Fall is finally here. Unwittingly, our minds experience a shift at the change of the season. No longer are we obsessed with holding on to our tans or lounging by the pool. We want to be cozy in our thick woollen sweaters, drink spiced hot drinks, consume anything pumpkin-flavoured, and enjoy crisp walks surrounded by the fiery colours of deciduous trees. With so much natural beauty surrounding us, it’s no wonder many couples are pushing their wedding dates to September and October, where it’s still warm enough to celebrate outdoors and where the natural beauty is just as breathtaking as the ceremony. If you’re planning a fall wedding, here are 5 ways to embrace the season and to make sure your guests are taken care of.
#1: Showcase the Autumn Leaves with the Perfect Country Venue
As Canadians, we have a right to be excited about the changing colours of our vast forests. It’s a spectacular show that never ceases to amaze us. Utilize the free gift of a beautiful colour palette by hosting your wedding outdoors facing a backdrop of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. There are many outdoor venues in Southwestern Ontario that can accommodate you and your guests, like farms, lake houses, and vineyards.
#2: Choose a Fall Colour Scheme
There’s a time and a place for corals, peaches, mint greens, and yellows. Fortunately, there are so many beautiful colour choices now available to you that would match the natural palette of the outdoors. Jewel tones, such as forest green, Bordeaux, pumpkin orange, and navy blue offer rich, deep textures and contrasts to natural autumnal colours. A wonderful way to embrace the changing season is not to shy away from bold colour choices, but to use tones that don’t clash with the backdrop.
#3: Spice up Your Menu
Some of us wait all year for fresh fall crops of butternut squash, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, and turnips. These hardy vegetables and squashes may be commercially available all year around, but nothing tastes better than fresh, seasonal produce. If you want to feed your guests with delicious fall fare, consider hearty, savory dishes, and warm spiced drinks. Here are some yummy suggestions:
- Roasted pork with a spiced apple marinade
- Pecan-topped butternut squash soup with rosemary bread
- Hard apple cider
- Pumpkin cheese cake
#4: Don’t Leave Your Guests in the Dark
Unfortunately, darkness descends on the earth a lot earlier this time of year. In the heart of summer, outdoor lighting is almost an afterthought. However, since the sun sets just around dinner time, proper lighting will have to be a priority. Work with your venue coordinator to ensure that every area is well-lit. This includes the parking area and anywhere your guests are expected to roam. Provide ample ambient lighting at the tables, and if possible, consider lighting an outdoor fire for added warmth and light. Strings of edison or twinkle lights across your tent ceiling add the perfect romantic touch.
#5: Keep Your Guests Warm and Dry
Here is an obvious statement: autumn can be cold and wet. It’s no wonder that people choose summer for their outdoor wedding. But, with a little planning, you can ensure your guests are comfortable all evening long. Provide your guests with warm blankets, set up outdoor heat lamps, and remind your guests to dress for the weather on your invitations. A tent will keep your guests dry in case of rain, but it doesn’t hurt to keep a stack of umbrellas close by.
The transitional period from summer to winter is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Everything, from the colours of the landscape to the smell of the crisp, country air, fills us with a robust energy and a strong sense of joy. There’s no better time to celebrate the happiest day of your life than now. And there’s no better way to capture those incredible moments than to hire Cindy June Photography. Contact Cindy June to discuss your fall wedding plans.
