Each season brings a new set of things to consider when it comes to wedding planning and summer is no different! From preparing for warm weather to battling potential insect bites to deciding what food to serve, we talk tips for making your summer wedding a success…
Prepare for a range of weather conditions
Thanks to the British weather, wedding venues in Essex cannot guarantee what temperature you will be graced with on the day so it’s important to be prepared for any outcome. Many people seem to think that they want to see the blazing hot sun on their wedding day, but this requires more forward-thinking to ensure you and your guests are comfortable. Be prepared to provide parasols for shade, handheld fans for comfort, plenty of water for hydration and iced towels for some midday relief. On the other hand, rain and breezy conditions are still a possibility so ensure you have some provisions in place for those circumstances too. Remember British summertime brings with it bugs, so it can be a good idea to have some bug repellent and bite/sting cream available to yourself and your guests.
Choose a seasonal menu
Picking in-season ingredients is a great way to give a subtle nod to summer – and get the best-tasting dishes too! Working closely with your caterer is the best approach to get a menu of delicious dishes that are the perfect fit for summer; think light and fresh foods like smoked salmon blinis and tomato and mozzarella flatbreads, followed by grilled meats and risotto filled with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas. For dessert, you can never go wrong with fresh berries. You can also use your drinks offerings to have a little fun, for example, ice-lolly cocktails are a great talking point and way to cool down.
Make the most of the outdoors
Use your venue’s outdoor space to its full potential by incorporating it into all parts of your day. You can host an open-air drinks reception or enjoy al fresco pre-dinner nibbles. The outdoors is also fantastic to utilise for entertainment. Afternoon lawn games, such as croquet and skittles, can be fun for all ages. Gardens and outside spaces also make for beautiful wedding photos thanks to the abundance of natural light and interesting backdrops.
Pick a suitable outfit
It can be difficult to plan an outfit, especially for a specific occasion months in advance when you have no idea what the weather will be, so we say go with your heart. You’re never going to be able to guarantee the dress or suit you pick out will be suitable for that day so pick what you want. The best plan of action is to use the weather forecast to guide you closer to the time and add on easy to come by elements to your outfit. Perhaps you’ll add a shawl for a bit of warmth or a parasol for some shade from the sun.
We hope these simple tips will help you get ready for your summer wedding.