Creative Summer Wedding Ideas

Summer is the most popular time of year to say "I do" — and it's easy to see why! With warmer weather, longer days, and nature in full bloom, summer offers the perfect backdrop for a beautiful and memorable wedding. We've put together a mix of traditional and modern summer wedding ideas to get your creativity flowing and help you plan the ultimate summer celebration.

1. Serve cool canapes and snacks instead of something hot.

On a hot summer day, guests will appreciate lighter, refreshing canapés instead of hot appetizers. This stunning selection served at Gosfield Hall was a huge hit!

2. Have a barbeque or Hog Roast instead of a traditional roast or sit down meal.

Ditch the formal sit-down meal and offer a relaxed barbecue or hog roast instead. It encourages mingling and adds a casual charm — like this incredible hog roast by Premier Crew at Cressing Temple Barns, perfect for a medieval-themed wedding.

3. Outdoor games for your guests

Keep guests entertained with outdoor games like croquet or rounders at venues like Great Lodge, Bardfield, or lawn chess at Gosfield Hall. They're also a great way to keep children happy and involved.

4. Parasols are a great summer wedding idea

Protect your guests from the midday sun with beautiful lace parasols. They're practical and add a touch of romantic elegance to your day.

5. Flower crown for the bride

Nothing says summer quite like a floral crown! This stunning creation by Poppies Floral Design stayed looking fresh and fabulous all day long.

6. Seasonal Summer Flowers

Choosing in-season blooms not only keeps costs down but also creates maximum impact. The gorgeous flower arch at St Peter's & St Paul's in Black Notley beautifully complemented the church’s stunning wooden screen.

7. Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

If the weather allows, an outdoor ceremony can be magical. Just ensure your venue, like Prested Hall, Gosfield Hall, or The Old Rectory, has an indoor backup plan—this is Britain, after all !

8. Ice Cream Van

Treat your guests to a traditional ice cream dessert! Companies like J B Ices are perfect for a fun and cooling treat after your meal.

9. Afternoon Tea

What’s more British — or more perfect for summer — than a charming afternoon tea? Prested Hall offers an absolutely delicious one we can highly recommend!

10. Pastel Colour Themes

Summer is ideal for soft pastel palettes. Whether you opt for a single shade or a rainbow of colors, the effect is timeless and elegant.

11. Sun Glasses

Give your guests stylish sunglasses to protect against the bright sun. Bonus: they make for fantastic, playful photos!

12. Outdoor Bouquet Toss

Take advantage of the fine weather and host the bouquet toss outside — no worries about hitting any low ceilings!

13. Feed The Birds

If your venue, like Langtons House, has a pond or river, providing birdseed for guests to feed ducks or swans adds a fun, photo-worthy moment. Just be sure to supervise little ones around water features!

14. Outdoor First Dance

Celebrate your first dance under the open sky. A balmy summer evening provides the perfect romantic setting.

15. Outdoor Drinks Reception

Start the festivities outdoors with a relaxed drinks reception. Five Lakes in Colchester offers a lovely wooden veranda that's ideal for sipping and socializing in the sun.

16. Naked Wedding Cake

A naked wedding cake adorned with seasonal fruits, like this beauty at Leez Priory, is a light, colourful, and very "summer" alternative to traditional icing-heavy cakes.

17. Golden Hour Photography

Don't miss the chance for golden hour photos! The soft, warm light just before sunset creates breathtakingly beautiful and flattering wedding portraits.

Why not read some of our other blog posts like "8 Ideas To Help You Choose Your Wedding Theme" or "14 Ideas For Your Wedding Colour Theme" to continue your wedding planning journey.

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