5 Top Tips to Help you Find the Perfect Autumn Wedding Venue
I should have been an autumn Bride.
I love the change in the air, subtle at first as the dreamy autumnal light starts to seep through, the now-fading summer sun fondly waving farewell; the crunch underfoot of freshly fallen leaves, the back-to-school excitement and of course the dramatic and vibrant explosion of colour and richness that is beauteous.
It also happens to be my favourite time of the fashion year, when all of those scrummy new silhouettes, buttery leather bags and cosy knits start to appear. Yum.
Somehow I ended up getting married in the middle of a heat wave, in August. Go figure. So my first piece of advice for you newly-engaged folks is to sit down, as a couple, and think of your favourite season and why…? If it turns out you’re just as smitten as me with the wistful autumnal months, then this is the post for you my friends!
Let me guide you through my Top 5 Tips to help you find the perfect autumn wedding venue…
Top Row Left: Image by Closer to Love Photography via Style Me Pretty. Top Row Right: Image by Marcel & Meher Photography via Style Me Pretty. Bottom Row: Image by Philippa James at Iscoyd Park.
# 1 What kind of venue…?
For me, the perfect venues come the autumn months have to be beautiful Country Houses with galloping countryside and sweeping parkland. If I was to marry in the autumn (there’s always the vow renewal right!?) then I would lust after a long romantic driveway with a canopy of rusty red leaves. This would make quite the entrance as your guests excitedly make their way to the ceremony…
Also do think about the weather, although the autumn graciously allows for outside receptions it’s always an idea to have a contingency plan. So make sure you have plenty of space to accommodate your party inside and outside at your venue.
# 2 Colour Schemes…
Contemplating your colour scheme…? Then look to nature. Autumnal tones are a feast on the eyes with bronzy rusts, jeweled jades, deep purples and berry pinks all there for the picking. Ensure your venue will compliment your chosen tones. Your setting should harmoniously blend with your wedding décor and vice versa.
Top Row Left: Image by Meredith Melody via Every Last Detail. Top Row Right: Image via The Little Red House. Bottom Row: Image by Tarah Coonan at Trafalgar Park.
# 3 Timings of the day…
Think carefully about the time of day you marry and the setting you are in. If you have chosen a beautiful Country House with epic gardens and grounds, then you’ll want to try to capture some of that dreamy al fresco late afternoon light. But, marry too late in the day and you might be leaving the Photographer tight on time for your couple’s portraits. A personal regret I must admit…
# 4 Let there be light…
Lighting is so important for an Autumnal celebration, think twinkling candelebras, glittering tealights and festoon lighting for a cozy, romantic feel. However, do check out the venue’s t&c’s as some venues have a strict policy on candles and naked flames! Always chat through your ideas and visions with the venue before making any firm decisions.
The ultimate in lighting statements would be a firework extravaganza, the perfect send off for the newly-wed couple… Again, check in with your venue to ensure fireworks and even hand-held sparklers are allowed.
Top Row Left: Image via Pinterest. Top Row Right: Image by Rylee Hitchner via Once Wed. Bottom Row: Image by Jackson & Co Photography at Fetcham Park.
# 5 Harvest Feast…
Contemplating an alternative to the traditional sit-down wedding breakfast…? Then make it an Autumnal Harvest Feast!
Think delicious seasonal veg, wholesome pies, and a smattering of home made desserts. Also why not serve something warm and tantalizing as well as the usual champers… Apple Cider…? Soft mulled wine…? Oh and how about a cheesecake, there’s something so very hearty about a good lump of cheese and a glug of port!
Discuss the catering options with your venue and ensure that any preferred suppliers can create the kind of food you’d love to serve to your guests… There’s some amazingly creative caterers out there so have fun and go wild!
I hope this has helped you on your first steps to finding that perfect autumn wedding venue, enjoy the hunt lovelies!
Lot’s of love…