With summer just around the corner, our thoughts are turning to long summer weddings in the beautiful outdoors, the sun shining down as wedding guests sip drinks on the terrace.
Whatever the season, Healing Manor Hotel, with its acres of grounds and spacious functions rooms, offers a wonderful backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception. Whether you choose our historic wedding barn, airy and spacious with its own private lake and grassed area, the elegant Cadogan suite, or a cosy and intimate do in The Cure All private dining room, our weddings team will work with you to help create the summer wedding of your dreams. And, with our fantastic network of local wedding suppliers and membership of the Lincs Wedding Directory, we know the experts to call on – florists, entertainment, photographers and more.
Speaking of which, we contacted some of our favourite local suppliers to ask for their top hints and tips to make your summer wedding go perfectly. Here’s what they had to say.
“Summer is a wonderful time of the year to get married, primarily because of the sunshine. Your wedding stationery should reflect the vibe of your wedding and showcase the celebrations to come.”
Raspberry Rose Designs Summer Weddings: Georgi Mabee Photography
Raspberry Rose Designs: Chris Ward Photography
“Beautiful summer days flowing into the lighter, warmer evenings may mean you move about your venue more than you would during the winter months, so I definitely advise styling all areas of the venue, including outside areas. A great way to do this is with signage. Welcome signs and quote signs will bring a cohesive feel throughout your wedding and venue.”
“Colourful florals and green botanicals will never fail you. My advice, if you are unsure about what to choose, is to go for a classical English garden theme. Healing Manor is the perfect setting and backdrop for an English garden wedding, with its grand hotel building and sensational rustic barn, not to mention the breath-taking gardens which surround it. Here, you can mix florals, colours, and soft natural edges to create a quintessentially English wedding.”
“Summer weddings are beautiful occasions but can mean a divide of guests between the great outdoors and inside. The big advantage of hiring me as a close-up magician is that I am incredibly flexible and can adapt to any situation or area, making sure no one is left out of the experience.”
“If you are having an outdoor wedding and the dreaded rain unexpectedly arrives, I will make the best of the unfortunate circumstances and keep entertaining. I don’t need a stage, bright lights or any other items that will take up a large amount of space in your wedding reception area: I can work in any sized room and outdoors – all I need is your guests.”
“As a magician, I offer excitement, humour and interaction to engage all of your guests. This helps make your special day stress-free by providing entertainment for all your guests, indoors and outdoors.”
“When it comes to a summer wedding, there are no limits to your style and theme. The choice of flowers in the summer is huge! Whilst white flowers are always available and classic, saying yes to colour can really define your theme and make your whole style so much more unique. An ombre collection of sunset shades is really popular right now. They work beautifully against a bright blue sky, and also look spectacular for that sunset photo session.”
“If an ethereal meadow is your dream, consider dainty florals in mixed pastels. A touch of soft, floaty grass can add movement and strengthen that ‘just picked’ feel. Want your vibe to be fun and a little wild? Go bright! Think Woodstock, think festival, and bring a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour to your wedding with bold blooms in eclectic colours. Bring the same florals to your venue and you have a full summer theme, which is totally unique to your wedding.”
Sunflower and David Austin rose ‘English Country Garden’ bouquet for Hannah & Phil
Sunflower bouquets and Converse for Niamh & Jay at Healing Manor by Stefano Cavallinni Photography
“Don’t forget that heat can make flowers feel a little fed-up so keep your bouquets in water when possible to keep them looking perky for those beautiful golden hour photos! Your florist will advise you of any flowers which are best avoided in the hottest months, and they will come up with perfect designs best suited to your venue in the warmer months.”
Osh Gosh Gowns – official Mori Lee stockist
“We’ve got summer weddings on our mind, and we know our brides are looking for more than just the perfect weather or locale; they need a beautiful designer dress to go with it. And when it comes to gowns, there are lots to choose from. A designer summer wedding dress will feel effortless and look fantastic no matter the situation. There are some things to consider when shopping for the perfect warm weather wedding dress. You should take into account the fabric of the gown, the cut of the silhouette, and if it will fit your venue and style. We can answer all these questions and more.”
Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Dress Ideas
“Let’s talk about indoor versus outdoor weddings. If you’re having an indoor summer wedding, you have plenty of options. You get all the beauty of the season, plus the benefits of a cool, air-conditioned space. This allows for potentially heavier fabrics, like crepe or satin, and long illusion sleeves. Indoor weddings tend to be more formal, so if you still want that summer feel—with a black-tie dress code—opt for an indoor wedding with a view. We recommend dresses like Erin, style 12133, a timeless satin ball gown.”
“Outdoor weddings let you embrace all the season has to offer. We love a chic garden party, and there’s something classic about a beach wedding. Think about keeping your guests comfortable by offering cute sunglasses they can wear, a paper fan, or water to keep them cool in the summer heat. With warmer temperatures, an outdoor wedding calls for lighter fabrics, shorter dresses, and sleeveless styles. We think a gown like Becca, style 5903, would be a great choice.”
Simple Summer Wedding Dress Ideas
“If you’re a bride who prefers things on the simpler side, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of options for our brides to rock simple summer wedding dresses. These effortless gowns look understated while still feeling totally bridal. Demi, style 6963 is a relaxed A-line with a chiffon skirt that’s perfect for a summer wedding. The sheer bodice dazzles with crystal beaded embroidery making this a great simple wedding dress that will stun at a boho beach wedding. If you’re looking for no sparkle at all, our Bali designer wedding dress, style 12102, might be the one for you. The sleek crepe gown is elegant and simple with a fitted silhouette, front leg slit, and strappy back. It’s a great option for a modern summer wedding dress. Jordan, style 15009 is another great option! The relaxed A-line is made from breezy chiffon, making it an ideal beach or summer wedding dress. The faux-wrap skirt offers a pop of leg and the delicate v-neckline is accented by beautiful beaded lace that carries onto the back of the gown creating a stunning illusion effect!”
Casual Wedding Dress Ideas for Summer Brides
“For our carefree brides that are looking for a casual summer wedding dress, we have options for you. Casual doesn’t have to mean boring, and these dreamy gowns have beautiful details in silhouettes that are comfortable and effortless; perfect for a casual summer wedding. Delilah, style 5941, is fresh and feminine with a breezy A-line silhouette in light-as-air net. The all-over floral embroidery feels fitting for a summer wedding and we love the delicate pop of leg that peeks through the underskirt. Another option is Dawn, style 5942. The slim A-line stuns with a square neck bodice designed with unique embroidered lace and a relaxed chiffon skirt for a laid-back look. If you want a cool and casual summer wedding dress, meet Jenna, style 4107. This understated gown has a Chantilly lace bodice with crystal beaded lace appliqués for a subtle sparkle and a slim, A-line skirt in airy chiffon.”
