There’s a point in August, regardless of what the summer weather has been, when you can feel the year in Northern Ireland is preparing to turn. It’s a subtle shift you can sense on the breeze, a change in the quality of the light through the clouds. For me, as a florist, the signal is even clearer: it’s when the first dahlias begin to arrive, bursting with the deep, jewel-like tones that belong only to autumn. It’s a feeling of incredible excitement, as it marks the beginning of one of the most romantic and soulful wedding seasons of all.

While summer has a wonderful vibrancy, autumn has a depth and a soulfulness that is truly captivating. It’s a season of texture, warmth, and the most incredible colour palettes that nature has to offer. If you’re planning an autumn wedding, you have chosen a season of pure, heartfelt romance.

Embracing the Autumn Palette

When we think of autumn, we often think of just orange and brown, but the reality is so much more nuanced and luxurious. The colours I get to work with are some of my favourites of the entire year. Imagine bouquets and arrangements filled with:

• Rich Jewel Tones: Deep burgundies, sumptuous plums, and rich raspberry reds.
• Earthy, Warm Hues: Muted terracotta, burnt orange, antique gold, and dusky pinks.
• Timeless Neutrals: Creamy whites, soft cappuccinos, and silvery greens that provide a beautiful, elegant contrast to the richer tones.

These colours look simply breathtaking against the backdrop of our historic venues and dramatic landscapes. They create an atmosphere that is instantly warm, welcoming, and incredibly sophisticated.

My Autumnal All-Stars

The flowers and foliage available at this time of year are all about character and texture. Some of the absolute stars of the show include:

• The Dahlia: Without a doubt, the queen of the late summer and autumn garden. From the huge, romantic dinner-plate varieties in soft 'Cafe au Lait' tones to the perfect, ball-shaped dahlias in deep reds and oranges, their versatility is unmatched.
• 'Antique' Hydrangeas: As summer fades, hydrangeas take on the most beautiful, muted colours. Think dusky mauves, deep greens, and rich burgundies. They add a wonderful sense of nostalgia and weight to any arrangement.
• Textural Treasures: Autumn is all about texture. I love incorporating things like delicate, white snowberries (Symphoricarpos), sculptural seed heads, and arching branches of bracken or autumnal beech foliage. These elements add movement and a touch of wildness that feels so right for the season.
• Roses: Of course, the classic rose is always beautiful, but in autumn, varieties in shades of toffee, caramel, and rust come into their own, providing that timeless floral shape in a distinctly autumnal coat.

Creating an Unforgettable Atmosphere

With these incredible materials, we can create a truly magical atmosphere for your day. Imagine walking down an aisle lined with wild, growing "meadows" of grasses, dahlias, and ferns, towards a stunning broken arch of autumnal branches and flowers that perfectly frames you as you say your vows.

For your reception, it’s all about creating intimacy and warmth. Long tables adorned with lush foliage runners, dotted with jewel-toned flowers and flickering candlelight, invite guests to settle in and celebrate. Even the smallest details, like a single perfect dahlia on your cake or a textural buttonhole with berries and foliage, help to tell that cohesive, romantic story.

Autumn is a season that encourages us to embrace warmth and togetherness, making it a truly special time to get married. If you're planning a wedding for this autumn or the next, I would be delighted to chat about how we can bring the unique magic of this beautiful season to your celebration.

David