Hope is on the horizon for engaged couples across the UK. The government hopes to lift all restrictions on weddings in June 2021, meaning people who have been waiting to get married will finally be able to tie the knot, surrounded by friends and family.
Most weddings planned for 2020 were deferred to 2021, but it’s only now restrictions have begun to ease that weddings can really resume. And while it looks like the second half of the year will be jam-packed with weddings, many people who rescheduled their wedding to spring 2021 have had to postpone once more in order to have the day they want. That means lots of spring weddings have become autumn celebrations.
But switching seasons doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing wedding. There are lots of elements of your original wedding plan you can keep, and just a few things you’ll need to consider when making the switch and changing your plans.
What Do I Need To Change When Switching To An Autumn Wedding?
In a word – nothing! If you’ve planned your wedding to your own idea of perfection, there’s no reason to change anything about your day. Plus, some things – like your dress, flowers, and entertainment – can be impractical and costly to change.
However, while it’s romantic to stick to the ‘your wedding, your rules’ notion, in practice there are a few things to consider when planning an autumn wedding.
The Weather
When it comes to British weather, anything can happen – from midsummer storms to cloudless September scorchers. A spring wedding isn’t immune to the inclement British climate, but admittedly there may be a higher chance of rain if you get hitched in October or November. But as long as you’re prepared for it, there’s no reason poor weather should ruin your day.
If you’re hoping to get married outside, make sure you have a plan B in place so you can dodge the rain if the heavens open. It’s a compromise, but it’s important to keep things in perspective – indoors or outdoors, you’ll be surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Plus, marquee weddings can be absolutely stunning.
The Time
While many spring weddings benefit from daylight savings time, it gets darker sooner in autumn – meaning you may have to reshuffle your schedule in order to make the most of the daylight.
This is particularly important if you’ve put aside lots of time for photographs. If your ceremony takes place at 4pm, by the time you’re married it may be too dark to take outdoor photos. It’s important to talk to your photographer if you’re worried – they may be able to supply extra lighting to give you a little more time to get the photos you want. Alternatively, you can always get great snaps indoors – and show off your venue while you’re at it!
The Costs
Traditionally, the wedding season spans the months of March – September (with prices spiking again around Christmas and New Year), so if you’re planning your nuptials outside peak season you can pay less for some aspects of your wedding.
That said, it’s been a difficult year for wedding vendors, so it’s important to agree to fair pricing for both you and your suppliers. If you’ve already agreed pricing with your vendors, you should honour this, despite the change to the time of year. This may feel like you’re getting less bang for your buck, but autumn 2021 is the new peak season – with so many couples getting married around this time, it could be tricky to find a different supplier who’s available on your date.
How To Create An Autumn Wedding You’ll Love
If you want to create a more autumnal feel for your new wedding date without going over budget, there are lots of things you can do. From updating your decor to adding layers to your wedding look, here are 4 ways you can transform your spring wedding into a fabulous autumn affair.
Spruce Up Your Decor
Simple spring weddings are very on-trend. Sprigs of eucalyptus and light pastel palettes make for beautiful weddings – but getting married in autumn offers a chance to explore bolder colour schemes and more unique ideas. The recent trend for rustic barn weddings also pairs perfectly with autumn decor – and you don’t have to break the bank to put a seasonal spin on dressing up your venue. Pumpkins won’t look out of place at October weddings, while pine cones and fir tree sprigs can make adorable autumn table decorations.
Eat Seasonal Fare
If you decided on your wedding menu months or even years ago, there’s a chance your venue will have changed the menu in time for your wedding. That means you have the opportunity to select the most seasonal produce on offer – think warming soup starters, mulled cider, and hearty pork belly. You might also be able to renegotiate the style of your wedding cake – just contact your supplier for a consultation.
Add Cute Cosy Touches
Forget flip-flops – autumn weddings are the perfect time for slippers. Buy some cheap fun slippers so your high-heel-wearing guests can slip into something comfier before they join you on the dance floor. If you’re having a marquee wedding, or parts of your ceremony are going to be outdoors, blankets and brollies are a great way to make sure your guests stay comfortable (and dry!) all day long.
Dress For The Occasion
While it may be impractical to switch your strapless dress for a sleeved one, you need to make sure you stay warm when the temperature drops. You can find stunning bridal shawls, capes, and boleros on Etsy, all of which will work wonders for keeping you cosy on your wedding day. If you’ve opted for short-sleeved bridesmaids’ dresses, you can also find similar cover-ups to help them stay warm in the autumn chill.
While you may not have been dreaming of an autumn wedding, don’t lose sight of what’s important. Surrounded by your nearest and dearest, you’ll soon forget about the rain and remember why you wanted to get married in the first place. In the meantime, check out more mesmerising ideas for your autumn wedding and be inspired!
