VISIT SITE
All the latest wedding news for couples getting married in England and Wales, along with bridal fashion and beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas.
Journalist Dakota Murphey offers seasonal inspiration for a unique wedding reception
Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences.
Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons.
TIMING YOUR SPECIAL DAY
While June to August is regarded as the peak months of the wedding calendar, couples today prefer to secure a date that works around their busy schedules. In 2023, 25% of couples opted for weddings in March, April, and May and 27% chose September to November. If you love the idea of marrying in autumn or winter, think about which wedding venues suit each season best (prior to booking anything). Ideally, view your desired venue in the season you'll be booking it for – that way you can get a true feel for the potential vibe on the day. Understanding seasonal nuances allows you to plan a memorable reception!
TAPPING INTO EXPERTS WITH SEASONED EXPERIENCE
Increasingly, couples planning their weddings are recognising the benefits of professional support; with many turning to wedding planners to help them secure a standout occasion. Their experience managing countless celebrations for happy couples well-equips them to offer guidance through the process – assisting with trending wedding designs, and accommodating a small, large or distinct celebration.
Similarly, wedding planners with specific seasonal experience prove invaluable; particularly for fine-tuning every detail, navigating last-minute challenges and contacting local suppliers. Ask about previous weddings they've coordinated and be confident describing your vision, however quirky or unusual it seems.
For example, Matthew Shaw, founder and creative director at Sauveur, shares his inspiration on embracing the winter season,
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
MEET THE EXPERT
Website: dakotamurphey.co.uk
Email: dakota@dakotamurphey.co.uk
