10 Inspirational Ideas for an Essex Summer Wedding

Each new wedding season brings unique opportunities, and summer weddings are up there with some of the most exciting, opportunity-filled weddings to plan.  

Blue skies and warm sunshine become the norm; flowers are in full bloom, and outdoor spaces become alive with the buzz of activity and atmosphere. 

If you’re getting married here at Braxted Park either this summer or next, we hope these summer wedding suggestions will inspire you to start thinking about all the possibilities that a wedding in this wonderful season has to offer. 

1. Embrace outside spaces

Summer weddings go hand in hand with al fresco celebrations and are usually the primary driving force behind a couple choosing summer as their wedding season.    

The Orangery at Braxted Park is an idyllic setting for civil ceremonies throughout the year and provides an impressive, indoor-outdoor ‘plan B’ option in case the weather decides to turn before your special day.  

But, if the sun is shining – and it will be (manifesting) – say ‘I do’ amidst the serenity of the walled garden, surrounded by beautiful blooms, lush greenery and babbling fountains. Getting married outdoors in an oasis such as our Knott Garden could save you money when it comes to wedding floristry, as you’ll already be surrounded by live foliage and bright summer flowers. 

2. Summer blooms

This is the season when nature is perhaps at its most generous, offering an abundance of glorious flowers to choose from for your wedding day. However, if you’re keen to reduce your environmental impact, summer is the best season to opt for seasonal, locally-grown flowers, as you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Top tip – choose your colour scheme, whether you opt for pure whites, delicate pastels or more vibrant shades, and let your florist recommend flowers that will look their best at this time of year.  

Savvy couples who are keen to pull together a cohesive scheme will echo the beauty of nature by carrying blooms that grow amidst our gardens through their bouquets, centrepieces and floral installations.  

3. Drink in the sunshine

Toast your marriage with drinks and canapés – you guessed it – in the garden or on the lawn at Braxted Park. Is there anything better than a cool cocktail, a cold beer, or a refreshing fruit drink sipped in the summer sunshine?  

Get creative and design your own cocktails to match your colour scheme and the style of your day. Ice buckets filled with beer are a relaxed, welcoming drinks option and remember to include plenty of non-alcoholic options, such as a selection of fruit-infused waters which look great in glass Kilners.  

If the weather is particularly warm, consider areas of shade for your drink-sipping guests to take refuge in, as well as older guests and children. 

4. Lawn games

Delight your guests with classic garden games, such as croquet, giant Jenga or a coconut shy. If you have younger guests, you might consider a treasure hunt. At Braxted Park, our gardens certainly boast plenty of hidden corners to hide treats! 

A few fun garden games are an easy way to entertain your guests while making the most of the outdoor space.