August Weddings: Proceed With Precaution

Planning a wedding in August? You're in luck! August is a great month to tie the knot, with warm weather, an abundance of seasonal produce, and fewer holidays to work around. Plus, your guests can rock their colourful summer wardrobes and you'll have a wide range of dress options, from strapless to sleeveless.

According to the Chinese zodiac, August is the luckiest month to get married, with August 8th being the luckiest day. This is because the number 8 represents infinity, and when applied to marriages, it stands for never-ending love.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. August is a popular month for weddings, so you may face more competition when it comes to venues and vendors. It's also important to consider the warm weather when choosing your wedding attire and planning your menu – you don't want to be melting in a thick dress or filling up on heavy meals!

Wedding receptions allowed from 1 August 2020 with 30 guests

Wedding receptions in the UK were allowed to resume from 1 August 2020, with a maximum of 30 guests in attendance. This change to lockdown rules was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said that the government was "planning for the worst" ahead of the winter but that he believed the UK "should also hope for the best".

The relaxation of rules was contingent on the public acting responsibly, and the prime minister warned that the government would pause the easing of restrictions if there was a risk of a second spike of the virus.

The new rules meant that wedding receptions could take place in venues such as bowling alleys, skating rinks, and casinos, which were also allowed to reopen from 1 August. However, nightclubs and soft play areas were required to remain closed.

The guidance for wedding receptions stated that, where possible, attendees should remain seated, and dancing should be avoided due to the risk of transmission. Seating arrangements should follow social distancing guidelines, with a maximum of two households seated together, and outdoor table service was preferred. Activities such as cake cutting should involve a limited number of guests, and throwing confetti or a bouquet was not recommended. Speeches should be given outside or in well-ventilated areas, with speakers and observers advised not to raise their voices to reduce the risk of aerosol transmission.

The change in rules was welcomed by couples who had been forced to put their nuptials on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Planning an August wedding menu

August is a wonderful month to get married. It's a great time to take advantage of the flexibility of cooler summer days and the colourful summer harvest. Here are some tips for planning an August wedding menu:

Offer Seasonal Produce

August is a great time to use some of the summer's best foods in your wedding menu. Corn, peppers, tomatoes, and squash are popular additions to any soup, salad, or entrée. Many delicious fruits are also in their peak season during the summer, so you can serve up refreshing veggies and light seafood options.

Celebrate Summer Colours

There is a wide array of great summer colours you can choose for your August wedding menu. Some popular summer colour palettes include shades of coral with fresh greenery, summer jewel tones paired with metallics like gold or rose gold, and soft pastels such as blush pink and dusty blue.

Serve Refreshing Cocktails

In the warm summer months, it's important to offer a cool, light, and refreshing signature cocktail for you and your guests to enjoy.

Choose the Right Floral

When it comes to picking florals for your August wedding, choose flowers that can handle the summer weather. Flowers like orchids, sunflowers, or peonies are great options. If you're a fan of peonies but they're not native to your area, ask your florist about using garden roses, which will achieve a similar look for less expense.

Keep Your Guests Cool

August weddings can be quite warm, so it's important to think of ways to cool off your guests. Offer cold drinks and treats, such as an ice cream or popsicle bar after dinner. You can also provide hand-held fans as wedding favours, which will also help your guests stay cool.

Plan for Indoor and Outdoor Options

Look for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor wedding sites so you can escape the heat and/or bad weather if needed. This way, you can be sure that no matter what happens, both you and your guests will be comfortable.

Dress for the Weather

Choose wedding attire that is light and comfortable, especially if you plan on having a dance floor. For men, opt for vests and suspenders instead of jackets, and list the dress code as "casual" on the invitation so that guests aren't sweltering in full-length outfits.

August wedding ideas

August is a great time to hold a wedding, with warm weather and summer vibes. Here are some ideas to make your August wedding memorable and enjoyable for you and your guests:

Outdoor Venue:

Embrace the summer weather by hosting your wedding outdoors. Whether it's a beach, garden, or lakefront setting, being outdoors will create a relaxed and whimsical atmosphere. Consider providing shaded areas with chic umbrellas or a tent to protect your guests from direct sun and potential rain showers.

Colour Palette:

Bright and bold colours are perfect for an August wedding. Think yellow, fuschia, peach, turquoise, coral, or blue. These colours can be incorporated into your floral arrangements, decor, and even your wedding cake. You can also use light, airy shades like tan, white, coral, and mint for a more subtle summer feel.

Fashion:

For the wedding party, choose lighter, flowing fabrics to stay cool. Beige, light grey, and ivory are great colour choices that will reflect the sun's rays. If you're the bride, consider a short dress or one with cutouts to stay comfortable. As for the groom, light colours and short sleeves are a good option.

Food and Drinks:

Serve light and fresh food options such as fish, chicken, salads, and seasonal vegetables. Watermelon snacks and seafood are perfect for an August wedding. For drinks, offer signature cocktails with cucumber, mint, or berries. You can also set up a coconut water station or serve Prosecco with popsicles for a fun twist.

Decorations:

Create a flower wall or hang flower garlands with string lights to add a fairy-tale feel to your wedding. Balloons are also a fun and playful decoration idea. If you're by the beach, use mussel shells to add a unique touch to your wedding cake. You can also provide parasols or fans with your wedding program printed on them to keep your guests cool.

Favours:

Welcome your guests with seasonal goodies like local cherries, custom beach towels, or sunglasses. You can also provide chic hats, bug spray, and sunscreen to make their experience more comfortable.

August wedding colours

August is a popular month for weddings, with its warm weather, blooming flowers, and long days making for a picturesque backdrop. If you're planning an August wedding, here are some colour palette ideas to inspire you:

Light Grey, Orange, and Cream

The bright and cheerful orange paired with light grey and cream will create a cool and summery feel for your wedding. This colour combination will be perfect for a sunny August day and is sure to make your big day stand out. Imagine light grey bridesmaid dresses, an orange bouquet, and a white bridal gown. The groomsmen can wear cream suits with orange ties, and table settings can feature light grey table runners and white and orange centrepieces.

Yellow, Light Grey, and White

Yellow is the colour of late summer, and it will shine even brighter alongside light grey and white. This palette is especially well-suited to outdoor August weddings. Think yellow bridesmaid dresses, a white bridal gown, and yellow and white bouquets. The groom and groomsmen can wear light grey suits with yellow ties and boutonnieres, and table settings can include a white tablecloth, light grey table runners, yellow napkins, and yellow centrepieces.

Emerald Green and Marigold Yellow

For a playful yet timeless look, consider emerald green and marigold yellow. The dark green will match the lush greenery of the landscape, while the bright yellow will create a cheerful and summery vibe. These colours can be incorporated into your invitations, floral arrangements, centrepieces, and table settings. Gold or white accents will complement this palette without overshadowing the main colours.

Ecru, Olive, and Grey

This understated yet elegant combination beautifully blends cool and warm tones, creating a sense of balance. It is a great choice if you want your venue to be the focal point. Decorate your space with greenery to channel the olive hue, and use grey for table linens or natural items like rocks and stone for place settings, escort cards, or vases. Ecru, a soft beige, can be used for finishing touches such as napkin rings or signage.

Taupe, Sage, Blue, and White

This light and airy palette is perfect for a romantic, outdoor wedding. Use these colours in your stationery suite, floral arrangements, and table settings. White plates and linens with metallic flatware will make the taupe, sage, and blue florals stand out.

Coral, Blush, and Gold

Coral is a wonderful choice for summer weddings, evoking a warm, tropical vibe. Blush and gold accents will add a touch of elegance to this vibrant palette. Mix and match blush and coral bridesmaid dresses, and carry blush bouquets. The wedding cake can feature decorations in coral, blush, and gold, and table settings can include coral and gold decorations.

August wedding flowers

August is a great month for weddings, with an abundance of flowers in bloom. There are many options to choose from, and you can opt for seasonal and local flowers to support nearby growers. Dahlias are a very popular choice for August weddings, as they come in a wide variety of shapes, colours, and sizes. Cosmos are also a lovely option, adding a delicate and fun touch to any bouquet or arrangement.

If you're looking for something unique, consider rudbeckia, which come in a range of colours and add a boho touch to your arrangements. Scabiosa, with their airy and light appearance, can also add a whimsical and magical feel to your floral design. For a more textural and drapey look, amaranth is a great choice, and it comes in various colours, including bronze, green, coral, and burgundy. Lisianthius, also known as "Lizzies", are another fantastic option for August, with their multiple branches per stem and fluffy, romantic petals.

For an outdoor August wedding, colours like russet brown and sunflower yellow would be a perfect fit. You can also incorporate the birthstone colour of August, which is yellow-green, into your floral arrangements.

Frequently asked questions