Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2024 (Issue 107)

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: Autumn & Winter In a time where modern equals maximalism, winter weddings stick to simple themes of traditionalism and homeliness. Couples opt for large barn venues in winter, filled with guests they allow for a cosy atmosphere whereas, if you’re willing to brave the chill, an outside woodland location in autumn could work wonders. Open spaces leave room for the finer details to pop: positioned around walls, hanging from ceilings or even as part of the table centrepieces, warm-toned fairylights and wintery displays of flowers and foliage – think white roses and holly – add that festive touch. For woodland clearings, a similar style is achieved by wrapping lights around trees, and choosing aisle displays of pine cones and maple leaves, creating that strong autumnal feel. Building into the centrepieces, lining the aisle or adorning fireplaces and shelving, candles are popular this time of year and are a brilliant way to illuminate the proceedings and create an intimate ambience. Winter-themed details find their way onto the bridal look too – long and slender trains, veils and sleeves leave room for intricate beadwork of snowflakes, while the oh-so popular hairpiece can reflect the winter theme in its design. Think: replica designs of vines and flowers in silver and gold, intertwining with braids and up-dos. The colour scheme intertwined with the rest of the big day is where you can really elevate the winter theme; favoured combinations include white and red or gold and red, whereas some weddings may call for the more chic and sophisticated colours of silver and navy, plum and forest green, or even all white for a wow-factor look. Much like the colour scheme, it’s the cake and food that are central to reflecting the changing seasons – an old-fashioned carvery brings both families together reminiscent of a Sunday roast, while a shower of edible glitter on the cake really makes the star of the show glow. Ending the night with a glass of spiced mulled wine, or marshmallows and hot chocolate around a firepit, mean these winter wonderland weddings are hard to pass up. BIG-DAY THEMES 89

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