DANIEL RICH, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE BARTON GRANGE HOTEL:
“As the summer approaches the thoughts of bridal parties often turn to the advantages of going Al Fresco for their wedding, and the extra special touch it can add to a wedding. There’s lots of different ways you can incorporate ‘Al Fresco’ into your special day. Whether it’s going the whole way and holding the entire day outside or just adding a few special touches, it’s something that can be easily catered for.
“One of the most fail safe things to do with any outdoors party is to hold your wedding in a marque. If it’s a beautiful day you can make the most of the beautiful British sunshine by using a deck at the side of the marque as a chill-out area, or if there’s a touch of rain, head inside and enjoy the outdoors-indoors atmosphere. Marques can hold a large wedding party, or they can be much smaller, suitable for a more intimate affair. The beauty of them is that they are a blank canvas, so can be decorated in whatever colour scheme suits you and you can follow whatever theme suits you. They can accommodate lots of different types of seating - from long tables, to booths, to small round tables, a fab dance floor, buffet or sit down meals and still have room for pictures to be taken. Guests in a marque often feel like they are outside with lots of fresh air coming through, plus if it does turn a little chillier in theevening heaters can be brought in to add a cosy feel. They can be decorated with beautiful fairy lights, or grand chandeliers – whatever takes your fancy.
“Even if your big day is being held inside a gorgeous Hotel or venue, it’s still worthwhile thinking about adapting the menu to suit the summer vibe. From a summer festival BBQ to a quintessential British garden party served with Pimms and cream teas, the world really is your oyster. You can bring in an international street food feel by serving mix and match Indian food buffet served from free standing carts or introduce the British seaside with fish and chips served from tin buckets. Summer brings with it a relaxed feel and this can be seen in the seating arrangements, or not! Lots of guests who opt for BBQs don’t have seating plans and let guests sit wherever they want. Serving cocktails and mocktails based on refreshing summer fruits, or even vodka iced-lollies for the grown-ups, is a great to add an al fresco feel.
“A lot of couples who marry in the summer tend to opt for wedding later in the day, giving the wedding an evening party atmosphere. So definitely use of any terraces or walled gardens, such as at our hotel, for early evening drinks and the last of the summer sunshine. Then move the party indoors with an amazing band playing those popular summer tunes – reminding us all of great care-free summer beach holidays.
“There’s something about the sun setting that helps to create a romantic touch to the big day – so work the magic moment into your party plans with some great wedding photos. Mementos of a special al fresco day.”
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