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Oct

2020

Ideas and Inspiration: Whimsical Fall Wedding Inspiration

Today is the first day of October, it may not be ‘officially’ the first day of Autumn, but in my little world it starts today. The leaves are falling from the tress, the nights are definitely drawing in and I have already had to put a scarf on more than once. So the change of season brings a whole new colour palette. Warm tones of browns, oranges, deep reds, greens and lovely golden hues. So what does that mean for weddings? For me a whole world of new inspiration. The options for an autumn or fall wedding are endless, so today I have invited wedding expert Carla onto the blog to tell us more about what Whimsical Fall weddings mean to her, as she brings us some of her fabulous ideas.

photo by  M and G Photographic 

We all know that whimsy means playfulness and fun, but not everyone is exactly sure what the term means in the context of a wedding. Unlike themes such as ‘beach’ or ‘vintage’ where the concept is clear, whimsy is more fluid. But it usually has at least one of two common motifs. The first is the bold use of color, and the second means delving into fairytales for inspiration. Because we don’t like to play favorites, we’ll cover both. Read on to discover creative ways to incorporate whimsy into your fall wedding.

Jewels

A crown is practically a requirement for the Queen of the Day and there’s no better way to show your whimsy than a tiara. But don’t feel sad if you can’t get your hands on a priceless heirloom like Meghan Markle’s. A floral crown is ideal for the whimsical bride. Take inspiration from the season and use jewel-toned chrysanthemums, roses, berries or even leaves. If your whimsy leans more towards mermaid, weave a strand of pearls through your hair. Pearls are known as the Queen of Gems for good reason, and they make the ideal accessory whether you’re feeling whimsical or classic. The Pearl Source carries pearl bracelets, pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and every other type of pearl you might need on your wedding day. Plus, pearls are the symbol for the 30th milestone, so find the perfect 30th anniversary gift in this great collection for your happily-married parents or friends.

photo by Sebastien Bicard Photography

Dress

For Her

Flounces, frills and free-flowing fabrics are the name of the game when it comes to whimsical wedding gowns. Colour is also frequently a component of the whimsical wardrobe and while fall may inspire you, feel free to tap the entire rainbow in your dress. Embroidered flowers, lace and layers upon layers of tulle will make you truly feel like a the queen of the realm. Disney lovers, take note: you can now order a Disney princess wedding gown.

photo by  Vladimir Simonov

For Him

Whimsical grooms aren’t confined to a plain dark suit. They too can let their fancy take over and wear any color they like. Take inspiration from fall colors and try russet, pine or cinnamon. However, they don’t have to feel pressure to go wild. The grooms’ whimsy can take a more subtle form, such as a pumpkin-dotted bowtie or unique boutonniere made from fall-themed objects, like feathers, acorns or pinecones.

Photo by Nicole Nero studio

Colour Palette

A whimsical wedding frees you from the convention of pastels, and autumn is the perfect time to go bold with color. All shades of orange including persimmon, apricot, copper and gold are delightful options in this season of bounty. Pair it with purple hues such as plum, magenta, amethyst and burgundy for a bold yet classic complementary look. Greens such as forest, jade, emerald and pine are equally gorgeous, and if you hold your reception outside, will likely be echoed by the surrounding vegetation.

If you’re taking the fairytale route, allow the story to be your inspiration. Pumpkins are ideal for a Cinderella theme, not to mention exceptionally versatile. They work as everything from centerpieces to flower holders to escort cards. Mismatched place settings and teacups are quirky and fun, and perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland.

photo by Taylor Sivard 

Venue

Just like in real estate, location is everything. Autumn provides a splendid backdrop for a magical fairytale wedding. Depending on where you live, a local forest can be all you need as a dramatic and romantic setting. Other options include a barn or vineyard. A tiny, quaint chapel can also provide the requisite ambiance. And of course if you have any friends with a stately home or castle, definitely inquire about borrowing it.

PHOTO BY WWW.PHOTOGRAPHYBYVICKI.CO.UK

Decor

An unusual wedding arch is a key feature of a whimsical ceremony. Consider a rainbow arch of balloons, romantic curly willow interwoven with flower chains or an actual doorway reminiscent of a Narnian wardrobe. Inflatable arches are a great alternative to balloon arches, and they’ll make your wedding stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for a unique way to decorate your wedding, consider using a personalized inflatable in the shape of an arch as an easy-to-set-up and very impressive decorating idea. These arches are made to order and can be customized to match your wedding theme. You can also have special messages written on the arch, and it can be shaped to any size or design you want. Or go all-in on the fairytale and build a backdrop shaped like a giant book, complete with the beginning of a story about the lucky couple.

Fairy lights are more or less a must-have for a fairytale wedding, but boldly colored paper lanterns are another fabulous option for whimsical lighting that seems to carry you and your guests up, up and away to a magical land.

Centerpieces really offer a lot of scope for play. Antique chalices dripping with vines and flowers stacked on leather-bound books offer a delightful Harry Potter-esque theme. Glittering glass chains hanging from twisted branches work for an enchanted wood theme. Aladdin’s lamps with votives inside encourage imaginations to soar…and invite wonder about what three things your guests might wish for.

photo by  Vladimir Simonov

Food

You can really get your whimsy on when it comes to food and drink, and fall being the most bountiful season only increases your options. For example, with an Alice in Wonderland theme, you can label your signature cocktail with whimsical ‘Drink Me’ tags. (And of course a tray of ‘Eat Me’ nibbles will be conveniently positioned right next them.)

As for whimsical cakes and toppers, the sky’s the limit. There’s no better place to get playful than the dessert table so let your imagination run wild. From impossibly intricate laser-cut shapes to pink flamingos, if you can dream it, you can have it on your cake.

Photo by Andy Gaines

 

So what do you think? Are you tempted to have an autumn wedding after seeing these lovely ideas? Are you holding an autumn wedding? If so I would love to know your themes and ideas and any cute decoration ideas you may have.

 

 

 

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