The Finishing Touches: Last-Minute Details for a Perfect Summer Wedding
Imagine this: your perfect summer wedding day, where every detail feels like a dream come to life—what could make it even more magical?
Even the best-planned wedding has space for a few last-minute enhancements to make it truly unforgettable.
The aim here is big impact, minimal footprint (you only have one wedding, but we only have one planet). So, here are 7 ways to level up your wedding day without adding waste or stress!
1. Wedding Guest Comforts for Summer Ceremonies
Keeping Your Guests Cool
Summer is one of the best seasons for weddings, with gorgeous sunlight, blooming flowers, and late sunsets.
But with that sun comes heat. Help your guests stay cool and comfortable with thoughtful extras:
by Olea Janes Photographyy
Paper fans – printed to match your aesthetic or personalised for a unique touch
Parasols – a stunning addition, particularly for the bridal party. Paper and bamboo are great options, or if you’re into DIY, use thrifted lace and old umbrellas
Flat shoes – consider providing a few thrifted or rented pairs for guests or simply offer a space to store their own flats during the day
If you’d rather not add more stuff to your wedding, here are some experiences to consider instead:
Hire a frozen drink stand (who doesn’t love a margarita slush or some frosé?) or even a gelato and sorbet bar (check out the gorgeous setup from Frew & Co below!)
Set up a misting station with cooling diffusers offering a refreshing spritz—perhaps lightly scented for an extra sensory delight
Arrange shaded lounges around the venue. Think airy cotton gauze canopies with comfortable seating for a breezy retreat
2. Wedding Backup Plans for Inclement Weather
Be Prepared for Whatever the Weather Brings
Summer equals sunshine, right? Well, not always, especially in the UK. It’s always worth having a backup plan to ensure rain doesn’t dampen your spirits (or your plans).
Rain can bring its own magic, but it does take some preparation. Here are ways to transform an inconvenience into a feature:
Use colourful umbrellas to add whimsy to each step through the puddles (try thrifting, or opt for brands using entirely recycled and sustainably sourced materials, like London-based B-Corp ROKA)
Pre-decorate a backup indoor space - a rustic barn or historic hall can be just as romantic as an outdoor setup
Embrace the weather! Picture the magical shots you could have out in the rain, dancing in puddles surrounded by the mist of water droplets
If your lawn games get rained out, don’t worry: there are plenty of indoor alternatives like board games, trivia stations, and more!
3. Creative Wedding Day-Of Signage
Setting the Tone with Thoughtful Details
Your day-of wedding signage is more than just practical; it sets the tone for the entire event.
Chances are you already have essentials like the welcome sign, timeline, and seating chart planned (if not, I’d love to help!).
Here are some creative signage ideas that can enhance your day and double as keepsakes afterward:
Bar menus – perfect for custom cocktails or simply speeding up drink orders (make sure they’re visible before guests reach the bar)
Unplugged ceremony sign – with the omnipresence of smartphones, these are a polite way to ask guests to leave photography to the professionals
Table signs – don’t stop at paper: get creative with numbered tiles, hand-calligraphed wine bottles, custom vases, or fabric signs
Directional signage – highlight your lawn games, quiet spaces, photobooths, and stunning viewpoints to ensure guests don’t miss out
Not planning to keep the extra signs? Skip them, or opt for recycled, compostable, or plantable materials to keep waste to a minimum.
4. Snack and Hydration Stations
Refreshments to Keep Everyone Energised
You can never have too many refreshments. Beyond canapés and cocktails, consider adding simple hydration and snack stations to keep guests comfortable on a sunny day:
A classic glass drink dispenser can provide guests with flavoured water or iced tea on tap
Fresh lemonade stands – styled for an elegant Amalfi coast vibe or turned Italian with San Pellegrino and freshly squeezed orange juice
Hire a mocktail bar or even a bubble tea truck for something a little different (see Poptop UK for all sorts of options!)
For snacks, think jars of sweets, a s’mores station by the evening bonfire, or other playful treats to add a touch of nostalgia and delight.
5. Wedding Guest Book Alternatives
Creative Ways to Capture Memories
I love a classic guest book, but they often end up tucked away and forgotten. Here are some creative alternatives to keep those memories alive:
Wooden guest book alternative by EnjoyYourWedding on Etsy
Turn it into art – give each guest a tile for a mosaic, shells for a frame, or wooden slices to create a display piece
Thumbprint trees – Provide ink and a painted tree on canvas for guests to leave their marks (and their names!)
Sentimental keepsakes – get guests to write on polished “wishing stones” to keep in a jar, sign cards to make up a full poker deck, or write on fabric squares (use fabric markers!) that can be sewn into a quilt
Polaroid guest books – add a camera next to a classic book so guests can snap pictures of themselves alongside their messages. Capturing how each person looked on the day can mean the world as time goes on.
6. Vows and Keepsake Notes
Cherishing the Words that Matter Most
Calligraphy is back, baby! According to Augusta Cole, writing for Vogue:
“Calligraphy is the star of the paper suite. Illustrated and floral borders as well as contemporary typeface and tailored fonts will continue to have their place, but timeless and stately calligraphy is returning to the spotlight… Allowing the calligraphy to do all of the talking on the main invitation is a return to tradition, but with hand-crafted flourish.”
But don’t stop at the invitation suite. Your vows are some of the most personal and meaningful words you’ll share. Consider preserving them in a vow booklet, either handwritten by you or beautifully calligraphed by an artist. These booklets not only elevate the ceremony but also become cherished keepsakes.
7. On-the-Spot Personalisation
A Special Touch for Your Guests
Experiences are increasingly popular, but physical mementos and keepsakes can also be treasured. Why not combine the two?
Live artistry is a stunning addition to any wedding day. Delight your guests with personalised favours created on the spot. As a calligrapher and event artist, I specialise in creating beautiful keepsakes that guests will treasure long after the day is over. Click here to see examples of my calligraphy work.
Here are some sustainable last-minute touches for your wedding reception:
Gift your guests wood-burned mini charcuterie boards or mini cheese knives for a wedding with a cheese “cake”
Go classic with hand-engraved champagne coupes or whisky tumblers, paired with a mini liquor bottle
Personalise locally inspired and sourced gifts, like engraved bottles of a regional drink or personalised handmade tiles from a local artisan
Want everyone to remember the day and how they looked dressed to the nines? Opt for live painting, where each guest leaves with their own unique artwork
The main thing though? These thoughtful touches are guaranteed to wow your guests and leave a lasting impression, serving as keepsakes for a long time (unlike, sadly, the majority of wedding favours)
Wrapping It All Up
Last-Minute, Long-Lasting Memories
Is any of this necessary? Not at all.
If you’re already stretched for budget or focused on minimising your footprint, rest easy knowing you’ve already created a wonderful day. But if you’re looking to add something extra special, choose just one or two details to create a lasting impression.
Which of these ideas speaks to you? Leave a comment below or email me at hello@tanitohandmade.com — I’d love to hear your ideas and help bring them to life!
To make it easy, here’s the quick list:
Wedding Guest Comfort Extras
Wedding Backup Plans for Weather
Wedding Day-of Signage
Snack and Hydration Stations
Wedding Guest Book Alternatives
Vows and Keepsake Notes
On-the-Spot Personalisation & Live Artistry