The Ash Barton Estate in North Devon reveal best season to marry

Summer is still the most popular (and expensive) season to get married in. However, more and more couples are opting for spring, autumn or even winter weddings but which is the best season to get married according to a wedding expert? We spoke to Simon Daukes, owner of The Ash Barton Estate located in Braunton, North Devon, to find out.

Simon tells us, "Spring officially starts in March and with its association of new beginnings it seems like the perfect time to tie the knot and start your new life together. There are also two bank holidays and an Easter weekend at this time of the year, which means you could enjoy a long weekend of celebrations. At this time of year, the gardens of venues spring into life, wildflower meadows burst into colour and pink blossom covers the trees. Outdoor wedding photographs are possible and flowers for your bouquet become readily available with anemones, marigolds, and lily of the valley all in bloom."

Simon continues, "When it comes to a colour theme, look to Easter for inspiration with pretty pastels like pink, yellow and blue for bridesmaids' dresses and table decorations. Or, keep it fresh and natural with green and white throughout. Bowls of sugar-coated chocolate eggs look great as table decorations and will go down a treat with your guests! An egg hunt in the grounds of the venue is always popular with the little ones."

"At this time of the year, the evenings are lighter, and the days are fresh but often sunny. It can rain regularly too so if you're opting for an outdoor wedding, make sure you can bring the ceremony inside at the last minute if there's a sudden spring shower."

Simon tells us, "If you're yearning for an outdoor wedding, the summer months are when you're more likely to enjoy glorious sunshine, warmer days and balmy evenings. Choose an outdoor venue that offers some shade too, such as a large tree or umbrellas. Nothing screams summer quite like Pimm's served in the garden as guests arrive. Offer jugs of water to keep everyone hydrated and consider your plentiful food options. Opt for an informal barbecause or a hog roast. A buffet of fresh salad, cheeses and cold meats follow by ice cream is a good choice too."

A summer wedding is the perfect time to indulge in colour. Simon recommends to, "Think bright red, fizzy orange, fuchsia pink and aqua blue. Big, bold flowers like hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, lilies, roses and sunflowersare all in bloom at this time so mix them with palm leaves for a tropical look."

Autumn is a beautiful season to get married. Simon explains, "The leaves on the trees turn orange and red and September can be pleasantly mild making this a popular choice. By the end of October and early November, there'll be a chill in the air so it's best to take the ceremony and celebrations indoors. With Halloween and bonfire night at this time of the year, you can have fun with your colour theme, decorations, food and drink. Opt for traditional warm colours like russet, burnt orange and honey for your bouquet and decorations. Many flowers are still available at this time of the year so mix them up with leaves, berries and even pumpkins for an autumnal feel. Consider serving a hearty wedding breakfast with local seasonal foods. Why not gather your guests around the firepit roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate? Finish the fun with fireworks and sparklers."

Finally, Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular, especially those that are held in the run up to Christmas and New Year. "Imagine getting married on New Year's Eve and starting your new lives together from then," Simon says. "Wedding venues look magical decorated with fairylights and candles. Combine your wedding with Christmas celebrations and serve mulled wine to guests as they arrive followed by turkey and all the trimmings. If you're lucky, you may see some winter sun or even a layer of snow which always makes for beautiful pictures. The key is to make sure that the venue is warm and cosy for guests with open fires and a pile of blankets or throws displayed in baskets."

To find out more and to book, visit https://www.ashbarton.com