Yep, we said it. Cottagecore weddings are coming in hot for 2021! An aesthetic that’s typically imagined in the countryside with gardens, greenery + flowy dresses is set, today, near a moody, hidden river. Among other things, this editorial proves that you don’t need a bright, summer day to absolutely nail the cottagecore look!
What is cottagecore?
Back when peasant tops + dresses were popping back into style, an aesthetic movement slowly crept on all media streams. It’s mainly a fashion concept that embraces a simpler existence – harmonious with nature. It’s a nod to the traditional English countryside style, romantic and nostalgic (i.e. Taylor Swift’s Folklore + Evermore albums). Visually, cottagecore looks like this: sourdough bread starters, foraged mushrooms, open meadows, freshly picked flowers, homegrown produce, knitting, baking pies, and, yes, rustic cottages. Best summed up by its description on Reddit: your grandma, but like, hip!
Why have a cottagecore wedding?
Cottagecore is all about the coziness at home and what could be a more perfect inspiration for your intimate wedding! Key aesthetic components are bringing natural elements indoors as decorative elements — think dried flowers, fresh flowers, houseplants — along with a natural color palette with neutrals and warm tones. A wedding in an open field or near a rustic cabin, Grandma’s vintage dishware for your reception, and for your fashion? Flowy dresses, floral patterns, flower crowns and straw hats. Cottagecore is also all about embracing sustainability, community + kindness – all words that are perfect for your wedding day.
A cottagecore wedding at Hidden River Barn
With stunning floor-to-ceiling- windows, surrounded by a rocky river, Hidden River Barn has the foundation for gorgeous celebrations. The planning + design team behind Stories Of Events put together the warmest inspiration with rich earth tones, cottagecore bridal styling and magical micro wedding designs. We’re smitten with this composition that not only showcases a new venue, but highlights the beauty of an intimate cottagecore celebration!
Textures we dream of, like velvet mustard and embellished beading, all sweetly captured by Sam Sparks Weddings. Let’s head over to the hidden river, because things are heating up.
Delicate, minimalist and modern type in this invitation suite by Lucy McSpirit Designs.
Embellished Beading on this Bridal Jumpsuit
Warm up with this beauty! Free standing floral displays from Olive Owl absolutely wow for this ceremony. The neutral flowers + pops of burgundy work magic against those unique windows.
This embellished jumpsuit will certainly be on our minds for the rest of the day. Week. Month.
Cottagecore Couple on the Hidden River
Here’s the hidden river! It’s oh-so romantic and we love the groom in that plum suit from ASOS.
And let’s talk about her second dress from Bowen Dryden! The 2021 Poem collection from Bowen Dryden is all organically sourced, naturally dyed, ethically made and biodegradable. Bowen Dryden is such an amazing find for you UK brides! For those of us here in the US, we rounded up a few of our fave gowns that would be perfect for a cottagecore wedding below:
Intimate Wedding Reception
Always repurpose gorgeous floral installations – like this one framing an earth tone-filled intimate wedding reception. Florals, vintage dishware and the warm tones. Such a dreamy cottagecore reception.
To demonstrate how gorgeous the lighting is at this new venue, there’s a romantic row of candlelight.
Cozy Up By Candlelight
All in the details, right? Tabletop decor from Event Crockery Hire.
Stunning sugar-crafted flowers and wedding cake created by The Little Kendal Cakery.
To demonstrate how truly magnificent intimate weddings can be, we’ve set you up with 13 pro planning tips!
Hello velvet dreams! Although it’s not conventional, this velvet mustard dress makes for a stunning wedding reception look – and the mustard color is PURE cottagecore vibes. This beautiful design is from Star Jasmine Studio.
Cottagecore is such a charming + simple aesthetic to add to your wedding day. And with all that’s going on in the world, it makes for a wonderful escape… Keep it simple, get in touch with nature + flowers, and create the cottagecore wedding of your dreams. Are any of you planning to include some cottagecore aesthetics in your big day?
Looking for more cottagecore inspo? We love checking out Cottagecore Dream and Cottagecore Black Folks on Instagram!
photography: Sam Sparks Weddings // venue name: Hidden River Cabins, Carlisle, Cumbria, UK // event design: Stories Of Events // planning: Stories Of Events // florals: Olive Owl Flowers // wedding dress: Bowen Dryden // wedding dress boutique: Fox Glove Brides // hair stylist: Daniella Ingle // makeup artist: Daniella Ingle // groom attire: ASOS // videography: Emma Ryan // paper goods: Lucy McSpirit // cake: The Little Kendal Cakery // tabletop rentals: Event Crockery Hire (plates and cutlery) // officiant: Hazel // models: Robyn and Tom // mustard wedding dress: Star Jasmine Studio // jewelry: Earthlinks Bridal