Baltimore brides, as we enter the month of September, let’s take a look at how you can plan a fall wedding to fit the season and your style for your special day. By combining classic traditions with modern variations, you’ll find the wedding planning tips you need to create an original autumn atmosphere.
Embrace modern decor with vibrant colors and bold floral arrangements.
#1 Color Scheme: When Moss Isn’t Your Thing
Gather inspiration from this fall’s natural tones. Embrace amber, deep saffron, brick red, mocha, topaz, and moss green. If you’d like to branch beyond traditional palettes, incorporate a rich, vibrant tone for your accent color. Think plum, blush, slate gray, lavender, cream, navy, and fuchsia.
#2 Marrying Outdoors: Managing Falling Leaves in Autumn
Just because you’re hosting a fall wedding doesn’t mean you must marry indoors. While an indoor reception can create an intimate, warm environment, also consider an outdoor ceremony if weather permits. Speak to the venue’s coordinator about outdoor options, indoor back-up plans, and set-up for each situation. Remember to schedule someone to rake any leaves from the ceremony area on the wedding day to make room for chairs, an arch, and an easily accessible aisle.
#3 Floral Décor: More than the Usual Themes
Be inspired by seasonal décor for your wedding theme. While you may like to incorporate pumpkins and cornucopias, also feel free to take some liberties for floral décor. Consider tall arrangements with Manzanita branches near the buffet and cake tables. For reception table centerpieces, add short vases with wide bases, filled with colorful fresh flowers, a dash of hypericum berries, and full leaves for greenery. For a breathtaking bridal bouquet, add your favorite bloom to any combination of these autumn blossoms: rose, sunflower, orchid, dahlia, spider mum, or gerbera daisy.
Show traditional style with your floral arrangements, centerpieces, and natural colors.
#4 Reception Meal: Scrumptious Soup and Spice Cake
In autumn’s chilly weather, feel free to match your meal to the season. Exchange a cool, crisp salad for a warm red soup. Serve harvest vegetables, like carrots and onions. Present your meats in a similar fashion. Steaks may include rich, brown sauces, and chicken (or even a festive Cornish game hen) may involve succulent spices. Of course, don’t forget a rich cake and autumnal cocktails to complete the meal.
#5 Book Early: Thinking Beyond 11/11/11
Since the autumn months include many holidays (like Labor Day, Halloween, Veteran’s Day, and Thanksgiving), be prepared to book early. You may be competing for venue space with not only fellow weddings, but also corporations wishing to celebrate the spirit of the season. Also, with a date booked far in advance, you’ll give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements despite the busy months.
If you like the fall season, then celebrate your marriage in autumn. Just as the earth is experiencing a change of season, so are you and your groom as you both take the plunge into this next phase of your lives. Embrace it together! Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the admiration of your guests, you’ll soon enjoy a special day unlike any other for your autumn Baltimore wedding!
Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011
Photographs by Allyson Siwajian © 2011 (Featured floral arrangements by Enchanted Florist and Suncoast.)