SEASONAL INSPO: AUTUMN
‘Fall’ in Love with the Magic of Autumn
Wedding Inspiration for a Dreamy Autumnal Wedding
Written by Jade Dugdale of Shropshire Events
(Award-Winning Wedding Planner based in Shropshire)
Autumn weddings feel like they’re wrapped in a kind of magic. The air is fresh, fallen leaves are crisp, and everything seems a little more atmospheric, a little more soulful.
It’s the season where texture, colour and ambience come together so effortlessly, and candlelight is enhanced with the sensual amber hues that nature is offering. Inside, the glow of a hearth sets a cosy tone; outside, fire pits keep everyone together under the stars.
Imagine walking down the aisle in a gown with detachable touches — a high neck that softens into something more relaxed for the evening, or delicate sleeves that float away as the night unfolds. Picture candles flickering against the deep rich colours of the flowers, the tables dressed in tones that echo the season, with a hint of gold leaf glimmering under the lights.
Autumn really is the time of year that you don’t have to choose — you can have it all. The romance, the drama, the warmth. This is the season that invites abundance, and your wedding should be no different
Falling for the Perfect Dress
Autumn brings versatility and possibility, through elegance and romance. Early October can still bring milder days where a strapless gown can be softly shrouded with the drape of an elegant veil, November may call for delicate sleeves or adaptable styles with an overskirt. It is an ever-changing season and one that so many modern day dress designers embrace with their bespoke layering and flexible form. When it comes to fabrics, autumn lends itself beautifully to modern lace, handcrafted intricacies and rich appliqué that bring nothing but timeless luxury and refinement.
On the other hand, a sleek, dramatic satin silhouette allows you to be a little more playful with the surrounding details – think bridesmaids in textured or floral prints, or bouquets bursting with colour, shape and dimension.
The golden rule for an autumn bride is to first of all choose your gown around the shape and fit that you love, and that loves you back, but also to choose your dress in harmony with the rest of your vision. If it is to be the statement piece then allow the décor to play more of a supporting role, with subtle finishing touches.
However if you’re dreaming of tables dripping in detail, and embellishment in abundance, then a more streamlined gown will create the perfect balance.
The Glow, The Scent, The Season
In what other season can you bask in the glow of an amber sky while benefitting from longer days of plentiful light, cosy up in front of a crackling fire while still wearing a backless gown, or enjoy cocktail hour al fresco while sipping on a pumpkin spiced cocktail and savouring a hot canapé?
The beauty of an Autumn wedding lies in its balance of comfort and romance, and florals bring depth like no other season. Arrangements of dahlias, roses, chrysanthemums, ranunculus, asters and hydrangeas all bursting with warm pinks, vibrant oranges and rich burgundy, softened by lush dark greens and fragrant eucalyptus.
This elegant palette flows beautifully into the most luxurious tablescape, where amber glassware and brass candlesticks add a touch of vintage elegance, while copper charger plates and rust coloured napkins frame each setting with warmth. Menus edged in delicate gold leaf finish off the table for an effect that is one of pure understated opulence, and if pumpkins are your thing then pop them along your centrepiece for a bit of stylish fun.
When it comes to candles, enchanting low level tea lights, statement pillar candles and striking taper candles all work on an autumnal reception table, but one tip as a wedding stylist…. Opt for non-drip candles – that wax will be melting from twilight through nightfall so keep it lighting your tables and not lining your cloths! While non-drip is a must, scentless is not always a necessary choice.
Whatever the season, a wedding is not just about what guests see; it’s about all the senses. Scented candles layer another sensory detail which enhances the overall ambience. Subtle scents such as amber and eucalyptus, which are warm, soft and airy, are less overpowering than others, but bring a delicate aroma to your wedding setting.
From Scent to Sparkle
Just as the gentle glow of candles carry their fragrance across the room, as will your perfume – a scent that will forever be tied to your wedding memories.
You may have your signature scent; one you’re known to wear and that your partner loves, or you might choose to adapt it for your special day.
Fragrances with the perfect notes of Autumn… jasmine, blossom, amber and a hint of honey… warm, romantic and reminiscent of the season.
It’s often the smallest of details that complete the look, and these can certainly be some of the most enjoyable parts to plan!
Be creative with Autumn nails, even if you keep a simple French mani but add a warmer shade of pink or neutral.
Hair vines and statement jewellery add romantic sparkle throughout your look. Play with richer tones, copper accents and a glowing skin for your makeup.
Laura Holness, award-winning bridal makeup artist says:
“Autumn is the perfect season for glowing skin and warmer neutrals – just take care to keep the balance so your look stays timeless.We find that a pop of colour beside carefully chosen warmer tones can really elevate bridal makeup especially in photographs.”
A Feast for Fall
From harvest-inspired grazing tables and charcuterie boards, to rich, comforting flavours, autumn lends itself to a menu creation that feels both indulgent and deeply seasonal.
Tim Franklin, founder of Olitory Kitchen (www.olitorykitchen.co.uk) and Head of Catering at Berwick house in Shrewsbury (www.berwick-house.com) recommends to:
“Start with something that feels like a hug in a bowl, think butternut squash soup with sage crème fraîche; then for a heartwarming main move on to tender beef cheeks braised in red wine or a mushroom wellington with truffle oil. Dessert is where nostalgia meets luxury – sticky toffee has to be on the menu, dripping in caramel sauce, or how about a tower of maple-glazed doughnuts!”
Your wedding cake can, of course, be a traditional, iced, tiered thing of beauty, but it can just as easily embrace the time of year with vibrant colour and fresh seasonal fruits.
The Art of Autumn Wedding Styling – Top Tips
From the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day, let your style whisper the season in style. When designing your stationery, think whimsical illustrations, delicate textures and even touches of gold leaf that bring luxury without making it too heavy. As always follow your stationery all the way through from your invites to your thank yous, not forgoing the table details.
Colour with intention.
In my professional opinion, Autumn can carry more layers of colour than any other wedding season. But more isn’t always more!
Be careful with too many elements fighting for attention, instead be selective and let a few beautiful touches take centre stage.
Choose two or three key tones and let them be the guide to your styling. Yes, soften your florals with a spectrum of shades, and allow some playful hints of bold on your tables, but stay true to the colours that flatter… your wedding party, your venue and most importantly you two.
Autumn weddings invite you to indulge every sense, but while detail is the season’s gift, balance is the golden rule.
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