Seasonal Wedding Trends: What's Hot for Each Time of Year

One of the most influential factors in wedding planning is the season in which you'll celebrate. Each time of year brings its own atmosphere, colour palette, and natural elements that can inspire a cohesive and memorable event. In this guide, we'll explore the latest trends for weddings in each season, offering inspiration and practical advice for couples planning celebrations throughout the year.

Spring Weddings: Fresh Beginnings

Spring weddings (March through May) symbolise new beginnings and renewal. The British spring brings blooming gardens, longer daylight hours, and a sense of optimism that creates a beautiful backdrop for celebrations.

Colour Trends

Spring 2024 is seeing a shift towards softer, more nuanced colour palettes that reflect the season's subtle beauty:

• Sage and Mint Greens: These soft, natural greens pair beautifully with blush and ivory for a garden-inspired palette.
• Periwinkle Blue: This delicate blue-purple adds a touch of whimsy and pairs wonderfully with pale yellows.
• Buttermilk: A warmer alternative to traditional ivory, this soft yellow creates a sunny atmosphere.
• Coral Accents: Bright pops of coral or peach energise spring palettes while maintaining their fresh, gentle feeling.

Floral Trends

Spring offers an abundance of beautiful blooms. Current trends include:

• British-Grown Seasonal Flowers: Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, ranunculus, and early peonies are increasingly popular as couples embrace local, sustainable florals.
• Woodland-Inspired Arrangements: Incorporating blossom branches, delicate ferns, and trailing elements for an organic, just-gathered aesthetic.
• Colour-Blocking: Monochromatic arrangements in varying shades of the same colour create visual impact with a modern sensibility.

Venue and Styling Trends

Spring venues that showcase the season's natural beauty are particularly sought-after:

• Glasshouses and Orangeries: These structures offer natural light and garden views while providing shelter from unpredictable spring weather.
• Garden Ceremonies: Taking advantage of flowering trees and bulb displays for picture-perfect backdrops.
• Botanical Influences: Incorporating pressed flowers, botanical illustrations, and garden-inspired elements throughout paperie and décor.

Catering Trends

Spring menus celebrate the season's fresh produce:

• Spring Lamb: A traditional favourite prepared with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.
• Edible Flowers: Incorporating pansies, violets, and primroses into salads, desserts, and cocktails.
• Farm-to-Table Menus: Highlighting early asparagus, peas, and other spring vegetables.
• Botanical Cocktails: Elderflower, rhubarb, and herb-infused drinks that reflect the garden-fresh feeling of spring.

Summer Weddings: Vibrant Celebrations

Summer weddings (June through August) offer the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and the opportunity for truly outdoor celebrations. These months remain the most popular for weddings in Britain.

Colour Trends

Summer 2024 colour trends balance traditional brightness with more sophisticated, toned-down options:

• Terracotta and Rust: These earthy tones are replacing brighter oranges for a more grounded summer palette.
• Mediterranean Blue: Deep, saturated blues inspired by coastal locations pair beautifully with neutrals for an elegant summer look.
• Citrus Brights: Lemon, lime, and tangerine accents against white or navy create punchy, cheerful combinations.
• Lavender and Honey: Inspired by summer gardens, this combination offers a softer alternative to traditional summer brights.

Floral Trends

Summer offers the widest variety of available flowers:

• Statement Installations: Dramatic floral installations are becoming increasingly popular, from flower-adorned ceremony arches to suspended ceiling displays.
• British Flower Movement: Locally grown dahlias, roses, sweet peas, larkspur, and scabious support British growers and reduce carbon footprint.
• Meadow-Inspired Arrangements: Wildflower aesthetics with grasses, Queen Anne's lace, and cottage garden flowers create relaxed, textural designs.

Venue and Styling Trends

Summer venues that allow for indoor-outdoor flow are particularly desirable:

• Marquees and Tents: More structured than ever before, with sophisticated linings, flooring, and climate control.
• Country House Gardens: Formal gardens provide beautiful backdrops for ceremonies and drinks receptions.
• Al Fresco Dining: Long banquet tables set up outdoors for dinner under the summer sky or stars.
• Festival-Inspired Elements: Tipi extensions, outdoor lounges, and entertainment areas extend the celebration into the evening.

Catering Trends

Summer catering embraces casual, social dining:

• Grazing Tables: Elaborate displays of antipasti, cheeses, and seasonal fruits for guests to enjoy throughout the event.
• Interactive Food Stations: From raw bars to build-your-own desserts, interactive elements create memorable experiences.
• Seasonal British Produce: Celebrating summer berries, salads, and grilled dishes that highlight the season's bounty.
• Spritz Bars and Craft Cocktails: Refreshing drinks stations with personalised signature cocktails keep guests cool.

Autumn Weddings: Rich and Romantic

Autumn weddings (September through November) offer rich colours, comfortable temperatures, and a sense of abundance that creates cosy, intimate celebrations.

Colour Trends

Autumn 2024 sees traditional fall colours updated with unexpected combinations:

• Mustard and Mauve: This unexpected combination balances warmth and coolness for a sophisticated autumnal palette.
• Burnt Orange and Navy: A rich, contrasting combination that feels both seasonal and timeless.
• Forest Green and Antique Gold: Bringing an elegant, opulent quality to autumn celebrations.
• Warm Neutrals: Caramel, oatmeal, and walnut create a refined base for autumnal accents.

Floral and Décor Trends

Autumn arrangements embrace texture and foliage:

• Dried Elements: Incorporating pampas grass, dried flowers, and preserved foliage for sustainable, textural arrangements.
• Seasonal British Blooms: Dahlias, chrysanthemums, Chinese lanterns, and late roses combined with autumn foliage.
• Foliage-Forward Designs: Arrangements that highlight the beautiful colours of autumn leaves and berries.
• Natural Elements: Incorporating mini pumpkins, crab apples, and other seasonal produce into table décor.

Venue and Styling Trends

Autumn venues that create a sense of warmth and intimacy are ideal:

• Historic Buildings: Castles, manor houses, and historic venues with fireplaces and rich architectural details.
• Barns and Rustic Spaces: These venues naturally complement autumn's earthy aesthetic.
• Woodland Settings: Taking advantage of autumn foliage for spectacular natural backdrops.
• Lighting Focus: Candles, fairy lights, and ambient lighting create warm, romantic atmospheres as daylight hours shorten.

Catering Trends

Autumn menus embrace warming, comforting flavours:

• Harvest-Inspired Menus: Game dishes, root vegetables, and mushroom-forward options celebrate seasonal abundance.
• Sharing Feasts: Family-style dining with platters of slow-cooked meats and seasonal sides create convivial dining experiences.
• Warm Desserts: Apple crumbles, sticky toffee pudding, and other comfort desserts served with custard or ice cream.
• Spiced Drinks: Mulled wine, spiced cider, and autumn-inspired cocktails featuring apple, pear, and cinnamon.

Winter Weddings: Elegant and Enchanting

Winter weddings (December through February) offer a magical atmosphere, the opportunity for festive elements, and often better availability and pricing at sought-after venues.

Colour Trends

Winter 2024 moves beyond traditional red and green towards more sophisticated palettes:

• Midnight Blue and Silver: A contemporary winter combination that evokes starry winter nights.
• Winter White and Gold: Classic, elegant, and festive without being overtly holiday-themed.
• Berry Tones: Deep burgundies, plums, and blackberry hues add rich colour while maintaining winter sophistication.
• Frosted Sage: A cooler take on this popular colour works beautifully for winter celebrations.

Floral and Décor Trends

Winter florals focus on texture and dramatic elements:

• Evergreen Elements: Incorporating pine, spruce, eucalyptus, and holly for fragrant, seasonal arrangements.
• Berried Branches: Red berry branches, white snowberries, and bare twigs create striking architectural elements.
• Luxurious Blooms: Anemones, ranunculus, hellebores, and amaryllis offer elegant winter flowers.
• Alternative Materials: Crystal, glass, velvet ribbons, and metallic elements complement or sometimes replace traditional florals.

Venue and Styling Trends

Winter venues that create a sense of shelter and celebration are most desirable:

• Candlelit Spaces: Historic buildings, restaurants, and hotels with permission for abundant candlelight.
• Transformed Ballrooms: Classical spaces with architectural details that provide elegant backdrops.
• Cosy Touches: Faux fur throws, velvet furnishings, and warming elements for guest comfort.
• Dramatic Lighting: Uplighting, projection mapping, and creative lighting design to transform spaces.

Catering Trends

Winter catering focuses on comfort and celebration:

• Elevated Comfort Food: Refined versions of winter classics like beef Wellington, roasts, and rich desserts.
• Interactive Elements: Raclette stations, chocolate fountains, and other interactive food features create memorable experiences.
• Hot Drink Stations: Boozy hot chocolate bars, coffee stations, and warming cocktails keep guests comfortable.
• Evening Treats: Late-night food stations featuring comfort foods like toasties, pies, or soup shots.

Year-Round Trends for 2024

Beyond seasonal specifics, several trends are influencing weddings throughout the year:

Sustainability

Regardless of season, eco-conscious choices are increasingly important to couples:

• Locally-sourced flowers and food
• Rental and reusable décor elements
• Digital or recycled paper invitations
• Donation favours in lieu of physical gifts

Personalisation

2024 continues to see couples moving away from wedding "templates" towards highly personalised celebrations:

• Custom monograms and graphic elements
• Storytelling elements throughout the event
• Personalised vows and ceremony components
• Meaningful cultural inclusions

Guest Experience

The focus on creating memorable experiences for guests remains strong:

• Interactive entertainment elements
• Thoughtful welcome gifts and comfort considerations
• Multiple food and beverage moments throughout the celebration
• Carefully curated music selections