Vintage Inspired Summer Fete Wedding Photography
Camden Wedding Photography | Summer Fete London Wedding
Every wedding that I photograph is truly unique and Myles and Alice's wedding was no exception. A vintage inspired wedding complete with a stunning vintage wedding dress and some amazing green shoes mixed with a sumner fete styled reception meant that there was so much to photograph at this wedding it was hard to stop at the end of the evening.
The first dance was one of the most memorable I have ever seen and the only way to describe it is like an Austin Powers musical and it was one of the funniest performances I have witnessed.
Here are a few images from this beautiful day.
10 Unique Ideas for a Fun Wedding Theme
Planning your big day? While traditional white weddings are beautiful, many UK couples are now seeking creative themes that reflect their personalities and create unforgettable experiences for their guests. Here are ten unique wedding themes to inspire your planning.
1. British Literature Love Story
Transform your venue into scenes from classic British literature. Imagine a Great Gatsby-inspired art deco ballroom, a Secret Garden ceremony space with climbing roses, or a Pride and Prejudice-worthy country estate reception. Incorporate vintage books as centerpieces, library card place settings, and famous love quotes in your decor. Consider having readings from beloved classics during your ceremony and naming tables after your favourite literary couples.
2. Festival Wedding Weekend
Embrace the spirit of Glastonbury with a festival-themed celebration. Set up a main stage for your ceremony, food trucks for catering, and multiple entertainment areas with live bands or DJs. Create festival-style wristbands as wedding favours, design poster-style invitations, and arrange glamping accommodations for guests. This theme works brilliantly in the British countryside during summer months.
3. Victorian Botanical Gardens
Combine Victorian elegance with natural beauty by recreating the ambiance of Kew Gardens or other historic British conservatories. Fill your venue with exotic plants, terrariums, and botanical illustrations. Use antique microscopes and specimen boxes as decorative elements, and serve traditional Victorian-inspired cocktails. Consider hosting in an actual botanical garden or greenhouse for added authenticity.
4. British Seaside Holiday
Celebrate British nostalgia with a seaside-themed wedding. Think beach huts as photo booths, ice cream vans for dessert, and fish and chips served in newspaper cones. Decorate with vintage postcards, striped deck chairs, and seaside bunting. This theme works particularly well in coastal venues but can be recreated anywhere with creative styling.
5. Time-Traveling Tea Party
Blend different eras in a whimsical celebration of British tea culture. Mix vintage china with modern metallic accents, traditional scones with contemporary patisserie, and classical music with current hits. Create interactive stations where guests can blend their own tea, decorate cookies, or write messages in a time capsule. Use clock motifs and historical references in your decor.
6. Sustainable Garden Party
Perfect for eco-conscious couples, this theme focuses on local, sustainable celebrations. Work with local flower farmers for seasonal blooms, serve locally-sourced food, and use potted plants as favours. Create tablescape from vintage items or biodegradable materials. Consider hosting in a community garden or organic farm, and donate excess food to local charities.
7. Murder Mystery Celebration
Turn your wedding into an interactive experience with a murder mystery theme. Send guests character assignments with their invitations, incorporate clues into your decor, and reveal the mystery during dinner. This works especially well in historic manor houses or castle venues. Consider hiring professional actors to help guide the story throughout the evening.
8. Modern Art Gallery
Transform your venue into a contemporary art gallery. Collaborate with local artists to display their work, create interactive art installations, and use bold, modern color schemes. Have live artists painting during the reception, set up creative photo opportunities, and give guests small pieces of art as favours. This theme works brilliantly in urban warehouse venues or actual art galleries.
9. Four Seasons in One Day
Celebrate the unpredictability of British weather by embracing all four seasons in your decor. Create distinct zones representing each season: a spring garden ceremony, summer beach reception area, autumnal dining space, and winter wonderland dance floor. This theme allows for creative catering options and diverse entertainment choices throughout the day.
10. British Game Night
Perfect for playful couples, turn your wedding into a sophisticated game night. Set up different game stations (traditional board games, lawn games, video game corners), create tournament brackets for competitions throughout the day, and use game pieces as decorative elements. Design your table plan like a Monopoly board and name cocktails after classic games.
Planning Tips:
Whatever theme you choose, ensure it reflects your personality as a couple
Consider your venue's existing features and how they can enhance your theme
Remember to balance creative elements with practical considerations
Give your guests some guidance on how to participate in the theme
Don't feel pressured to stick rigidly to your theme - mix and match elements that work for you
Consider the season and typical British weather when planning outdoor elements
Work with vendors who understand and are excited about your vision
Remember, these themes can be adapted to suit any budget or venue. The key is choosing elements that resonate with you as a couple and creating an atmosphere that your guests will remember long after the celebration ends.