by Johanna Osborne

As summer springs to life here in Wellywood it’s suddenly a whole lot easier to envisage tying the knot in the sunshine! Nothing fuels wedding cheer more than golden rays, and good weather certainly makes for very merry guests!

If it’s a sunny, outdoorsy summer affair that you wish to create, then have a look at a few of our current favourite pieces of inspiration…. nothing like adding that special touch to ignite your day and take it from lovely to ah-may-zing! As for made-to-order sunshine, we are working on that part!!! In the meantime our best advice = a marquee never goes astray!

1. Dazzle your guests with summery drinks… the options are endless, from homemade lemonade to vintage drink stations to unique vessels for a serve-yourself bar. The effect is great, and you save a pretty penny on waiting staff if guests select and pour their own beverages!

2. Berry nice!! Summer fruit is the best there is, so work it into your day. Who doesn’t smile when they see strawberries? Whether it’s your cake or your dessert, make everyone’s taste buds sing!

3. Cookie Monster! There is a new trend spreading like wildfire! Instead of the famed candy bars, brides everywhere are opting for cookie stations… how cute is that… cookies and milk (and a shot of Kahlua perhaps) as a night cap?!

4. Interactive guest book! How about getting your guests to record their presence and message to you via Polaroid camera, or better yet a photobooth. A chalk board can easily be wiped clean as each guest writes a personal message to you.

5. Vintage is still huge and nothing suits an outdoor summer wedding more than an apricot vintage lace gown

6. Waistcoats and candy stripe ties – very chic yet not overly stuffy. A nice alternative to the norm. We like!

7. In this day and age we have to be sun-smart and protect our guests from elements!

8. Create a “wow” effect with lanterns, lush table cloths and outdoor heating lamps. And of course a few prayers to the weather gods won’t hurt either!

There’s tons more where that came from! You could have a small child hand out fans to the guests as they arrive, or you might like to serve frozen chocolates, licorice or ice creams as a mild refreshment and sugar boost as the photos are being taken… sometimes simple delights provide the greatest pleasure!!

Until next time!