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Helen & Noel

Creative Essex Summer Wedding Ideas

Updated: Aug 20


Two Essex wedding guests posing for the camera showing off their ice cream, cones

Summer is the most popular time of year to say "I do", and it's not surprising really when you consider the weather, all the blooming flowers and greenery that surrounds you. So we've put together some great ideas both traditional and modern to get your creative juices flowing and help plan your perfect summer wedding.


Bride and groom kissing in front of a harvested wheat field as the sun sets

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


This selection served at Gosfield Hall went down a treat on a hot summers day.


A black slate filled with cold wedding canapes at Gosfield Hall in Essex

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


Being a little less formal with your wedding breakfast means guests can mingle and eat as they please. This hog roast was supplied by Premier Crew at Cressing Temple Barns and was the perfect meal for a medieval themed wedding.



3. Outdoor games for your guests


Whether it's playing rounders or croquet in the grounds at Great Lodge, Bardfield, jenga in a smaller outdoor space or chess at Gosfield Hall your guests will love having something to keep them and their children from getting bored.



4. Parasols to keep out of the sun


When the heat of the sun gets too much a beautiful lace parasol is the ideal way to keep cool without detracting from your wedding style.



5. Flower crown for the bride


Nothing says summer better than a ride with a flower crown. This gorgeous summery creation is by the talented Poppies Floral Design. And, it still looked amazing at the end of the day.



6. Seasonal Summer Flowers


With so much choice you really can create the wow factor ! And using flowers that are in season certainly helps to keep the costs down. The stunning flower arch at St Peter & St Paul in Black Notley was a wonderful addition to the beautiful architecture of the wooden screen.



7. Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies


Having your ceremony outside is a wonderful experience, but being in the UK and knowing how unpredictable our weather can be always make sure your venue has a back-up indoor space should it be needed. Prested Hall, Gosfield Hall and The Old Rectory are all wonderful Essex venues to consider



8. Ice Cream Van


How about serving your guests an ice cream dessert from a traditional Ice Cream Van like J B Ices ? A great way to end your meal and cool off at the same time.



9. Afternoon Tea


Nothing says British summer more than afternoon tea. We can thoroughly recommend the one we were privileged to sample at a recent Prested Hall wedding.



10. Pastel Colour Themes


Summer is the perfect time for pastel shades, whether you choose just one colour or go for a rainbow the effect is beautiful.



11. Sun Glasses


Protecting your eyes against the glare of the sun is a must if you are getting married in the height of summer so why not go all out and have some fun as well ?


Grooms party pose with their pink sunglasses given them by the bridal party

12. Outdoor Bouquet Toss


With the weather being more likely to be fine having the bouquet toss outdoors is a must and it helps to avoid the bouquet hitting any low ceilings that your venue may have. We have lost count of the number of times our brides have hit the ceiling with their bouquet when indoors.




13. Feed The Birds


If like Langtons your venue is lucky enough to have a pond, lake or river with ducks, geese and/or swans be sure to supply some birdseed for your guests to feed them. It not only makes for great photos but also keeps little ones from getting bored. But of course it goes without saying, always make sure children are well supervised near any water features your venue may have.


Wedding group photo by the lake surrounded by the ducks and geese at Langtons House

14. Outdoor First Dance


On a gorgeous summers evening what could be more perfect than having your first dance as a couple outdoors in the balmy evening sunshine ?


Bride and groom share their first dance outdoors on the terrace at Gosfield Hall

15. Outdoor Drinks Reception


Make the most of the beautiful weather and have your drinks reception outside in the open air rather than cooping everybody up indoors. Five Lakes, Colchester has a beautiful wooden veranda perfect for you and your guests to enjoy drinks in the summer sun.


Guests enjoy the outdoor summer drinks reception at Five Lake in Colchester

16. Naked Wedding Cake


How about a naked wedding cake like this one at Leez Priory decorated with sumptuous in season fruit for that little pop of colour ?


Naked wedding cake decorated with seasonal berries, gypsiphilia and a wooden cake topper

17. Golden Hour Photography


With longer days and more outdoor light available in the summer months you won;t want to miss the chance of having some photos taken during the golden hour. The light at this time of day is less harsh but gives that warm golden glow every couple wants.



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.


Don't forget to use our contact page to get in touch and find out how we can work with you to capture the true essence and emotions of your wedding day.

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