MEET THE EXPERT Website: dakotamurphey.co.uk Email: dakota@dakotamurphey.co.uk saying, “If you are planning a January or February wedding, you will likely also be the first one of the year – which can be very exciting! From the food offering to design and dress code, there’s a lot of fun to be had!” A further source of inspiration can be gained by tapping into your wedding photographer’s wealth of knowledge – who will usually be happy to share insights, showcase portfolios, and suggest photogenic poses at specific locations and times. They can also offer advice on how to capture the essence of a season and the best natural or candid shots during your big day. Wedding photographer Gauthier le Guen, in an MPB interview, highlights how the four seasons contribute to the uniqueness of each occasion: “I also like the fact that each wedding is unique – the reception locations, the decorations and the atmosphere are always changing according to the seasons – so I never get tired of the job.” BALANCING AESTHETICS WITH PRACTICALITIES Weather will always be a major consideration when planning any celebration. Even in the height of summer, in late spring, and September’s elusive ‘Indian Summer’ – there’s no guarantee of blue skies and hours of sunshine. With a wedding planner and photographer on side, your wedding plans will remain a careful balancing act. Whatever the month, you’ll need to take into account weather forecasts, budgets, guest experiences, catering, and table plans to name a few. For instance, remain flexible with indoor-outdoor options if you want a photo booth, a marquee or wanting to stage an incredible firework display. INSPIRING IDEAS FOR THE FOUR SEASONS When you think of spring, renewal and fresh beginnings come to mind – the perfect symbolism for a wedding. You might want to create a theme based on natural colours for wedding favours, flowers, music, food and drink all associated with this time of year. Consider soft pastels for bridal wear; additionally, table decorations featuring tulips or daffodils, and spring colours depict delicate beauty. Summer weddings promise longer days, ample natural light for photography, and elegant outdoor receptions in country gardens. Consider acoustic live music that can transition from daytime celebrations to evening dancing under the stars. Autumn can offer the most spectacular backdrop at weddings with rich burgundy, burnt orange, and deep forest green giving venues a dramatic décor. Venue lighting becomes particularly important – amber uplighting and lots of candles enhance a warm glow befitting the time of year. However, winter weddings possess a magical quality unlike any other season. Transform reception spaces with fairylights, crystal elements, and white florals for an enchanted atmosphere. Venues with fireplaces become particularly coveted, offering both cosy warmth and ambiance. Winter bridal fashion allows for luxurious fabrics like satin and faux fur wraps. Festive catering options will likely feature mulled wine, rich chocolate desserts, and hearty main courses to warm guests. Whichever county you’re looking forward to marrying in, every season brings a diversity of colours, fresh flowers and home-grown produce to make a wedding unique. Whether you envisage a fairytale mid-summer event or an idyllic snowy winter affair, your wedding reception will be an enchanting fusion of that season’s natural beauty and personal style. unsplash.com.@mutecevvil Unsplash.com.@julie_soul unsplash.com.@claitonconto BRIDESMAIDS 45
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