While years gone by have seen the summer months win out as every couple’s favourite time to have their wedding, today it is the autumn season which is edging forward as one of the most beautiful times of year to get hitched.
The season of change, autumn is the perfect time of year for a wedding with Mother Nature offering up an abundance of inspiration – from her colour palette and stunning seasonal produce, to atmospheric weather conditions and unique photography opportunities, let her inspire everything from your make-up and cake to the whole theme and foodie offerings.
COLOURS + STYLING
You need only look outside the window to gain inspiration for how to style and colour your day, at this time of year there are countless, stunning shades peppering the landscape whether you live in the city or the countryside.
As the trees turn and drop their leaves, golden shades of burnt umber, garnet red, glowing russet and chocolate brown fill the grounds here at Healing Manor. The lush evergreens too providing a rich and glossy contrast. Flashes of striking colour can be found lingering in hedgerows. From the pheasant’s plumage, in particular the teal crown, to the hawthorn’s ruby red berries offering the perfect accents to accompany earthy tones found elsewhere.
“Treat your wedding styling as you would dressing yourself for autumn,” advises Amy, one half of Jack Loves Jill event styling. “It’s all about layers, texture and depth! Don’t be afraid to be bold! Rich and dark colours such as deep greens, burgundy, navy and natural wood work beautifully with high shine golds in your tableware and are perfect for this time of the season, paired with lots of candle light to create a cosy and intimate setting for your guests!
“Provide a small station of blankets and throws for your guests to wrap up in if they dare to venture outside, these little touches will add so much to the feel of your day.”
One of the other benefits of holding an autumn wedding are the dark nights. Not only will more of your day be spent feeling like you’re cosied up with all your loved ones, but the darker evenings give you the opportunity to play around with lighting – be that fairy lights, candles or fireworks. More of the day will be bathed in low natural light too – as well as after dark – which means you can really go to town creating an atmospheric and intimate setting.
“Never underestimate the power of creative lighting,” continues Amy. “And, as the nights draw in your venue can really shine with clever use of festoons, fairy lights and uplighters, these can provide a warm and delicate glow to lots of areas of your space, whether that be as part of a beautiful focal backdrop or a canopy of magic overhead! All of these elements will help to make you and your guests feel truly immersed in the autumnal season and set the tone for your warm and welcoming wedding.”
FLOWERS + FOLIAGE
The natural world can inspire much more than your choice of colour too. When it comes to your flowers and foliage, from bouquet to installations, you’ll find plenty of ideas right on your doorstep. Chestnuts, berries, tree stumps, dried foliage and grasses, pine cones, we could go on… there are so many natural elements that can be incorporated into your day – the season after all is all about celebrating natural beauty.
The key to making your blooms feel seasonal without going overboard is to choose flowers such as Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Helenium and Cosmos – the chocolate variety is a particular favourite of ours – in hues like burnt orange, yellow and deep red. Mixing these stunning flowers with plenty of foliage and dried aspects such as grasses and berries, even stems of wheat, will create a balanced and beautiful display – just as Coco in the Country have done here.
MAKE-UP + HAIR
Much like how metallic elements can add to and uplift an autumnal colour scheme, using golds, coppers and bronze shades in your make-up look, especially when paired with a bold berry lip, will really make sure brides’ glow on their big day.
A well-flushed cheek is also a highly flattering and very romantic look for autumn brides. Especially when finished with bronze or gold highlights across cheekbones – radiance and warmth shines through. MUP Kate Atkinson, and Hair Beautiful’s Marie Padley, together, created a stunning look for this shoot. Kate’s bronzed eye resulted in a glamorous and warming look, especially when paired with a stained lip. While Marie’s relaxed yet chic updo, with it’s low chignon and braid, added an understated but classic element.
FOOD + DRINK
Comfort food has long been associated with the autumnal months. Richer flavours and ingredients find themselves taking centre stage, so why not utilise the best of what the season has to offer? From your welcome drinks to your wedding meal, autumn allows you to truly be individual and show off your favourite way of dining.
“Food isn’t just a necessity, it’s an opinion, it’s something to be enjoyed. Our seasons are there to be embrace, so opt for something that’s local and easy to get your hands on. Whilst traditional sit down dinners are still popular, we’re seeing more and more couples opt for menu’s which are influenced by memories and first dates. Our picnic station, dressed up for this Autumn-inspired photoshoot is a great option to serve up for a more relaxed style wedding. Our bespoke menu’s allow you to pick and mix your favourite dishes and flavours.” says Steven Bennett from Healing Manor Hotel & The Lincolnshire Chef.
Rather than champagne or prosecco to kick off your reception, look to sloe-berry cocktails or mulled cider or wine. Not only do they embrace ingredients of the season but they are visually exciting and promise to warm up your guests on a cold day. It’s also a time when red wine can comfortably sit as your preferred choice – be that for table drinks or even the toasts. Why not try raising a glass filled with sparkling shiraz rather than the traditional fizz?
Food too allows you to experiment. Much like when big time barbecues and street food gave summer weddings a festival vibe for the first time, an autumn wedding leans towards food you find comfort in and for many that takes the form of sharing platters. Not only are sharing platters more social, encouraging more conversation between your guests, but they really do allow the chefs at Healing Manor to showcase the season’s ingredients to the greatest effect. Don’t’ forget the autumn also sees game season in full swing so if you were looking to opt for a more traditional sit-down meal pheasant, partridge and even venison, not forgetting squash and pumpkin, should offer a centre piece worth talking over
SHOOT CREDITS
Elizabeth Rose Photography | hello@elizabethrosephotographer.co.uk | 07590228012
Jack Loves Jill | jacklovesjill2012@gmail.com | 07921903818
Coco in the Country | hello@cocointhecountry.co.uk | 01522 850474
Confetti Cakery | hello@theconfetticakery.co.uk
Kate Atkinson | catherineatkinson@msn.com | 07982514440
Marie Padley | marie@hairbeautiful.co.uk | 01472 823182
Ghost Orchid | info@ghostorchidbride.co.uk | 01482 325631
On Yer Bike | onyerbike169@gmail.com | 07954148258
The Tipi Tribe | 07852255638 | 01522 536435
