By Ashton Kelly
Wedding & Event Manager, St. Marys Golf & Country Club
Although we are only halfway through our summer season, one can't help but notice the crispness in the air at night, reminding us that fall is just around the corner. And with a recent influx of fall wedding requests for dates that follow the Labour Day weekend, the bridal trend for 2014 and 2015 is in favour of the fall season. September and October, specifically, are quickly becoming the most popular months to exchange vows, and dates are booking up faster than in any other month. Though summer is typically the most favourable choice for brides and grooms, fall is starting to take precedence, due to the many benefits that come with the late season. Below we take a look at what the buzz is all about, and the many positives of having a fall wedding in Southwestern Ontario.
Memorable Wedding Photos
During the fall, trees in Southwestern Ontario are full and adorned in cappuccino, copper, yellow, plum, burnt red and orange. Imagine the layers of colour that will create postcard backdrops, to perfectly capture your special moment in time and help to illuminate your wedding gown. There is an effortless romance, intimacy, lighting, calmness, and tranquility that exists in fall wedding photos, and is something that is not as easily captured in other seasons. How magical it would be to have your wedding party confetti you with autumn leaves, as the two of you steal a kiss under the falling sun. And don't forget your wellies! Any bride who is a shoe gal at heart will love the playfulness and memories that come from taking a few shots of you (and possibly your bridesmaids) in your rain boots. The photo opportunities are endless!
Sensational Decor
With the fall season, brides and grooms are offered an unlimited number of colour options to incorporate into their wedding design. Consider mixing bright oranges and greens, with subdued reds, yellows, and purples. Brides and grooms can add a seasonal touch to their decor by using pumpkins, apples and gourds, while flower girls can throw coloured fall leaves down the aisle. As online wedding blogger, BridePower states, "Think haystacks, falling leaves, and subtle lighting. Rustic branches also scream fall and can be just lovely incorporated into the designs." Barn board backdrops, gold painted mini pumpkin place holders, and a sweets table dressed with fall favourites, like pumpkin pie, will create a unique experience that you and your guests will always remember. There are many DIY projects at your fingertips, but if you are short on time or imagination, we have suggestions for local decorators that will be able to help you create a fall fairytale.
Favourable Weather
The fall season offers cool, clean, crisp air. Elder guests, such as grandparents, will feel more relaxed and comfortably dressed (not to mention that layers = instant style), while not having to suffer through the heat and humidity of an Ontario summer wedding. For the bride in particular, she won't have to worry about feeling fatigued or sweaty after her wedding ceremony or photos, and there's the added bonus that her makeup will stay put! Your wedding party will feel energized and in good spirits throughout one of the most special days they will experience. Wedding gown selections are limitless, as brides can choose from a multitude of sleeveless OR sleeved dresses, and may even favour adding a glamorous shawl. Most importantly, many venues, like the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, offer their brides and grooms the added protection of an indoor contingency plan, in the case of unanticipated rain. But again, imagine the photo opportunities a few little raindrops and your favourite wellies would provide!
Flexibility & Guest Availability
The summer season is when businesses slow down and families take off for summer vacation. Fall weddings reduce the likelihood of friends or family members being unable to attend your wedding, due to predetermined vacation plans. On the flip side, your loved ones won't have to worry about having to change their summer plans due to a recent wedding invitation. This means that brides and grooms will, more likely than in summer months, be able to experience their dream wedding surrounded by all of the most important people in their lives.
Moreover, many venus, such as the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, offer lower rates in the off-season. Brides and grooms interested in fall weddings will be able to take advantage of greater flexibility in pricing, normally following the Thanksgiving weekend. The added advantage of this time of year, specifically, is that family members are already gathered and ready to celebrate.
Honeymoons & Anniversaries
Picture a fall honeymoon surrounded by colourful foliage at a lake in Muskoka or Niagara, while drinking warm apple cider. In English, that translates to 'Perfection'. Brides and grooms no longer have to follow the norm of retreating to an exotic location to feel relaxed, or worry about travelling great distances to start their honeymoon. This is especially favourable for the bride and groom that prefer simplicity and comfort over the intense heat of Tropical locations.
Additionally, consider the benefit of having a fall anniversary. Our fall season is the best time to travel to most European, South African, and Asian destinations, which are trips to consider for milestone anniversaries. If you're the all-inclusive beach vacation type, this is also a great time of year to take advantage of lower travel rates for Caribbean locations. Or, if you're the stay-cation type, kids will be back in school this time of year, so staying in town to celebrate your anniversary will be a lovely and quiet alternative.
Unique Food Menu
Fall in Ontario means couples can choose locally-grown and inspired foods to complement their wedding menu, as local farmers come out of their peak harvesting season. Even better, food choices can include favoured items that may be too warm or heavy for the summertime. Soup, hot coffee and tea, apple cider, and warmed desserts will not overheat guests, and will instead be comforting treats to add to your special day. To leave a lasting impression on guests, some of the bride's and groom's favrourite fall treats can be added to the late night snack menu. Consider indulgences like maple syrup and warm waffles, caramel apples and popcorn, or warmed brownies and pumpkin pie. The perfect end to a perfect fall wedding.
For more information on weddings at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, please visit our Wedding website, by clicking here.