Summer Season Wedding Guide
Weddings at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa are truly spectacular. With everything you could need based on-site, from the idyllic chapel with panoramic views over the Caversham Valley, to a reception venue catering for up to 120 guests, and a culinary team ready to create your unique wedding feast.
Trying to find summer wedding ideas to make your big day
unforgettable? “There are so many unique and elevated ways to enhance your warm-weather wedding” says Granny Mouse GM Sean Granger, “and Veronica Sookdin, our Banqueting Manager, has curated dozens of ideas to inspire you for the perfect summer wedding.”
· Embrace al fresco dining: One of the major benefits of
hosting a summer wedding is the warm weather, allowing you to host your reception outdoors. After all, there’s nothing quite like
open-air dining during the summer.
· Minimise time in direct sun: The last thing you want to do
is ask guests to stand around in the sun for hours on end. While we
suggest keeping the time between your ceremony and reception short at any time of year, it’s especially essential when temperatures spike.
You should also consider tenting your outdoor reception to keep out
the harsh rays or a possible rain shower.
· Keep the menu light and fresh: There’s a time and place for
a heavy, decadent five-course meal, and your summer wedding is
probably not it. Stick to lighter fare, like fish, chicken, a fresh
salad, and seasonal vegetables.
· Serve Prosecco with popsicles: Add a popsicle to each glass
of Prosecco for the perfect summer drink. Make it photo-worthy by
filling each pop with edible flowers.
· Customise signature cocktails: When it comes to your
signature cocktails, choose lighter spirits paired with refreshing
flavors. We suggest focusing on cucumber, mint, or berries to create
light, flavourful sips.
· Choose airy fabrics for everyone: When choosing your dress,
suit, or bridal party ensembles, stick to lighter, flowing fabrics
that will help keep everyone cool.
· Provide parasols or fans: Want guests to stay comfortable
during your ceremony? Provide fans or a parasol, and not only will
your guests look sophisticated, they’ll keep cool.
· Consider humidity-proof hairstyles: It’s hard enough for
most brides and bridesmaids to tame their hair into a perfect updo.
Add in heat and humidity, and long curls or waves could end up
disastrous. To fight frizz and excess moisture, those with long hair
should try pulling part or all of their hair off their face and neck
to stay cool and picture-perfect.
· Play games: Give your guests fun activities to do besides
dancing. Summer weddings practically beg for croquet or other
lawn-game setups.
· Incorporate summer succulents: You’ll want to talk to your
florist about heat-resistant plants that won’t wilt in high
temperatures. Succulents are a statement-making option that can
withstand even the steamiest of wedding days.
· Set the ambience with string lights: It wouldn’t be a list of summer wedding ideas without including twinkling string lights.
After all, dinner under the stars is a summer tradition.
· Keep your tabletop simple: If you’re tying the knot outdoors
at Granny Mouse, the setting is already gorgeous. Ensure that you
don’t take away from the beautiful natural backdrop by keeping your table décor simple with light, neutral linens.
· Hang flower garlands: Flower garlands have such a fairy-tale
feel about them. To make them even more special, attach them to string lights so they twinkle when the sun goes down.
· Opt for a summer friendly dessert station: Want to really
wow your guests? Create a summer-friendly dessert station with chilly treats like ice cream, popsicles, and fruit sorbet to help cool
everyone down in between sessions on the dance floor. You can also
offer alcohol-spiked shaved ice for an adult-friendly option.
·Send everyone off with sparklers: As your celebration comes to a
close, light up the night with sparklers. You can’t deny that they
create stunning wedding exit photos.
No matter what fun summer elements you decide to add to your wedding, just know that at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, you’ll be in the best hands, as their team love nothing more than planning your perfect wedding.