Country House Wedding Venues - Summer Wedding Guide

SUMMER

guide

10UK

OUTDOOR

wedding venues

luxury

HONEYMOON destinations

An expert guide brought to you by

FLORIST

Secrets

Jay Archer Floral Design top flower picks

Dreamy

Summer WEDDING PALETTES

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

1

Welcome

CONTENTS

Congratulations!

Your engagement is wonderful news and a time for great celebration. The next step on this exciting and incredibly special journey is planning your wedding, and Country House Wedding Venues is here to help you every step of the way.

If you have always dreamed of a romantic and memorable summer wedding, this bespoke guide is a must. Full of ideas, trends and inspiring suggestions, our wedding venue specialists have come together to compile a dedicated guide for summer weddings. From vibrant colour palettes, suitable themes and beautiful bridesmaid dresses for sunny days, to delicious summertime dishes, seasonal flowers and the hottest honeymoon destinations, this guide will help you plan that all important big day.

With top tips on getting married outdoors, including some of the best and most loved UK summer wedding venues, handy hints on how to do it in style and advice on the necessary legal bits, after reading this guide you’ll be 100% ready to get started on organising that stunning summer celebration.

Have fun, and remember that we are just a phone call away.

The CHWV team x

04

STYLING A SUMMER WEDDING Providing you with the right styling for your wedding day.

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10 06 06 BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Top bridesmaids styles for a summer wedding.

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GETTING MARRIED OUTSIDE All the legalities you need to know.

08

DREAMY SUMMER WEDDING PALETTES The right colour scheme for your big day.

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OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES 10 of the UK’s best venues.

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RUSTIC WEDDING FEAST Top 8 ideas to inspire you!

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FLORIST SECRETS

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LITTLE BLACK DRESS The best dressed guest.

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STYLE TIPS FOR GROOMS T.M.Lewin provides expert advice for grooms this summer.

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SUMMER THEMES

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LUXURY HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS Original Travel’s top destinations this summer.

Cover shot courtesy of Studio Rouge

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Our Contributors We would like to say a massive thank you to our wonderful contributors, who have kindly agreed to impart their wisdom on to you.

Twobirds Twobirds was founded on the premise that being a bridesmaid doesnʼt have to mean forgoing style, and that a bridesmaid can not only be happy for the bride on her special day, but happy that she looks so fabulous! twobirdsbridesmaid.co.uk T.M.Lewin Every T.M.Lewin suit is spun from the finest quality fabrics. Our range caters for every sartorial style – from traditionally British to the more contemporary – and is complemented by an extensive range of knitwear, outerwear and essential accessories. tmlewin.co.uk Kalm Kitchen Event catering is personal, we never forget that every event is unique and special whether it is a wedding or a celebration party or a product launch. kalmkitchen.co.uk Jay Archer Floral Design My award-winning style is natural, abundant and eclectic with an emphasis on home grown, seasonal and locally sourced flowers with quirky textures and old-fashioned scents. Working closely with you, I take the time to understand your style and taste and the look you’re trying to achieve. Your arrangements will be completely unique; personalised with little details that your guests will instantly recognise as ‘you’. jayarcherfloraldesign.com

Original Travel Original Travel is a creative travel company which takes a thoughtful approach to creating tailor-made luxury honeymoons to fulfil your needs perfectly. The team use personal insights and exceptional knowledge of destinations worldwide to craft trips. originaltravel.co.uk Taylor Lynn Corporation TLC is one of the leading event organisers in the UK with an enviable depth of event experience and creativity. tlc-ltd.co.uk Little Black Dress Little Black Dress, home to the world’s finest collection of LBDs and dresses for special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a chic LBD inspired by Coco Chanel, or a glamorous gown fit for the red-carpet elite, you’ll find it here. littleblackdress.co.uk Diary of an Honest Woman Diary of an Honest Woman is just that, my honest account, opinions, tips and musings on not only wedding style but fashion style, home style and life style. diaryofanhonestwoman.com

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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© New Forest Studio

clock barn

OFF PISTE

© Ginny Marsh

Photography

Vintage Glam

The only rule to going off piste and celebrating your day in a non-traditional way is - the ‘sky’s the limit’! If you include the phrase ‘mismatched’ into your plans - you’ll be off to a great start – whether it’s crockery, drinks, cutlery,

Passion For Flowers

Hold your wedding on a farm and serve the guests afternoon tea from vintage mismatched crockery? Woodland weddings are becoming more popular with couples choosing a magical, forest setting to take their vows – and then partying in the nearest barn conversion!

takes your fancy.

d Photography

S

aphy © Ross Harvey Photogr

bride and groom outfits, lighting or food, go for whatever

© Steve Gerra

BARN

Summer STYLING

Liz Taylor, Managing Director of UK and European wedding planners, Taylor Lynn Corporation www.tlc-ltd.co.uk, advises on how to create a big impact on your wedding day.

© Etsy.com

CAKE

Cocktails more your thing than wine and champagne? Serve them from a pop up bar in your venue’s ground such as a VW camper

or even a converted double decker bus. Think about bringing the feel of a local pub to your big day with a mobile old school ‘inn’ serving the refreshments on tap. For your wedding cake go for an upside down cake with tiers scaling large to small, use a cake of

bright bold coloured cupcakes, Peggy Porschen Cakes

© Jay Cain Photo

grapher

The Botonist

or just abandon tradition, and offer a pick’n’mix selection instead! Whatever you decide make sure it’s personal to you both and enjoy the day!

Plan your dream wedding for 2015 and take advantage of some incredible late availability offers at some of our most beautiful venues.

Visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/offers

Bridesmaids dresses

Twobirds multiway dresses can be wrapped in over 15 different ways so you can achieve a coherent look for your wedding party while keeping all of your favourite girls happy.

Platinum grey has been incredibly popular this year and timeless neutrals will never date.

BRIDESMAID

s e s s dre Floaty, romantic fabrics are bang on trend for 2015 and perfect for brides looking for a soft, ethereal or whimsical feel for their ‘maids.

Photography courtesy of Twobirds

Who doesn’t love the beautiful sunshine, iced cocktails on a warm evening and the scent of flowers on the breeze?

Twobirds has selected their top bridesmaid styles for a summer wedding.

Couples looking for a “pop” of colour could consider coral, butter yellow or powder blue as stunning statement choices or, alternatively, the all-white wedding trend is likely to continue this year.

We’re also seeing more and more couples opting for a mix of colours for their wedding party which is a great way to showcase your own signature style.

Getting married outside

getting married

OUTSIDE Everything you need to know about the legalities of getting married outside If an indoor wedding is not your thing, and you’re tempted by exchanging your vows in the great outdoors, then this wedding guide is here to help you.

The UK has a whole range of idyllic outdoor locations that are allowed by law to hold outside wedding ceremonies; from the immaculately landscaped gardens of historical stately homes to gazebos, pavilions and ancient Medieval ruins, many venues offer a choice of indoor and outdoor settings that allow you to combine the best of both worlds (and also provide options for cover, should the British weather prove unreliable!)

To help you organise your perfect day, we’ve pulled together this guide which covers the main areas for consideration along with the all-important legalities.

Happy planning!

Keeping within the law At present, weddings in the UK can only take place in authorised venues where the marriage can be legally solemnised; this means somewhere where the ceremony can be performed in the correct way, with the appropriate level of importance and gravitas.

Venues include churches, chapels, register offices and other licenced premises that have been approved for marriage by the local authority such as stately homes, castles and hotels.

All marriage ceremonies must take place in the presence of a person authorised by law to undertake weddings, so a vicar, priest or superintendent registrar, and be witnessed by at least two independent people who will then be required to sign the marriage register. A marriage ceremony that takes place at a licensed venue is known as a civil ceremony.

No religious content is allowed, although the set proceedings can be enhanced with readings, speeches and personal content to create a ceremony that is as long or short, or romantic and intimate as you wish.

Civil ceremonies can often be more flexible, taking full advantage of the legal timeframe in which marriages are allowed to be conducted; which is any day of the week between 8am and 6pm (including Sundays, Public and Bank Holidays).

All marriage ceremonies must take place in the presence of a person authorised by law to undertake weddings

The legal requirements for getting married at a licenced venue are largely the same as those for getting married at a registry office – although you will have to remember to arrange for the registrar’s attendance at your chosen location. We suggest making a provisional booking at your selected venue and then immediately contacting the local registrar to confirm the date in his or her diary.

So where can my outdoor wedding take place…

At present, marriages in England and Wales are only legal if they take place in a permanent structure that is licenced for weddings. Technically, they cannot take place in the open air, or in a temporary structure such as a tent or tepee. The marriage register must always be signed indoors.

To find the perfect outdoor wedding venue visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/outdoors

Many venues are well aware of the legalities and have developed clever ways to ensure that their weddings keep within the law but still feel like they are taking place outdoors. Gazebos, covered pagodas and pavilions are all good options. Attractively decorated or adorned with flowers and foliage, they are sited within the grounds of the venue and have been licenced for wedding ceremonies.

The registrar will perform the ceremony for the bride and groom under the cover or canopy with the guests sitting outside in the open air.

Similarly, other venues have taken inspiration from permanent structures in their own grounds to create highly desirable outdoor wedding locations such as ancient follies, archways and ruins that provide the perfect backdrop for an unusual outdoor ceremony.

Although the bride and groom will have to move indoors to sign the marriage register, it is entirely possible for the majority of the wedding ceremony to be held outside with all the traditional elements that you would expect including the arrival of the bride, exchange of vows and rings, readings and first kiss.

Making it your own…

With the permission of the attending registrar, many brides and grooms choosing to get married outdoors also choose to enhance the standard civil ceremony with their own choice of nonreligious music, poetry and readings. In addition to the statutory declarations and words, it is also possible to incorporate your own vows and special promises to create a truly magical day that reflects your personalities and is a fitting start to your new life together.

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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dreaming of

dweddings.com

maryclaire-photography.com

DUSK Photography by Erich McVey

If it’s a whimsical or boho style you’re after, you can’t go wrong with a dusty blue shade. Pretty, charming, with a little touch of vintage about it, the light and airy shade is suited to a whole host of surroundings from countryside to castles.

Photography by Patrick Moyer

nggstudios.com

Dr

Team with cream for an elegant and romantic finish and don’t be afraid to go all out with those little details.

Floaty fabrics, sensational succulents and the 2015 trend of watercolour all help to make your true blue colour scheme extra special.

Sum

Pretty and practical – the shade also ensures you’ve got your ‘something blue’ sorted ahead of your big day!

weddin

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Picking the right col day can be one of the have to make when

watermelon

Just some of the things y your venue’s colour schem as the availability of déc chosen palette. We featuring four of the wedding pal

BRIGHTS thesweetestoccasion.com

For those who like a pop of colour and can’t think of anything better than summer brights, why not opt for a 2015 palette of watermelon pink, yellow and green? With a similar vibe to bright festival palettes of years gone by, the new watermelon brights collection also brings a girly and feminine touch to your bold and beautiful celebrations.

thesweetestoccasion.com

thesweetestoccasion.com

One thing we particularly love about this colour scheme is that is allows you to take advantage of the summer’s offerings – brightly coloured blooms and bold cocktails infused with the season’s best fruits. You could also enhance your bridal look with a pop of watermelon pink on your lips!

Cick here to see more...

etsy.com

stylemepretty.com

stylemepretty.com

Shari and Mike Photographers

Dreamy summer wedding palettes

MODERN

Romance Photography by Brklyn View

Anne Blodgett Photography

Take the romantic blush colour palette into 2015 with a touch of beautiful amethyst. Combining the two gives the pretty pastel tone depth, adding a sense of sophistication and formality to your occasion.

Justin DeMutiis Photography

color.romanuke.com

While the addition of amethyst can helps to create a number of wedding themes – from vintage, to art deco and even modern style – make sure that the lighter, brighter blush remains prominent, to reflect the summer vibes.

reamy

mmer

Simple ways to add a touch of amethyst include detail on your wedding cake, typography on your blush toned stationery, or perhaps vintage amethyst jewels or brooches attached to your bouquet.

ng palettes

Cick here to see more...

lour scheme for your big e trickiest decisions you’ll n planning your wedding.

TUSCAN

Dream

you’ll need to consider include me, your favourite colours, as well cor, attire and flowers in your e’re making it easy for you, e best and most versatile lettes for Summer.

ruffledblog.com

Tanja Lippert Photography

Brides.com

brides.com

Photography by Picotte Weddings

Featuring a sage green, lemon and crisp white palette, this Italian-inspired look is one that would complement any venue. Simple, yet elegant, the fresh and natural colour palette offers a bright and airy alternative to the formal colours of grey or midnight blue, often chosen in the cooler seasons.

This chic colour scheme also reflects the minimalist trend that has become increasingly popular in 2015. With white crisp linens, lashings of foliage and décor featuring simple flowers with subtle Mediterranean dashes of lemon, you’ll have a look that replicates that gorgeous Italian vibe.

Cick here to see more...

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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OUTDOOR

wedding venues

© My Love Story Photography

If it’s your dream to say ‘I do’ under beautiful blue skies with the sun shining brightly, then look no further than this wedding guide.

We have hand-picked 10 of the UK’s best venues that perfectly suit a summer wedding, with each venue offering idyllic outdoor locations where civil ceremonies can legally take place.

10 UK Venues SOUTH FARM

© Real Mishaal Photography

TOFTE MANOR

HEATON HOUSE FARM

© Frasershot Limited © Jonny Draper Photography

1. TOFTE MANOR

Tofte Manor is located in a quaint village between Cambridge and Northampton.

The traditional manor house has retained its purpose as a home which is comfortable and relaxing yet full of grandeur, history and prestige.

For a truly unique wedding blessing, Tofte Manor offers a space which seems to be inspired by ancient mythology. Why not lament your nuptials in the labyrinth, a spiritual spot that feels other-worldly.

Nestled in a secluded and peaceful part of the garden, the labyrinth is enchanting, exotic and exudes ageless beauty.

2. SOUTH FARM

South Farm in Hertfordshire is a sprawling estate which still has the original farmhouse and a number of ancient barns, all of which have been restored and exude that old-English charm.

The Summer House at South Farm is an exquisite seven sided oak framed structure that seems to hover over the pretty lily pond, framed by the luscious green garden filled with mature trees, flowers and foliage.

3. HEATON HOUSE FARM

Formerly a working dairy farm, Heaton House Farm has been transformed into a luxurious wedding venue in Macclesfield with sandstone barns, glorious gardens and far reaching views over three counties.

With endless countryside views to enjoy and overlooking the Water Gardens, the Pagoda is located in a tranquil, charming and enchanting location – perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

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GAYNES PARK

CLEARWELL CASTLE

© Simon Carr Photography

LEMORE MANOR

© Phil Chappell Photography

© My Love Story Photography © John Colson Photography

4. GAYNES PARK

With sweeping views of the London skyline and surrounded by English countryside, Gaynes Park, in Essex, is without a doubt a romantic setting for any summer wedding.

Located in the breathtaking grounds of Gaynes Park is Gather Barn, a listed building that has been immaculately restored. The barn is an attractive opensided building with tree trunk pillars and a red brick roof, surrounded by elegant planters and foliage which offer a superb setting for an outside ceremony.

5. CLEARWELL CASTLE

6. LEMORE MANOR

While the venue is full of history, it is also full of unique charms, with the ability to exchange vows on the steps of the castle taking original twist on the outdoor wedding. The area is framed by colourful hanging baskets and antique plant pots fill the stunning castle grounds.

The great outdoors features heavily in weddings at Lemore Manor. It offers two open air options to say ‘I do’. The romantic setting of the bandstand that makes the most of the outside views.

The steps of the manor house provide a slightly different setting, making the most of the grandeur and architecture of the manor’s exterior.

Clearwell Castle sits in the Forest of Dean and provides a fairy-tale setting for a summer wedding, the castle boasts a stunning ballroom and 15 luxurious bedrooms, while the grounds are breathtakingly beautiful.

Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, Lemore Manor is a stunning 17th Century manor house set in 11 acres of grounds.

10 10UK UKVENUES Venues BREWERSTREET FARMHOUSE

© Chris Seddon Photography

MYTHE BARN

BARTHOLOMEW BARN

© Photography by Vicki

© Lee Glasgow Photography

COOLING CASTLE BARN

Standing proudly in the rolling green fields of West Sussex, Bartholomew Barn is a traditional brick and stone barn with exposed walls and authentic oak beams.

Within the grounds of Bartholomew Barn is a beautiful gazebo; a simple, quintessential English wooden frame gazebo.

Surrounded by woodland and reached by a little pathway is a secluded and romantic spot to say ‘I do’.

© Dan Potter Photography

7. COOLING CASTLE BARN Adjacent to Cooling Castle, a landmark in the wilds of the North Kent Marshes, Cooling Castle Barn is a charming complex, offering three 17th Century barns enclosed by a walled garden and surrounded by the great British countryside.

Tucked away in the garden is the stylish Summer House, with white panelled walls forming a neutral backdrop and four pillars to the front, each adorned with vibrant hanging baskets – the summer house is an elegant space to exchange vows.

9. BARTHOLOMEW BARN

8. MYTHE BARN

Situated on a farm in the rolling Warwickshire countryside, Mythe Barn is a real rural retreat that has been expertly planned and purpose-built for weddings.

The gazebo is a fabulous focal point at Mythe Barn. The tall wooden frame is simple in style, specifically designed to maximise the tranquillity and beauty of the outdoor space. Positioned in the middle of the gardens means it provides a romantic spot to get married in the open air.

10. BREWERSTREET FARMHOUSE

Dating back to 1491, Brewerstreet Farmhouse is a magnificent Tudor Grade I listed farmhouse, located in the lovely village of Bletchingley in Surrey.

Brewerstreet Farmhouse benefits from the contemporary ‘riverside chalet’ – a pretty waterside gazebo. With its solid timber frame and removable windows, couples can exchange vows in the great outdoors, while guests watch on seated on the rolling green lawns.

Its distinctive black and white render making it a striking and stunning venue for those all-important wedding photos.

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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Top eight Ideas for your rustic

wedding feast KALM KITCHEN’S

If you’ve got a soft spot for country charm and homespun happiness, you’ll love the rustic wedding trend.

Hot for 2015, this delightful wedding theme looks great paired with a feast of homely delights. Here are just 8 rustic-inspired food ideas to incorporate in your big day. . .…

Rustic Wedding Menu Top event caterers, Kalm Kitchen, put together this rustic-inspired menu just for you! Take inspiration from their menu to design your own delicious menu.

. . . . . . . . . . Canapés . . . . . . . . . .

Venison lollypops with juniper chutney Pork belly bites with gooseberry jam Roasted guinea fowl with butternut puree in a Yorkshire pudding Birdcage canapés: Wild mushroom ragu in a mini brioche

. . . . . . . . . . Starter. . . . . . . . . .

Roasted butternut risotto with butternut crisps

. . . . . . . . . . Main. . . . . . . . . .

Roasted pork belly with roasted root vegetables, apple compote and rick sage gravy

. . . . . . . . . . Dessert. . . . . . . . . .

Apple and basil tart with vanilla ice cream and apple crisp

. . . . . . . . . . Evening Food. . . . . . . . . .

kalmkitchen.co.uk Photography courtesy of Kalm Kitchen Food Photography, Anneli Marinovich Photography and thecoloursofmymind.tumbl.com

Chilli con carne with sour cream and rice

Summer menu

2.

Fun finger food

1.

Homemade juices and fizz A juice station with freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade lemonade is a great way to add a touch of fun and rustic charm to your day. Serve alongside Pimms and cocktails in mason jars or milk bottles for the perfect start to your afternoon of celebrations.

Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding canapés.

Be inspired by creative ideas, serving canapés on sticks to mimic lollypops and infusing rustic colours such as red, golds and browns. Make the experience of eating the canapé as exciting as the flavour of the food.

3.

4.

Sociable starters

Laid-back mains

Tear-and-share rustic loaves, served alongside olive oil and Tuscan-inspired salads are tasty and sociable options for your starter. Although simple, there are plenty of ways you can jazz these dishes up – for example, offer up a selection of breads and olive oils and think about presentation.

When it comes to the rustic trend, you can’t beat a hog roast or barbecue. You can add the formal touch by offering up prime meats and fish with a range of sumptuous sides. Some of our favourite sides include colourful salads – dressed with edible flowers if you like – sweet potato wedges with honey butter and the traditional country favourite of corn on the cob.

5.

Pie, pie and more pie…

There’s something about pastry and pies that ooze rustic charm – especially when they look homemade.

Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean you’ve got to ditch the pie either. Serve up individual dessert portions of zesty favorites like key lime or lemon meringue pie, or provide a wider selection across a dessert table.

7.

Street food delights…

Come evening, be inspired by street food and festival food trucks serving options from chilli con carne, to fish and chips and our personal favourite – wood fired pizzas.

6.

The naked wedding cake If there’s one wedding cake that resembles the rustic trend entirely, it’s the naked cake. Pretty, tasty and available in a wide range of styles and flavours, it’s perfect for adapting to your big-day style.

8.

Dessert stations

Keep the fun-factor alive throughout your celebrations with dessert stations for all to enjoy into the night. Forget chocolate fountains; instead, be inspired by unique and interactive ideas such as waffle bars, pancake stations and even popcorn stalls.

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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Flowers

1

styles With many flowers in bloom it is a perfect change to experiment with lots of styles

colour Inject a bit of colour into a summer wedding

2

3

boho Colour is key for summer weddings and perfect for boho themed styles

5

FLORIST

Secrets

Jay Archer Floral Design has selected her top flower picks that will suit any summer wedding Photography courtesy of Jay Archer Floral Design

4

senses

Yellow pallets help cunjure up the summer senses for your wedding

6

flair

7

Blue and violet colours can add dramatic flair into any bouquet

8

vintage Softer palettes are perfect to create a vintage look

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Invite Friends and Earn Rewards Do you have friends who are getting married in 2015 and who are still searching for their dream wedding venue? If so, our Refer a Friend program is perfect for you. Why not recommend one of our 12 chosen wedding venues and you’ll receive £200 lovetoshop vouchers to spend as you wish.

It’s so simple. Take a look and visit www.wedding-venues.co.uk/referafriend

®

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUEST

Style GUIDE

by Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress is the essential destination website for party and occasion wear.

We asked Team LBD’s editor, Nathalie Gibbins, to reveal her top tips for being the best-dressed guest at all your summer weddings.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

As mother of the bride (or groom) you’re a key player in the wedding party so looking and feeling your best throughout the day is paramount. Here are some tips to ensure you’re the epitome of elegance:

1.

White White is one colour best avoided on this day as you don’t want to rival the bride

2.

Facinator Wearing a huge hat isn’t essential just because you’re the mother of the bride but why not try a fascinator or a birdcage veil for understated wedding chic

3.

Cover up Don’t let wanting to cover up your arms stop you from buying that special dress. Try a shrug, pashmina or an on-trend cape

4.

Curves Flatter your curves by going for a dress with darker side panels to create the illusion of a gorgeous hourglass figure

Find that something special you feel comfortable in

www.littleblackdress.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Little Black Dress

WEDDING GUEST

Whether you’re close to the wedding party or the plus-one of a guest, it’s still important to get your outfit spot on. Here’s how to be the best-dressed guest for a summer wedding:

1.

Don’t stray More is more, when it comes to flashing flesh.

Remember, you’re going to a wedding, not a night out on the town, so don’t stray too far above the knee

2.

Lace Wearing all white is a no-no, but black is just fine. Opt for a summer style with lace or embellishment and pair with pretty accessories in a coloured hue

3.

Pastels Pastels are your new best friend at this summer’s celebrations; a soft lemon or mint always goes down well, whilst a warm peach will complement even the palest skin tone

4.

Maxi If dresses aren’t your thing, opt for a jumpsuit for a more modern look. And it’s fine to wear maxi dresses to a summer wedding, just make sure it’s not white or a very pale hue

5.

Mix it up Summer weddings are the perfect excuse to play around with fabrics, textures and patterns. Feather hems, lace and bold prints will keep your look exciting (just not all at once!)

Summer styling

Make sure you settle for nothing less than a perfectly fitting suit.

You’ll be looking back at your wedding pictures in years to come, so you want to look as good as you can. We often recommend opting for a slightly snugger fitting suit, as you want it to look clean and fitted in your photos. Baggy fabric is never a good look.

style tips for

GROOMS

T.M.Lewin has teamed up with Country House Wedding Venues to give expert styling inspiration for grooms this summer.

Take the overall wedding day colour theme into account when choosing your tie and pocket square, complimenting it rather than trying to match it exactly.

>> TAILORED

Let your wedding venue influence your outfit. Cutting edge and contemporary or traditional country house – wherever you’ve chosen to tie the knot, it’s always good to select your suit and general wedding attire accordingly.

>> COUNTRY HOUSE

>> CUTTING EDGE

>> THREE-PIECE

A three-piece tailored suit always gives that perfect wedding-day look. Wear the bottom button of your waistcoat undone to give your outfit to complete the classic three-piece style.

Oh-so-popular at Scottish weddings and for good reason – we love to see a handsome Scotsman in traditional attire. If your groom and his ushers are dressing in kilts, make sure they have the full regalia and wear it well. This is also NOT the time to be testing out the theory of what is worn underneath…

www.tmlewin.co.uk Photography courtesy of T.M.Lewin and Anneli Marinovich Photography

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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O H O B

Boho is ba ck with a b ang this su with many mmer, a boho brid e set to tak inspiration e from the 19 70’s catwa lk style.

Deborah Sim pson Bosto n, Fashion P Wedding S R and tyle Blogge r fr o m D Honest Wo iary of an man share s h e r ti ps on how to style a B oho Wedd ing along w ith a selection o f our top pic ks.

SUMMER Wed © Little Black Dress

© Little Black Dress

Dresses

At the heart of the Boho vibe is Hope & Harlequin based in Brighton’s Laines district they stock Sarah Arnett Bride and make their own H&H collection of vintage and Boho inspired gowns.

© Mike Kipling Photography

Boho flowers are effortlessly undone.

Formal or over arranged can look over fussy, wild or country flowers give a softer feel to bouquets and posies. Wild flowers can look amazing used in a headdress or corsage.

ipling Pho tography

© Mike K

Flowers

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© Sen

Fashion

ior Mac P

Floaty, light and chic are the three main staples of a festival bride, don’t forget those welly boots too!

phy

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dding THEMES

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Hello Party Festival themes doesn’t have to mean music festivals, take inspiration from farmer festivals to local town festivals, so get that bunting up!

© Jay Cain Photography

© Jay Cain Photography

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redrubyro

Food Vans We have all stood outside one waiting on those chips, bring a bit of foodie festival bites to your wedding.

SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE

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Rustic

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Pork belly and thickly cut handmade chips fit the rustic theme very well. If you have a particular menu in mind try serving it on wooden platters or pots to conjure up that rustic mood. © Lily Anna Rose Photography graphy

on Photo

© Burlis

© Jay Archer Floral Design

Décor

Simply adding old teapots, or wooden plinth center pieces are not only great additions to the rustic theme but also very easily to add at little cost.

Themes of summer © Sarah Dunn

© Jez Brown Photography

Hollywood waves

© Jez B rown

Hailing from the 1940s and 1950s the classic hair set is still a thing of beauty. Seen on stars such as Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe these waves are a feminine and glamorous.

They suit both long and short hair and compliment many styles of wedding dress.

Photogra phy

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te Sm © Ka

Vintag e stylin g offer get you s a who inspire le wea d! So w lth of e an aut h e ras to hentic ther yo 1 u 9 are loo 40s ha 1920s irdo or king fo decad just wa r ence, v n t a tou intage with th c s h t e right yling c of hairsty an pro vide yo le for y Here a u ou wed re just ding d some o ay. f our vin tage in for this spiratio summ ns er time .

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Vintage

© Binky Nixon Photography

1920/30s faux bob © Little Black Dress

A hugely flattering style and one I am regularly asked to create. It stays in place well and is both stunning and practical, dress it up with Art Deco accessories for a truly show-stopping look.

© Little ess

Black Dr

ck Dress

© Little Bla

© Little Black Dress

1970s tousled curls A great fun and casual way to style your hair.

This look is perfect for a summer or festival wedding. For an extra wow factor, dress up with fresh flowers or a stand out headpiece!

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luxury

HONEYMOO destinations

Luxury honeymoon destinations

Couples getting married in the summer will have the best of the British weather, and Original Travel’s honeymoon planners have travelled the world chasing the best luxury honeymoon destinations for sunshine in June through to September.

ON

madagascar Our wild card entry is a Madagascar honeymoon. For couples who have travelled far and wide few can say they have been to Madagascar.

Take your pick from whale watching, lemur spotting, coral diving, jungle trekking and the island paradise of Tsarabarinja. Honeymoon tip: we recommend you walk around the island to find your own private little bay on the beach. This is Robinson Crusoe style adventure at its finest.

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california Start your journey as man and wife with an epic road trip along the Californian coastline.

You can set your own pace, hop into an all-American Mustang and marvel at the Pacific Coast’s dramatic scenery and pounding surf. No need to feel confined to the steering wheel, a luxury honeymoon to California includes majestic Redwood Forest, sumptuous vineyards, the glamour of Hollywood and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Our favourite pit stop is the The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur. We highly recommend a ‘duet massage’ – why have two hands when you can have four?

california

You might think it is all about Europe in the summer months, and while the continent is glorious at this time of year, this is also prime time further afield in such diverse gems as Tanzania. Sit back, pause the ‘wedmin’ and let Original Travel do the hard work for you.

montenegro Montenegro is a lesser known gem of Europe.

The shoreline ranges from rocky coves to large stretches of wide sandy beach and is backed by a typically Mediterranean landscape of mountains, rolling hills, olive groves and scented pinewoods. The historic island of Sveti Stefan is now home to the romantic Aman Sveti Stefan, and if there’s one hotel group that sets the trends in luxury, it’s Aman.

Photography courtesy of Original Travel

montenegro

indonesia

indonesia Unlike much of Asia during the summer, Indonesia’s weather is coming into its prime between June and August and the top notch beach hotels of Bali will be drenched in sunshine.

If you’re not the kind of couple who can sit still for very long, hop aboard a luxury yacht and explore the 1,500 small islands of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat. Best of the bunch are sister boats Silolona and Si Datu Bua.

tanzania

tanzania A safari holiday might not be the obvious choice for a honeymoon but it should be.

Tanzania is the perfect combination of bush and beach and what’s more romantic than sharing your first sighting of a lion in the wild? The Northern Serengeti is home to the great wildebeest migration and the best time to go is between July and October when the Migration crosses the Mara river. Finish off with a week of ‘bare-foot’ paradise on the island of Zanzibar at The Residence.

Luxury honeymoon destinations

brazil Brazil is a honeymoon destination that brings the heat, in every respect of the word.

The vast stretches of coastline, the wildlife of the Pantanal and the vibrant cities of Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo are legendary. But the destination that’s on every trend savvy bride’s wish list?

Trancoso. It’s a summer honeymooners best kept secret and will be sure to earn you ultimate bragging points. The laid back hippy vibe is perfect for off-beat brides who don’t ‘do’ glitzy hotels, but simple and elegant luxury.

brazil

greece Santorini is a show stopper of a honeymoon destination.

The crescent-shaped island is perhaps the most famous Greek island, and physically one of the most romantic and spectacular islands in the world. The super-chic towns of Fira and Oia are the most popular places to watch the famous pink sunset; we also happen to know the most exclusive infinity pool at Grace Santorini that will give you a front seat view.

greece

italy Ah, Italy, a country that needs no romantic introduction.

Florence is an open air museum of fairy tale streets that are ready to be cooed over. Share spaghetti vongole (our favourite) at La Bussola and retreat to the JK Place. For a completely original take on Italy try the region of Puglia. Unlike its glitzy other half, the Italian Riviera, Puglia is a native Italian’s best kept secret.

italy

Original Travel is a creative travel company which takes a thoughtful approach to creating tailor-made luxury honeymoons to fulfil your needs perfectly.

The team use personal insights and exceptional knowledge of destinations worldwide to craft trips. For inspiration please visit www.originaltravel.co.uk or contact us on 020 7978 7333 / ask@originaltravel.co.uk

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yours, for the day

Inspire Discover Realise A friend to call on for guidance and genuine personal opinions throughout the important planning stages of your wedding. Share your thoughts and ideas with us and we’ll suggest some hidden gems, helping you select an exclusive wedding venue that reflects your style and is yours, for the day.

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