With the cost of wedding ceremonies on the rise, holding the reception at home is becoming more and more popular. Whether you plan to have 20 guests for afternoon tea in your front room or a marquee for 200 in the back garden, create your dream atmosphere with this pick of the top ten accessories for your summer wedding.
1. Rustic ‘just married’ bunting, Ginger Ray
Rustic ‘just married’ bunting, Ginger Ray
Perfect for a low key country wedding is this hessian bunting, with a twine finish and white script lettering. It would look great over the entrance to a marquee, or hung between two trees to mark the entrance to a garden. Each pack contains 11 flags, measuring a total of around 4m of bunting, and costs £8.99 from Ginger Ray.
2. Gold champagne glass paper bunting, Sue Ryder
Gold champagne glass paper bunting, Sue Ryder
Hang this vertical bunting from trees, mixed in with fairy lights, to create a magical, fairy tale atmosphere for an outdoor reception. At just 49p per pack, you don’t even have to worry if it gets a bit damp! Available from Sue Ryder.
3. Artificial peonies bouquet, Dekoria
Artificial peonies bouquet, Dekoria
If you’re planning the reception yourself, there’s a lot to be said for artificial flowers for decoration. They won’t be affected by heat or cold, and can be put into position days in advance if need be. Plus, once the party’s over, you can give them away as keepsakes or keep them as home decorations. This natural looking bunch of seven cream peonies is surprisingly realistic blooms and costs £10 from Dekoria.
4. Champagne glass table centrepiece, Annabel James
Champagne glass table centrepiece, Annabel James
Create a memorable table setting with this unusual handmade oversized Champagne saucer. Fill it with exotic flowers such as orchids or freesias or with floating candles for an evening reception to create a romantic ambience. You could even fill it with sweets, chocolates or party poppers for after the meal. £26.95, available from Annabel James.
5. Rose gold ‘love’ confetti, Cake & Candle
6. Set of three metal tea light lanterns, Melody Maison
Set of three metal tea light lanterns, Melody Maison
The right ambience is all about lighting, and these pretty white metal lanterns, finished with a gold distressing, will work equally well on tables, hung from trees or making an avenue of light to mark the entrance to a marquee. They hold a standard size tealight (not supplied), and cost £18.86 for three from Melody Maison.
7. Lunar fairy light lanterns, Lights4Fun
Lunar fairy light lanterns, Lights4Fun
If the weather’s fine, your guests may even be able to venture outside the marquee! Make it a magical experience with these weatherproof white lanterns. They’re strung along a clear cable so appear to float in the trees, and radiate a bright golden glow. £16.99 for a string of 10, available from Lights4Fun.
8. Wooden initial letters, WoodenCraftShopCo
Wooden initial letters, WoodenCraftShopCo
These free-standing wooden letters would look great on a garden wall or gatepost, or to mark the gift table or decorate the top table. Post-wedding, they’d look good on a mantelpiece! The price of £15.99 includes two letters and an ampersand, each measuring 13cm by 2cm. Available from WoodenCraftShopCo via Etsy.
9. Rustic birch wood candle holders, TheForestBoutique
Rustic birch wood candle holders, TheForestBoutique
This set of three tea light candle holders is cut from silver birch grown in managed woodland in Yorkshire, UK, and would be perfect for table settings for a rustic or eco-themed wedding. They stand approximately 11cm high and hold a standard tea light. £6.50 for three, available from TheForestBoutique via Etsy.
10. Personalised wedding sign, OldPottingShedLtd
Personalised wedding sign, OldPottingShedLtd
This rustic, wooden wedding sign will help show your guests the right direction. Measuring 80cm tall, it can be personalised with your own details and choice of heart colour. £45 including standard personalisation, available from OldPottingShedLtd via Etsy.
