As the leaves fall from the trees and turn a multitude of rich reds, oranges, yellows and browns and the air becomes all the more crisp, autumn brings with it a new sense of warmth and vibrancy, and whilst it might not be quite like the sun-soaked summer months, the new season holds an appeal all of its own when it comes to weddings.
An appealing colour palette combines with a cosy vibe to make autumn one of the very best seasons in which to tie the knot, and it offers plenty of inspiration for those looking to create a truly beautiful backdrop for their special day. Whether you’re planning last minute nuptials for this year, or looking ahead to a future autumn wedding, then there’s plenty to get your creative juices flowing. We asked the experts at Melbourne wedding boutique The Sposa Group to tell us how the Sposa Bride draws inspiration from the season for a truly unforgettable autumn wedding.
Securing the perfect venue
Your venue will serve as the backdrop for your entire day, so it’s important to get it right. And autumn lends itself to beautiful rustic settings that can be dressed to impress, like barns and outdoor teepees, as well as opulent period properties and even outdoor settings like vineyards and olive groves. The ideal venue for the dreamiest of autumn weddings is one that will allow you to showcase the natural beauty of the season, bringing the outdoors indoors and creating a seamless flow between the two – whether it be through seasonally inspired decor or through large windows and glass doors that will afford you stunning views of the world outside as you say ‘I do’ or sit down to a mouth-watering wedding breakfast with guests.
Embracing autumnal hues
Autumn evokes a sense of warmth and cosiness, and the colour palette that is associated with it matches this vibe in every way. By incorporating shades like deep reds and burgundy, burnt orange, sparkling golds and mustard yellows into the various elements of your wedding – whether it’s in your bouquet, your bridesmaids’ dresses, the decor or all three – promises to help you create a wonderfully inviting atmosphere in which for your guests to come together and help you celebrate.
Incorporate seasonal foliage and florals
Autumn brings with it a host of beautiful flowers and types of foliage, and by incorporating them into your table centrepieces and other floral arrangements you can inject a real sense of warmth and sophistication into the day. Leveraging the season’s natural beauty in the loveliest of ways means taking advantage of dahlias, asters, chrysanthemums, as well as other flowers that thrive at this time of year, and adding accents of green through large sprigs, leaves and vines from some of your favourite autumn plants. You could even consider adding some unique accents that you don’t see every day – think pumpkins, squashes, crisp autumn leaves and lots and lots of candles, all of which can help to create a real sense of rustic elegance.
Dress to impress, the autumnal way
Autumn is all about being warm and cosy, so when choosing your wedding gown, opt for something with long sleeves and consider wearing a beautiful fur or velvet stole over your shoulders. For grooms, adding a seasonal accent can be as simple as choosing a tie in burnt orange or another autumnal hue, and having the groomsmen in button holes or pocket squares to match. For a truly show-stopping look to your wedding photos, have your bridesmaids dress in coordinating colours that draw together all the rich shades of autumn. Gone are the days when bridesmaids were expected to wear the same dress in the same colour as one another, so have some fun with it and get your bridesmaids in on the decision making to ensure they love their dresses as much as you do.
Create a menu of seasonal delights
As the traditional harvest season, autumn brings with it a host of mouth-watering flavours and decadent treats, and incorporating them into your wedding breakfast menu is certain to delight the senses of every guest. This season is all about hearty and warming dishes, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury or sophistication; consult with your chef for the day and ask them to base the menu around the freshest seasonal and local produce, using ingredients like butternut squash, apples and lots of warming spices to create a show-stopping menu everyone will love.
