country house wedding venues - summer wedding guide
DESCRIPTION
We have created a downloadable summer wedding guide just for you. It's our way of helping you plan the special day you've always dreamed of. From vibrant colour palettes, suitable themes and beautiful bridesmaid dresses for sunny days, to delicious summertime dishes, seasonal flowers and the hottest honeymoon destinations, it is full of ideas, trends and inspiring suggestions.TRANSCRIPT
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 1
SUMMER
FLORIST
SecretsJay Archer Floral Design
top flower picks
HONEYMOONdestinations
luxury10UKOUTDOORwedding venues
DreamySummerWEDDINGPALETTES
guide
An expert guide brought to you by
Welcome
Congratulations!
Your engagement is wonderful news and a time for great celebration. The next step on this exciting and incredibly special journey is planning your wedding, and Country House Wedding Venues is here to help you every step of the way.
If you have always dreamed of a romantic and memorable summer wedding, this bespoke guide is a must. Full of ideas, trends and inspiring suggestions, our wedding venue specialists have come together to compile a dedicated guide for summer weddings. From vibrant colour palettes, suitable themes and beautiful bridesmaid dresses for sunny days, to delicious summertime dishes, seasonal flowers and the hottest honeymoon destinations, this guide will help you plan that all important big day.
With top tips on getting married outdoors, including some of the best and most loved UK summer wedding venues, handy hints on how to do it in style and advice on the necessary legal bits, after reading this guide you’ll be 100% ready to get started on organising that stunning summer celebration.
Have fun, and remember that we are just a phone call away.
The CHWV team x
04 STYLING A SUMMER WEDDING Providing you with the right styling for your wedding day.
06 BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Top bridesmaids styles for a summer wedding.
07 GETTING MARRIED OUTSIDE All the legalities you need to know.
08 DREAMY SUMMER WEDDING PALETTES The right colour scheme for your big day.
10 OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES 10 of the UK’s best venues.
14 RUSTIC WEDDING FEAST Top 8 ideas to inspire you!
16 FLORIST SECRETS
18 LITTLE BLACK DRESS The best dressed guest.
19 STYLE TIPS FOR GROOMS T.M.Lewin provides expert advice for grooms this summer.
20 SUMMER THEMES
22 LUXURY HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS Original Travel’s top destinations this summer.
CONTENTS
0418
06
19
10
Cover shot courtesy of Studio Rouge
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 3
Our ContributorsWe would like to say a massive thank you to our wonderful contributors, who have kindly agreed to impart their wisdom on to you.
Twobirds Twobirds was founded on the premise that being a bridesmaid doesnʼt have to mean forgoing style, and that a bridesmaid can not only be happy for the bride on her special day, but happy that she looks so fabulous! twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk
T.M.Lewin Every T.M.Lewin suit is spun from the finest quality fabrics. Our range caters for every sartorial style – from traditionally British to the more contemporary – and is complemented by an extensive range of knitwear, outerwear and essential accessories. tmlewin.co.uk
Kalm Kitchen Event catering is personal, we never forget that every event is unique and special whether it is a wedding or a celebration party or a product launch. kalmkitchen.co.uk
Jay Archer Floral Design My award-winning style is natural, abundant and eclectic with an emphasis on home grown, seasonal and locally sourced flowers with quirky textures and old-fashioned scents. Working closely with you, I take the time to understand your style and taste and the look you’re trying to achieve. Your arrangements will be completely unique; personalised with little details that your guests will instantly recognise as ‘you’. jayarcherfloraldesign.com
Original Travel Original Travel is a creative travel company which takes a thoughtful approach to creating tailor-made luxury honeymoons to fulfil your needs perfectly. The team use personal insights and exceptional knowledge of destinations worldwide to craft trips. originaltravel.co.uk
Taylor Lynn Corporation TLC is one of the leading event organisers in the UK with an enviable depth of event experience and creativity. tlc-ltd.co.uk
Little Black Dress Little Black Dress, home to the world’s finest collection of LBDs and dresses for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a chic LBD inspired by Coco Chanel, or a glamorous gown fit for the red-carpet elite, you’ll find it here. littleblackdress.co.uk
Diary of an Honest Woman Diary of an Honest Woman is just that, my honest account, opinions, tips and musings on not only wedding style but fashion style, home style and life style. diaryofanhonestwoman.com
Liz Taylor, Managing Director of UK and European wedding planners, Taylor Lynn Corporation www.tlc-ltd.co.uk, advises on how to create
a big impact on your wedding day.
STYLINGSummer
Cocktails more your thing than wine and champagne? Serve them from a pop up bar in your venue’s ground such as a VW camper or even a converted double decker bus. Think about bringing the feel of a local pub to your big day with a mobile old school ‘inn’ serving the refreshments on tap. For your wedding cake go for an upside down cake with tiers scaling large to small, use a cake of bright bold coloured cupcakes, or just abandon tradition, and offer a pick’n’mix selection instead! Whatever you decide make sure it’s personal to you both and enjoy the day!
The only rule to going off piste and celebrating your day in a non-traditional way is - the ‘sky’s the limit’! If you include the phrase ‘mismatched’ into your plans - you’ll be off to a great start – whether it’s crockery, drinks, cutlery, bride and groom outfits, lighting or food, go for whatever takes your fancy.
OFFPISTE
BARNS
CAKE
Hold your wedding on a farm and serve the guests afternoon tea from vintage mismatched
crockery? Woodland weddings are becoming more popular with couples choosing a magical,
forest setting to take their vows – and then partying in the nearest barn conversion!
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Vintage Glam
© Steve Gerrad Photography
© Ginny Marsh Photography
© Ross Harvey Photography
Passion For Flowers
clock barn
The Botonist© Jay Cain Photographer
© Etsy.com
© New Forest Studio
CAKE
Plan your dream wedding for 2015 and take advantageof some incredible late availability offers at some
of our most beautiful venues. Visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/offers
Bridesmaids dresses
dressesBRIDESMAID
Platinum grey has been incredibly popular this
year and timeless neutrals will never date.
We’re also seeing more and more couples opting
for a mix of colours for their wedding party which is a great way to showcase your own signature style.
Floaty, romantic fabrics are bang on trend for 2015
and perfect for brides looking for a soft, ethereal
or whimsical feel for their ‘maids.
Twobirds multiway dresses can be wrapped in over 15 different ways
so you can achieve a coherent look for your wedding party while keeping all of your
favourite girls happy.
Couples looking for a “pop” of colour could consider coral, butter
yellow or powder blue as stunning statement
choices or, alternatively, the all-white wedding
trend is likely to continue this year.
Who doesn’t love the beautiful
sunshine, iced cocktails on a warm
evening and the scent of flowers on the breeze? Twobirds has
selected their top bridesmaid styles
for a summer wedding.
Photography courtesy of Twobirds
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 7
OUTSIDEEverything you need to know about the legalities of getting married outside
Getting married outside
All marriage ceremonies must take place in the presence of a person authorised by law to
undertake weddings
getting married
If an indoor wedding is not your thing, and you’re tempted by exchanging your vows in the great outdoors, then this wedding guide is here to help you.
The UK has a whole range of idyllic outdoor locations that are allowed by law to hold outside wedding ceremonies; from the immaculately landscaped gardens of historical stately homes to gazebos, pavilions and ancient Medieval ruins, many venues offer a choice of indoor and outdoor settings that allow you to combine the best of both worlds (and also provide options for cover, should the British weather prove unreliable!)
To help you organise your perfect day, we’ve pulled together this guide which covers the main areas for consideration along with the all-important legalities. Happy planning!
Keeping within the lawAt present, weddings in the UK can only take place in authorised venues where the marriage can be legally solemnised; this means somewhere where the ceremony can be performed in the correct way, with the appropriate level of importance and gravitas.
Venues include churches, chapels, register offices and other licenced premises that have been approved for marriage by the local authority such as stately homes, castles and hotels.
All marriage ceremonies must take place in the presence of a person authorised by law to undertake weddings, so a vicar, priest or superintendent registrar, and be witnessed by at least two independent people who will then be required to sign the marriage register. A marriage ceremony that takes place at a licensed venue is known as a civil ceremony.
No religious content is allowed, although the set proceedings can be enhanced with readings, speeches and personal content to create a ceremony that is as long or short, or romantic and intimate as you wish.
Civil ceremonies can often be more flexible, taking full advantage of the legal timeframe in which marriages are allowed to be conducted; which is any day of the week between 8am and 6pm (including Sundays, Public and Bank Holidays).
The legal requirements for getting married at a licenced venue are largely the same as those for getting married at a registry office – although you will have to remember to arrange for the registrar’s attendance at your chosen location. We suggest making a provisional booking at your selected venue and then immediately contacting the local registrar to confirm the date in his or her diary.
So where can my outdoor wedding take place…At present, marriages in England and Wales are only legal if they take place in a permanent structure that is licenced for weddings. Technically, they cannot take place in the open air, or in a temporary structure such as a tent or tepee. The marriage register must always be signed indoors.
Many venues are well aware of the legalities and have developed clever ways to ensure that their weddings keep within the law but still feel like they are taking place outdoors. Gazebos, covered pagodas and pavilions are all good options. Attractively decorated or adorned with flowers and foliage, they are sited within the grounds of the venue and have been licenced for wedding ceremonies. The registrar will perform the ceremony for the bride and groom under the cover or canopy with the guests sitting outside in the open air.
Similarly, other venues have taken inspiration from permanent structures in their own grounds to create highly desirable outdoor wedding locations such as ancient follies, archways and ruins that provide the perfect backdrop for an unusual outdoor ceremony.
Although the bride and groom will have to move indoors to sign the marriage register, it is entirely possible for the majority of the wedding ceremony to be held outside with all the traditional elements that you would expect including the arrival of the bride, exchange of vows and rings, readings and first kiss.
Making it your own…With the permission of the attending registrar, many brides and grooms choosing to get married outdoors also choose to enhance the standard civil ceremony with their own choice of non-religious music, poetry and readings. In addition to the statutory declarations and words, it is also possible to incorporate your own vows and special promises to create a truly magical day that reflects your personalities and is a fitting start to your new life together.
To find the perfect outdoor wedding venue visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/outdoors
If it’s a whimsical or boho style you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a dusty blue shade. Pretty, charming, with a
little touch of vintage about it, the light and airy shade is suited to a whole
host of surroundings from countryside to castles.
Team with cream for an elegant and romantic finish and don’t be afraid
to go all out with those little details. Floaty fabrics, sensational succulents and the 2015 trend of watercolour all help to make your true blue colour
scheme extra special.
Pretty and practical – the shade also ensures you’ve got your ‘something blue’ sorted ahead of your big day!
Cick here to see more...
DUSKdreaming of
For those who like a pop of colour and can’t think of anything better than summer brights, why not opt for a 2015 palette of watermelon pink, yellow and
green? With a similar vibe to bright festival palettes of years gone by, the
new watermelon brights collection also brings a girly and feminine touch to your bold and beautiful
celebrations.
One thing we particularly love about this colour scheme is that is allows you
to take advantage of the summer’s offerings – brightly coloured blooms and bold cocktails infused with the season’s best fruits. You could also
enhance your bridal look with a pop of watermelon pink on your lips!
Cick here to see more...
BRIGHTSwatermelon
Picking the right colour scheme for your big day can be one of the trickiest decisions you’ll
have to make when planning your wedding.
Just some of the things you’ll need to consider include your venue’s colour scheme, your favourite colours, as well
as the availability of décor, attire and flowers in your chosen palette. We’re making it easy for you, featuring four of the best and most versatile
wedding palettes for Summer.
Dreamy
wedding palettesSummer
dweddings.com maryclaire-photography.com
Photography by Patrick Moyer
Photography by Erich McVey
nggstudios.com
thesweetestoccasion.com thesweetestoccasion.com
thesweetestoccasion.com
stylemepretty.cometsy.com
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 9
Dreamy summer wedding palettes
RomanceMODERN
Take the romantic blush colour palette into 2015 with a touch of beautiful
amethyst. Combining the two gives the pretty pastel tone depth, adding a
sense of sophistication and formality to your occasion.
While the addition of amethyst can helps to create a number of wedding
themes – from vintage, to art deco and even modern style – make sure
that the lighter, brighter blush remains prominent, to reflect the summer vibes.
Simple ways to add a touch of amethyst include detail on your
wedding cake, typography on your blush toned stationery, or perhaps
vintage amethyst jewels or brooches attached to your bouquet.
Cick here to see more...
Featuring a sage green, lemon and crisp white palette, this Italian-inspired
look is one that would complement any venue. Simple, yet elegant,
the fresh and natural colour palette offers a bright and airy alternative
to the formal colours of grey or midnight blue, often chosen in the
cooler seasons.
This chic colour scheme also reflects the minimalist trend that has become
increasingly popular in 2015. With white crisp linens, lashings of foliage and décor featuring simple flowers with subtle Mediterranean dashes
of lemon, you’ll have a look that replicates that gorgeous Italian vibe.
Cick here to see more...
TUSCANDream
Picking the right colour scheme for your big day can be one of the trickiest decisions you’ll
have to make when planning your wedding.
Just some of the things you’ll need to consider include your venue’s colour scheme, your favourite colours, as well
as the availability of décor, attire and flowers in your chosen palette. We’re making it easy for you, featuring four of the best and most versatile
wedding palettes for Summer.
Dreamy
wedding palettesSummer
Photography by Brklyn View
Shari and Mike Photographers
Anne Blodgett Photography Justin DeMutiis Photography
stylemepretty.com
color.romanuke.com
brides.comTanja Lippert Photography Photography by Picotte Weddings
Brides.comruffledblog.com
OUTDOORwedding venues
If it’s your dream to say ‘I do’ under beautiful blue skies with the sun shining brightly, then look no further than this wedding guide. We have hand-picked 10 of the UK’s best venues that perfectly suit a summer wedding, with each venue offering idyllic outdoor
locations where civil ceremonies can legally take place.
© My Love Story Photography
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 11
© Jonny Draper Photography
© Frasershot Limited
1. TOFTE MANORTofte Manor is located in a quaint village between Cambridge and Northampton. The traditional manor house has retained its purpose as a home which is comfortable and relaxing yet full of grandeur, history and prestige.
For a truly unique wedding blessing, Tofte Manor offers a space which seems to be inspired by ancient mythology. Why not lament your nuptials in the labyrinth, a spiritual spot that feels other-worldly. Nestled in a secluded and peaceful part of the garden, the labyrinth is enchanting, exotic and exudes ageless beauty.
2. SOUTH FARMSouth Farm in Hertfordshire is a sprawling estate which still has the original farmhouse and a number of ancient barns, all of which have been restored and exude that old-English charm.
The Summer House at South Farm is an exquisite seven sided oak framed structure that seems to hover over the pretty lily pond, framed by the luscious green garden filled with mature trees, flowers and foliage.
3. HEATON HOUSE FARM Formerly a working dairy farm, Heaton House Farm has been transformed into a luxurious wedding venue in Macclesfield with sandstone barns, glorious gardens and far reaching views over three counties.
With endless countryside views to enjoy and overlooking the Water Gardens, the Pagoda is located in a tranquil, charming and enchanting location – perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
10 UK Venues
© Real Mishaal Photography
SOUTH FARM
TOFTE MANOR HEATON HOUSE FARM
4. GAYNES PARKWith sweeping views of the London skyline and surrounded by English countryside, Gaynes Park, in Essex, is without a doubt a romantic setting for any summer wedding.
Located in the breathtaking grounds of Gaynes Park is Gather Barn, a listed building that has been immaculately restored. The barn is an attractive open-sided building with tree trunk pillars and a red brick roof, surrounded by elegant planters and foliage which offer a superb setting for an outside ceremony.
5. CLEARWELL CASTLEClearwell Castle sits in the Forest of Dean and provides a fairy-tale setting for a summer wedding, the castle boasts a stunning ballroom and 15 luxurious bedrooms, while the grounds are breathtakingly beautiful.
While the venue is full of history, it is also full of unique charms, with the ability to exchange vows on the steps of the castle taking original twist on the outdoor wedding. The area is framed by colourful hanging baskets and antique plant pots fill the stunning castle grounds.
6. LEMORE MANOR Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, Lemore Manor is a stunning 17th Century manor house set in 11 acres of grounds.
The great outdoors features heavily in weddings at Lemore Manor. It offers two open air options to say ‘I do’. The romantic setting of the bandstand that makes the most of the outside views. The steps of the manor house provide a slightly different setting, making the most of the grandeur and architecture of the manor’s exterior.
© Simon Carr Photography
© My Love Story Photography
GAYNES PARK
LEMORE MANOR
CLEARWELL CASTLE
© John Colson Photography
© Phil Chappell Photography
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 13
10 UK VENUES
7. COOLING CASTLE BARNAdjacent to Cooling Castle, a landmark in the wilds of the North Kent Marshes, Cooling Castle Barn is a charming complex, offering three 17th Century barns enclosed by a walled garden and surrounded by the great British countryside.
Tucked away in the garden is the stylish Summer House, with white panelled walls forming a neutral backdrop and four pillars to the front, each adorned with vibrant hanging baskets – the summer house is an elegant space to exchange vows.
8. MYTHE BARNSituated on a farm in the rolling Warwickshire countryside, Mythe Barn is a real rural retreat that has been expertly planned and purpose-built for weddings.
The gazebo is a fabulous focal point at Mythe Barn. The tall wooden frame is simple in style, specifically designed to maximise the tranquillity and beauty of the outdoor space. Positioned in the middle of the gardens means it provides a romantic spot to get married in the open air.
9. BARTHOLOMEW BARN Standing proudly in the rolling green fields of West Sussex, Bartholomew Barn is a traditional brick and stone barn with exposed walls and authentic oak beams.
Within the grounds of Bartholomew Barn is a beautiful gazebo; a simple, quintessential English wooden frame gazebo. Surrounded by woodland and reached by a little pathway is a secluded and romantic spot to say ‘I do’.
BREWERSTREET FARMHOUSEDating back to 1491, Brewerstreet Farmhouse is a magnificent Tudor Grade I listed farmhouse, located in the lovely village of Bletchingley in Surrey.
Brewerstreet Farmhouse benefits from the contemporary ‘riverside chalet’ – a pretty waterside gazebo. With its solid timber frame and removable windows, couples can exchange vows in the great outdoors, while guests watch on seated on the rolling green lawns.
Its distinctive black and white render making it a striking and stunning venue for those all-important wedding photos.
10 UK Venues
© Photography by Vicki
© Lee Glasgow Photography
© Dan Potter Photography
© C
hris S
ed
do
n P
ho
tog
raphy
BREWERSTREET FARMHOUSE
MYTHE BARN BARTHOLOMEW BARN
COOLING CASTLE BARN
10.
If you’ve got a soft spot for country charm and homespun happiness, you’ll love the rustic wedding trend.
Hot for 2015, this delightful wedding theme looks great paired with a feast of homely delights. Here are just 8 rustic-inspired food ideas to incorporate in your big day. . .…
Street fooddelights…
wedding feastTop eight Ideas for your rustic
kalmkitchen.co.uk
Rustic Wedding Menu
Top event caterers, Kalm Kitchen, put together this rustic-inspired menu just for you! Take inspiration
from their menu to design your own delicious menu.
. . . . . . . . . . Canapés . . . . . . . . . .Venison lollypops with juniper chutney
Pork belly bites with gooseberry jamRoasted guinea fowl with butternut puree in
a Yorkshire pudding
Birdcage canapés: Wild mushroom ragu in a mini brioche
. . . . . . . . . . Starter. . . . . . . . . . Roasted butternut risotto with butternut crisps
. . . . . . . . . . Main. . . . . . . . . . Roasted pork belly with roasted root vegetables, apple
compote and rick sage gravy
. . . . . . . . . . Dessert. . . . . . . . . . Apple and basil tart with vanilla ice cream
and apple crisp
. . . . . . . . . . Evening Food. . . . . . . . . . Chilli con carne with sour cream and rice
KALM KITCHEN’S
Photography courtesy of Kalm Kitchen Food Photography, Anneli Marinovich Photography and thecoloursofmymind.tumbl.com
Summer menu
1.A juice station with freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade lemonade is a great way to add a touch of fun and rustic charm to your day. Serve alongside Pimms and cocktails in mason jars or milk bottles for the perfect start to your afternoon of celebrations.
Homemade juices and fizz
Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding canapés.
Be inspired by creative ideas, serving canapés on sticks to
mimic lollypops and infusing rustic colours such as red, golds and
browns. Make the experience of eating the canapé as exciting as
the flavour of the food.
Fun finger food
2.
3.Sociable starters
5.
8.Dessert stations
The nakedwedding cake
If there’s one wedding cake that resembles the rustic trend entirely,
it’s the naked cake. Pretty, tasty and available in a wide range of styles and
flavours, it’s perfect for adapting to your big-day style.
6.
There’s something about pastry and pies that ooze rustic charm – especially when they look homemade. Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean you’ve got to ditch the pie either. Serve up individual dessert portions of zesty favorites like key lime or lemon meringue pie, or provide a wider selection across a dessert table.
Pie, pieand more pie…
7.Street food
delights…
Come evening, be inspired by street food and festival food trucks serving options from chilli con carne, to fish and chips and our personal favourite – wood fired pizzas.
Tear-and-share rustic loaves, served alongside olive oil and Tuscan-inspired salads are tasty and sociable options for your starter. Although simple, there are plenty of ways you can jazz these dishes up – for example, offer up a selection of breads and olive oils and think about presentation.
wedding feast
When it comes to the rustic trend, you can’t beat a hog roast or barbecue. You can add the formal touch by offering up prime meats and fish with a range of sumptuous sides. Some of our favourite sides include colourful salads – dressed with edible flowers if you like – sweet potato wedges with honey butter and the traditional country favourite of corn on the cob.
4.Laid…back mains
Rustic Wedding Menu
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 15
Keep the fun-factor alive throughout your celebrations with dessert stations for all to enjoy into the night. Forget
chocolate fountains; instead, be inspired by unique and interactive ideas such as waffle bars, pancake stations and
even popcorn stalls.
bohoColour is key for
summer weddings and perfect for boho
themed styles
colourInject a bit of colour
into a summer wedding
1 stylesWith many flowers
in bloom it is a perfect change to experiment with
lots of styles
2
Jay Archer Floral Design has selected her top flower picks that will suit any summer wedding
Photography courtesy of Jay Archer Floral Design
sensesYellow pallets help
cunjure up the summer senses for
your wedding
flairBlue and violet
colours can add dramatic flair into
any bouquet
FLORIST
Secrets3
45
67 vintage
Softer palettes are perfect to create a
vintage look
8
Flowers
9
Invite Friends and Earn RewardsDo you have friends who are getting married in 2015 and who are still
searching for their dream wedding venue? If so, our Refer a Friend program is perfect for you. Why not recommend one of our 12 chosen wedding venues
and you’ll receive £200 lovetoshop vouchers to spend as you wish. It’s so simple. Take a look and visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/referafriend
GROOMSfor
GUIDEStyleULTIMATE WEDDING GUEST
by Little Black Dress
As mother of the bride (or groom) you’re a key player in the wedding party so looking and feeling your best throughout the day is paramount. Here are some tips to ensure you’re the epitome of elegance:
1. White White is one colour best avoided on this day as you don’t want to rival the bride
2. Facinator Wearing a huge hat isn’t essential just because you’re the mother of the bride but why not try a fascinator or a birdcage veil for understated wedding chic
3. Cover up Don’t let wanting to cover up your arms stop you from buying that special dress. Try a shrug, pashmina or an on-trend cape
4. Curves Flatter your curves by going for a dress with darker side panels to create the illusion of a gorgeous hourglass figure
Whether you’re close to the wedding party or the plus-one of a guest, it’s still important to get your outfit spot on. Here’s how to be the best-dressed guest for a summer wedding:
1. Don’t stray More is more, when it comes to flashing flesh.Remember, you’re going to a wedding, not a night out on the town, so don’t stray too far above the knee
2. Lace Wearing all white is a no-no, but black is just fine. Opt for a summer style with lace or embellishment and pair with pretty accessories in a coloured hue
3. Pastels Pastels are your new best friend at this summer’s celebrations; a soft lemon or mint always goes down well, whilst a warm peach will complement even the palest skin tone
4. Maxi If dresses aren’t your thing, opt for a jumpsuit for a more modern look. And it’s fine to wear maxi dresses to a summer wedding, just make sure it’s not white or a very pale hue
5. Mix it up Summer weddings are the perfect excuse to play around with fabrics, textures and patterns. Feather hems, lace and bold prints will keep your look exciting (just not all at once!)
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE WEDDING GUEST
Little Black Dress is the essential destination website for party and occasion wear. We asked Team LBD’s editor, Nathalie Gibbins, to reveal her top tips for being the
best-dressed guest at all your summer weddings.
www.littleblackdress.co.uk Photography courtesy of Little Black Dress
Find that something special you feel comfortable in
®
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 19
Summer styling
Make sure you settle for nothing less than a perfectly fitting suit.
You’ll be looking back at your wedding pictures in years to
come, so you want to look as good as you can. We often
recommend opting for a slightly snugger fitting suit, as you want it to look clean and fitted in your
photos. Baggy fabric is never a good look.
T.M.Lewin has teamed up with Country House Wedding Venues to give expert styling inspiration
for grooms this summer.
GROOMSstyle tips
for
A three-piece tailored suit always gives that perfect wedding-day look. Wear the bottom button of your waistcoat undone to give your outfit to complete the classic three-piece style.
Let your wedding venue influence your outfit. Cutting edge and contemporary or traditional country house – wherever you’ve chosen to tie the knot, it’s always good to select your suit and general wedding attire accordingly.
>> CO
UN
TR
Y H
OU
SE
>> CU
TT
ING
ED
GE
>> TH
RE
E-P
IEC
E
Take the overall wedding day colour theme into account when
choosing your tie and pocket square, complimenting it rather
than trying to match it exactly.
>> TAILO
RE
D
Oh-so-popular at Scottish weddings and for good reason – we love to see
a handsome Scotsman in traditional attire. If your groom and his ushers
are dressing in kilts, make sure they have the full regalia and wear it
well. This is also NOT the time to be testing out the theory of what is worn
underneath…
www.tmlewin.co.uk Photography courtesy of T.M.Lewin and Anneli Marinovich Photography SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 19
Flowers Boho flowers are
effortlessly undone. Formal or over arranged can look over fussy, wild
or country flowers give a softer feel to bouquets and posies. Wild flowers
can look amazing used in a headdress or corsage.
DressesAt the heart of the Boho vibe is Hope & Harlequin based in Brighton’s Laines district they stock Sarah Arnett Bride and make their own H&H collection of vintage and Boho inspired gowns.
Boho is back with a bang this summer, with many a boho bride set to take inspiration from the 1970’s catwalk style. Deborah Simpson Boston, Fashion PR and Wedding Style Blogger from Diary of an Honest Woman shares her tips on how to style a Boho Wedding along with a selection of our top picks.
BOHO©
Mike
Kip
ling
Ph
oto
grap
hy
© M
ike K
iplin
g P
ho
tog
raphy
© L
ittle B
lack Dre
ss
© L
ittle B
lack Dre
ss
SUMMERWeddingTHEMES
Themes of summerThemes of summer
Food VansWe have all stood outside one waiting on those chips, bring a bit of foodie festival bites to your wedding.
Hello Party Festival themes doesn’t have to mean music festivals, take inspiration from farmer festivals to local town festivals, so get that bunting up!
FashionFloaty, light and chic are the three main staples of a festival bride, don’t forget those welly boots too!
FESTIVALFrom Cochella to
Glastonbury, having a
festival theme at a summer
wedding is a perfect excuse
to bask in the sunshine.
Country House Wedding Venues
has got festival weddings
covered, so whether it is fashion
or the wedding venue, we list
our best inspirations for that
festival feeling.
SUMMERWeddingTHEMES
© Jay C
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SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 21
VenuesExposed wooden beams and barn conversions with red brick walls – what’s not to love, rustic or not.
Food Pork belly and thickly cut handmade chips fit the rustic theme
very well. If you have a particular menu in mind try serving it on wooden platters or pots to conjure up that rustic mood.
DécorSimply adding old teapots, or wooden plinth center pieces are not only great additions to the rustic theme but also very easily to add at little cost.
RusticRustic is a wedding style that never seems to go out of fashion. It’s whimsical
and romantic. And, you’ll be pleased to know, rather easy to pull off.
When it comes to rocking that rustic look, the devil is in the detail or wedding décor
and good food. Here at Country House Wedding Venues we have taken our simple
yet effective rustic wedding inspirations that you can apply to your wedding.
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Themes of summerThemes of summer
1970s tousled curls A great fun and casual way to style your hair. This look is perfect for a summer or festival wedding. For an extra wow factor, dress up with fresh flowers or a stand out headpiece!
Hollywood waves Hailing from the 1940s and 1950s the classic hair set is still a thing of beauty. Seen on stars such as Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe these waves are a feminine and glamorous. They suit both long and short hair and compliment many styles of wedding dress.
1920/30s faux bob A hugely flattering style and one I am regularly asked to create. It stays in place well and is both stunning and practical, dress it up with Art Deco accessories for a truly show-stopping look.
Vintage
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Vintage styling offers a whole wealth of eras to
get you inspired! So whether you are looking for
an authentic 1940s hairdo or just want a touch of
1920s decadence, vintage styling can provide you
with the right hairstyle for you wedding day. Here are just some of our vintage inspirations
for this summer time.
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HONEYMOONdestinations
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HONEYMOONdestinations
Our wild card entry is a Madagascar honeymoon. For couples who have travelled far and wide few can say they have been to Madagascar.
Take your pick from whale watching, lemur spotting, coral diving, jungle trekking and the island paradise of Tsarabarinja. Honeymoon tip: we recommend you walk around the island to find your own private little bay on the beach. This is Robinson Crusoe style adventure at its finest.
Couples getting married in the summer will have the best of the British weather, and Original Travel’s honeymoon planners have travelled the world chasing the best luxury honeymoon
destinations for sunshine in June through to September.
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Luxury honeymoon destinations
25SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
You might think it is all about Europe in the
summer months, and while the continent is glorious at this time of year, this is also
prime time further afield in such diverse gems as
Tanzania. Sit back, pause the ‘wedmin’ and let
Original Travel do the hard work for you.
Start your journey as man and wife with an epic road trip along the Californian coastline.
You can set your own pace, hop into an all-American Mustang and marvel at the Pacific Coast’s dramatic scenery and pounding surf. No need to feel confined to the steering wheel, a luxury honeymoon to California includes majestic Redwood Forest, sumptuous vineyards, the glamour of Hollywood and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Our favourite pit stop is the The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur. We highly recommend a ‘duet massage’ – why have two hands when you can have four?
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Montenegro is a lesser known gem of Europe.
The shoreline ranges from rocky coves to large stretches of wide sandy beach and is backed by a typically Mediterranean landscape of mountains, rolling hills, olive groves and scented pinewoods. The historic island of Sveti Stefan is now home to the romantic Aman Sveti Stefan, and if there’s one hotel group that sets the trends in luxury, it’s Aman.
montenegroA safari holiday might not be the obvious choice for a honeymoon but it should be.
Tanzania is the perfect combination of bush and beach and what’s more romantic than sharing your first sighting of a lion in the wild? The Northern Serengeti is home to the great wildebeest migration and the best time to go is between July and October when the Migration crosses the Mara river. Finish off with a week of ‘bare-foot’ paradise on the island of Zanzibar at The Residence.
tanzaniaUnlike much of Asia during the summer, Indonesia’s weather is coming into its prime between June and August and the top notch beach hotels of Bali will be drenched in sunshine.
If you’re not the kind of couple who can sit still for very long, hop aboard a luxury yacht and explore the 1,500 small islands of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat. Best of the bunch are sister boats Silolona and Si Datu Bua.
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Photography courtesy of Original Travel
SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE 27
Brazil is a honeymoon destination that brings the heat, in every respect of the word.
The vast stretches of coastline, the wildlife of the Pantanal and the vibrant cities of Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo are legendary. But the destination that’s on every trend savvy bride’s wish list? Trancoso. It’s a summer honeymooners best kept secret and will be sure to earn you ultimate bragging points. The laid back hippy vibe is perfect for off-beat brides who don’t ‘do’ glitzy hotels, but simple and elegant luxury.
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Ah, Italy, a country that needs no romantic introduction.
Florence is an open air museum of fairy tale streets that are ready to be cooed over. Share spaghetti vongole (our favourite) at La Bussola and retreat to the JK Place. For a completely original take on Italy try the region of Puglia. Unlike its glitzy other half, the Italian Riviera, Puglia is a native Italian’s best kept secret.
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Santorini is a show stopper of a honeymoon destination.
The crescent-shaped island is perhaps the most famous Greek island, and physically one of the most romantic and spectacular islands in the world. The super-chic towns of Fira and Oia are the most popular places to watch the famous pink sunset; we also happen to know the most exclusive infinity pool at Grace Santorini that will give you a front seat view.
Luxury honeymoon destinations
Original Travel is a creative travel company which takes a thoughtful
approach to creating tailor-made luxury honeymoons to fulfil your needs perfectly.
The team use personal insights and exceptional knowledge of destinations worldwide to craft trips. For inspiration please visit www.originaltravel.co.uk
or contact us on 020 7978 7333 / [email protected]
yours, for the day
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