Top Tips and Ideas for Planning an Autumn Wedding

Is there a more beautiful season to get married than autumn? We think not. An autumn wedding can be truly magical, with picture-perfect lighting, an abundance of glorious autumnal colours and often plenty of pleasant weather, too. So, read our guide on how to have an idyllic autumn wedding….

1. Why we love an autumn wedding…

   Between September and November is a great time to have your big day, for so many reasons. Marrying outside the peak summer months means your date won’t be competing with anyone else’s big day or your guests’ holidays, suppliers may be less busy and you might even be able to find the odd reduced rate. Also, whatever time of year you marry in the UK, you can never really guarantee the weather. Autumn is no different, but hopefully, you won’t need to worry about a heatwave and there’s a good chance it will still be warm enough to spend some of the day outside.

   

2. Just the right light

   Ask any photographer what time of year is best for photographs, and they’ll probably say autumn. The changing leaves provide the perfect backdrop, while the soft light is hard to beat. There’s a period called the Golden Hour, just before sunset when natural light is at its softest and most golden. That hour is much later in the summer and much earlier in the winter, but the timing is almost perfect in the autumn. Finally, just think of the colours! There are so many beautiful autumn wedding colour themes you really will be spoilt for choice.

   Dresses featured: Maybelline & Bali

3. Finding a great wedding venue

   At this time of year, your wedding venue needs to be versatile. It should have plenty of outside space, in case the weather is warm, along with cosy interiors for guests to snuggle up in when the temperature drops in the evening. Rustic barns or informal country manor houses can be a fabulous choice. Newlyweds Emma and Gee choose a rustic barn venue for their November wedding, which they filled with fairy lights and decorated with flower-filled jugs and seasonal pine cones. Alternatively, Samantha and Max held their November celebration at a stylish hotel. They brought the outside in with a colour scheme that included oranges, reds and browns, alongside plenty of lace, twine and carved wood. 

   The venue featured: Huntsmill farm

4. Autumn-themed wedding

   Whatever type of venue you go for, you can plan for the unpredictable weather with a few simple touches. For example, if you’re worried about guests getting wet when they move between venues, why not hire a selection of white wedding umbrellas? A basket of blankets for guests to snuggle into is also ideal for the evening. And what about serving warm cider or a hot punch when your evening guests arrive?

5. What to wear to an autumn wedding?

   So, what to wear? The perfect dress for an autumn wedding is one you can add accessories to, should the weather turn cold. Three-quarter-length sleeves and a floor-length skirt will help to keep you snug but if you’ve always dreamt of a strapless dress then there’s no reason not to go for it. Simply keep a chic lace or faux fur bolero handy for later on. Alternatively, if you’re marrying in late autumn, our stunning Monaco jacket in shimmering Mikado fabric will keep you looking warm and stylish all day long! When it comes to accessories, echo the beautiful autumnal leaves outside with a pretty hair vine or some delicate hairpins. Finally, we love a bride in wellies, so invest in a bright pair for your photographs and, if the heavens do open, you’ll be covered!

   Dresses featured: Bali & Athens

6. All made up

   Autumn is the perfect time of year to celebrate golden shades, so don’t be afraid to add some extra bronzer or highlighter to your look. Soft chocolate hues, that are warm and not too harsh or shimmery, are also great. Match your soft makeup look with an equally relaxed hairstyle. A large messy braid or informal half-up/half-down style, perhaps decorated with greenery and flowers, will look absolutely stunning set against the changing leaves outside.

   Hair by 'Hair design by Lisa' & Make up by 'Charlee Hulbert Makeup Artist'

7. Make your maids merry

   As another nod to seasonal hues, why not try the mix ’n’ match look with your maids? Think silvery greys, elegant greens and lush purples in a range of styles. Complete their look with pretty flower crowns or sprigs of soft foliage, tucked into tumbling tresses. 

   Eden, Laila & Haven Bridesmaids dresses by Infinite in Silver Grey

8. Autumnal wedding stationery

   Your stationery sets the tone for the day and, while cards in cute pastels and zingy brights look amazing in summer, an autumn wedding calls for calm, sophisticated and earthy tones. Colours such as burnt orange, olive green, berry red, conker brown, ochre or rich plum look wonderful. Classic illustrations of flowers, foliage and greenery are great but these shades will also work with more modern design too.

   Stationery by 'Make me Digital'

9. A dreamy Autumn wedding cake

   This is the season to go to town with your cake and there are so many options! A naked cake, mounted on a wooden slice and decorated with seasonal foliage is a classic choice. If you’re going for something more traditional and iced, think about choosing a rustic colour like caramel, instead of pure white. Your cake can also be dressed to reflect the joy of an autumn harvest. Think berries, figs, grapes, currants and more. And we haven’t even talked about flavours... Get creative and choose something like apple spice cake or gingerbread, instead of a classic sponge. Your guests will thank you for it!

   Cake by Hinckley Wedding Cakes

10. Natural flowers and Decor

    September, October and November still offer an incredible selection of UK-grown blooms and choosing locally grown, seasonal flowers are both good for the planet and your pocket. There are cosmos, dahlias, zinnias and hydrangeas, to name but a few. You can also incorporate other beautiful autumnal touches, such as rosehips, dogwood, trailing ivy, mixed grasses and even a few autumn leaves. For your centrepieces think about adding foraged treasures, such as twigs, conkers and pine cones (which can also double up as cute place cardholders). Autumn is the season of rich colours, from burnt oranges to rustic reds. So why not reflect the natural colour scheme through your venue with deep greens, rich reds and golden tones? Check out our suppliers' blog for more great decorating ideas.

    Flowers by 'Eden Wedding Design'

11. Hearty food and fun!

    Finally, the cooler weather means that pies and hearty roasts are great choices for your wedding breakfast. For the evening do, why not treat guests to fish ’n’ chips or wood-fired pizzas, followed by seasonal treats such as toffee apples or toasted marshmallows? A DIY whisky bar will help to keep everyone feeling toasty too! For a little seasonal entertainment, you could set up apple bobbing and conkers for the little ones. And, of course, it’s the perfect time of year for that dramatic a sparkler send off!

    The dress featured: Athens