1) Provide plenty of food and drink for your guests
We recommend that your drinks reception does not last more than two hours before you feed your guests; they will be hungry and drinking a lot on an empty stomach! Our team of chefs will always create a selection of canapés for each guest to help fill the gap before you sit down to eat. A balance between alcoholic and non alcoholic drink is also vital, especially on a hot day!
2) Transform your venue
We’re extremely fortunate that our wedding reception venues across the Estate are complemented by a stunning backdrop. The Estate comes alive in summer and this is one of the major draws when our brides decide to spend their special day here.
However, there is so much you can do to transform a plain outdoor space into something spectacular. Evening lighting is really important; hang some fairy lights and lanterns so when the sun sets, your outdoor space comes alive in a really intimate and fun way.
3) Choose an outdoor/indoor venue
We all know that English weather can be very unpredictable, so it is important to have a contingency plan if the heavens open. Importantly, this can also have multiple uses- equally it can provide an area for guests to shelter from the sun if they need to cool down.
4) Plan when to eat carefully You don’t want to keep your guests hungry all day, but you also need to think about pests such as wasps that will disturb you when you eat. Eating later in the day will help to avoid this issue; it will also be much more comfortable sitting down to eat in the slightly cooler temperatures!
5) Anyone for a cocktail?
Everyone loves a cocktail in summer, so why not have a drinks station manned by a mixologist who can serve a host of refreshing creations? Set out different stations so that everyone isn’t queuing at once. Pimm’s is also a really popular drink with everyone on a warm summer’s day because it is refreshing and light.
6) Outdoor Entertainment
This can be done in so many ways such as a live band, DJ, or even more alternative ideas such as magicians, photo booths for guests, singing waiters and Marryoke. Get creative and do something fun and different- it will help to make lasting memories of the day.
7) Comfortable seating Spare a thought for those that don’t want to dance the night away, and for those who do- but want a break from it! Comfortable seating is so important because it provides a place for people to rest and it is also a great way for people to socialise later on in the evening.
8) Citronella Candles
Set up Citronella candles in the evening; not only do candles add to the setting and atmosphere, but it will help to deter any unwanted insects in the evening.
9) Keep your guests cool
Provide umbrellas so your guests have access to shade if they wish. For those guests that are dancing, they will want to be kept as cool as possible if it’s hot. Ask the staff to serve small, iced towels so that they can cool off- this way your guests have one less excuse to enjoy join you on the dance floor!
10) Choose flowers that will hold up in the heat
It’s something so simple, but we find it’s really important to decorate your outdoor space with flowers, not just indoors. It makes everything more vibrant and helps create a positive atmosphere for you and your guests.
Talk to your florist about choosing flowers that won’t wilt in high temperatures; they will be able to put together an amazing arrangement and give you peace of mind that they will look perfect for the whole day.
Have an amazing day!
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