Rebecca Roundhill
While it has its connotations of a 'Glasto' inspired do, the term 'festival wedding' can be applied to most wedding weekends, given that they tend to involve guests staying over, barbecues and buffets, and fun entertainment for the masses - whether it's music, games or other activities inspired by the surroundings. With that in mind, I've taken a look at the different options you might want to explore for your own festival style wedding.
Pete Cox
A PLACE TO PARTY
A few years ago, my husband and I struggled to find a venue that could cater for our entire wedding party for a full two days - particularly as we wanted to create something small and ultra-relaxed. Sadly it didn't happen for us but, thankfully, venue owners have caught on and there's now an enormous array of options for all you venue-seeking couples out there. From full property takeovers where the owners remain off-site or out-of-sight for the entire weekend, allowing you and your guests to feel like you've purchased your very own country pile, to land available to rent out over a 48-hour period, providing you with the option to pitch up camp for a night or two - there are almost too many creative wedding venue ideas to choose from now! And with so many different ways to house your celebrations, from hiring entire tipi villages and gypsy style caravans to the more traditional white canvas marquee, you'll be sure to 'wow' whatever you opt for.
Pete Cox
FREE-SPIRITED FOOD
From 'bake and bring' stalls and home prepared 'sharing plates' to in-house menus and catering vans, the sky's the limit when it comes to creative food ideas for your wedding weekend. Specialist catering vans are enjoying a rise in popularity - most probably because they've become so darn good - offering flavours from around the world to cater for everyone's tastes - this is perfect for a field based celebration. A 'takeover' venue might offer numerous buffet or sit-down options using their own recommended suppliers. For the most relaxed of locations, there's always the option to prepare big sharing plates of food yourselves. With the rise of the homespun wedding, this has become a popular and cost-effective idea.
Jim Wileman
Helen Lisk
DREAMY DETAILS
Dress your day in a way that complements your location. Festival style doesn't have to mean bohemia in the feathered headdress and barefoot sense (though personally I'm all for that!) if, say, you've gone for a fairground approach with stalls, music and games in mind. And elegant brides needn't run a mile either - there's something very festival about the way weddings are celebrated in the Mediterranean, with luxe design details, trestle tables filled with sharing plates and blousy blooms, and a bride wearing an heirloom gown. It's a mindset that I'm trying to champion - not a square 'how this style should be nailed' box to fit your wedding day into.
Jim Wileman
Helen Lisk
FESTIVAL FUN
Oh there's so much scope to entertain festival style! It might be stalls inspired by a fair - perfect for a family celebration - with face-painting, traditional games and WI style bake-off competitions; or music lovers might go for a battle of the bands, an open mike hour, festival-oke and personally picked playlists. And as for dance floor and reception spaces, how about an outdoor space lit by festoon lights using hay bales for your seating? Or a firepit surrounded by comfy sofas and chairs? Oh, to be able to kick off those heels and mooch in a chill-out zone after so much celebrating!
Jim Wileman
Helen Lisk
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
