With the days getting longer and evenings getting lighter it can only mean one thing - summer is on its way. As you all know, summer is an extremely popular time of year to have a wedding so we've been catching to Emma Rogers, Sales & Events Manager at Blenheim Palace and put together 12 top tips for planning a summer wedding...
Menu
Make sure you plan your menu according to the weather. For summer wedding it's suggested that you keep the food light, fresh and seasonal.
Hydration
Make sure that, if the weather is going to be warm, you provide plenty of soft drinks and water. Local mineral water is a lovely idea - at Blenheim Palace, you can have mineral water which is bottled on the Estate to keep your guests hydrated all day!
The Weather
Although you have planned to be outside for some of your day, you do need to think about the potential for bad weather and have beautiful sheltered areas within your venue for reception drinks and photographs. Your photographer can be creative and find beautiful light in stone colonnades or under imposing archways so you don’t need to go out in the rain.
The Sunset
Take advantage of the stunning grounds at your venue to take some couple shots later in the evening, making sure to take in the sunset as well. Standing on the Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace with the sunset behind you is a must-do photograph for your wedding album.
Keep Cool
If possible, make sure your reception venue has air conditioning. The Orangery at Blenheim Palace - although it has a glass roof and windows all down one side - is fully air-conditioned to keep your guests cool on a summer’s day. It is good to also have natural shade during your reception drinks if you are having those outside.
Outside Space
As the summer evenings are usually milder, you can take advantage of setting up outside seating for later in the evening. Blenheim Palace has “Bertie” the Champagne wagon, which can be used as an outside bar with seating in the beautiful East Courtyard.
Ice Cream
Why not have tubs of ice cream or ice lollies available during reception drinks as well as your canapés or later in the evening? Blenheim Palace has a great selection which can be served from branded ice cream carts on the stunning Italian Terrace.
Cocktails and Mocktails
Make your reception drinks on the lawn colourful and exciting with lots of seasonal summer cocktails.
Garden Games
While your guests are enjoying their reception drinks arrange some traditional garden games such as croquet, boules or giant Jenga to keep everyone amused.
Horse & Carriage
Drive in your carriage over the Grand Bridge as Cinderella did in the 2015 Disney film and have photos taken with the backdrop of the Palace behind you.
Flowers
Make your centrepieces or bouquet seasonal. It's also a nice idea to tie them in with the venue and use the flowers in the gardens. The roses on the Italian Terrace at Blenheim can be seen through the windows when you are seated in the Orangery so can complement the décor inside the room.
Vanity Kit
Have a little basket of essentials in the bathrooms for your guests especially on a hot day to include body spray or light perfume, hairpins, hairspray and make-up remover wipes.
