1. Lemonade Station – A perfect post-ceremony option, a lemonade station is an economical and stylish choice should you wish to forgo the standard teas and coffees at the reception. And if it’s a particularly hot day (God forbid!) your guests will be dlelighted with their thirst-quencher.
2. Non-alcoholic Cocktails – Similar to the lemonade station, the non-alcoholic cocktails option is great as an alternative to the standard tea and coffee break. The idea of cocktails puts a lot of people in a very good mood, however with fruit and berry cocktails your guests won’t be left feeling woozy before their dinner!
3. Summer Berry Desserts – Nothing says summer like fresh berries. Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries not only taste like little drops of heaven but they are also beautifully striking to look at!
4. Lime Centrepieces – Staying with the fresh and natural, fruit centrepieces are already a hugely popular budget-friendly choice in the U.S, and it seems couples are catching on here too! Fruit can be used in many different ways for your decor, from lemon centrepieces to apple placecards!
5. Polaroid Guest Book –Capture your guests and share their image immediately on retro Polaroid. This is particularly good during the summer months as you can set up a line with mini colourful pegs across the gardens of your venue so that guests can create their own decor on the day!
6. Wildflowers Everywhere! – Another purse-friendly alternative for centrepieces, pew ends and anywhere else you want some foliage is wildflowers. Going with the rustic look again, wildflowers in all of their mismatched glory bring a calming beauty to decor and will put a smile on everyone’s face.
7. Chic Marquee Receptions – If your budget allows, a marquee setting for teas and coffees (or lemonades and cocktails!) is the ideal set up for the Irish summer. Should it be a little too warm, guests can shade inside, or if there happens to be an occasional shower, they can take shelter.
8. Outdoor Games – Back to childhood again, outdoor games like bowling, rounders, mini golf or badminton would be a great distraction for your guests while you pose for the wedding photographer. Ask your wedding coordinator to see what’s possible.
Photos by Sheri Photography
9. Fan Favours – One for the weddings abroad couples (or fans of the ironic!) fans would make a great favour for guests. They are also inexpensive and colourful and will add a light-hearted fun element to your summer table decor.
10. Colouful Confetti – Colourful confetti is as much for you as it is for guests. This looks great in photos and guests will love it. Make little cones out of white card and place the colourful confetti inside and leave it in a basket beside your ceremony booklets.
11. After-dinner Flip Flops – You’ve heard of after-dinner mints, but how about after-dinner flip flops?! Your female guests will love this favour when the band plays on. Their feet will thank you too!
12. Unity Sand Ceremony Kits – Bring a bit of the beach to your ceremony! The Unity Sand Ceremony is a novel alternative for the popular "unity candle ceremony" incorporated into many of today’s weddings. By adding a third vase you are able to add another symbolic element to this event. Incorporate your priest, child or have the third vase represent your shared spiritual beliefs.
13. Wedding Abroad-type Invites – Set the tone for your summer wedding with invitations styled for a wedding abroad. These invites from Fly Away Bride are a lovely way to infuse a bit of European style to your stationery.
14. Below-the-knee Wedding Gown – Tea-length wedding gowns are a big trend in weddings and are perfect for summer brides. Pair with some colourful heels in red, green or ‘something blue’ and add some sass for a sunny bridal style. – Beatrix dress by Elizabeth Anne Designs
15. Bridesmaids in Pale Yellow – Pastels in the summer add some colour to your bridal party while still being demure and elegant. Pastel yellows, blues or pinks are a go-to for summer bridesmaids and in a tea-length style will really add a sunny air to your wedding photos. – Dress from Protocol Bridal
16. Semi-formal BBQs – Pig spits and BBQs are a great alternative to a sit down meal at summer weddings. Your guests can mingle at the salad station and enjoy good food outdoors.with a hired pig spit.
17. Pretty Parasols – Bridesmaids with parasols look great for an ethnic-style wedding, or alternatively you could provide parasols for your outdoor ceremony.
18. Billy Button Boutonnaires – Billy buttons are a little ray of sunshine when added to bouquets or button holes. This wildflower country-style wedding by Gary Barrett shows them off at their best!
By Karen Birney
