The not-too-hot but not-too-cold weather is perfect for a wedding. Breath-taking autumnal backdrops and ‘golden hour’ make stunning wedding photos. Barn venues like ours channel the cosy feeling of autumn, and warm tones look beautiful against all the wood.
Themes and Colour Schemes
Autumn really is the season to incorporate warm hues throughout your whole venue. We love rusty oranges, deep burgundy, and metallic accents. Fresh autumn foliage can be put together into a stunning ceremony arch.
Pumpkins and gourds make for gorgeous decorations that perfectly encapsulate the autumn spirit. Spray paint them different colours that complement your theme, we love a deep peacock blue or bronze or gold. Munchkin pumpkins work best for this kind of idea. Alternatively, hollow out large pumpkins and fill with seasonal flowers to make beautiful centrepieces.
Hay bales for seating in or outdoors can add a rustic touch. Reinvent the flower wall with autumn leaves and hanging fairy lights. Candles dotted around in different sized lanterns can contribute to the warmth of your styling.
In terms of flowers, lots of roses are in season during the autumn, they look lovely in a bouquet with lush green foliage like eucalyptus or fern. Sunflowers are still around in the early autumn, make the most of their joyful beauty. Dahlias and ivy are another stunning combination. Use metallic spray paint to decorate large fallen leaves, write your guests names on them using a white marker and lay them out around the table.
Halloween is of course a very apt theme for an autumn wedding, and it can be done in a classy way. Take a look at our Halloween wedding blog post for more inspiration.
Practicalities
You often get warmer days with lots of sunshine during the autumn, but that can’t be promised. Ensure your venue can accommodate an indoor ceremony and reception if the weather isn’t on your side. If you guests need to travel from the church to your venue, provide umbrellas or transport to keep them warm and dry in the event of a shower.
Favours
Good quality candles with autumn scents like pumpkin spice work well for favours, you could even add a personalised label to the pot. Hot chocolate or cocoa kits are lovely, incorporate a themed mug into it and your guests have a keepsake of your big day.
Clothing
A long sleeve wedding dress can keep your skin covered and avoid the need to add a shawl or jacket. If leather is your kind of thing, get a personalised jacket made, it will look great in the pictures. We love elegant embellishments or embroidery on the top half bridal gowns for the autumn months.
Burgundy fits with the theme and is flattering on all skin tones so is a good option for the bridesmaid dresses. Velvet can add rich texture to your bridal party’s look. Think practically and buy something to keep the bridesmaids warm, even if the day does turn out to be hotter than expected, it’s bound to get cooler in the evening.
Green, burgundy or emerald green for Groom and Groomsmen will look classy but also fit the theme. Tweed suits are a way to add style but also warmth to their outfits.
Hair and Makeup
If there’s any time of the year to wear a bold, dark lip it’s the autumn. Be sure to have your lip liner and lipstick on hand throughout the day for touch ups. If a high maintenance lip isn’t for you, try a deeper nude which complements your skin tone. Bronze or gold eyeshadow is a no brainer in autumn.
Wear fresh seasonal flowers as a crown or weave them throughout your up do or plait to match your bouquet. Keep your hairstyle laid back.
Food and Drink
In the autumn, you can opt for a heavier menu. Butternut squash or pumpkin soup makes use of seasonal vegetables and with a side of warm bread is a winner with everyone. Pie with buttery mash and vegetables is an easy option for a sit-down meal. For something more informal, serve woodfired pizzas and a hog roast with sweet potato fries. Jacket potatoes with warm toppings like chilli and baked beans covered in cheese is great for those on a tighter budget. Finish with sticky toffee pudding covered in hot custard.
See what Over Farm Catering could do for your wedding or event.
Cocktails made with sloe gin make the ultimate welcome drink. Serve hot chocolate with all the toppings for those who don’t drink alcohol and children. Leave the station running throughout the whole event, anyone who needs to warm up can help themselves to a hot drink.
Activities
Set up a pumpkin hunt, use the munchkin variety and hide them around your venue. Give each child clues and sent them off on a search. Again, use munchkin pumpkins for an autumn take on the coconut shy. Of course, some autumn-themed colouring in can keep children occupied during the quieter times of the day.
For the first time ever Over Barn is open for autumn weddings. If you’re looking at getting married in autumn 2022 or 2023, drop us a message to booking a viewing.
