How to plan a festival wedding

If the idea of live music, food trucks, boho vibes, and all-night dancing sounds like your dream wedding, then a festival wedding might be perfect for you.

Here’s a guide to help you plan a festival-style wedding that will be sure to wow your guests!

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CHOOSE THE PERFECT VENUE

A festival wedding calls for an outdoor venue. Consider:

Fields or Gardens: Perfect for rustic and boho aesthetics.
Woodland: Adds an intimate and magical touch.
Beaches or Lakesides: Great for a laid-back, coastal vibe.
Farms: Perfect for laid-back countryside feel

Ensure the venue has enough space for multiple zones, such as a ceremony area, food and drink stations, live music, and chill-out spots. Check for access to essentials like electricity, water, and toilets—or be ready to rent portable facilities (you can hire some pretty fancy portaloos these days!).

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set the vibe with your invites

Your invitations should capture the festival spirit. Think of them as tickets to an event rather than traditional wedding invites.

Design: Vibrant colours, funky typography, and playful details.
Wording: Set the festival tone with laid-back, creative terminology and maybe a fun pun or two!
Extras: Festival wristbands, lanyards, or maps of the “festival grounds” to make it feel authentic.

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CURATE THE ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment is the heart of any festival wedding.

Live Music: Crucially important to create that wedding vibe. Hire a band or two. Mix it up with a DJ for late-night dancing.
Activities: Include fun elements like a photo booth, face painting, henna artists, or games such as the welly toss!
Silent Disco: A unique and playful option for evening dancing, perfect if there’s a noise curfew.
Surprise Performers: Fire dancers or acoustic sets can add an unforgettable touch.

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GO WILD WITH THE DECOR!

Festival weddings are about creativity and personal expression. Use decor to bring your theme to life:

Lighting: Fairy lights, lanterns, and festoon bulbs for a magical evening atmosphere.
Seating: Use a mix of blankets, hay bales, or mismatched chairs for a relaxed look.
Signage: Rustic or colourful signs to direct guests to different zones (e.g., “Dance Floor,” “Food Trucks,” “Chill Out Lounge”).
Tents and Teepees: Great for shade (or shelter, if it rains!) during the day and cosy vibes at night.

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FOOD AND DRINK THAT WOW

Skip the traditional sit-down dinner and opt for:

Food Trucks: Nothing says festival like a food truck and there are SO MANY awesome food trucks around.
Dessert: Why not book a churros truck or ice-cream van for pudding.
Festival Drinks: Think signature cocktails, craft beer stalls, or a mobile bar.

For a personal touch, name menu items after places you’ve visited together.

dress code: comfortable and chic

Encourage guests to dress in festival-inspired attire. Think boho dresses, floral crowns, and linen suits. For the couple:

Bride: A flowy bohemian gown or something edgy and non-traditional. Bright coloured wellies or funky converse. A flower garland sings festival fibes too.
Groom: A relaxed suit, perhaps paired with suspenders or a statement jacket.

Consider providing extras like blankets, parasols, wellies or flower crowns for guests to get into the festival spirit.

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CREATE A FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Plan the day with a clear flow to ensure everything runs smoothly:

Morning: Welcome drinks and ceremony.
Afternoon: Lawn games, live music, and food stations.
Evening: Dancing, performances, and a fire pit with s’mores to end the night.

Distribute schedules to guests so they don’t miss any of the fun.

ACCOMODATION FOR GUESTS

If your festival wedding is in a remote location, provide on-site accommodation or nearby recommendations:

Glamping: Rent bell tents or yurts for an upscale camping experience – there are companies that hire these out for events.
Camping Area: For guests who prefer to bring their own tents or campers.
Nearby Hotels: Reserve blocks of rooms and link guests up so they can share taxis.

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CAPTURE THE MEMORIES

Hire photographers and videographers experienced with outdoor and festival-style events. You’ll want them to:

Capture the venue’s atmosphere.

Have an informal, relaxed style.

Focus on candid moments of guests enjoying themselves.

Take portraits of the couple at sunset or with the festival decor.

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EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

Festival weddings are inherently relaxed and creative. Things might not go perfectly, and that’s okay! Lean into the spirit of fun and spontaneity.

A festival wedding is the perfect way to celebrate love with an experience that reflects your personality and values. With careful planning and a touch of whimsy, your wedding will be a unique and unforgettable for everyone involved.

So, grab your flower crowns, strike up the band, and let the celebration begin!

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How to plan a festival wedding