With rich, warm colours and luxurious fabrics an autumn wedding is always a winner in the fashion stakes.
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to get married, but it can throw up some sartorial challenges. Read on for our top style tips to help you look your best at any autumnal weddings, whether you’re a guest or a member of the wedding party.
The Autumn Bride
Autumn is all about warm, rich tones, so try reflecting this in your choice of bridal gown. Ivory, champagne and antique gold all work well with autumn colours, and they also provide a welcome break from white, as well as being almost universally flattering. For a vintage-glam look that works brilliantly in the colder months, go for a gown that has sequin, pearl or crystal embellishments.
When it comes to style, there are loads of options available to you. Heavy fabrics and dramatic trains all look great, or for a more rustic autumn look, opt for a flowy dress with pretty lace sleeves which will help keep you warm without compromising on style. Outerwear is currently a big bridal trend so, if you prefer strapless dresses, you can always protect yourself against the autumnal chill with luxurious shrug or jacket in silk, velvet or faux fur.
The Groom and his Ushers
Grooms and their ushers used to be restricted to morning suits and cravats, but, while this style is still very popular for formal weddings, these days there is a lot more choice out there for the fashion forward groom.
For autumn weddings a three-piece suit with a subtle check pattern offers elegant style, while a tweed suit is perfect for more rustic or vintage-themed nuptials – and also has the added bonus of keeping you warm when the temperature drops. Coloured suits have been a big trend in recent years and you can adapt it for autumn by choosing a suit in a deep shade of purple or forest green that will really stand out against the autumn foliage.
And don’t forget the button holes. A leafy button hole with autumn flowers and berries, or even a feather, will add the perfect autumnal touch to your outfits.
The Bridesmaids
Autumn days can be chilly so keep your maids warm with long dresses in heavier fabrics such as satin, organza and taffeta. If you prefer a strapless look, think about providing your bridesmaids with a pretty shrug or cape to protect them from the elements. When it comes to footwear, closed toe shoes work best during the colder months, and you could even accessorise your bridesmaids with matching wellies and umbrellas in the case of very wet weather.
As for colours, rich warm tones such as gold, orange and purple, or jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire are perfect for this time of year – and will really pop in your wedding photographs.
The Mother of the Bride
As the mother of the bride, you want to make sure you look and feel fantastic for your daughter’s big day. For an autumn wedding you can choose from a darker, richer colour palette with shades such as navy, pewter, aubergine and gold. Florals may be great for summer weddings but they can also work really well for autumn weddings. Instead of an all-over print, go for a jacquard or brocade fabric, or add a pop of florals to a block colour outfit with an eye-catching clutch bag or kitten heels.
When it comes to style, the classic shift dress and structured bolero combination always looks effortlessly elegant. Alternatively, the rich colours of the seasons lend themselves well to more glamorous looks, such as ankle length gowns and embellished maxi dresses.
Wedding Guests
Everyone has their failsafe outfit for summer weddings, but finding an outfit for an autumn wedding requires a little more thought. One of the great things about dressing for an autumn wedding is that it opens up a whole new selection of fabrics and colours. Autumn colours and jewel tones are the order of the day, and look particularly effective when combined with wintry fabrics such as luxurious velvet and decadent silk.
The cooler temperatures also offer an opportunity to experiment with different styles, maybe by wearing a fashion-forward jumpsuit, or a sharp trouser and blazer combo. With a bit of customisation and clever accessorising, your trusty summer staples can also be brought into action; team floral summer dresses with a stylish cardigan or shawl, or wear a patterned maxi dress with block heel boots or stilettoes and a smart jacket for a season-appropriate look.
Autumn is a fantastic season for weddings and fashion alike. And whatever outfits you choose to wear you can be sure that Crondon’s wedding venue will provide the perfect backdrop for your autumn wedding.