass, in this case), and it’s guaranteed to produce happy, wide-eyed smiles.
And for the savoury-sweet devotees? Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Figs. Let’s be honest, everything is better wrapped in bacon. The sweet stickiness of the maple, the smoky crunch of the bacon, and the soft, figgy heart—it’s a sophisticated little bite that hits every single flavor note. They disappear faster than you can say “I do,” so plan accordingly!
Main Course Magic: The Heart of the Harvest
Now for the main event, where the season truly shines. Fall is about robust flavors that stand up to a beautiful glass of red wine and hearty laughter around the table.
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze showcases Oregon’s apple harvest while providing a sophisticated protein option.
Roast Chicken with Sage and Apple Stuffing offers comfort food elevated for wedding dining, perfect for guests seeking familiar yet refined flavors. *Can also be elevated further with Cornish Hens and other game.
Beef Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine provide a rich, warming option perfect for cooler fall evenings.
And for sides? It’s time to celebrate the roots! Roasted Root Vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and beets—tossed in a touch of maple syrup and fresh thyme are caramelized to perfection. They are simple, vibrant, and a wonderful way to bring a local, farm-to-table feel to your entire meal.
Drinks and Desserts: Sweet Endings and Cozy Sips
Your menu isn’t complete without a grand finale, and in the fall, that means leaning into those warm spices and cozy indulgences.
Forget a single dessert table; let’s talk about a Pie Bar. Why choose one when you can have an assortment of mini pies? Think bite-sized versions of Pumpkin Pie with a ginger crust, classic Pecan Pie with a bourbon kick, and tiny, crumbly Apple Crisp tartlets. Served warm with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream, it’s a playful, rustic twist on the traditional wedding cake.
And to wash it all down? Your Signature Drink needs a fall glow-up. Say hello to the Spiced Apple Cider Bar. Offer both hot and cold cider, with a selection of mix-ins like cinnamon sticks, star anise, caramel sauce, and, of course, a few well-placed bottles of spiced rum or bourbon for those who want to give their drink a little zing. For a non-alcoholic option that’s just as comforting, a Hot Chocolate Bar with all the fixings—mini marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and maybe a pumpkin spice syrup—is always a hit.
The Final Ingredient: Love
Planning a fall wedding menu is truly a joyful task. It’s an opportunity to lean into the richness of the season and offer your guests an experience that is deeply comforting, incredibly flavourful, and utterly memorable. From the maple-glazed everything to the comforting warmth of a perfect soup, these fall flavors are the recipe for a wedding that your guests will be falling in love with, bite after delicious bite.
So go ahead, embrace the harvest! Plan ahead – give it a year or so- and work with your amazing Ottawa caterer to curate a menu that is as warm, vibrant, and full of love as the beautiful autumn day you’ve chosen to say “I do.” Happy planning!
xoxo Nandini from TastersHUB Catering and Events
‘There is no remedy for love but to love more.’ Henry David Thoreau
