by Lisa Bartell of Wisteria Manor
Not your Momma’s traditional June bride anymore! September, October and November are the New “Spring Weddings.” Yes, Autumn seems to be the new choice of seasons for couples to tie the knot.
Why fall? The hot and humid days that lead to sticky and buggy situations are past, and new cool refreshing days mean comfortable weather for wearing formal attire for you and your guests, which will keep them smiling. The vibrant fall leaves make for a spectacular backdrop for wedding photos. The bountiful harvest of autumn’s fruits and vegetables act as a natural option for wedding decor and a pleasing menu for the palate. How could you go wrong? Not to mention for those diehard DIY’ers who want to plan and decorate their own weddings — the fall season makes it so easy with all it has to offer. And sticking to a tight budget is a lot easier, due to the fact that Mother Nature has already supplied half the decorations with her natural beauty.
The wedding party
Whether you are getting married in a small country church or a cathedral — or even a mountain or meadow — you can’t go wrong with the following attire. The bride and groom are naturally in your traditional white gown and black tuxedo as are the groomsmen. But the bridesmaids are decked out in one of many vibrant colors of fall such as persimmon, copper, eggplant, gold or chocolate. The groomsmen and groom can coordinate ties to match the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Bouquets can be flowers that are in season or flowers that are in the color palette of autumn. Even fall leaves look beautiful in a bouquet or on a lapel this time of year.
The venue
Venues can range from ballrooms, restaurants, museums, art galleries and even barns.
I particularly think a barn venue is exceptionally nice for fall. Not so stuffy as some of the other venues, barns can still be played up to look quite elegant if so desired. Plus you will have easy access to the out of doors to view the fall splendor. The best of both worlds.
For a simple country wedding reception you can use a rustic table and chairs, perhaps with a burlap or natural cotton tablecloth. Place cards can be made out of fresh mini pumpkins, apples or pears with a slit carved out the top to hold the name card. Centerpieces could be as simple as a basket of apples or gourds, or a fresh bouquet of seasonal flowers and leaves in a mason jar or hollowed-out pumpkin.
Candy apples covered in chocolate and caramel make nice party favors. Round globe lights could be strung from rafter to rafter in the barn and perhaps in some trees on the grounds. Small mason jars with candles can be hung about. A vintage truck with its tailgate down could be made up to double as a beverage bar. Bales of straw can be used for additional outside seating. A small fire pit to roast marshmallows or make s’mores would offer cozy fun.
A more glamorous barn reception would consist of fine linen tablecloths with formal place settings. Place cards can be embossed with guests’ names and placed at each plate. Centerpieces would be a little more complex – or even modern — but could still use the flowers of the season. Or incorporate exotic flowers such as orchids in the hues of autumn.
Chandeliers would replace the heavily strung globe lights and elegant furniture pieces would be placed and used around the old rustic barn — shabby chic if you will. English or French sideboards or buffets, (stained or painted) can be used for guests to help themselves with desserts or beverages. The wedding party’s table would have fully upholstered chairs. Sheer white curtains could be draped at the entrance of the barn or used as buntings across the rafters.
Parting guest might receive a party favor such as an elegantly boxed hazelnut or maple truffle with the bride and groom’s initial on it.
I hope I have inspired a few ideas for those of you who are planning fall weddings. After all, autumn is a wonderful time to be in love!
