Planning A Festival-Themed Wedding: An Elevated Guide

Planning a festival-inspired wedding is a great way to celebrate your big day without the stuffy rules of a traditional wedding. Festival weddings are all about creating a relaxed party atmosphere, with great music, delicious food and a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you opt for a licensed barn venue, a quirky country house or a tipi in a field, the key to a festival-inspired wedding is to keep things informal and fun. From the dress code to the décor, a festival wedding is a chance to get creative and embrace your unique style.

Music and entertainment

If you're having a festival-themed wedding, it's important to remember that you don't need to have something happening every 10 minutes. Share your plans with your guests in advance so they know what to expect, and they can plan their outfits accordingly.

For entertainment, you could have food vans, flower crowns, and a bohemian marquee. You'll also want to make sure you have a good amount of outdoor space for your guests to pitch up their tents and create the ultimate festival atmosphere.

Food and drink

One option is to hire food vans to cater your wedding. This is a fun and informal way to serve food, and it fits perfectly with the festival vibe. You could opt for quirky, colourful vans serving up a variety of street food options, from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizza. This is a great way to ensure your guests are well fed, and it adds a touch of theatre to the proceedings.

If you're looking for something more unique, why not get creative with your menu? Festival weddings are all about embracing your personality, so feel free to think outside the box when it comes to food. You could offer a selection of fun, interactive food stations, such as a build-your-own taco bar or a DIY sundae bar. Or, if you want to keep things simple, a family-style BBQ is a perfect fit for a festival wedding. It's a relaxed and informal way to dine, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

Of course, no festival wedding would be complete without a few fun drinks options. Why not set up a cocktail bar serving signature festival-inspired cocktails, or offer a selection of craft beers and ciders? For a fun twist, you could even create a self-serve drinks station, complete with a variety of mixers, spirits, and garnishes, so your guests can create their own unique cocktails.

Finally, don't forget to offer a variety of non-alcoholic options as well. Festival weddings can be a lot of fun, but it's important to ensure your guests stay hydrated, especially if your wedding is taking place outdoors during the summer months. Offer a selection of refreshing soft drinks, as well as water, and consider providing fun non-alcoholic cocktails or mocktails as well.

Decorations and venue

When it comes to decorations and venue, there are a few key things to consider for an elevated festival-inspired wedding. Firstly, the venue should ideally be outdoors, with plenty of space for guests to pitch tents and create a festival atmosphere. Licensed barn venues or quirky country houses can also work well, especially if you can set up your festival-style reception on-site. To introduce your festival theme, consider filling the ceremony room with hay bales and wildflowers, or even booking musicians to serenade you as you walk down the aisle.

For decorations, think quirky and relaxed. Festival weddings are all about embracing a laid-back party atmosphere, so don't feel pressured to have a strict timeline or formal decorations. Instead, opt for unique and fun touches like flower crowns, food vans, and live music. You can also encourage your guests to dress in comfortable, bohemian styles to match the festival vibe.

If you're looking for a more elevated take on the festival wedding, consider adding some luxurious touches to your decorations and venue. For example, you could offer guests a welcome bag with essentials like heel stoppers to prevent sinking into the grass, or cosy blankets for chilly evenings. You could also set up a glamping area with comfortable beds and stylish decor, elevating the typical festival camping experience.

When it comes to the overall aesthetic, think about incorporating earthy tones and natural elements. Use decor that complements the outdoor setting, such as rustic wooden signs, hanging lanterns, or fairy lights draped over trees. You can also get creative with your table settings, perhaps using mismatched vintage plates and colourful glassware to add a touch of whimsy.

Remember, the key to a successful festival-inspired wedding is creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Share your plans with your guests in advance so they know what to expect, and don't be afraid to get creative and embrace the unique style of your special day.

Dress code

Festival-inspired weddings are all about embracing a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with a focus on entertainment, fun, and unique experiences. This laid-back vibe extends to the dress code, which is a key element in setting the tone for the celebration.

For an elevated festival-inspired wedding, the dress code should be a stylish blend of bohemian elegance and comfort. Think flowing silhouettes, earthy tones, and a touch of Glastonbury-inspired flair. Guests can embrace a more relaxed approach to their attire, opting for comfortable footwear and leaving the high heels and fascinators at home.

For the bridal party, this could mean a unique wedding dress that combines a touch of glamour with a free-spirited vibe. Perhaps a flowing gown with delicate lace or embroidery, paired with flat sandals or even barefoot for the ultimate festival feel. The groom and groomsmen can also embrace a more relaxed look, with linen suits or even a more casual ensemble, such as waistcoats and trousers, in earthy hues.

To add a touch of festival fun, encourage guests to embrace their creative side with accessories. Flower crowns, statement jewellery, and unique headpieces can all be part of the dress code, adding a pop of colour and individuality to the celebration. This is a wedding, after all, so a certain level of formality is still appropriate, but the key is to ensure that guests feel comfortable and able to enjoy the festivities.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicalities of an outdoor wedding. The ground may be uneven, so advise guests to choose footwear accordingly. A checklist of essentials, such as a light jacket for the evening chill or a pashmina, can ensure that guests are prepared and can focus on enjoying the unique and memorable celebration you've created.

Timing and schedule

Festival-inspired weddings are all about creating a relaxed party atmosphere, so it's important to keep the timing and schedule of your big day flexible and laid-back. Here's a suggested timeline to help you plan your festival-themed celebration:

Morning:

Give yourselves and your guests plenty of time to get ready and arrive at the venue. If you're having a festival-inspired dress code, consider providing a checklist of essentials to ensure everyone is comfortable and prepared for the outdoor setting.

Ceremony:

The beauty of a festival-inspired wedding is that you can be creative and unconventional. Licensed barn venues or quirky country houses are perfect for this theme, especially if you can also set up your festival-style reception on-site. Fill the ceremony room with hay bales and wildflowers, and consider booking musicians to serenade you as you walk down the aisle.

Afternoon:

After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate! A festival-inspired wedding is all about fun, food, and entertainment. Food vans, live music, and unique cultural experiences will keep your guests entertained and well-fed.

Evening:

As the sun sets, the party atmosphere can continue with more live music, dancing, and perhaps even a bonfire to add to the festival vibe. Encourage guests to pitch tents if they wish to stay over and continue the celebrations into the night.

Remember, festival weddings are all about embracing a relaxed and informal vibe, so don't feel pressured to have a strict schedule. Share your plans with your guests in advance so they know what to expect, and embrace the unique and quirky nature of your festival-inspired wedding!

Frequently asked questions