Autumn Styling + Micro Wedding Top Tips from What Peggy Did Next

It was the perfect location for this autumn inspired wedding shoot, designed and styled by What Peggy Did Next and captured beautifully by Angela Ward Brown.

Not only do we have some beautiful autumnal wedding inspiration but if you’re planning or thinking about a micro wedding, we also have some fab top tips from Helen, Sarah and Karen – the planners behind WPDN.

WPDN say…

We are lucky to be in an area with an array of talented suppliers, and designers, which we wanted to showcase by filling the space with autumnal tones and florals.

We took inspiration from the opulence of Somerley House and the natural beauty of its surroundings, on the edge of the New Forest National Park. The house contains many artefacts from across the globe, collected by the Lords and Ladies who have called Somerley home for hundreds of years. So, we were also inspired by Imperial Britain and the Ottoman Empire.

While the house is grand in its stature, beautiful corners and intimate outside spaces played host to our small but perfectly formed celebration.

Rich golden tones mix with bohemian, travel-inspired details and our fitting textile backdrops came courtesy of two local designers, Claire Gaudion and Charlotte Gaisford. Florist The Wild Fox favoured dried blooms to complement our neutral palette.

The props and styling of our table came via the wonderful Lo and Behold Bespoke, who focused on amber glassware, earthenware and dramatic pampas displays. A delicious, Moroccan inspired graze was created by Smallpiece Catering using local, season produce. Our mini cake was created by Jemima Cakes, also utilising dried grasses and blooms for decoration.

It was important to us to feature the handmade work of the talented makers and designers. Our suppliers worked to create bespoke accessories – namely bridal chokers, a hot new trend – from Ashley Wild Bridal and an epic headdress thanks to our renowned florist.

Amy, our model wore Pronovias via Anya Bridal Couture in Hampshire and Catherine Deane separates. Yasemin Bilgic supported on hair and makeup, focusing on dewy, luminous skins and sparkling golden finishes.

Our Top Tips for Micro Weddings

Micro weddings may be limited on numbers but there is no need to limit on style.

Keep it personal – bring out ideas, trinkets and treasures that make your day exclusively you. With a few less table settings to primp and preen, unique personal touches can take centre stage, it’s all in the detail.

It’s your big day, so perhaps you can now splurge on things that might not have been in budget before? Floor to ceiling blooms, your favourite acoustic band, fine dining? Add in the luxury of a wedding planner or stylist to help to plan the most special and stress free day and will be able to suggest even more ways to make every moment amazing.

Utilise intimate nooks and corners of your venue. Try not to let large spaces dwarf your guest list. As we did at Somerley House, you could create little lounge areas in corners with heaps of soft furnishings or align a single long table with a wall to create one epic feature of a wedding breakfast.

Plan the ultimate wedding feast! Think about your favourite restaurants and the style of food you both LOVE to eat. There’s no need to go for the chicken with a smaller group of guests, the food world is your oyster! A five course Italian feast anyone? Yes please!

Pamper guests – the day will be so special and meaningful with just your closest loved ones, show them how much you love them with some extra surprise treats throughout the day.

Throw all traditions out of the window. Play with bridal looks (maybe have two or three!)

Slow it down and take it in. You don’t have to do the rounds to endless family members or have a shot list of lots of photos to worry about. Relax and enjoy every moment!

Venue Somerley House

Stylists + Planners What Peggy Did Next

Photography Angela Ward Brown Photography

Props + Table Styling Lo & Behold Bespoke

Florist The Wildfox

Cakes Jemima Cakes

Grazing Smallpiece Catering

Accessories Ashley Wild Bridal

Hair + Makeup Yasemin Bilgic

Textile Backdrops Charlotte Gaisford and Claire Gaudion

Furniture Purple Door Props

Dresses Anya Bridal Couture – Catherine Deane and Pronovias