The changing of the seasons for the wedding calendar always gets us excited for what’s around the corner.
So, are you getting married in autumn or winter this year? Are you looking for some extra inspiration? We’ve got you covered with a round-up of the strongest trends the industry is seeing now, as well as celebrating all that is cosy about hosting a wedding in these colder months.
Deep purple tones
Pantone named Ultra Violet the colour of the year for 2018 and we have been seeing much more of it in bridal party styles and accessories, as well as the use of lavender in bouquets, buttonholes and table settings. This autumn can see you take this a step further with beautifully rich, indulgent violets and indigos in your floral arrangements, or even a deep rich purple for your accents in decor or the bridesmaid's dresses. Any tone of purple also pops beautifully against the other accent colours of the moment– copper and gold.
Crystal and agate make an impact
We are seeing so much of this on Instagram at the moment, and one of those leading the charge is White Olive Design Studio, based in Bicester– take a look at how Jacquie Lawes has married the colour of the season, the accent of gold and a beautiful agate slice to make uniquely stunning table numbers.
Jacquie says: “Natural stones and crystals are a great way to have something different for your place settings, and can be hand-written on with your guest names by a calligrapher. Agate slices have been a popular trend for 2018 and will probably be just as popular for 2019 weddings. They’re available in a number of colours and they make a great keepsake.”
We can also see this trend in cake design, with some magical, gold and crystallised designs being created.
Floral Installations that pack a punch
Rachael Ashton of Wild Rose Florist, based in Buckinghamshire, says: “The modern bride is always on the hunt for a new trend and something different, which I love. On my daily hunts through Instagram and Pinterest, I've found a growing trend for hanging installations. Whether you're looking to decorate a bare wall or give the old disco ball a nudge, hanging installations give life to a typically plain and simple room.”
Go a step further in adding ambiance and design to your wedding with some beautifully romantic floral displays hanging over key areas of the venue. Top table, altar, dessert table, bar... whatever space you want to stand out in the room, a hanging floral installation may just be the answer.
How radical do you go?
Well, on the one hand you have some very pricey Jeff Leatham-style arrangements, or you have something subtler that’s still striking. We are admiring the hanging hoop style at the moment and there is so much variation with what you can create, especially with some rich ultra violet blooms, fresh foliage and a copper frame.
Succulents are here to stay
Succulents are sticking around, and are a perfect solution that avoids any wilting petals or drooping blooms through the day. Marry rustic succulents with copper touches for a modern feel to your floral arrangements.
Rachel Ashton says: “I'm currently loving the 'Industrial Chic' and 'Glam Barn' vibes. I'm a huge fan of up-cycling and sourcing vintage pieces that will stand the test of time, and will also look fabulous in your home once your big day is over. With succulents, you’ll also be able to make continued use of these arrangements far beyond the big day. Beautiful coppers and zinc lend themselves well to succulent arrangements, and also to a range of colours and styles whatever your wedding theme."
Embrace the outside space and light it up
There are myriad ways to get creative with lighting in this season, and even an outdoor space can be made to look warm and inviting on an autumn evening. A combination of tricks will work wonders in making your guests feel perfectly cosy in those moments where they need/want to step away from the dancefloor and recover from partying. Set the mood of the evening with a range of lighting that will add a warming glow and some finishing touches. Encourage the use of the outdoor space by ensuring that it is well lit, then add a smattering of fairy lights and candles. This will create a subtle ambiance around your celebrations.
Give your guests the gift of comfort
We're sure you’ll have seen couples offering a basket of flip flops for their guests’ tired feet– the perfect antidote to too much dancing in heels. Why not repurpose this idea by offering a crate of cosy blankets for your guests to use to stay warm?
‘To have and to hold, if you get cold’
Maybe place a few throws in strategic seating areas around your venue in addition to your crate of blankets, making key spaces extra appealing.
Lorraine Issot, of Rock Wedding Planning says: “If your guests are a little bit chilly, surprise them with warm blankets to keep the shivers at bay. Have them big enough for two to snuggle up with each other.”
You may be surprised as to how much attention guests pay to the details of a wedding and they will absolutely appreciate this 'warm' gesture.
A hot chocolate or a hot toddy - the perfect autumn tipples
It's a well-established tradition to serve Pimm’s or Prosecco at a spring reception, so why not try hot cider for an autumn evening, or mulled wine for the winter season with hot chocolate for the little ones and non-drinkers? Is there a better way to stay warm on the chillier nights? Reframe the expectations of your guests and surprise them with your choices. Also, think about setting up an outdoor drinks table for guests to help themselves to a warming tipple.
"Have hot chocolate served direct from a slow cooker to enjoy alongside an array of chocolate dipped strawberries and marshmallows”, says Lorraine.
A cheeky nod to Bonfire Night or Halloween
Whilst some couples like to stick to their chosen themes regardless of other festivities, we know others will enjoy adding a cheeky nod to occasions like Halloween or Bonfire Night. There are many subtle ways that you can incorporate some stylish references; a few elegantly placed pumpkins, a toasty fire or sparklers for a starry send-off at the end of the night. Inject a bit of humor into your outdoor evening styling and surprise your guests with some quirky choices and attention to detail. Lorraine suggests:
“Have a tipi set up outside where a path is lit with festoon lighting to lead the way to an open fire pit where sparklers, marshmallows and toffee apples await."
