Styling a Summer Wedding
Choosing to have your summer wedding at The Duke is always going to be a wonderful experience whatever the weather. There are so many options to make your day as beautiful and unique as you, while soaking up the summer sunshine both outside and inside the historic hotel.
Photographs are key to any wedding day…and some say one of the most important aspects capturing the memories for years to come. We have a park opposite the hotel which is perfect for group photos and intimate couple shots and we are just a little way from the iconic and beautiful Plymouth Hoe so why not hop on a vintage bus or your choice of transport to take you up there – take a moment out of the celebrations to focus on each other and pose around Smeaton’s Tower, with one of the finest waterfronts in the UK! Any photos with Plymouth Sound as a backdrop are sure to make you smile for years to come.
With the outside covered, there are so many opportunities for unique images that can only be captured at the Duke. Our Victorian architecture provides the perfect back drop for group shots and intimate moments. The Grade II listed staircase gives photographers so many great opportunities and not to mention our grand rooms with floor to ceiling windows. Each one of our 73 rooms is uniquely decorated to provide something as unique as you – we even have a flower window which brides can sit in if they should wish. If the rain should pour our Iconic Tower provides the perfect setting for a quiet moment together, with a fabulous staircase to create some unique images. Whether you are inside or outside the hotel – you are bound to find and create that perfect wedding image that you are looking for.
Every wedding needs some beautiful stationery. With this in mind why not opt for stationery that looks great and reflects the sunshine beaming through the windows of our newly refurbished Hayward Room. How about literally reflecting the sunshine with the beautiful detailing on Amarie Bridal‘s stationery or the silver foil invite.. You could alternatively opt for a summery, bright feel with these other designs from Anon Design and Hip Hip Hooray Stationery. How about a bloomin’ good table plan from F3 Design?
Let’s not forget about the cake that will be framed beautifully between our floor to ceiling windows. Take a look at these super summery ones that look far too good to even think about cutting, let alone eating them (though I’m sure you’ll manage!) from Cut Me Off A Slice and Emily Hankins Designs.
Every bride should feel a million dollars on their wedding day (as should you men) without having to spend the same price! Luckily for you we have some top tips and top suppliers to help you get that feeling. The dress (of course) needs to make you feel the bees knees! Take a look at Christine Trewinnard Couture‘s designs, she even has jumpers available that can be fitted to your dress for when you want to pop to the Hoe but don’t want to get chilly while getting that perfect photo – we think they are something different and look amazing. You could enjoy the experience of buying your dress from Prudence Gowns they have a huge range that could make you feel super feminine or have enough sparkle on them to light the room! Whatever you opt for there is always a space in the hotel that will show off your gown to its full potential (front and back!) and of course popping over to the park next door will allow those diamante’s to sparkle to their fullest.
Not forgetting the wonderful The Lucky Sixpence who will make your head sparkle just as much as your dress – their beautiful headpieces will fit any bride and really set off your dress, you can’t go wrong!
If you are lucky enough to get the beautiful sunshine that we have been experiencing lately you will want to capture it! You have your photographer but how about something different? Take a look at the talented Charlotte Atkinson who captures your day by painting it, such a unique way of preserving a moment – not enough people have paintings any more! Imagine your guests excitement that they can be painted in their outfits forever more, as it is an impression of the day Charlotte can add the cake, the band and any other details that are important to you! This is such a special treasure… We love the watercolour that Charlotte created for us last year of the hotel! Don’t forget that if you fall in love with her art like we have prints are available to buy on her website.
Last but not least we can have a look at the flowers and dressing the room. If you remember (or saw) the mini Duke at The Big Day Wedding Show we partnered with Flourish for our table dressing. They used the most sparkly table covers we have ever seen – the perfect way to bring that sunshine in when you have soaked it all up outside. How about using fairy lights inside to create that garden party feeling. Bright and bold flowers can add such an exciting element to a summer wedding, you can either go bright or go pastel – either option will leave your wedding feeling summery. Bright flowers would stand out perfectly with your dress and your groom in the park next to the hotel – think of a green grass background to a stunningly bright bouquet! Or even think about how you could combine Smeatons Tower colours into the flowers in subtle ways to make your flowers pop in the photos on the Hoe. Take a look at some inspiration from Flourish and Jules Champion Flowers – they are experts and you are sure to find your perfect flowers.
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel is perfect for couples that want a location that is close to Plymouth Waterfront and adjacent to some green space, perfect in the UK’s greenest city!
A building steeped in history, that is light, bright and airy! Not to mention that she looks amazing when the sun sets on the grand listed frontage, especially with our newly refurbished canopy, our baskets in full bloom and red carpet – you and your guests can arrive in style!
Pre-Canopy Refurb 2015
If you want to have a chat with our Wedding Coordinator, Toni and see what we have to offer you then please click the link here or email weddings@thedukeofcornwallhotel.co.uk alternatively you can call 01752 275861.
And don’t forget the Duke Wedding Collection Live is on Sunday 25th September, you will be able to meet many of the fabulous suppliers above!