Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - Page number 63 - July/August 2021 (Issue 32)

‘TIS THE SEASON What’s the best season to get married? Meet the expert: Simon Daukes is the owner of The Ash Barton Estate located in Braunton, North Devon. Simon says: We’re all familiar with the tradition of the summer bride, and it’s still the most popular and expensive season to get married. However, more couples are opting for spring, autumn or even late-winter weddings. SPRING – MARCH, APRIL AND MAY Spring officially starts in March and with its association of new beginnings, it seems like the perfect time to tie the knot and start your new life together. There are also two bank holidays and an Easter weekend at this time of the year, which means you could enjoy a long weekend of celebrations. During this season, the gardens of venues spring into life - wildflower meadows burst into colour, hanging baskets spill over with bright blooms and pink blossom covers the trees - so outdoor wedding photographs are definitely on the cards. Flowers for your bouquets are also more available with anemones, marigolds, and lily of the valley all in bloom. Daffodils are a bright and budget-friendly option to decorate the tables with. When it comes to a colour theme, look to Easter for inspiration with pretty pastels including pink, yellow and blue for bridesmaids dresses and flowers and table decorations. Or keep it fresh and natural with green and white throughout. If you’re getting married near the Easter weekend, bowls of sugar-coated chocolate eggs make great favours and an Easter egg hunt on the grounds of the venue is always popular with the little ones. The evenings are lighter at this time of the year, and the days are fresh but often sunny, but it can rain a lot too. If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding, make sure you can bring the ceremony inside at the last minute if there’s a sudden spring shower. SUMMER – JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST If you’re yearning for an outdoor wedding, the summer months are when you’re more likely to enjoy glorious sunshine and warm days and evenings. Getting married in the open air surrounded by friends and family is so romantic. But while you may be happy to stand in the sun while you exchange your vows, not all your guests will be so choose an outdoor venue that offers some shade too, such as a tree or parasols. Nothing screams summer like a glass of Pimm’s served in the garden as guests arrive alongside chilled fizz. Remember to have jugs of water available as well to keep everyone hydrated. A traditional sit-down three-course wedding breakfast may feel too much when the temperature is high so opt for something more laid-back like a barbecue, hog roast or a buffet of fresh salad, cheese and cold meats followed by ice cream for dessert. A summer wedding is a perfect time to indulge in colour. Think bright red, fizzy orange, fuchsia pink and aqua blue. Big, bold flowers like hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, cosmos, lilies, roses and sunflowers are all in bloom at this time - mix them with palm leaves for a tropical look. AUTUMN – SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER Autumn is a beautiful season in which to get married when the leaves on the trees turn orange and red, and the days are cooler. September can be pleasantly mild, and Britain often experiences an Indian summer, making this month a popular choice for couples. By the end of October, and into November, there’ll be a chill in the air so it’s best to host the ceremony and celebrations indoors. With Halloween and bonfire night at this time of the year, you can have fun with your theme, decorations, and catering. Opt for traditional warm colours like russet, burnt orange and honey for your bouquet and decorations. Many flowers are still available at this time of the year so mix them with foliage, berries and even pumpkins for an autumnal feel. Serve a hearty wedding breakfast with local seasonal ingredients and because it’s close to bonfire night, gather your guests around a firepit roasting marshmallows served with hot chocolate (or something stronger!) Finish your celebrations with fireworks and sparklers. WINTER - DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY Winter weddings are becoming more popular, especially those that are held in the build-up to Christmas and New Year. With Christmas on the horizon, venues look magical decorated with fairylights and candles and everyone is in the party spirit. Combine your wedding with Christmas celebrations and serve mulled wine to guests as they arrive followed by turkey with all the trimmings. The temperature will be nippy but if you’re lucky, you may see some winter sun or even a smattering of snow on the ground which always makes for beautiful pictures. The key is to ensure the venue is warm and cosy for guests and if there’s an open fire somewhere, use it. Keep your bridesmaids warm with stylish pashminas that can easily be slipped off for the pictures and pop a pile of blankets and throws into a basket and let guests help themselves if they feel chilly. What about the other winter months? Getting married in January gives everyone something to look forward to and suppliers are less likely to be busy at this time of the year. Hopefully, your guests will be happy to give up their dry January or new year’s health kick for your wedding day. Getting married during February, especially around Valentine’s Day, is a romantic time to tie the knot and the first shoots of spring are just beginning to show. The Ash Barton Estate | 07785 386 622 | www.ashbarton.com www.facebook.com/AshBartonEstate www.instagram.com/ashbartonestate EXPERT ADVICE 63