How to plan a beautiful Autumn Wedding
Here at the Swan we love autumn and the colours that it brings to our beautiful grounds, and there is no theme like a Halloween theme to amaze your wedding guests!
Table decorations with big, bold colours and a mysterious yet impressive setting will give you the most unique wedding photos. Treat your guests to a festively fun Halloween cocktail and involve your guests in a bit of pumpkin carving!
Spooky tipples for the drinks reception
One of our autumn wedding ideas is Halloween inspired cocktails. There are lots of great recipes out there for Halloween cocktails, from simple do-it-at-home recipes to complex yet sophisticated creations that will truly wow your party. Seasonal flavours can include apple, toffee and cinnamon and these go exceptionally well with spirits like brandy and bourbon. Red liqueurs such as Chambord and Grenadine are great options for a vampire-styled drink and a classic like Bloody Mary will always be a timeless favourite.
If you want to go all out with your autumn wedding then add some effects to your cocktail then dry-ice is definitely the go-to option as it creates a beautifully spooky touch.
Don’t forget the glassware! A cocktail is nothing without the glass it comes in and so make sure you pick the one that really enhances your drinks’ looks and style. Make it classy with a champagne coupe or go all out with a ghostly goblet!
Create a fun activity for your guests
Why not involve your guests in a bit of pumpkin action! Get everyone a pumpkin each and have them carve or paint their finest creation – it can be a self-portrait or a caricature of the bride and groom, or simply a traditional jack-o-lantern carving! You can even have a little prize prepared for the artistic winner!
Up your guest book game
Another one of our autumn wedding ideas is use smaller details like your guest book to incorporate autumnal colours and props. Your guest book is a lovely keepsake and can even be added as an art piece in your marital home.
If you want to keep with the Halloween themed wedding props then why not get a beautiful artificial pumpkin for guests to sign and for you to bring out for the season every year?
Dramatic table decorations
Another one of our autumn wedding ideas is to go for colours such as black, gold and burnt orange as they will create an impressive ambiance for your wedding breakfast. Think about using different coloured candles and especially tapers as these add to the old-fashioned style but are still classy and elegant.
Cobweb, skulls and other traditional Halloween accessories may seem like they have been overdone but it doesn’t have to be exaggerated – small or few details can be enough and still make a big impact.
Colour smoke bombs
These are A.m.a.z.i.n.g. The coloured smoked adds such a dramatic and spectacular effect to your autumn wedding pictures. Go black and orange for a traditionally spooky and fiery feel, or add purple for a more hocus-pocus style. If you have access to outdoor space such as woodlands or a lake, then plain white could add a subtle fog-like setting. Luckily, here at The Swan we have plenty of beautiful spots to get these stunning pictures at!
Something old, something new, something borrowed something…BOO!
There are lots of cute little details and accessories you can add, from hair accessories to cufflinks and pins for shoes and bouquets. Perfect for those who loved Halloween but don’t want the theme to take over the wedding!
Autumn leaves
Bring in the beautiful colours of autumn – a pop of colour in form of your bouquet against that white dress will look stunning, and table flowers of orange and yellow in between dark greens will be gorgeous against both crisp, white linen or rustic wooden tables. If you’ve got the budget for it then a autumnal foliage wall or arch would be a great addition for selfies and snaps.
Dare to go black
If a traditionally white wedding dress is not for you and you’re thinking of wearing something a little different, a black wedding dress could be just the right choice for your autumn wedding. There are so many GORGEOUS wedding dresses out there and this is the season to dare to wear it.
So why not come visit our Lake District wedding venue?
After planning your spooky wedding, you’ll probably want to relax and unwind. As one of the most highly-rated spa hotels in the Lake District, we have all the facilities that you and your partner could need to relax.