Wedding Ideas for a Summer Barn wedding

There is perhaps nothing more glorious than an English country wedding in the summer, especially when the setting is a rustic barn in the midst of the Norfolk countryside! At Manor Mews, we’re embracing the season and we hope our summer wedding ideas will inspire you.

Bridal Style

If you’re planning a wedding in the midst of summer, it’s a good idea to look for a dress in a delicate fabric, such as chiffon, tulle or silk, keeping you cool throughout the day. Consider styles that are either sleeveless or with short sleeves and have a wrap or shawl in case the temperature drops a little in the evening.

Equally, choose light fabrics for your bridesmaid dresses and suggest that your groom and his groomsmen look at lightweight suits, perhaps in a pale colour.

Design and Décor

Summer weddings cry out for pastel shades, echoing the beauty of the surrounding nature. Delicate hues of pinks, greens and blues look wonderful at this time of year and you might like to add in metallic details for a little glamour. Equally, there’s nothing quite like a white wedding, introducing shades of green through foliage.

Embrace the rustic style of Manor Mews with pretty, seasonal flowers, bunting, wooden accessories, and perhaps even a semi-naked cake. Think about how the barn will look after dark and create a romantic ambience with fairy lights and candles.

All About Flowers

Flowers become a key element of your décor and, during the summer, nature offers so much for you to choose from! Stick to seasonal blooms and speak to your florist about creating relaxed, informal arrangements with that ‘just picked’ look.

The brick walls of the Great Barn provide the perfect backdrop for fresh flowers. Adorn aisle chairs with flowers during your ceremony and add pretty blooms to your table centres. You might even create a floral arch for your ceremony and surround your cake and seating plan with fresh flowers.

Milk churns, jam jars and wooden crates make great ‘alternative’ vases for a barn wedding venue.

The Great Outdoors

The summer months give you the chance to make the most of the beautiful garden at Manor Mews. A wonderfully private space, its flat lawn, terrace, seating and shade, is just the place to enjoy garden games and welcome drinks.

Carry your celebrations outside wherever possible, thinking of the garden as a natural extension to the barn. Of course, with the beautiful flower beds in bloom, there are also some fabulous photo opportunities to be had.

Food and Drink

Our talented in-house catering team, headed up by executive chef, Keith McDowell, will work with you every step of the way to create the most exquisite summer menu. Using seasonal produce, locally sourced where possible, delight your guests with delicate canapés and delicious main courses. You might even choose a lighter option such as classic afternoon tea party with finger sandwiches and miniature desserts.

Of course, we hope you’ll also enjoy some delightful drinks, from personalised cocktails and mocktails to gin bars and expertly chosen wines.

As day turns to evening, there’s nothing quite like a barbecue or hog roast.

Thoughtful Favours

A small gift from you to your guests, wedding favours these days are so varied and wonderful, the choice is entirely yours! We love the idea of giving a small posy of flowers or even a single stem. Fans made from natural wood are a thoughtful touch, keeping guests cool on a warm day. Give seeds or plants for your guests to grow at home, delicate personalised cookies, sparklers for after dark or funky sunglasses.

If you have yet to visit Manor Mews, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01485 528508 or contact us online.