There's something deliciously decadent about purple. Perhaps it's the association with royalty, maybe with Eastern lands and fabrics - rich heavy taffetas and silky velvets...perhaps it's the bountiful supply of rich berries provided by mother nature in their varying shades of violet each Autumn...

Whatever it is...I like it.

And while lavender and lilac tones are soft, delicate and pretty - I love the vibrancy of plum. Sometimes almost blueish black, sometimes raspberry red - it's such a versatile colour.

I think Brides often steer clear of purple, due to the Cadbury toned shade that graced weddings of the 90s. But I think that's a shame. Let's bring back deep purple, it's Autumn time people - it's time to go darker with our colour choices.

Gloriously rich, deep and decadent, plum is the perfect colour for injecting a touch of luxury into your big day.

So we begin where many wonderful Bridal journeys begin - with Vera Wang. Words cannot begin to describe how much I love this gown. You can almost hear the layers of fabric swish just looking at it! In all honesty, not many of us will be wearing a coloured gown for their wedding day - but it doesn't mean we can't stare...

And if you're lucky enough to be wearing Wang - we're suitably jealous.

Perhaps an easier way to incorporate plum into your Bridal look is with your make up. Sultry and oh so sexy, a plum lip and a smoky eye are a striking combination. Pair with minimal jewellery, a knock out gown and you're away. For a great smoky eye tutorials, have a look here and here.

For darker shades of make up, preparation is key - find a base or primer you love and that holds well and opt for matte, rather than glittery tones. This keeps it's sophisticated and mysterious, rather than youth club disco.

Dark nails are also an easy way to embrace plum and look great against ivory, white, champagne - even pastels and blush tones.

Details wise - it couldn't be easier. How stunning does white print look against dark card? Gold would also work beautifully here. Flowers for the centrepieces can be as dark as you like - picturing a table covered in purple ranunculus and ivory candles in gold candelabras is making me go weak at the knees.

Seeing as we're talking fruit - why not have plum chutney or jam as favours? I know it's nothing new, but a mini glass jar of preserve is one of my all time favourite favour ideas.

Another easy (and not scary) way to include a bold colour in your day is with gifts for guests like pashminas for cold shoulders and flip flops for tired feet. A tried and tested present for people that always goes down well.

I've mentioned gold already, but it works so wonderfully with plum, I'm going to mention it again. Seriously, how decadent does the golden chalice filled with fruit look in the image above? The gold slider plate looks stunning too.

I think table decor is the part of your wedding where you can really be brave and bold with colour and details. Perhaps even the lighting? Who wouldn't want to dine outside in a some sort of purple hazy heaven?

And then there's the food and drink. Plum, blackberries, red currants, black currants, cherries - all unbelievably delicious flavours and colours. Berries work with savoury food, sweets and cocktails AND make such a pretty garnish. Best of all, if you matching your menu to the season makes it more cost effective (and dare I say it, taste better too!)

But plum doesn't have to dominate - I've chosen a selection of floral images where plum is used but very subtly.

I don't know what is is about an Autumnal bouquet, but it just appeals to me a on a different level to a bunch of summer blooms. There's a certain wildness, a certain wisdom about flowers and plants at the turn of the season. If that makes any sense to you (!) you'll probably love our RMW Editorial The Fall.

Then onto the bouquets. There's nothing 'wise' about this pair - they are just simple beautiful. And the vintage looking ribbons tied around the one on the right are divine. I'm in love. That, and the Wang - and I'd be a happy girl forever.

And finally, to sartorial choices for the wedding party. Maids in plum and aubergine look gorgeous. It's a fact. Whether they are fair, dark, blonde or brunette or russet toned...it's a shade for everyone. Our Fashion Pack members have great choices too. There's the vintage cut in crepe from Nancy Mac, the sweet one shouldered number from Maids To Measure and the glorious grecian maxi from Twobirds.

If your Groom is a fashion savvy gentleman, why not see if he'd like to opt for plum in his outfit? He might never have considered it before, but I think you'll agree both gents above cut a very dapper figure. I love the combination of a heather grey blazer with plum slim fit trousers too.

So, there you have it. Plum for one and all.

Is purple your colour of choice for your wedding day? Are any of your decor details similar to those above?

And does anyone have any delicious plum jam recipes?

Lots of love,

Fern x