Was your wedding postponed due to coronavirus?

This post is for those couples who have had to postpone their spring wedding to an autumn or winter date. While being able to sort out a new date is fantastic news and a huge relief, I hope you take some time to look after yourselves, check in with loved ones and be grateful for good health and wellbeing despite the sudden change of plans. When you’re ready to get back into wedding planning part 2, you might now be thinking: how do I adapt my spring wedding to an autumn or winter day? Perhaps your colour palette, flowers, bridesmaids dresses or even your stationery were all inspired by spring. Will they now look odd in winter!?

My talented friend, luxury wedding planner Natalie Hewitt, winner of UK National Wedding Planner of the year 2020 is sharing her top tips below. I’m also sharing images from our wonderful couple J+B’s November wedding that Natalie planned & styled. A perfect example of a winter wedding that still has a spring colour palette, nothing dark or moody in sight.

 

NATALIE’S TIPS ON ADAPTING YOUR SPRING WEDDING TO AUTUMN OR WINTER

A lot of couples are now facing a complete change of season for their weddings, including some of my own couples; moving from a spring date to a winter one. It has left a lot of people feeling disheartened that their beautiful, light or colourful colour palette isn’t going to work in the colder, darker months. But let me tell you, you’re wrong!
I’m not changing anything about my spring clients weddings, other than the fact that we won’t be going outside for the ceremony or drinks reception. So if you are now facing a postponement and fear a spring colour palette won’t work, here are a few tips to tweak your design to subtly adjust your design to a change in season:

1. Bring in a little darker foliage or the odd flower to give a depth and detail to the flowers.

For J+B we introduced some browning dried leaves to the floral arrangements.

 

 

   

2. Use brass vases, bowls & gold finish cutlery to add a richer material more in keeping with a warmer tone.

 

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3. Ask your florist what seasonal flowers are still available that match your spring colour palette.

You’ll be surprised at the variety of colours available, especially in Autumn. J+B’s flowers still included a lot of light, soft colours: blue, cream, blush & pink. Also how BEAUT are these flowers by garden style florist Moss and Stone Floral Design!? Check out her website for lots more examples of colourful Autumn/Winter flowers.

 

 

 

 

4. Feel free to incorporate light colours through your tableware.

Here we used pink candle sticks, charger plates & glass tumblers keeping with the softer colour palette.

 

 

5. Don’t be afraid to use light linen.

We used subtle pink table cloths, white napkins & cream dining chairs to lift the room, especially when the lights went down.

 

 

6. Candles… and lots of them!

Tapered candles, pillar candles, votives. Perfect for darker nights.

 

   

 

See how adding candles can completely transform a space from day to night. Something special to delight both your day & evening guests.

 

 

 

7. You might want to serve a warm mulled wine, apple toddy or Baileys hot chocolate but select beautiful delegate glassware to keep it elegant and summery.

We served mulled wine in a double walled tumbler.

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BONUS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:

Schedule your timeline so you can have your portraits taken in daylight

Remember that your winter wedding photos will naturally look different than the spring/summer photos you may have initially hoped for. If you can schedule your ceremony to take place at least in the early afternoon, you could have your portraits taken in natural daylight before its dark. For those of you who love the bright & soft style like mine, this lets you have those light & airy photos you love. Alternatively, if you are having a late ceremony (past 3pm)- I’d recommend doing a First Look, which is where you two actually see each other before the ceremony & have your portraits taken then.

Swap confetti for sparklers

Sparklers are such a fun thing to do instead of having your guests throw confetti. This feels more apt for the winter season & makes for great photos! This January couple did this right after their church ceremony & the guests loved it so much!

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And there you have it. 7 amazing tips & inspirations showing you how you can keep your spring wedding elements in your new autumn/winter date while still complimenting the colder, darker season & atmosphere. Did you find this helpful? Don’t forget to pin your favourite images.

Want more winter wedding inspiration? Click here to see a winter black tie wedding I shot in Boston, MA.

 

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Seen something you like? Here’s the full team from this beaut wedding:

Courteenhall Wedding Photographer: Gyan Gurung Photography (Me!)

Wedding Planner: Natalie Hewitt Wedding & Event Planner

Venue: Courteenhall, Northampton

Florist: Moss & Stone Floral Design

Stationery: Rosepress

Crockery & Glassware: Duchess & Butler

Chairs: Great Hire

Table Linen: Just 4 Linen

Catering: Goody’s Catering at Courteenhall