Fields of Gold: Design a November Wedding Full of Natural Beauty
In many parts of the country — and in our storybook New England vision of the seasons — November's a funny month.After all, it doesn't truly belong to autumn or winter. And as a period all its own, it poses a special challenge when it comes to designing a wedding that's informed by the natural world.
On the whole, Fall's flame-red oak leaves and pumpkin oranges are just too noisy for November. And that formal blanket of white we associate with winter, and pair with jewel tones in weddings? That's not quite right either.
True, this month might have its share of snow. But what most of us visualize is something more like this: fields of golden grasses, barely brushed at the top by the promise of snows to come. For those who love monochromatics, November's a rich visual feast without an ounce of excess.
So, if you want your November wedding to retain a seasonal feel, and not resort to fuchsias and oranges just for lack of options, here's some ideas to get you started.
Capturing the Colors
Bright white says "winter." Rustic says "fall." But neither of these are the perfect fit for November.So, what does look gorgeous? Combining shiny and luxurious materials with the rustic. Skip the maple leaves and pine branches, but get busy with a mainly monochromatic landscape. Start with ivory, and progress through cream, wheat and gold to latte and mocha brown. This forms a beautiful basis that we all instinctively see as native to the season.
But don't cling too tightly to this palette, because a few accents will bring out its dimensions. So just barely hint at the season to come, by adding a touch of cranberry or hunter green, or the season we just left behind, with dollops of mango or pale green.
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Feathered Finery
A beautiful ivory gown in Peau de soie satin sets the stage for the rest of your palette. Adventurous, yet picture-perfect fascinators or hairpins that weave in cream-colored feathers with the look of just-blown cotton add a powerful dash of seasonal romance.The groom will make a perfect match in a mocha or latte-colored vest and tie, with a boutonniere that combines a single ivory rose with ryegrass or seed pods. As for bridesmaids, they'll look stunning in reds or toned-down browns, like cranberry, mocha or cinnamon.
Pre-Winter Eats
The rich and filling foods of winter are a great match for the November wedding. Serve a tangy cranberry margarita as your signature drink. With dinner, have the waitstaff pour golden late-season wines, like Gewurztraminers and Rieslings. And with the cake, a special ice wine will perfectly set off its sweetness.
Post-Fall Florals
Ivory hydrangeas are the ideal blooms for November weddings. But don't stick too close your monochromatic scheme, here; florals are a perfect place to sneak in accents. Hint at fall with orange-colored Leonidas roses and mango callas, dried grasses, fiddleheads or bittersweet vines. Your golds will look all more golden in contrast.A Delicate Balance: Tables
While the perfect November table takes some of its character from nature, the foundation should be pure luxury. Bypass those ordinary, too-white linens for beautifully patterned damasks (don't forget the napkins!) in ivory and cream. Give the room a little more interest by dressing up a portion of your chairs in gold sashes, and some in mocha or copper.But against all this opulence, add back a bit of nature: a spring of dried wheat in each napkin, or gold-painted pears or apples on a tray.
I am renewing my wedding vows and have decided on chocolate and burgundy for the colors, does anyone have any good ideas for flowers to match these colors.
Tina,
If you are using a florist, check with them on seasonal flowers in your colors. Roses would be beautiful, you can also buy them in bulk at fifty flowers website. They have many other types flowers in your color.
I am 52 and having a outdoor wedding at a man made lake with bridge halfway across. I am having trouble deciding on colors. I want a fall themed weddding. I choose ceramic pumpkins for the tables so far ! Thats all I have purchased at this time. Also I need ideas for what kind of appetizers to serve. Its warm here in Nov.
Donna,
The same tips apply to all settings. Look to the colors in foilage and blooms at location. I lvoe the idea of fall colors. Here are some weddings to look thru, to see what colors you lean to the most. The first color that popped in my head was burgundy or cranberry. Adding the mix of fall colors in bouquets etc.
* fall wedding ideas
* autumn wedding ideas
Let me know what particular colors you lean to, any faves? If so, let me know and we can narrow some color schemes down for you.
Donna,
Look at this…wow!
* pot of gold 1
* pot of gold 2
* team spirit / true love
Donna,
Almost forget some appetizer ideas. Think fall goodies.
Mini quiches
mini apple pies
fruits and veggies/dips
finger sandwiches
bacon wrapped green beans
mini pumkin cheesecakes
or spice cake or sweeta potato pies
cheese ball with crackers
You could also have biscuits or rolls with an array of carved meats like turkey, roast beef etc.
Wanna take the biscuit idea to the next step? Go holidayish with mini stuffing cups( in cupcake liners), cranberry sauce, bacon wrapped green beans( recipe online and they are fantastic), with an assortment of desserts, add potato salad and macaroni salads.
Dont want to go with loads of different things? Do what my daughter did and have gumbo or a warm soup or stew with assorted breads and crackers. Add fruit trays with dips, have a beverage station of coffee, hot cocoa, etc. Even if the temp is warm you can bring some seasonal dishes out. Make sure any thing with mayo etc. in it you will have appropriate containers to be it chilled or warmers for warm food.
Loads of ideas on the outdoor food appetizers…
Ok I finally bought a dress, its chocolate ! Now I’m having a problem deciding on what color for the groom etc. to wear !
Thanks
Donna,
You can go in several directions. have him in chocolate as well with tie and vest in champagne or cream. Some brides have their grooms in all cream or white. You could have in in classic black with a great brown tie with fall colors mixed in like paisley. Or have him in classic black with simple brown tie/vest( which looks great together). Other options I have seen is khaki which looks very nice for a informal or semi formal wedding, you could even have him in brown slacks, khaki jacket, brown tie.
* see this
Donna,
* check this out
* brown and black…
I would talk to the groom to see what he is more comfy in. Personally I love the classic black with brown tie or the khaki with brown.
My dad wants to walk me down the aisle but I have 2 sons that I would like to do it, is there a way i can have all three.
Donna,
In this case you will let for example: your sons walk you halfway down the aisle and your dad would meet you and lead you the rest of the way…or vice versa the dad then the sons. Or they can lead in front of you and wait for you at the front and then gather around you and when asked who gives this bride they can all say “we do”.
hi,
my wedding is on november too. I have never thought of any color or theme aside from floral (since my wedding is initially scheduled summer). I want a bouquet of gerbera daisies, also for cakes, invitations, etc. I am still not sure what it would look like in an indoor venue. What can you say? Please help.
Katee,
Could I see your venue? It will help to see what colors that would be best. Thanks!!
dear stacey,
here are the photos of our venue. i just got this from the venue’s website, with sample decorations. I am excited to hear your ideas. Thank you.
Katee,
Gerber daisies will work very well.
* see this
* inspiration for ashley
* gerber daisy centerpieces
Are there any colors you like? It would help narrow down choices.
stacey,
wow, thank you for the links! I think i will go with the colors of the gerbera daisies. You see, it is really hard for me to choose colors (laughs), but i also like white and purple and green. Do i sound really clueless now? hahaha..
Katee,
This would be stunning to use…
* gerbera wedding flowers
* centerpiece flowers
* I really love this one….
You could always do a purple and red gerbera daisy wedding too.
dear stacey,
Now i know what i want.
I love your links. You are a genius! My wedding will look great because of your help. Million thanks! 
dear Stacey,my wedding is Nov this year,i’m planning to have light blue and white colour for flower girls and the venue hope it will be okey for that time,while my sending off part will be chocolate and cream…
thank you
Sarah
Sarah,
A combo of blue, white and brown is stunning and perfect for a Nov. wedding. You could consider having a touch if blue in the reception area too, possibly in the programs, menus, etc. by using blue ink or a light blue border on white orcream cardstock with a chocolate ribbon.
hi stacy,
I’m having hard time to get a wedding theme on my wedding september 2011. I like gold color but i’m looking another color to match with. My boyfriend is an indian so that’s why i’m confused what is my wedding concept. Can you suggest something good and memorable concept.
Thank you.
Jhenn,
Can I get a look at your venue link or pic? I can see what colors compliment. Is he of India or native american heritage? Also do you have certain things you love to do, a favorite era, place, colors, food, etc. It can also help with a theme. It really personalizes the wedding when you attach your lifestyle and personal interests to it.
I am also having a wedding in November 2011 but in Mexico City! I am so undecided about a color! My sister suggested royal blue and gold but I am worried blue is too wintery for November! It is an indoor venue as well. I do like the golds but with what color! I want it to be simple yet classy!
Allie,
Do you have a venue pic or link? So I can see how the colors will work. Thanks!!
So this is a pic of the venue from a wedding in December. The walls and drapes scream fall! LOL
Allie,
Have you thought about burgundy or red and gold? Possibly mixed with plum? What about black and cream? Any of those colors would work. Or simple gold and white.
Allie,
* try this ( the pics with fallish colors like reds and oranges on gold linens)
* and look at this
If you are looking for simple and classic, sticking with classic colors are a must to achieve the look. Traditional classy is white either paired with gold or silver or black. I wouldn’t overthink the colors, go with something very simple. You can’t go wrong with white with wrought iron in bronze, black, or gold. Then have white napkins and pull in matching napkin rings. I would hands down choose white with wrought iron, it fits the room and gives a touch of Mexico!! If you dont care for these ideas please let me know and I will look further!! Are there any colors that you prefer, jot em’ down and I will go through them and see what works!!
Ok, so I am leaning towards cranberry (deep red), gold, and a hint of burnt orange. My other main problem is the linens are white. So I am looking for ways to add color to the table. Possible colored napkins rings or a wide ribbon as a runner? I loved the pics you sent with the reds and oranges!
Allie,
You could always have overlays. They would be perfect over the white linens. You could use champagne/gold linens over the white tablecloths then have the burst of color florals as centerpieces. Champagne chair covers would be nice too.
Like this wedding…
See this one too
Hi Stacey
im getting married in November 2011, my colour im going for is green and gold, my dress would be white and the guys suites would be black, im a bit nervous and wanting to know if this is a good combination and wondering what them can i go by. its an indoor reception.
Deidre,
It is a good combo…here is an example board. I put the bridal party in black too. Classy and elegant with this colors scheme. Gold as accent.
Deidre,
Would be happy to take a look at the venue link.
I like the style u went by, really elegant. By these colours that i chosen what theme can i go by, im a bit confused and not sure. by partner doesnt want something to formal but then again i just want something that would be beautiful. Il be going to the venue next and il be taking pics and send it to you.
Deidre,
Looking forward to your reply!!
Hi Stacey
Im getting married in November 2011. My colours are olive green and Gold. The Guys will be wearing black suits and green under garmet and the groom will be black suite and gold under garmet.
Im a bit confused what is more elegant for the men Corsages of Pocket Hanki?
The bridesmaid dresses are olive green.
I was thinking of a theme Summer Elegance what do you think?
Regards.
Deidre
Deidre,
I think the pocket hankie would be great. I am partial to those anyway.
what colors would you suggest for the venue?
Rolicia,
Do you have a pic of the venue or link? I may have talked to you on the chocolate brown wedding site.
I’m having a wedding 11-11-11 at a wine vineyard. The inside is gorgeous with dark wood everywhere and a fireplace as the vocal point. You can see the nature out of the surrounding windows… I’m looking for a color scheme and what to do with decorating. I absolutely love red, and dusty things with gold shimmer. Any ideas ???
Paige,
* what about something like this
*More of the wedding
I saw this wedding and knew it would look amazing in the venue you described. Isn’t it amazing?
Hi Stacey
I am getting married next January 2011. Our plan is a garden wedding, can you suggest what kind of theme wedding? is it ok a butterfly theme wedding? can u suggest what colors for my bridesmaid, maid of honor and flower girls? Could you assist me with pic’s, moodboards, centrepieces, etc.
Thanks
baby
Baby,
Coudl I see a pic or link to your venue? Also the colors that you lean too? I was thinking of winter mixed with whimsy. Like white feathers in bouquets and sparkling white butterflies, perched on branch centerpieces, surrounded by white candlelight. Use more of a platinum and white color scheme. Have guys dressed in black, and girls dressed in platinum. A edible white glitter wedding cake, a diamond butterfly brooch on ringbearer pillow ( with feathers). Just make it enchanted winter garden wedding.
Help!! I can’t decide on colors for my 11-5-11 daytime wedding!! We want a “November feel” to the theme without using “fall” items (pumpkins, leaves, etc). The ceremony is outside, reception inside, both at an Antebellum mansion. The inside is warm, darker neutrals and the reception hall’s colors are ivory and a pale gold. The only problem is my fiancé is in LOVE with a dark and light gray tux with a “Great Gatsby” feel to it and we both love it for him and his groomsmen. How can I make colors work and any idea on a simple theme that can pull it all together???
Robin,
Actually having a vintage theme at this setting would be perfect. Why not use a red and gray color scheme. That would look amazing! Use more of a deep red, red is universally flattering on skintones. Think candelabras with red roses for the centerpieces, deep red dresses, guys in the sharp looking great gatsby suits, the jewel tone would pull in a vintage appeal and red is commonly found in past eras.