Top tips for planning an outdoor wedding in spring and summer

The good news is that an outdoor venue already does so much of the heavy lifting. The trick is to enhance the natural landscape whilst keeping the overall look true to your style. Here’s how to make the most of a beautiful outdoor wedding venue in Kent:

1) Let nature lead your colour palette

Choose florals that mirror the surrounding gardens for a harmonious and timeless look. Or why not draw inspiration from the season’s natural colours: soft pink blossom in spring, vibrant greens and warm neutrals in the high summer, or on-trend bold colours that are in for 2026. 

2) Keep your décor soft and textural

Think meadow-style florals, flowing ribbons, rattan accents, and faux candlelit lanterns that glow softly as the day turns to dusk. Small touches like hand-tied herbs, petal-strewn aisles, and floral archways all marry beautifully with the stunning Kent countryside surroundings.

3) Consider the practicalities

When styling your outdoor event, you’ll need to consider the wind, temperature, and ground conditions. We recommend choosing weighted décor, avoiding tall unstable arrangements, and opting for signage materials that won’t warp or topple. Make sure that your walkways and seating are comfortable for all guests, especially on lawns or uneven surfaces.

4) Lighting matters more than you think

As the sun begins to set, consider how you can use lighting to transform your venue into something spellbinding. Fairy lights and festoon lights in the trees or and soft uplights along paths create a warm and inviting ambience without overpowering the natural landscape.

5) The little things make all the difference

A few thoughtful additions can make your outdoor wedding truly unforgettable. Consider serving up seasonal drinks and menus (botanical refreshing cocktails and elegant nibbles) and organising some outdoor entertainment (acoustic musicians, magicians, and lawn games) to really make the most of the outdoor scenery.

Every season brings its own character, and its own quirks. Make sure you plan with the specific season in mind so that your outdoor wedding is comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish.

Spring weddings

Spring is the season of freshness and renewal. When planning an outdoor wedding in spring, you’ll need to consider:

• Have a warm layer plan – fill some wicker baskets with blankets or pashminas to keep your older guests cosy.
• Be pollen-aware – if you or your guests suffer from allergies, make sure you choose hypoallergenic flowers and provide plenty of tissues!
• Lean into those romantic natural moments – carpets of real petal blossoms in pastel tones are perfect for making your spring ceremony picture-perfect. 

Summer weddings

Summer is the season of warmth and light, but those warm temperatures can sometimes take you by surprise! When planning an outdoor wedding in summer, you’ll want to think about:

• Plan for shade – parasols, sailcloth trims, shaded seating, or a couple of summer umbrellas will help your guests stay comfortable in the hot weather.
• Hydration is key – welcome drinks stations and iced water urns are essentials for outdoor summer weddings.
• Golden hour magic – build your photography timeline around sunset for the most beautifully-lit romantic moments. 

What happens if it rains on the day of our outdoor wedding?

There’s always the possibility that it could rain on the day of your outdoor wedding. Make sure you choose an outdoor wedding venue that has an indoor ceremony space.

When can we marry outside?

Outdoor ceremonies can only take place during British Summer Time (BST). This is the legally permitted period for outdoor civil ceremonies in England, and it ensures that both the lighting and weather conditions are suitable for you, your guests. and the registrars. You can marry outside from late March to late October, in line with the annual BST dates. 

What should guests wear to an outdoor wedding ceremony?

If you’re getting married outdoors, we recommend suggesting weather-appropriate attire on your invitations or wedding website. Guests might benefit from multiple layers in spring, breathable fabrics in summer, and comfortable footwear for garden pathways. We recommend adding some polite ‘notices’ in your invite like:

• “We gather with joy outside, so think soft grass, not marble floors.”
• “We’ll be marrying where the sky is our ceiling, so choose garden-ready shoes and weather-wise layers.”
• “Our ceremony blooms outdoors, so dress for sunshine, soft ground, and a little British unpredictability.”

Are outdoor weddings more expensive?

Outdoor weddings are no more expensive than indoor weddings. The costs all depend on your styling choices and your venue’s facilities. The good news is that getting married with nature as your backdrop often reduces the need for extensive décor.

When do we have to decide to marry outside or inside?

You don’t need to make a final decision weeks in advance about whether your ceremony will take place inside or outside at Solton Manor. When you complete your legal ceremony paperwork, you simply need to state your preference for an outdoor ceremony followed by your indoor choice. As long as we have a couple of hours’ notice to move and set up the chairs, the final decision can be made on the day based on the actual weather rather than forecasts.

How can we keep our wedding flowers fresh in warm weather?

For outdoor spring and summer weddings, we recommend working with your florist to choose hardy seasonal blooms. The key is early planning and open communication with your florist – they are experts in understanding how different flowers respond to heat, and will guide you towards the most practical choice for your day.