How to plan a wedding keeping the seasons in mind
When it comes to picking your wedding date how much thought have you put into what season it is in and how that might affect certain aspect of your day? By intentionally selecting specific things that are reflective of the season, every year as your anniversary rolls around you will be guaranteed to have reminders of your special day. Specific smells and tastes of the season, when certain flowers are naturally in bloom, even the colours associated with it… all create memories that you will remember forever.
Every season has a feeling and mood associated with it so try to embrace that. For instance if you are likely to pick a date in Summer your menu could include beautiful fresh salads or a Winter wedding might serve mulled wine to your guests.
It is also very important to remember every season has it’s own set of issues or complications that have to be considered and addressed. There is no point pretending they don’t exist so instead anticipate they are there and do your best to manage them. This will make not only your day more pleasant but also that of your guests and all the vendors involved in bringing it together. We touch on some of these things below but really you just have to use your common sense. Don’t get in the head space that it is going to be a ‘perfect day’ just because it is your wedding day. Plan for things to go as well as possible and that will help you and your guests have a wonderful time celebrating-regardless of the weather!
SUMMER
When Summer rolls around every year the grasses have faded and everything is sun bleached. It is light, crisp and airy so look to whites and more subdued colours (like what you see in nature when everything is sun bleached), dried textures or lush greenery.
Choose a menu that is fresh and seasonal. Beautiful salads and seafood scream summer-just make sure you pick a caterer who is top notch and knows what they are doing. Nobody wants food that has been left in the sun to go mankey (Yes this can happen so select wisely!)
Something to keep in mind which lots of people tend to overlook is just how hot our Summers can get and then how cool the night air is. Sure you get some balmy nights but they are few and far between so consider having heaters for later in the evening.
Our summers here are hot and dry so think about everything- from how much shade is available throughout the day to how your flowers are going to hold up. If you are having your reception in the country chances are you will have some green lawn in some places but anywhere the sprinkler misses will be dry, crispy and most likely dusty. Rugs on a dusty ground are not anywhere near as lovely as they look in that Pinterest photo you saw, so think about what furniture you intend on using and how functional it is.
Of all the seasons to choose, summer weddings are the ones that need the most consideration because the conditions can be brutal all because of the weather (which can be anything from 15 degrees on the worst of days to 45 in the shade).
That said, a summer wedding can be incredibly beautiful but you must be prepared and choose wisely.
AUTUMN
I’m totally biased but Autumn is by far my favourite season. Mid to late Autumn in particular is just a magical time of year in my book. The shift in the season brings with it stunning changes in the leaves, the weather is more stable with nice days and cooler nights, the flower choices are next level and the produce that is available is next level.
Muted colours work so well with this season. Dusty pinks, deep burgundy, mustards and burnt oranges reflect the leaves changing colour all around us.
Select a hearty shared meal with Autumnal flavours. Your caterer should be able to recommend things that are in abundance and encapsulate the beauty of this season.
Keep in mind the days can still be warm but the nights start to cool off, so some cosy throw rugs never go astray. Light some patio heaters and a fire if you have one to create a beautiful ambience.
Flower choices are incredible through these months with glorious dahlias, garden roses and stunning autumnal foliage. You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to this magnificent time of year.
WINTER
For some reason winter doesn’t rate highly on peoples list when it comes to weddings and I really don’t understand why. About the only downfall (which is obvious) is that it can be cold but isn’t that an easy fix! Guests should dress appropriately anyway but make sure your reception area is warm and cosy. Create a beautiful ambience with candles lit and glowing fairy lights.
Choose rich colours like emerald and mulberry and use textures such as velvets when selecting your styling pieces.
Menu choices are endless with hearty soups followed by delicious roast vegetables and meats, topped off with a decadent pudding and will bring back memories every time you recreate one of these meals. Serve mulled wine and spirits to warm everyone up.
Flower choices through winter can include stunning hellebores and tulips and late winter can be the start of andromeda, blossoms and sweet peas.
Keep in mind the days are short so you might want to start your ceremony earlier than a Summer wedding if you want to get those sunset photos. This is something your photographer can advise you on.
SPRING
Spring is by far the most tumultuous season weatherwise- definitely 4 seasons in one day ringing true here!
That said it is an exciting time of year with everything waking up. The flowers are vibrant with ranunculus, lilacs, daffodils and jonquils, blossoms, sweet peas… the list is endless, however a lot changes from September to the end of November so your choice in flowers will depend on which end of the season you choose and how the weather is behaving for that year.
Then as the weather heats up a 25 degree day in Spring feels like 40 degrees at the height of Summer. It’s like everything needs to acclimatise first so keep this in mind as you are planning.
New seasons vegetables are delicious and your caterer should have an abundance of produce to pick from. Caterers love using seasonal produce so talk to them about your options.
A spring wedding definitely lends itself to a vibrant colour palette so if you are drawn to bright poppy colours this season would suit you perfectly.
So, before selecting a date I would think of the mood you want to create and how you want your wedding to feel, rather than trying to pick a day where you think the weather should be nice-especially if you live in a climate like Western Victoria.
I hope this helps inspiring you with your planning and gives you a few things to consider. For more inspiration follow us on Pinterest here.