Autumn, the season of fallen leaves, warming food, and cosy experiences. But also, an amazing time of year to get married. There is so much scope to be creative and have fun, and you can really step outside the box. I love an autumn wedding, but then I’m biased – I had an autumn wedding myself. If you have also fallen in love with the idea of an autumn celebration, in season, then keep reading for my autumn wedding styling tips.
COLOURS
Think of autumn and the colours of the season will immediately follow. It’s just one of those things. Autumn goes hand-in-hand with rich and warming tones.
When choosing seasonal colours for your autumn wedding, one of my tips is to look to nature’s colour palette for inspiration. Autumnal tones of deep red, orange and rust can all create distinctive designs. But you aren’t limited to those fiery hues, an alternative palette could embrace the jewel tones. Midnight blue, jade green, and plum.
Think outside the box for creative ways to include colour. An autumn wedding doesn’t need to shy away, it can be full of substance and personality. Use coloured linens to instantly transform the reception space. Add touches of warm metallics – gold or copper, for the luxurious feel. Choose colourful details that are heartfelt and true to you.
TEXTURES
Autumn is perhaps the most tactile of all the seasons. From warming wool to natural woodgrain, and dried flowers to rich velvets. Layer up textures to create a multi-sensory and inviting atmosphere.
Combining a seasonal colour palette with the textures of autumn creates a richer wedding guest experience. And, not only does it provide a stimulating visual design, it also immerses your guests in the celebration – making them want to touch and feel your carefully chosen details.
But autumn textures aren’t just for the wedding reception. You can also embrace the tactile options in your outfits. Think chunky knits, colourful embroidery, and laid-back leather.
FLOWERS
Although dried flowers make for a tactile texture, there isn’t a shortage of fresh seasonal flowers in autumn. There are flowers with impact and personality such as dahlias, chocolate cosmos, delphiniums, and astilbe. As well as romantic classics like roses, hydrangeas, and carnations.
In season flowers can help make your floral budget go further. They are generally better quality. And they are more easily sourced.
A good wedding florist (don’t worry, I know quite a few) will create a beautiful floral design with seasonal, autumn flowers – incorporating your colour palette and in keeping with your overall vision. And it’s not just an amazing selection of flowers on offer – there is a great range of foliage and berries to choose from too, in gorgeous warm shades.
FOOD
Your menu is just as important as the visual design of your wedding.
Autumn isn’t the time for a light summer salad. Instead, think warming seasonal vegetables like pumpkins and squash, hearty feasts, and intense aromas. Experiential sharing boards come into their own at this time of year. And, as we eat with our eyes, you can ask your caterer to add lots of colour and flavour to the selection.
For dessert – choose seasonal fruits like apples or plums, and comforting favourites like crumbles and pies.
TIMINGS & PHOTOGRAPHY
As you will have noticed yourself in recent weeks, the days get shorter in autumn. You need to consider this carefully when deciding the timings of your day, especially in relation to photography.
How will it affect the photography? Do you want daylight photos outdoors? How dark does your reception venue get during dusk?
Talking to your photographer and wedding planner, to make sure you are all on the same page, is really important. It wouldn’t be a fun experience for anyone if you had to delay the meal, or suddenly rush out of the speeches, because you’re running out of time to get shots outside in the light.
Consider a ‘first look’, to capture those special moments together before the light fades. And for golden hour shots – plan to sneak out during dinner.
LIGHTING
Speaking of light, don’t overlook your interior lighting either. It plays an important role in the décor and styling of your day. It also adds to the ambience.
From candlelight to modern, hanging Edison bulbs – there are lighting options to suit all styles. And, in my experience as a creative wedding planner, lighting can so often make or break a visual concept. Why choose stunning florals and incredible details but forget about creating a lighting design to do them justice?
One of my best tips for a wedding in the autumn season: walk around the venue to look for areas that might need more (or less) lighting. Then, whether hiring an expert team or doing it yourself, create a lighting plan that will not only look good but help set the scene.
VENUE
We all know the UK is known for its unpredictable weather. But, when it comes to planning an autumn wedding in the UK, you really can’t take any chances.
September and October can be glorious, but things can also turn quite quickly. Though outdoor spaces are lovely and can be a wonderful additional area on the right day, they aren’t so important at this time of year. And they certainly shouldn’t be relied upon. Think of an outside space as a ‘nice to have’ rather than a necessity.
Making sure you have a great indoor space, with enough flexibility to meet all the requirements of your day, should be your focus. If you’re taking advantage of the earlier nightfall and choosing a late afternoon ceremony followed by an unforgettable party, then a distinctive reception venue with one amazing space may be all you need. But if you plan on having an autumn wedding weekend, with celebrations spread across multiple days, then you need to choose a venue with plenty of indoor spaces (and activities) for guests to enjoy.
If that’s got your creativity all warmed up and you want to discuss your autumn wedding ideas, I’d love to hear from you, get in touch today.
Autumn styling wedding photographers Fiona Kelly and Eva Tarnok
