Seasons and themes

The first big question I'm asking is: When to hold the wedding?
And how does the time of year shape the theme and feel of my day?

Everyone has a reason behind their choice of date, whether its because they want a short engagement, to save money, to have good weather or to tie in with another event.
Since I was little I have wanted a winter wedding and as I have grown up this has expanded to 'I don't want a summer wedding'. Don't get me wrong, summer wedding are wonderful, I just could not find inspiration to create a day that would be mine, I also easily over heat and as I want a structured dress I could just see myself being grumpy - NOT a good look.


For a while I have been thinking through hypothetical wedding plans based on the three remaining seasons.

I had come up with either vintage or 'Lovehearts' themes for Spring.
I know vintage has been done many times over and is featured at least twice in ALL the magazines, but I think it's so romantic and feminine. with handmade candles in teacups, cake stands, ribbons, lots of flowers and possibly with a bird theme.
I always think the colours of Lovehearts would make a lovely flower display, as well as BM dresses and ribbons; and with the messages and the heart in a circle there's plenty of scope for stationary.

Left-Right, Top-Bottom: Dusty pastel bridal bouquet, Camilla Flowers. Love Heart Mini Stamps, Not on the High Street.Com. flower and floating candles table centre, Super Weddings. 5 tier pastel cake, Seattle Flowers. Loveheart sweets. Heart of flowers, Joy of Flowers and Events. Pastel Bridesmaid dresses. small flower display in jug.
And finally the beautiful cupcake bouquet made for my sister for her wedding, by the talented Vicky at Cornish Fancies, do check them out on Facebook

For Autumn,  had thought of a more rustic setting and harvest festival feel, with hay bales and farming containers like old milk churns, barrels and baskets. All matched with the rich colours of fallen leaves; reds, brown, burnt orange and golds.
Using produce and wheat alongside f lowers to create the church displays and table centres. And choosing earthy flavours for the meal: butternut squash soup, pork and apple and pear tart.I have also seen hollow transparent cake stand that could be filled berries or apples. Finally, I thought giving preserves as favours would work really well with this theme.

The final season I was willing to entertain was the one where I had ideas coming out of my ears... I should point out that I love winter (when it's dry or snowing) , I am a winter baby and love wrapping up for walks in the crisp weather. I find it magical and beautiful and so much easier to create a warm and welcoming environment, especially as I love candle light.

The most obvious theme for winter would be Christmas. But if we were to choose a December wedding I would avoid the traditional red, green and gold, for no other reason than I like to keep them for my Christmas decorations. They are also a little over done and when the shops stock such a wide range of bold jewel colours why go for the same old?
I would have trees, and coloured fairy lights. not to mention lots of beautifully wrapped boxes, and baubles. I could use the baubles for place names, chocolate Santas or gingerbread for favours. You could have carols or a choir before the speeches and Father Christmas delivering gifts.

Another theme is winter wonderland, suitable for December through to February.
Either entirely white or accented with very pale pink or blue and lots & LOTS of glitter. Fairy lights, sparkles and snowflakes adorning the venue. If you wanted some colour for the stationary I would use dark forest green, but compliment it with glitter.
If I decided not to put my bridesmaids in white I would go for the pale pink or blue, but if trying for a white wedding a pale champagne or oyster would be different from the bride, while not standing out too much.
If I had the space I would create a chill out area with chucks of tree trunks, fake fur throws and wraps for the guests and serve winter warms like mulled wine and hot chocolate.

If I *HAD* to organise a summer wedding (and it came with a huge budget) I would have a garden party with tipis and an Alice in Wonderland theme. With a tea party and fair games, trees and furniture all decorated to make the space more than a garden, with streamers, props and relevant accessories e.g. playing cards, giant pansies, flamingos, toadstools and hats.

Illistration by John Tenniel. Source:
.fantasybooksandmovies.com

Image source: Cleveland.com

I would put my bridesmaids in tea length dresses, and suggest tha guests wear tea dresses and bring hats for the reception.

Lots of cake to enjoy and colour to make the whole day have a wacky look, as well as childhood favourits; from penny sweets to shows TV shows & a libaray chillout space with bean bags and children's classics.

So what time of year are we going for?
Firstly, we want to get married in 2013, while I could happily plan a wedding for October/November this year, personal circumstances mean it is best to wait the extra few months to ensure we can both enjoy our day. Also. our work diaries are fairly limiting with anything between January 20th and the middle of June and after August not being an option - we are left with earky January or June/July.

To finish: the beautiful font flowers my Garndma did for
my sister's Summer wedding

You've guested it... we are hoping to book somewhere for January 2013.

We are visiting potenial venues next weekend... so watch this space.

TTNF ~ Kate xx

PS I have not shared my favourite idea for theme with you today, I'm sure I will in good time...