Summer is the season of love, laughter and weddings in the UK! From elegant garden ceremonies to lavish celebrations at historic castles, there’s no shortage of magical venues for tying the knot. But if you’re a guest attending a summer wedding for the first time or planning your own special day, you may be wondering what to expect.
Fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at all the amazing traditions and rituals that make UK summer weddings truly unforgettable. So grab a glass of bubbly and let’s dive into this exciting world of love and romance!
Elements Of A Traditional UK Summer Wedding
The guest list
If you’ve been invited to a summer wedding in the UK, congrats! Here’s what you can expect:
The guest list will likely be made up of close family and friends of the couple. If you’re not close to the couple, don’t worry – you’ll still have a great time!
The ceremony will be held outdoors, either in a beautiful garden or at a historic venue like a castle. It’ll be short and sweet, with traditional readings and vows.
After the ceremony, it’s traditional to throw wedding confetti, then everyone will head to the reception for drinks, food, and dancing. The party will go late into the night – so make sure you wear your dancing shoes!
The bride’s outfit
The bride’s outfit is usually a white or cream dress, although some brides choose to wear a coloured dress. The groom will usually wear a suit. The bridesmaids and groomsmen will also be dressed in matching outfits. The mother of the bride and the father of the groom will usually wear formal attire. Women in attendance traditionally choose to wear fascinators as well.
The groom’s outfit
The groom’s outfit is typically a suit or tuxedo. The bride may choose the style of the groom’s outfit, but it is more common for the groom to choose his own attire. If the bride is wearing a white dress, the groom may wear a white shirt and tie. It is also common for the groom to wear a corsage or boutonniere on his lapel.
The ceremony
When it comes to UK summer weddings, the ceremony is usually held outdoors. This means that you can expect beautiful weather and stunning scenery. The bride will usually arrive at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, and the groom will be waiting for her at the altar. The ceremony itself is typically very traditional, with readings from the Bible and exchange of vows. After the ceremony, the newlyweds will often take a carriage ride around the town or village before heading off to their reception.
The reception
As soon as the ceremony is over, it’s time to celebrate! The reception is usually held at a different venue to the ceremony, such as a hotel or a large function room. Most receptions will include a sit-down meal, followed by speeches from the groom, best man and father of the bride. After dinner, there will be plenty of time to socialize with your guests and enjoy some dancing. The party will usually go on until late into the night!
Food and drink
It’s no secret that food and drink are a big part of any wedding celebration. When it comes to summer weddings in the UK, there are a few things you can expect when it comes to the food and drink offerings.
For starters, many summer weddings will feature a BBQ or buffet-style meal. This is perfect for making sure everyone gets something they like and can enjoy the variety of dishes on offer. As for drinks, expect plenty of Pimms and Prosecco flowing! Of course, there will also be beer, wine and soft drinks available too.
When it comes to dessert, there’s typically a wedding cake on offer (which is often cut by the bride and groom themselves!) as well as other sweet treats like cookies or cupcakes. And don’t forget about the all-important wedding toast – this is usually given by the best man or maid of honour and is a chance to raise a glass to the happy couple!
The first dance
As the sun sets on a summer’s day, the first dance is an opportunity for the newlyweds to take to the floor and share a moment together. The bride and groom will usually choose a special song that means something to them, and guests will gather around to watch and cheer them on. It’s a magical moment that you’ll remember forever!
Conclusion
UK weddings in the summer can be magical and unique experiences. With so much natural beauty to enjoy, you’re sure to have a great time at any wedding held during this season. From listening to live music over delicious food and drinks, to dressing up for the occasion and dancing with friends and family late into the night, there is something for everyone at these special gatherings. So don’t miss out on all of these wonderful memories, come along prepared with an open heart and mind!