Planning The Perfect Summer Wedding

There’s no more beautiful time of year to tie the knot than in the summer, and there’s no surprise that it’s the most popular time of year for couples to say ‘I do’. That’s why it pays to start planning your summer wedding in the depths of winter so your big day runs without a hitch.

Keep it cool

Choose sheer and flowing fabrics for everything from your bridesmaids’ outfits to the groom’s suit. A bride should look radiant on her wedding day, not hot and sticky. Silk is a beautiful choice for a summer wedding, and don’t be afraid to experiment with a looser cut or a shorter length for your dress. Your groom will look cool and immaculate when he opts for a linen suit. Summer really is the perfect time for a white wedding, so keep it fresh with pops of sunflower yellow – the ideal flower for a summer bouquet as it’s so heat resistant – pale pink or cornflower blue.

Make sure there’s plenty of iced water and cool juices available alongside well chilled wine, craft beer and cocktails, particularly during the reception. Try to plan a smart timeline so you minimise the amount of time you and your guests spend out of the cooling shade – perhaps a sunset ceremony with an evening reception to follow.

Be thoughtful

Making a summer wedding work is about being thoughtful so that you and your guests enjoy the day in comfort from start to finish. Pick a light and refreshing menu highlighting seasonal produce, with plenty of salads and small bites and perhaps grilled chicken or fish. A summer wedding is a wonderful opportunity to cater for any guests with special dietary requirements by making summer fruit and vegetables the star.

Choose wedding favours that will keep you and your guests comfortable. Gorgeous paper parasols or fans will keep you all cool and make a lovely reminder of the day, while everyone will thank you if there’s sunscreen and a citronella candle on each table. Make sure the sun doesn’t turn you from a blushing bride into a red-faced one by using a moisturiser or foundation with an SPF.

Setting the scene

It’s essential that you choose and book your ideal venue as quickly as possible. An indoor venue with extensive grounds is a clever choice for a summer wedding as your guests will be able to seek shade with ease, and you’ll have the option of choosing a marquee in the grounds for your wedding breakfast or evening reception.

Once you’ve chosen your venue, don’t forget the save the date cards. Make sure your announcement is far enough in advance that your guests can plan their summer holidays accordingly.

Colwick Hall is a gorgeous Palladian mansion, the ancestral home of Lord Byron, that offers a range of summer wedding packages. The beautiful facade is the ideal backdrop for your wedding photos and this flexible venue has packages that can be tailored to your exact needs, from an intimate boutique wedding to exclusive use of the Hall for the wedding of your dreams.

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