Summer weddings are often a challenge, particularly if you’re planning one anywhere in the UK. While you might have a stunning day filled with sunshine, you could also be facing torrential downpours. So while we encourage you to head into summer wedding planning with endless optimism, it doesn’t hurt to have backup plans in place.

If you’re planning a summer wedding for 2022 or 2023, you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing some of our favourite tips for planning a stunning summer soiree that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Embrace the outdoors

The best part of a summer wedding is the opportunity to embrace the outdoors. Nature provides the perfect backdrop for your big day, so you don’t have to spend as much on venue dressing and flowers.

Embracing the outdoors also means your guests will have more room to eat, drink, dance and have fun. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, consider inviting a food truck or mobile drinks trailer, like EW Bar Co. You can also plan fun outdoor activities such as wedding-themed mini golf from Putt Party.

Choosing a food truck over a buffet will also help you to avoid having food sitting out for too long. Food will always be cooked to order, so no one has to wonder if they should risk it with the coleslaw that has been sitting out in the sun.

BBQ

The first type of food we think about when summer comes around is a BBQ feast with family and friends. Having a super casual dining option works really well with any style of wedding, and the option of having a BBQ gives you a huge amount of flexibility. The best caterers now will be able to personalise your menu, tailoring it to the dietary requirements of yourself and your guests.

Check out one of our wonderful suppliers HOGIT. They specialise in Hog Roasts and BBQ Catering for weddings, parties, festivals, and corporate events. Based in Colchester, this catering team offer flexible dining solutions for both weddings and events in Essex and London and can feed up to 300 hungry guests.

When you choose HOGIT as your party, event, or wedding caterers, you can pair their sizzling Hog Roasts with an array of sumptuous sides, including their flavour-packed salads, potato dishes, crunchy crackling, and an array of sauces.

We think this is simply perfect for any Summer wedding.

Prepare for the worst

While you might be holding out for sunshine, you should always prepare a backup option in case of rain. Planning your wedding around a blank canvas wedding marquee is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the best of both worlds.

County Marquees offer a selection of stunning marquees and tipis that will allow you to enjoy the glorious summer weather or shelter from a downpour. If you’re planning a summer wedding outdoors, then including a marquee or backup plan is quite simply essential.

Go bold and bright

Summer calls for bold and bright colour schemes and tropical accents. If you’re using nature as your backdrop, then take cues from this to introduce greenery into your colour scheme. Other popular summer colour schemes include beachy boho vibes, with tropical coral or pale pink.

Keep it cool

You might be caught out with a heatwave, so be prepared to provide a way for your guests to keep cool. Paper fans as wedding favours are an excellent way to keep guests cool during the festivities. You could also provide ice-cold refreshments for the adults, and ice pops for the children. If you’re planning to be outdoors during the hottest part of the day, it’s also a great idea to provide sunscreen for those who might forget.

Choose lighter fabrics

No one wants to feel like a sweaty mess on their wedding day. Whatever you decide to wear, choose lighter fabrics such as linen, chiffon or crepe. And when you’re choosing your heels, make sure you steer clear of stilettos. These will sink into the grass, so a block heel or flat shoes would be a much better choice.

Go for an up-do

Another simple way to keep cool during your big day is to keep your hair off your neck. Speak to your hairstylist about your options for an up-do to help keep you cool and relaxed. Including flowers in your hair is an excellent way to embrace the summer theme. Bridal Hair By Jennie can help you to achieve the perfect romantic look that is practical as well as stylish.

Choose hardy blooms

If you’re going to get married in summer, you should be prepared for the possibility that your flowers will wilt much faster in the heat. You can either choose sturdy flowers that will withstand the heat. When you aren’t holding your bouquet, keep it in a vase of water to maintain the fresh look for longer. If you can keep them in a fridge, that would be even better.

Gin Bars

Gin has become a huge trend over the past few years, with every summer that approaches, many of us Gin lovers are eager to find out what new flavours and brands will be popping up this year. A Gin bar is a great way to offer a summery beverage option to your guests, who I'm sure will be hugely grateful.

Multiple Photoshoots

Summer weather can be unpredictable, so find a photographer who can be flexible throughout the day. If you have an unexpected downpour when you’re supposed to be taking your wedding photos, don’t panic. Simply wait for the showers to pass and then make the most of the glorious light after the rain clouds have cleared. If you have to postpone wedding photos until later in the day, you might want to take photos without the flowers if they have already wilted.

Need some guidance planning your summer wedding? Get in touch to find out how we can help!

Debbie & Becca x