So, you’ve decided to swap the traditional white wedding for something a bit more bohemian and free-spirited. Enter the festival wedding style—where the dress code is “wear whatever you want” and the vibe is as laid back
I’m Mary-Anne, your resident photographer, and I’m here to spill the beans on how to make your festival-style wedding come to life
So grab a cuppa and here’s to creating a festival-style wedding – tips from a Bristol wedding photographer.
Creating a Festival-Style Wedding
- Creating That Festival Vibe
- Glamping, Not Camping
- Festival Fashion
- Food, Glorious Food
- Let’s Get the Party Started
- Capturing the Magic
- Weather or Not
- Making It Personal
- Get a wedding planner
Creating That Festival Vibe
So, you’ve ditched the church bells for something a bit more Woodstock. Start with a venue that screams “free spirit” to nail that festival vibe.
Think fairy lights dangling like celestial bodies, and a boho chill-out area brimming with mismatched cushions that would make a thrift shop weep. Rustic barns, sunny fields, or even a quirky warehouse are all on the table—because why not go for the unexpected?
Throw in colours that pop , and don’t forget those all-important signs for your festival-style wedding. Your guests will need some direction after a few too many craft ales!
Glamping, Not Camping
Who wants to rough it on the ground when you can glamp in style?
Imagine your guests kicking back in luxurious bell tents, each one decked out with fairy lights and plush mattresses. Let’s face it, no one’s going to remember your wedding fondly if they wake up with a backache and a face full of mud.
Throw in some posh toiletries, because nothing says festival chic like a hot shower with organic shampoo. Your friends will be so comfortable, they might just forget they’re in a field and not a boutique hotel during your festival-style wedding.
And hey, it’s all about ensuring everyone feels like they’re part of the VIP crowd, right?
Festival Fashion
Let’s talk outfits—this is where you can let your creativity run wild!
Gone are the days of the traditional bridal gown. We’re talking flowy dresses, boho chic, and maybe even a flower crown that’ll make you look like a woodland fairy (or at least someone who knows how to throw a good party).
For the guests, encourage them to embrace their inner festival-goer. Think bright colours, glitter , and absolutely NO to a wedding hat .
The more eclectic, the better! After all, you want everyone to look back at those photos and think, “Wow, what a fabulous festival-style wedding!”
Food, Glorious Food
Let’s be honest—your guests are coming for the food (and maybe the open bar).
Ditch the stuffy three-course meals and go full festival mode with an array of food trucks and quirky stands that’ll make their taste buds do a happy dance. Picture gourmet burgers that make you forget you’re in a field, wood-fired pizzas that could rival an Italian piazza, and taco stands where the guac is definitely not extra.
Don’t stop there—how about a dessert bar so epic it would make Mary Berry herself blush?
From artisanal doughnuts to ice cream sandwiches, your sweet tooth will be living its best life. And hey, let’s not forget the late-night munchies! A cheeky midnight snack station with sliders or fancy chips will keep the party going strong.
Your guests will be so blissed out on culinary delights! So, let’s raise a toast (or a taco) to a day filled with fabulous food, fabulous people, and one heck of a fabulous time!
Let’s Get the Party Started
Alright, let’s talk about the lifeblood of any festival-style wedding: the entertainment.
Live bands are essential something bluesy or folky. Something to get your feet stomping! A brass band has a wow factor and can often lead your guests from the creemony to the reception area.
Laid back acoustics during diner is always a hit!
Capturing the Magic
So, you’ve got the fairy lights, the flower crowns, and even epic dance moves down—now let’s talk about capturing all that festival-style wedding magic in your photos.
Picture candid shots of your mates laughing over craft ales, intimate moments under a sky full of stars, and those spontaneous bursts of joy that make your day truly special.
As your go-to photographer, I’ll be there like a festival-loving ninja, snapping away while you and your guests have the time of your lives.
Forget the stiff, posed shots. We’re talking real, raw, and utterly fabulous moments. From the bride twirling in her boho gown to your guests rocking out to live music, I’ll be capturing it all.
And let’s not forget the little details—those mismatched cushions, the quirky signs, and that glamping setup. Every image I take will tell a part of your unique story.
Remember, the more fun you have, the more epic the photos will be. So, let loose, dance like no one’s watching, and let your inner festival-goer shine.
Trust me, these photos will be the ones you’ll laugh, cry, and treasure for years to come!
Weather or Not
Ah, the British weather—our national pastime!
Just when you think it’s going to be a sunny day, a cloud rolls in.
But do not worry! When planning your festival-style wedding, be prepared for everything—sun, rain, wind, or even an unexpected hailstorm (because why not?).
Have a contingency plan in place, like some cute umbrellas and wellies, or a tipi shelter for your guests. You can even embrace the drizzle—after all, nothing says “we’re having a good time” like a bunch of people dancing in the rain.
Just make sure you have some towels handy for when the festivities wind down!
Making It Personal
Why settle for cookie-cutter when you can have bespoke? Think about a photo wall showcasing your escapades, from drunken karaoke nights to that romantic getaway where you both got sunburned.
You could even create a guest book that’s not just a book but an interactive art project. How about having everyone leave a thumbprint on a tree painting, turning it into a keepsake?
Fancy yourself a cocktail connoisseur? Whip up a signature drink that screams ‘you’. Maybe a “Ginny Weasley” for the Harry Potter buffs, or a “Whiskey Business” for the pun enthusiasts.
And let’s not forget to pay homage to your furry friends—yes, a cocktail named “Sir Barksalot” will be the toast of the party.
Adding quirky, personal touches doesn’t stop at cocktails and canvases. Scatter Polaroid cameras around the venue and let your guests become photographers for the day. Imagine the candid, and likely hilarious, snapshots you’ll end up with.
Music-wise, curate a playlist that’s as eclectic as your relationship. Sneak in some guilty pleasures amongst the indie hits—there’s nothing like the look of surprise on your mates’ faces when “Baby Got Back” blasts through the speakers.
And let’s talk party favours. Forget sugared almonds—how about personalised festival wristbands or mini succulents in quirky pots? Practical and cute.
All these little touches come together to create a wedding that’s unapologetically you. So go ahead, pour your heart, soul, and perhaps a bit of glitter into the mix.
Your festival-style wedding won’t just be another party—it’ll be a legendary celebration that’ll have people reminiscing long after the last tent’s packed away.
Book Your Wedding Photography in Bristol, or Beyond.
Here’s to creating a festival-style wedding – tips from a Bristol wedding photographer.
As your photographer, I’m here to capture every wild, magical, and beautiful moment of your festival-style wedding. From the boho fashion to the epic dance-offs and all the personal touches that make your day unique, I’ll make sure your photos tell the full story.
Ready to rock this wedding like it’s Glastonbury? Let’s chat about how we can create unforgettable memories together! Get in touch with me here.
And finally… get a wedding planner
Or atleast a wedding coordinator. As wonderful, and vibrant a festival style wedding sounds, it can be overwhelming with endless DIY and managing all the suppliers on the day. So do yourself a favour and ask for help to bring it all together, and you can sit back and enjoy the day in all it’s glory!