Have you been dreaming of a whimsical woodland wedding? More and more couples are choosing unique surroundings for their nuptials, like the woods, instead of traditional venues. We love the rustic, woodland wedding trend! Earthy tones, floral accents and whimsical touches give this theme an enchanted, romantic feeling. From practicalities to styling tips, here we have all the inspiration you'll need to put together your own whimsical woodland wedding.
We spoke to David Rucker Photography to gain his advice on how to throw a whimsical woodland wedding. He said:
"Given the mad world we all seem to inhabit nowadays, there is something refreshing about simplifying things and returning back to nature.
It is entirely possible that you can construct a DIY wedding yourself with a little imagination and with new laws coming into effect, perhaps there has been no better time.
Despite being a small and crowded island, there are still a multitude of places you can choose to create a small intimate wedding leaving very little carbon footprint so its an all-round winner for your pockets and the environment. During lockdown, many organisations have lost considerable money so by thinking outside the box and contacting your local nature reserve or even National trust, it may be possible you get a five-star venue for a budget price.
Having lived in the rainforests of Borneo, photography is always the one area you should never compromise upon. As an Award-Winning Photographer, take it from me that mottled lighting found in dense woodland can be very difficult for the non-professional to capture, however when captured “perfectly" can produce the most dramatic and flattering of all light. That's why I think that woodland and outdoor weddings will be the next BIG trend for years to come.
The added advantage of immersing oneself in nature is to help everyone relax ensuring beautiful timeless memories which are natural, elegant and authentic."
Below, we have some inspiration on how to go about planning a whimsical, woodland wedding.
Where in the Woods?Â
There are many different woodland wedding venues out there. You can choose from indoor venues, such as barns, set against a woodland backdrop or have your ceremony outside right in the middle of the woods! Of course, an outdoor wedding in the UK always comes with the weather issue. Perhaps you could invest in a clear marquee. So, if the weather turns, you can still embrace the woodland setting while staying dry! If you don’t want your woodland wedding to end, make the most of the space and camp with your guests under the stars!
Just remember the practicalities of the space
Whimsical weddings can be wonderful but the space also needs to be workable. When looking for a woodland wedding venue make sure you consider the practicalities too.
The Wasing Estate in Berkshire has played host to many Woodland and Secret Walled Garden weddings and the team can guide you through what is provided for your special day and what you need to think about yourselves.
Many of these considerations may seem so basic they might not even cross your mind. For example, is there access to electricity and water, are there toilets on-site or do you need to hire your own? Parking and camping areas for guests should also be high up on the priority list - and don’t forget to check if your venue is licensed to sell alcohol and has the relevant insurances in place. Outdoor weddings offer multiple options for catering so ask if you can bring in your own food companies or if you need to use the venues authorised suppliers.
Consider the Time of Year
When booking a woodland wedding venue, carefully consider your wedding date. May – September is generally the most popular time of year for an outdoor wedding as you’re more likely to have warmer weather but it’s not guaranteed. The great thing about woods, is that they look beautiful anytime of year. An autumn wedding, with all the autumnal colours, would be very magical, while a winter woodland wedding can have a stark beauty!
No matter the season, make sure you visit your wedding venue around the same time of year. This gives you the opportunity to see the lighting throughout the day and the colours of surroundings in that particular season.
Reflect The Surroundings in Your Colour Palette
Before you even think about the whimsical touches you will use in your decor, get your colour palette sorted! Shape your colour palette based on the naturally occurring colors at your woodsy venue. This can include deep greens, earthy tones, bright wildflower colours or the ever-changing beauty of the sky. Once you have decided on the aspects you want to reflect in your colour palette, you can start choosing decor to match!
Even More Wood
Using wood doesn’t have to be limited to using trees as your backdrop! Styling your ceremony and reception with natural elements can help to create a consistent setting without detracting from the beauty of your surroundings. For example, tree trunk seating, tree bark decor or wooden signage to direct you guests in a way that reflects your venue.
Nature Everywhere
You can’t have a whimsical woodland wedding without using flowers and greenery! Woods and forests are naturally unkempt, so any decor that is too neat would look out of place. Consider using common woodland plants and greenery for your centrepieces, place settings, and other decorations. These can include berries, wildflowers, foliage, moss, pinecones or leaves! Also, these all make beautiful motifs for your stationery, such as invitations, favour bags or place cards.Â
Overgrown bouquets have been trending for a while now, but there’s no better place to carry one than a woodland wedding! Keep your wedding look as effortless as the landscape with an asymmetrical shape, mismatched, wild blooms, and dripping greenery.
Take the Indoors, Outdoors
While it’s great to reflect the natural surroundings, don’t be afraid to add some cosy touches!Â
Rugs are brilliant for woodland weddings. Line the aisle with some antique rugs – not only will they look stylish it will be easier to walk down! Also, consider outdoor lounge areas. Furniture can turn any corner of the woods into lounge seating, a dessert display, a photo booth, a drink station, a place to sign your guest book, or anything you can imagine! You could even have your wedding meal outside, with rustic wooden tables and chic dining accessories.Â
Add Some Whimsy to Your Outfit
For an outdoor theme, think about a bohemian chic wedding dress. A dress with a flowing shape in soft fabrics creates an effortless beauty with a touch of whimsy. This reflects the quaint and light theme often found in rustic and outdoor weddings. These dresses are detailed but understated with floral lace and embroidery, reflecting the natural element of this theme.Â
Also, a woodland wedding venue doesn’t really lend itself to 5-inch heels! So, perhaps think practically with a fun pair of flats, boots or even trainers! Another, always popular trend has been to top off your look with a flower crown. This fun addition will ensure that you look like a real woodland goddess on your big day!
Invite Some Woodland CreaturesÂ
Well, we don’t mean literally! While you can have owls as part of your big day, you might not want to make that statement. Simply use what you love about the forest to inspire you. Use figurines of deer, foxes, owls or any favourite woodland creature to top your cake as a sweet, whimsical detail. Integrate similar motifs into your wedding invitations, napkins, thank you notes and centrepieces.
Rustic and Vintage Touches
Whimsical woodland weddings are ideal for those who also love rustic and vintage things. Vintage treasures match this theme perfectly. For example, find a vintage screen and use it as a photo booth backdrop or use an antique chest of drawers for your bar. As for rustic touches, why not have some fun favours? Seedlings, wooden ornaments or little jam jars of goodies are all great ideas.
Extra Whimsical Touches
Need some more inspiration to help complete your dream whimsical woodland wedding? Trade-in traditional pews for bales of hay to make your ceremony seating fit with your theme. Or, as woodland venues can sometimes be a little dark, fill the trees with strings of lights to brighten things up and add a little ambiance. Adorable accents and personal touches are what completes a whimsical woodland wedding. And so many of these decor items are perfect for a DIY project!
Don’t Forget to be Practical!Â
A whimsical woodland wedding is meant to be enchanting and magical. However, this does not mean you can ignore the practicalities. These are just a few small points to consider, such as accessibility or weather concerns which require some thought or back up plans so your day isn’t ruined by a small hiccup!
