Photo: Luke Walker of Clark + Walker Studio
Whether you handpicked your wedding date or went with whatever was available at your venue of choice, the time of year you host your nuptials can play a role in some key decisions. But the month you get married shouldn’t fully dictate the look and feel of your big day. We asked some pros for their advice on how to keep your wedding seasonal without going overboard.
Don’t Over Do It
The trick is to use seasonal décor sparingly, says Audrey Isaac of 100 Candles. “The goal should be to give a nod to the season without it completely overshadowing your theme,” she adds. So you can skip the decorated fir trees and wreaths around the holidays. Simply pair lanterns and LED lights with a few pinecones and touches of evergreen. And get creative with glass vessels. You can fill them with seasonal fruits like cranberries floating in water.
Think Beyond the Obvious
For September through November, resist the urge to scatter leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows everywhere. “You will quickly go from ‘fall’ to ‘craft fair,'” says Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Events. If you’re getting married in the spring some simple, fresh flowers is enough to give a seasonal feel. And in the summer, cool colors and sheer fabrics can make you feel like you’re in the French Rivera, Sayatovic says. The same goes for weddings around other holidays, like Valentine’s Day. Bag the hearts and go old-school romance instead. Use famous love quotes for table assignments or as handheld banners at your photo station, says Paula Ramirez of the Historic Mankin Mansion.
Go Subtle on Color
As far as color, instead of literally decking the halls in red and green at Christmastime, Isaac says to opt for rich metallic tones such as gold and copper. Avoiding the highly obvious choices will help you steer clear of making your wedding look more like Santa’s workshop. Similarly, autumn weddings can rely on some gorgeous colors like reds, oranges and yellows, but hold back from using them too generously.
See More: 42 Fall-Inspired Wedding Cakes
Pick Just One Element to Highlight
Visual subtlety is definitely the way to go, according to Jamie Chang of Passport to Joy, who says picking just one element — for example, the color orange or twinkling lights — for incorporating the season without overdoing it. That said, she recommends thinking of the experience itself in addition to the aesthetics. “Focus on the bringing in the mood of the season and the feeling. That could be in the food or the drinks or the program or the favor or how guests are greeted.” A cozy and warm squash soup for fall or a fun wine slushie drink for summer are always a hit with guests. A dessert table packed with traditional holiday treats made by relatives is also a great idea, adds Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography. You can also allude to the season through wedding favors to enjoy at the party or take home. Chang suggests small potted flowers or seeds for spring or greeting guests with something that will make them more comfortable, like hand warmers in winter.
Keep Personal Style At the Forefront
Just remember, don’t get carried away. Your best bet is choosing delicate seasonal undertones while using your own personal style to solidify the aesthetics, Ramirez says. So try not to obsess over every single detail being “on season.” Being selective about where you choose to highlight fall, winter, spring or summer touches will give it a more natural effect and reduce overall stress. “Don’t let it be the focus or take away from what is special about the day — the ceremony and being with the people that are close to you to celebrate,” says Emily Sullivan of Get Polished Events.