Thinking about planning a laid-back wedding with a very English afternoon tea for your guests?  Maybe you fancy a picnic, with live music, tents and bunting.  Well, last week the company that I work for (my day job) celebrated its 11th birthday (we forgot our 10th last year!) – we invited lots of friends and colleagues to join us for afternoon tea in a meadow in the centre of Manchester.

Here are some pictures of the party – hopefully a little bit of inspiration for anyone out there planning a tea party wedding.

…A bell tent, picnic rugs, bunting hung from rustic poles and shepherds crooks, tables covered in brightly coloured tablecloths, and oriental parasols…

…Make-your-own knicker bocker glories with homemade strawberry jelly, Cornish ice cream, a summer fruit salad, whipped cream and chocolate flakes…

…Homemade tiny fluffy scones, strawberry jam and whipped cream, spoons in vintage flower pots…

…Pretty parasols, a delicious spread of homemade food, colourful tablecloths…

…A wheelbarrow full of ice with drinks on chill…

…Vintage baskets full of dainty sandwiches, brown luggage labels, and jam jars of sweet peas…

…Soft bite-sized sandwiches, pretty cocktails flags…

…Live music, picnic blankets, a shady tent and lots of good friends…

Looking for to recreate some of these elements, here’s our guide to help you:

Bell tent or unique marquees

Bunting

English afternoon tea

Wedding drinks

Country flowers

Live music