5 reasons dark and moody autumn/winter weddings rock!

As I’m in the middle of designing an Autumn Winter (mid November) wedding for 2024, I thought I’d share some of the inspiration and images that are feeding into the creative process. Of course I love bright Summer weddings too but I ALSO LOVE dark, moody, gothic, cosy wedding aesthetics. Take a look below and let me know if you’ve been converted to the dark side…

Full images, credits and links available via my Pinterest board - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/TheJoyEclectic/dark-moody-wedding-design/

https://mrsgibbonsflowers.com.au/ via Pinterest

1. candles come into their own at winter weddings

Arguably, candles were MADE for Autumn and Winter weddings. These days, candles are often at the heart of tablescapes, working hard with florals and place settings to create an amazing theatrical scene that can often be one of the main focal points and WOW moments of the day, but in the Summer it’s often too late into the evening when you get the darkness you need for candles to really sparkle. After Daylight saving time at the end of October it’s often getting dark at 4.30 so there’s ample time for maximum cosiness and dinner atmosphere!

We’ve created a range of re-usable mirrorball wedding details that just add to the sparkle potential of winter weddings (image below).

Check them out here - Mirrorball Discoball wedding range

2. the richness of autumn/winter colour palettes

Everything doesn’t have to be dark and black if you’re getting married in the latter half of the year, on the contrary - using creams and light shades of lilac and pink can still work really well in these seasons…but of course, you can go for rich jewel tones or greys, blacks, dark pinks and gold. Check out some of my favourite colour scheme for these seasons below.

Would you like to chat about how to create a gorgeous, modern insta-worthy Dark and Gothic style wedding? Book in a free Discovery Call to chat about your wedding styling and which of our packages might suit you best 👇🏼

3. plan for one weather eventuality - being inside

Guests love being warm and cosy, and this is the time to embrace it. Instead of booking a Summer wedding with a ‘will-it-won’t-it’ worry about rain and a few different plans, go all in with no stress and know that you’ll be inside, you’ll be warm and guests will know exactly where they’re going. The rain outside the window can only add to the cosy atmosphere, instead of causing stress and upset!

4. the dancefloor comes alive, even if it’s 5pm

I don’t know about you, but at some weddings that finish the meal by 4pm then expect everyone to get on the dancefloor at 5pm with blazing sunshine outside -I just feel weird and too exposed to really lose my dancing inhibitions, even if I’ve had a bucketload of free fizz 🤪. In the Winter you feel more like you’re in a nightclub by 5pm which gets my vote every time 👍🏼

4. winter weddings bring the magic

There’s something about these darker seasons that feel closer to magic and the spiritual world, and not just because it’s around the time of Halloween and Christmas. The aesthetic can feel closer to times gone by and call often call on medieval, gothic and pagan references and rituals to feel linked to something bigger than ourselves.

These seasons are darker in terms of daylight but that means the stars, moon, sparklers and fireworks are more meaningful in giving us light and spectacle.

Celestial themed weddings can take on special significance in these seasons. Check out my bespoke 3D stars (middle picture below) you can add to your wedding styling and decor scheme. More info here - 3D Paper Stars for Weddings

5. autumn winter wedding florals

Getting your flowers in Winter doesn’t mean you have to compromise on colour. There are so many beautiful and rich shades and textures on offer. Here are few that I love for the colder months -

If you’d like me to design or style your wedding (in any season!) have a look at the Wedding Styling Service page with pricing details. You can book full styling where we source and hire (and make, if you want some bespoke elements) everything for your wedding OR if you just want a more affordable option, check out the DESIGN MY WEDDING PACKAGES