WEDDING NEWS

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Romantic draping:
One of the standout trends set to define weddings this autumn and winter is the return of dramatic draping in venue styling. Adding draping to your wedding décor can bring an instant sense of warmth and softness, creating a cocooning effect that envelopes the space with warmth and texture. Striking a perfect balance between romance and elegance, it can shift the venue's entire atmosphere, making any venue feel inviting and intimate, perfect for weddings taking place throughout the colder months. One of the reasons why draping is becoming such a key element in weddings, especially venues is because they offer an immediate sense of escape. The moment a guest steps into a draped space, the mood softens. It's an immersive and dreamlike experience, perfect for couples who are looking to create a moment of magic and timeless romance.

Semi-naked wedding cakes adorned with autumnal accents:
Earlier this year, wedding cakes embraced bold, vintage aesthetics thanks to the revival of heart-shaped silhouettes adorned with retro-inspired piping. But, as we move into the autumn season, the mood is shifting towards cakes that are more understated and seasonal. One rising trend is the semi-naked cake, where the sponge subtly peeks through a light layer of buttercream, offering a rustic look. We'll see couples favour more simple, seasonal decorations like autumnal foliage and dried flowers. When it comes to flavour, while traditional choices like vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet remain popular, many are embracing flavours that reflect the time of year. We can expect to see more pumpkin spiced, chai, spiced carrot cake, and other warm, comforting flavours that bring a true sense of autumn to the celebration.

Moody colour palette:
While rich, classic shades like burgundy, forest green, and burnt orange remain a popular choice for the autumn and winter wedding palette, we'll also see a growing embrace of more rustic, earthy hues. Tones like terracotta and sage are growing in popularity, reflecting a shift towards a more understated and elegant aesthetic that favours simplicity. These soft shades are grounding and compliment the cosy atmosphere of the season. We'll also see shades of pink making their way into colder-season aesthetics. Rose pink in particular is becoming a standout shade, especially when paired with deeper tones like burgundy to create a romantic and slightly dramatic contrast that feels both fresh and timeless. Champagne is also emerging as a key trend, especially for couples moving away from bold colour schemes in favour of a more neutral and sophisticated look. Alongside champagne, tones like mocha and tan are also becoming more popular, adding a neutral touch of depth and warmth to minimalist palettes. These hues work beautifully in neutral-themed weddings, offering an inviting feel without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

Suiting trends:
This autumn and winter, we're seeing a broader range of groom trends. From a renewed focus on fabric and texture and mix-and-match styling. We'll see an increased desire for craftsmanship and details that make a look feel personal. Groomsmen styling is evolving beyond the traditional uniform look. Rather than identical suits and matching details, the modern groom party is embracing tonal coordination through suiting and accessories. Think ties, pocket squares, and boutonnières in varied shades within the same colour family, or complementary fabrics that bring added depth and interest to allow the groom's party to express individuality. This approach allows for subtle variation in textures, while one groomsman might opt for a wool blend suit, another might opt for a soft flannel, while maintaining the same colour scheme to maintain a polished group aesthetic. This shift reflects the growing trend in bridesmaid styling, where cohesion comes from thoughtful colour stories rather than matching outfits, lending to a more individual feel. This trend will extend to statement groom styling, as more grooms embrace individuality through standout suiting, think double-breasted silhouettes, colour contrast, or textured fabrics. Deep jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and sapphire are key here.

Micro weddings and elopements:
Micro-weddings and elopements will continue to be a popular choice for autumn and winter weddings, as couples seek more intimate and personalised wedding experiences. With rising costs and a desire for meaningful, stress-free celebrations, many couples are opting for smaller, more private ceremonies that focus on the most important people and moments. As a result, these celebrations are quickly becoming a trend for couples who want their big day to feel personal, meaningful, and free from the pressure of tradition, whether that's a trip to Gretna Green or a small ceremony in a back garden.

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