We don't want to be the flower girls of bad news, but if you are planning on getting hitched to the love of your life this autumn, it's pretty likely a forest of fresh spring flowers is out of the question (unless you're happy to a) pay a not-so-pretty premium or b) hire a cooler van and travel a long way n' back).
But don't despair just yet because while spring and flowers may go together like bananas and custard, there is so much about autumn that is absolutely breath-stealing. So much. Which is why it's our number one wedding season. From celebrating the smorgasbord of orangey shades and vivid colours of Mother Nature to creating the perfect theme to go with this impossibly pretty time, there are a thousand and three ways make your big day bash the memory-maker you always dreamed it would be - for both you and your guests.
So, without further ado, here are our top tips on how to make your autumnal wedding so special it sits on the pages of family folklore for eternity, the best bits dancing with your mind forever. Enjoy.
Love Natural Colours
As a madly in love couple who can't stop glancing at the engagement rings on your fingers, it can be hard to yank the reins of "which rustic wedding venue shall we call home for the day?" And we get it. This is the backdrop to your big celebration. But before you decide on which old farm barn you'll waltz down wearing white, you need to spend a few moments considering the weather you could be facing and the colours surrounding your venue. For example, if you've found a gorgeous reception space in the grounds of a castle, but it only boasts evergreens, you might have to set-to and add some colour yourself. It's no problem, of course. Just make sure you mimic the colours of autumn; shades of gold and orange and red dominating your decorations, with a bit of white and yellow added for a pinch of elegant contrast.
Sophisticated Outfits
Another little thought you might want to spend a decent dollop of time thinking about is what you will wear and, no, we're not necessarily talking about which style of gown you'll rock down the aisle. We're talking about dressing with the weather in mind. For example, let's say you're holding your autumn reception in a gorgeous outdoor space; with the weather turning a pinch nippier, you'll want to choose something warmer than you would for a destination wedding in the height of summer. That might be opting for a long sleeved dress, or pairing it with a faux-fur shroud, or even a gorgeous coat of some kind. The same goes for you grooms. You'll want to pop on something warmer, so make sure you consider wearing a thicker material, like tweed, and then check out the John Henric UK collection of top quality tailored shirts. Yeah. You want to be dressed for your once in a lifetime occasion. But you'll also want to make sure you're dressed for the skin-pinch weather that is autumn.
Decorate The Garden
There are a thousand times people wander into the great outdoors at a wedding, whether it be to watch you tie the knot, catch some fresh air or to walk from your ceremony spot to your reception venue, and each of these gives you reason to decorate your outdoor spaces. The trick is to highlight the seasonal colours. Embracing the changing scenes around you, try making some pretty banners and bunting in shades of gold and orange and red, pairing these with gorgeous copper-coloured fairy lights. And that's not all. You could also pop pretty lanterns at different spots to create just the right atmosphere for that area, or a mix of candles and solar powered lights. Whatever route you opt to wander down, you'll find your outdoor spaces are transformed into al fresco moments of pure romance. You'll feel a thousand times more connected with your surroundings too, and that's a great way to feel cosy.
Can You Be-Leaf It
Nothing causes more mini-migraines than trying to find ways to decorate each table without breaking the bank with bouquets of expensive fresh flowers. Thankfully, there are plenty of autumnal ideas that won't just save you money, but will make your guests let out a collective "awwwww" as the sit down for the speeches, food and glass of bubbly. To give you an example, our absolutely favourite involve making ornaments from fallen leaves, letting their golden tinge fill the place with earthly tones and warmth. You can weave together some wreaths, create bunting or fill mason jars with sprigs of this and that. And to really make this pop, try pairing it with a beautiful tablecloth; something that works with the autumnal colours inside and out; something like a hessian and lace table runner over an off-white tablecloth. To top it all off, you could then add little chestnut figures and wild nut centrepieces to really add to the rustic vibes.
Late Harvest Decor
Even though we're talking about you getting married in an impossibly pretty autumn ceremony, there is nothing to stop you having a theme throughout, and what could be more magical than a countryside theme that celebrates the end of harvest. Autumn makes us think of long woodland walks and country living, and nothing can bring that more to life than a harvest themed wedding. Simply pull on your welly boots, wrap a scarf around your neck, pull on your favourite knitwear and head out to collect all the fresh produce and country-style decorations you can. Then, once you've pulled them all together and made them look semi-neat, find away to make them work as table centrepieces. Don't just think about table decoration though. Think about other wedding moments that can celebrate harvest. Instead of cake, serve warm pumpkin tart, and instead of cocktails, have DIY bar with all the homemade cider a group of guests could possibly drink. Fill glass bowls with different coloured apples, add missed lengths of corn to your flower arrangements and turn old bark chippings into your name placards. There are million ways you can run with this sort of theme. A million. So get out there and have some fun.
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