Thinking of planning a same-sex autumn wedding this year but you’re out of ideas or not sure where to start? Well, look no further!
We’ve put together a list of all the latest autumn wedding ideas and trends you need to know about, straight from UK’s top experts to help you plan your dream seasonal wedding.
Whether you adore the classics or prefer something more modern, or even want to combine the two, there is a hand-picked trend for you right here.
How to: Pick your gorgeous same-sex wedding suit this autumn
Autumn can open up a huge range of suit styling possibilities for your special day, from its daring and unconventional colour palette to the distinguished tweed waistcoat and woollen suit.
Wedding suit specialist Marc, company director of Jack Bunneys, a gentlemen’s outfitters based in London, gives us their advice on how to pick the right suit for you this season whilst staying on trend.
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“I would suggest that the trend for autumn country and rustic weddings will continue this year, with natural and soft colour palettes being used to create relaxed wedding suits with a hint of tweed ”, says Marc.
Traditional tweed wedding outfits are looking to be an increasingly popular choice in autumn: “I have seen a definite movement towards a more ceremonial tweed wedding outfit. This is usually distinguished with a daring tweed waistcoat and soft woollen suit”.
“West of England Flannel fabrics are ideal for the woollen suit. These cloths are mill finished to break the fibres and bring out the softness in each individual thread. This allows the cloth to appear dense and heavy, whilst also being lightweight and incredibly comfortable” adds Marc.
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“The most popular colours throughout autumn are always more daring and slightly unusual. These are usually made up of a palette of natural or earth-tones. Brown suits are always popular throughout autumn, as well as green and burgundy.”
“These are colours that are dismissed throughout the summer months but work fantastically well with an autumn theme. Big-bold checks are also always popular in the autumn season, with traditional tartans or tweeds used as accent pieces, such as waistcoats and bowties.”
“I would advise couples getting married in autumn to consider not conforming to expectations of what a wedding suit can be. Be willing to be adventurous and brave, take risks!”
“An autumn wedding does not have to have the same conventions of a summer wedding, so ignore the conventions and have the wedding suit you have always dreamed of.”
And despite the common notion that UK autumn weddings can’t sport sunny weather, Marc advises that an autumn wedding suit can still be country, rustic and lightweight: “It is worth considering that autumn weddings do not always have poor weather.”
“I have noticed over recent years that we have had some fantastic weather in October and even early November, so a heavy tweed may not always be the best idea, especially for a nervous partner!”
“Late summer and early autumn is always a popular season for us. Our collections have always been inspired by the blend of traditional English tweeds and ceremonial wedding attire – this design harmony is perfect for the autumn season.”
“There are also many advantages to being married in the autumn. There’s obviously the cost to consider but also the availability of venues. The weather can be another benefit, autumn in the UK can sometimes be quite bright, without the scorching heat of the summer.”
“Then there are the aesthetic benefits, a natural autumnal colour palette, the seasonal flowers available will differ to the summer and the freedom to break away from traditional summer wedding etiquette.”
About Jack Bunneys
Jack Bunneys (W) (IG) are a family-owned gentlemen’s outfitters based in London, offering wedding suits for hire and to buy as well as their own bespoke tailoring service.
Within the last five years, Jack Bunneys have lead the way as the men’s formal wear industry has transformed. Leading with the superior tailor design skills and ability to innovate whilst predicting trends.
How to: Pick your breathtaking same-sex wedding dress this autumn
The autumn season can provide great inspiration for picking your same-sex wedding dress, with its cosy ambience and rich floral landscape.
We ask luxury bridalwear experts Chrissy Dodman, Katherine Radford, Kate Halfpenny and Dorz Francz for their top seasonal styling advice for the upcoming wedding season.
“We are seeing a definite shift towards plainer designs with less fuss,” says Chrissy. “This includes classic A-line shapes, ball gowns and fit and flare dresses paired with modern, fun necklines and dramatic sleeves.”
“Both classic floaty chiffon ballgowns and figure-hugging crepe and jersey gowns are popular with our brides at present. They love the classic V-neck and round neck styles” Chrissy adds.
“This season’s Doda gown (see bottom right below) is a sure favourite here at Ronald Joyce. It is elegant and timeless whilst being unique and delicate.”
When it comes to fabrics, some of the most popular autumn bridal trends include textured fabrics with 3D flowers and appliqué, says Katherine.
“With many brides wanting an alternative to lace, modern and unusual designs are becoming increasingly popular.”
“The fabrics we often see used for weddings in the autumn include matt crepes, organza and floral or leafy silks. Brides wear a variety of silhouettes from slim fitting to full gowns at this time of year as anything goes”, Katherine explains.
One of Katherine’s favourite designs for autumn is the Amber dress, which has long sleeves, a fitted corset with a square neckline, paired with a slim-fitting skirt (see bottom row below).
Kate has also spied other unique and alternative autumn styles: “I am seeing a lot of love for capes and sleeves that can be removed later into the evening. I also feel the bigger, fuller silhouettes are coming back with a vengeance and I’m personally thrilled by this!”
“Although, I still have pieces in my boutique which I designed in 2005 which are still bestsellers today and look completely timeless no matter the season.” So, if you don’t fall in love with the latest wedding styles, it never fails to go for something which you love regardless of the season.
When it comes to fabrics, Kate is a huge fan of the Mikado fabric, loving the drama it creates and the fullness it offers for her creations.
“The Ellie skirt is a firm favourite to mix and match my tops with or the wonderful new Oak dress with its graphic bow on the back (see image below). And of course, they both have pockets to keep your essentials in on the big day”.
“When it comes to favourites, I’m quite obsessed with the Tulip dress in our new Daydreamer collection. It’s heavily embroidered with large flowers and beading. It also has mega sleeves and a bow that you can tie at the neck.”
“It’s made from sheer tulle so looks stunning worn over the iris slip dress. You then have two looks in one – it’s not for the faint-hearted though! I equally adore the Meredith bustier with wide-leg trousers, it’s so beautiful”, Kate adds.
Dorz predicts this autumn’s bridal trends to follow light fabrics and comfortable silhouettes, keeping the bohemian and romantic trend alive.
“We can also see voluminous sleeves like full puff-sleeves coming back as well as ruffles or fun tiered skirts.”
“In terms of fabrics, we feel that delicate French lace fabrics are perfect for creating an autumn look, especially if you are opting for a long sleeve and high scalloped lace neckline.”
“Another popular fabric would be just something simple because it is a perfect backdrop for accessorising with the dark tones of autumn which tie in with the colours of the season.”
Dorz’s is currently loving the new Meadow collection for autumn brides: “We have new silhouettes with fun tiered skirts (see images below) with the Annise top that are impactful yet light and perfect for a fun modern bride.”
Any final autumn wedding ideas for dresses?
Chrissy’s top advice for picking your autumn wedding dress is to: “Wear what you feel happy and comfortable in. Our dresses can be worn all year round and are easily adaptable to any weather.”
“You can add sleeves or wear a cape or jacket and even add more lining. We love Dawn for an autumn wedding which comes in a warm ivory colour or Dalia which is available in ivory/light gold.”
Kate and Katherine recommend choosing a wedding gown which you feel most confident in, regardless of the season: “I think it’s always better to choose a wedding dress that flatters your figure the most regardless of seasonal style. Then you can accessorise the look to suit the occasion” says Katherine
Kate adds: “Weddings in the autumn will have heaters provided if outside or inside, so there really isn’t much you can’t wear. For me, it’s less about dressing for the season and more about being the very best version of yourself”.
“This could be in an epic gown with sleeves, or a little strapless bustier and wide leg pants, with a tux jacket over the shoulders. In my eyes, you can do no wrong so dress as you wish!”
“‘Be yourself. People don’t have to like you, but you don’t have to care.’ Choose a dress that suits your personality, your venue and what makes you feel happy. If these things are ticked off, you know you will love your gown and will have an amazing time wearing it”, says Dorz.
About Morilee
Founded by Chrissy Dodman, Morilee (W) (IG) boasts its stunning designs as one of the world’s leading wedding dress and evening gown brands. Hosting designs by internationally renowned designer, Madeline Gardner, who continues to create award-winning designs that capture the essence of the modern bride over 25 years later.
About Suzanne Neville
Suzanne Neville (W) (IG) is one of Europe’s leading designers for bridal and evening wear with over 50 stockists in the UK and worldwide, with production based in London.
Her designs are frequently featured in top bridal and fashion publications and regularly commissioned by celebrity and high-profile clients.
Gowns created for stars of the stage and screen have included Katherine Jenkins, Christine Bleakley, Elle Macpherson and Kate Winslet.
About Halfpenny London
Founded by Kate Halfpenny (W) (IG), Kate loves to design luxury bridalwear for real women. Her inspiration comes from Brit-cool and vintage styles to create truly stunning modern wedding dresses and bridal wear.
She is a trusted stylist and friend to British icons Kate Moss, Erin O’Connor and Emilia Fox amongst others.
About KATYA KATYA
Founded by best friends Katya Shehurina and Marina Kvasova in 2007, KATYA KATYA (W) (IG) specialise in divinely modern feminine made to order French & Italian laced gowns.
Katya’s distinctive design style, reflective of the modern and vintage-inspired aesthetic, has gained international recognition. Since opening her first flagship boutique in 2011 in London, the brand has continuously attracted the attention of the UK press as well as international buyers.
How to: Choose the most incredible same-sex wedding flowers for the fall
Florists Clare Kenward and Kaiva Kaimins give us their top tips on how to pick the perfect floral arrangements for your autumn same-sex wedding.
With restrictions still in place for mass gatherings and wedding parties happening around the UK this year, personal flowers such as bouquets, buttonholes and corsages are taking centre stage, says Clare.
Although this means putting a limit on your floral arrangements, it can be a great opportunity for couples to push boundaries Clare explains.
“Perhaps try going for something a little more unusual: floral pocket squares, wearable flowers such as floral tattoos or more intricate corsages and fascinators.”
“Dried flowers are also having a big revival this year”, says Clare. “A quick browse on Instagram and you’ll find some stunning arrangements made entirely of dried and preserved materials.”
“However, if the thought of dried flower arrangements makes you think of a 1980s B&B, autumn is the perfect season to get elements of the trend in your wedding flowers without it being overwhelming.”
“Dried grasses, seed heads and autumn leaves blend beautifully with the deeper colour schemes of fresh flowers that are popular for weddings at this time of the year.”
Autumn Wedding Flower Ideas: Colour Palettes
When it comes to autumnal colour palettes, both warmer and monochromatic colour palettes will be making a return to the wedding scene this season, predicts Kaiva.
“With a larger focus on textural elements in floral design, palettes may feature several shades of one colour. These could range from a combination of mustard, golden and honey-toned yellow to bronze, tangerine, apricot and marmalade toned orange.”
“This repetition of colour gives a fuller, stronger aesthetic and can be complemented with contrasting tableware, such as coloured glass and cutlery”, adds Kaiva.
“Couples often want to reflect the warm oranges and reds which are evocative of the season in their wedding flowers”, says Clare.
“I often get requests to include rose hips and berries and anyone choosing to get married in October usually requests pumpkins to feature somewhere!”
“There are some gorgeous muted green varieties of pumpkins available these days, so you don’t need to go full on orange to have that nod to Halloween.”
“In terms of specific flowers, dahlias and cosmos are gorgeous in early September and it’s also a great time of year to include hydrangeas with their mottled autumn colouring.”
“By October, dark centred anemones are starting to reappear again along with arching stems of euphorbia which give great shape to larger arrangements” adds Clare.
“My most popular requests always seem to be anything to match the autumn leaves,” says Kaiva.
“I work closely with each of my clients to create bespoke colour palettes, suited to each of their moods and aesthetic goals – but often they love to draw inspiration to the turning of the leaves as a base for colour.”
“Lots of beautiful installations featuring the foliage create a very colour driven aesthetic.”
Any final wedding flower advice for the autumn?
Clare’s top tip for picking your autumn wedding flowers is to: “Really embrace the season and have another look at flowers you might have previously ruled out as old-fashioned such as chrysanthemums and carnations. There are some amazing varieties now and they can look very modern.”
“Also, be prepared to give your florist a bit of free range rather than turning up to the consultation with fixed ideas as to exactly what you want.”
“There are lots of wedding florists out there and each will have their own personal style. Do your research and pick one or two to contact whose designs you love.”
“If you want to have locally grown flowers included in the mix, do ask your florist. There are small scale growers in most areas now but again, you’ll need to be flexible on flower choice as availability really will be weather dependent.”
Kaiva’s final advice for picking your autumn wedding flowers is to: “Trust your florist! The most important thing is to choose a floral designer whose work you love. Work on your palette and areas you’d like florals to feature, explain what colours you’re drawn to and go from there.”
“Be clear, highlight what you love, chat through aesthetics you may draw inspiration from and especially let them know if there are any flowers you might not love – leave the rest to them!”
About Clare Kenward Flowers
Clare Kenward Flowers (W) (IG) are a floristry business based in Cambridge. Clare’s floristry skills have been honed by the Jane Packer Flower School in London and The Cambridge Flower School. Clare has also attended additional masterclasses by renowned florists such as Joseph Massie, Claire Cowling, Shane Connolly, Flowers by Bornay in Barcelona and a technical course in colour and scaling with Russian florists, Floral Style.
About My Lady Garden Florals
My Lady Garden Florals (W) (IG) are a floristry business based in East London owned by florist Kaiva Kaimins. Kai’s bold and colourful designs have taken her across the world including New York, Australia and the rest of Europe. Kai has been featured in the likes of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Vice, Brides and more.
How to: Pick a guilt-free delicious same-sex wedding cake this autumn
We speak to luxury wedding cake experts, Elizabeth Solaru, Anna Lewis and Suzanne Thorp on how to pick the perfect wedding cake for the autumn wedding season.
As Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease off in parts of the UK, smaller gatherings in outdoor spaces will call for smaller single or two-tier wedding cakes to allow for more intimate, personal celebrations, says Anna and Elizabeth.
“This could be in the form of extra deep single tiered cakes, mini individualised wedding cakes, garden-inspired wedding cakes and wedding cakes that show the bountiful harvest of autumn, especially berries, pomegranates, custard apples, pears etc”, says Elizabeth.
“Dried flowers featuring prominently on cakes are also hugely popular for autumn cakes as well as a variety of texture finishes. Buttercream cakes will also continue to feature regularly at autumn weddings for a more paired-back natural effect”, says Anna.
“The use of dried grasses, autumn leaves and seed heads will become more widespread as couples increasingly turn to these architectural forms of decoration”, agrees Suzanne.
“Textured finishes on wedding cakes will continue to be popular, but it is the beauty found in the slow decay of the season and the natural textures of organic fabrics that will provide inspiration”, Suzanne adds.
Autumn Wedding Cake Ideas: Colour Palettes
“Autumn is one of the best seasons of the year for colour. The browns, vibrant ambers, reds and golden yellows of the changing leaves provide a great palette for luxury wedding cake design”, says Elizabeth.
This can also consist of warmer tones such as earthy rust, cherry and golden yellow, which Anna loves to use in her luxury cake designs all throughout the year.
“We’ll also see bold jewel-toned colours such as emerald and burgundy making an appearance or alternatively a softer, romantic palette of nudes, toffees and caramel colours”, says Anna
“And we expect to see the familiar warm gold of autumn being paired with silver for an interesting, contemporary, layered look”, Anna adds.
“Brave couples will add a strong accent colour of rich marsala or deep blue to the softer, end of summer tones as well as incorporating the typical autumnal colours”, says Suzanne.
Autumn Wedding Cake Ideas: Inspiration
When creating their luxury wedding cake designs, the natural world is one of Suzanne’s and Anna’s biggest influencers, allowing them to create authentic and beautiful designs.
“It’s always nature for me – the changing colours of trees, plants and textures. Seasonality of produce is a huge influence on my recommendations to couples for flavours too”, says Anna.
“The seasons are firmly rooted in the natural world so that’s always where we start to look for inspiration and the dramatic transformation from the end of summer to the start of winter offers so much”, says Suzanne.
“This could be the colours of harvest, the changing landscape, lush greens turning red, russet, yellow and gold and a floral finale before the arrival of winter”, Suzanne says.
Autumn Wedding Cake Ideas: Flavours
When it comes to individual cake flavours, the ingredients of the season prove to be a great inspiration and offer plenty to choose from.
“Autumn luxury wedding cake flavours tend to be richer and deeper and allows for some degree of experimentation. A few of our favourites include salted caramel pear cake, chai pumpkin cake, buttermilk chocolate spice cake and apple cake with peanut butter filling”, says Elizabeth.
“For autumn the most popular bespoke flavours are cinnamon apple cake with caramelized brown buttercream, sticky toffee, blackberry with elderflower and salted caramel is always up there too!” says Anna.
Suzanne loves to use plums, pomegranates, persimmon, pecans, hazelnuts, maple syrup, caramel, figs, blackberries and autumn raspberries in her cakes. “This makes autumn a delightful time to bake. They are full of flavour yet light to eat.”
“Our carrot cake is a firm favourite, full of flavour yet light to eat, packed full of citrus and spices with a hint of rum. We introduce seasonal hazelnuts into our chocolate cake and as the air cools, we reach for cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to add warmth.”
“Pear and ginger cake and spiced apple cake with toffee buttercream are also two at the top of our list”, says Suzanne.
“Overall, I absolutely love our autumn inspired metallic burnished gold wedding cakes with sugar flowers, as they are such crowd pleasers. However, the hand painted, splatter effect cake is one that resonates with me the most personally” says Elizabeth.
“My favourite cake would probably be one of my deep burgundy autumnal cakes which are always really popular”, says Anna.
“I love this three-tier cake with a golden stag’s head which was originally made for a photoshoot – I still have it at my studio where couples can see it up close”, says Suzanne.
“It’s always been popular with couples and it’s a style that has influenced many of my subsequent cake designs – that’s why it’s my favourite autumn inspired cake.”
“Its sugar decoration includes autumnal pumpkins and acorns and has a rococo gold frame surrounding a pink granite effect made from edible paper”, adds Suzanne.
Any final wedding cake advice for this autumn?
Elizabeth’s final advice for couples tying the knot this year is to: “Let the season provide you with inspiration, especially the colours! Every cake we make is bespoke, from the inside to the outside, so the style of the venue and your wedding style, your favourite childhood flavours, the menu, stationery, outfit details, even a favourite song can be a source of inspiration. The more information you can provide your cake maker with, the better.”
Anna advises you to: “Think about how your cake can feature as part of the overall style of your day so don’t just go for a seasonal style that might clash with everything else you have for your day.
If you love sugar flowers for example then ask your cake designer to work with your florist to recreate the fresh wedding flowers into sugar flowers on your cake so everything works harmoniously together – and you can always keep your sugar flowers as a memento of your special day.
Your wedding cake should reflect your personalities as a couple whether that be through flavours or design so a gentle nod to the season may be all you want for your cake and that’s perfectly fine.”
Suzanne recommends that: “Ultimately, your wedding, including your wedding cake, should be about you as a couple, so my main advice if you want something seasonal is not to start with the season as the focus.
When you look back at your wedding photos it’s lovely to have reminders of the time of year but it’s more about you, your friends and your family.
Your cake designer can introduce the seasonal elements like particular colours and sugar decorations gradually, once they have gained an insight into you and how you want your day to be.”
About Anna Lewis Luxury Cakes
Founded in 2018 by luxury cake designer Anna Lewis, Anna Lewis Cakes (W) (IG) specialise in creating stylish and elegant wedding cakes, dessert tables, macarons, cupcakes and cookies across Surrey and the South East.
They boast their use of high-quality ingredients and suppliers to ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes. Where possible they use organic produce and recommend seasonal flavours.
About Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium
Founded by Elizabeth Solaru, a world renowned sugarcraft teacher and judge over 10 years ago, the company has an international reputation for producing beautiful bespoke wedding cakes, party cakes, cupcakes and decadent dessert tables.
Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium (W) (IG) is the winner of Wedding Blog’s Best Cake Designer, the only three times winner of Wedding TV’s The Great Cake Bake with their cakes appearing on Channel 4, the BBC, Sky Living and in the remake of a Sony Columbia’s film ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’.
About The Frostery
Established 10 years ago by Suzanne Thorp, The Frostery (W) (IG) is run by a family of artistic cake makers who specialise in beautiful hand painting, exquisite hand-piped detail, sculpted models and hand-made sugar flowers.
Suzanne is an award-winning professional cakemaker of over twenty years as well as a competition judge for the world’s largest cake competition, Cake International. She is The Cake Professionals head judge and was guest judge at the 2019 Baking Industry Awards.
She is a UK Top Ten Cake Artist, North West Cake Designer of the Year and dual finalist at the global ‘Cake Oscars’ for Best Wedding Cakes, Suzanne has also appeared in four series of the award-winning Channel 4 series ‘Extreme Cake Makers’.
Credits
Same-Sex Wedding Suits
- Daring tweeds Brown tweed suit via Tumblr Cool-toned green tweed suit via Weddinggomania Warm-toned green tweed suit via Jack Bunneys
- Big bold checks Orange tweed waistcoat via Rosanna Lily Photography Brown tweed and waistcoat suit via Pinterest Burgundy suit and waistcoat via Jack Bunneys
Same-Sex Wedding Dresses
- Moodboard 1
Photography courtesy of Morilee - Moodboard 2
Photography courtesy of Suzanne Neville - Moodboard 3
Photography courtesy of Halfpenny London - Moodboard 4
Photography Courtesy of KATYA KATYA
Same-Sex Wedding Flowers
Photography courtesy of Clare Kenward Flowers
Same-Sex Wedding Cakes
- Rustic and fruity wedding cakes
Semi-naked dark wedding cake via artfullywed.com by Artemis Photography
Semi-naked rustic wedding cake via Pinterest
Semi-naked wedding cake with orange drip and fig décor via Rock My Wedding by Annamarie Stepney Photography - Textured wedding cakes
Photography courtesy of Anna Lewis Cakes - Copper and gold wedding cakes
Photography courtesy of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium - Nude gold and white wedding cakes
Photography courtesy of The Frostery - Bold and colourful wedding cakes
Photography courtesy of Anna Lewis Cakes
