What’s Your Wedding Vibe?
Find The Perfect Aesthetic for Your Big Day
Planning a wedding can be straight up overwhelming. And it all begins with a VISION. What is your vision? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daunting decision between dark + moody & sunny + sultry? This guide is the place to start -we’ll help you narrow down the infinite pool of wedding inspo into something more tangible, that feels like you.
Photography: Ginger Weddings
1. THINK SEASONS.
This may sound obvious, but the time of year you choose to get married significantly shapes the aesthetic of your wedding day. Are you a summer bride, with flowers blooming & fields galore? Or perhaps you’d like some fresh autumn air and cozy vibes? Most people have a gut feeling on what time of year they’re set on. If you’re unsure, here are some thoughts to help you decide:
Fall Weddings:
Early October to mid-November
For people who want a warm, cozy feel while still having good weather.
The sun is deep yellow & the sunsets are earlier, perfect for a sunset ceremony.
Beautiful foliage - yellow, orange, and red. Maybe even a pumpkin or two.
Not too hot, not too cold. Indoor or outdoor.
Winter Weddings:
Late November-Late March
For people who want an elegant white wedding, or a festive atmosphere.
Think restricted colour palettes - cozy faux fur, sparkly heels, and twinkling lights.
Early sunset, more intimate night-time atmosphere. Bright light during the day.
Most likely indoors, so choosing a nice venue is crucial.
Less chances of venues/vendors being fully booked.
Spring Weddings:
Early April-Mid May
For people who want flowers blooming, without the extreme summer heat.
Think pastels, cool cocktails, and the excitement of the beginning of the season in the air.
Less chances of venues/vendors being fully booked (compared to summer & fall)
Weather can be unpredictable.
Indoor or outdoor.
Summer Weddings:
Mid May-September
By far the most popular season. The safest bet for good weather & beautiful outdoor scenery.
Think sunshine, late sunsets, green grass & blue skies.
Vibrant colours, spritz in hand, and long, warm nights.
Indoor or outdoor.
Photography: Ginger Weddings. Venue: Sucrerie de la Montagne
2. THINK Indoor VS. outdoor.
Once you have determined the season in which you shall wed, the next question is whether it will be under the sky or under a ceiling. Or a mix of both. Outdoor ceremony, indoor reception? Completely outdoors? Cocktail hour under the stars? There are pros and cons for each.
INDOOR CEREMONY/RECEPTION:
The Pros:
Season is not a factor - available year-round.
No need to worry about rain.
Good for a modern, contemporary ambiance in a venue, or a lavish, classic look inside a religious structure.
Can set up decor early without worrying about weather.
The safest, lowest risk bet that will leave you stress-free.
Indoor reception means easier setup/logistics for caterers & vendors.
The Cons:
Lighting can be tricky if there are no windows - less good for photos.
Must choose a good-looking venue, or do more decorating to achieve the desired look.
Capacity restrictions are sometimes tighter.
OUTDOOR CEREMONY/RECEPTION:
The Pros:
Beautiful scenery, could be in a variety of locations to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Generally requires less decor, if the setting is already nice as it is.
More spacious, less restricted on number of guests.
Location possibilities are essentially endless.
Can be anywhere.
Outdoor structure like tents and outdoor dancefloors are possible.
The Cons:
Seasonal - dependent on the weather.
Quick set-up and take down of rentals and decor is usually necessary.
Risk of rain or turbulent weather.
If reception is outdoors, more setup & logistics for catering & vendors.
3. THINK COLOURS.
Choosing the season & setting for your wedding might have already given you some idea of a colour scheme. What colours make you feel the most you? Choosing your flowers, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, and other decor will come naturally when you find your perfect palette. Here are some of our favourites:
NEUTRALS:
White, beige, taupe
Spice things up with texture - think linen, satin, lace.
Florals like lillies, daisies, baby’s breath. Add some greenery as a touch of colour.
Matches everything. Bonus points if you ask guests to match the colour theme.
Think beachy, classic/contemporary, boho, modern, or minimalistic.
JEWEL TONES:
Deep yet vibrant - magenta, emerald green, teal, warm yellow, burnt orange.
Gives a warm feel to your wedding. Great for fall.
Silky, satin textures with a little shine.
Jewel-toned florals like purple dahlias, roses, anemone, dash of eucalyptis.
Think cozy, elegant, hint of dark & moody while still colourful.
PASTELS/MUTED COLOURS:
By far the most popular colour palette.
Pinks, purples, dusty rose, baby blue.
Matches well with everything, gives a light, romantic feeling.
Peonies, roses, baby’s breath…many floral options.
Works perfectly for summer or spring.
DARK & MOODY:
Deep red, dark violet…the ultimate sexy, mysterious, moody palette.
Works well for indoor weddings, in any season.
Intimate & cozy feel.
Roses galore
MONOCHROMATIC:
One colour, many shades.
A modern/unique look - for someone who wants something different but stylish.
Works well with a pink, beige, red, or any colour of your choice.
Any season works.
Photography: Ginger Weddings
4. THINK SCENERY.
The last major factor in the aesthetic of your wedding is the setting. Where will it be? Maybe you’ve narrowed down if it will be indoor or outdoors, but there are still so many different directions you can take it. Setting the scene will change the entire vibe of your wedding day. Here are some of our favourite settings:
OUTDOOR:
Beach - romantic, relaxed, breezy
Forest - enchanting, lush, serene
Vineyard - dreamy, elegant, rustic
Orchard: - rustic, cozy, youthful
Mountains: majestic, scenic, peaceful
Destination: exotic, exciting, memorable
Lakefront: charming, cozy, relaxed
Destination: exotic, exciting, memorable
Dessert: dramatic, sultry, scenic
Rooftop: modern, picturesque, classy
Farm: rustic, intimate, calm
Backyard: casual, carefree, comfortable
Garden: elegant, lavish, vibrant
Boat/Yacht: unique, glamorous, fun
Golf Club: contemporary, minimalist, classy
INDOOR:
Old Manor: charming, moody, sophisticated
Hotel: modern, classy, clean
Castle: grand, elegant, historic
Museum: unique, sophisticated, classic
Greenhouse: charming, botanical, vibrant
Destination: exotic, exciting, memorable
Barn: rustic, romantic, intimate
Warehouse: contemporary, stylish, edgy
Theatre: dramatic, artistic, unique
Aquarium: surreal, exotic, experience
Destination: exotic, exciting, memorable
Ballroom: grand, elegant, luxurious
Destination: exotic, exciting, memorable
Hall: versatile, blank slate, spacious
Hopefully with these suggestions in mind, you’ll be able to dream up the ultimate wedding in no time. Choose what feels true to you and enjoy the planning. The day is yours!
