Ultimate guide: How to throw a festival-themed wedding

Festival weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly during the summer season, with couples opting for more relaxed and wholesome affairs. As the number of humanist and informal wedding ceremonies continues to grow, more interesting options for ceremonial venues have become available, meaning that couples can pretty much tie the knot almost anywhere in the UK.

While traditional weddings are typically a joyful occasion, one thing cannot be denied: the customary arrangement of a nuptial can often be uniform and monotonous, making couples eager to embrace new trends and shake things up. In today's culture, the wedding tradition is being replaced with personality, with couples choosing locations related to their interests and who they are. And it's no surprise that this fun-loving theme has taken a hit amongst modern couples, who are seeking to usher in a winsome and relaxed aura to their special day.

There is something undeniably freeing about holding your most cardinal day outdoors amongst nature, holding hands, and embracing your beloved under the twinkling stars of the night sky. It's a truly romantic setting and an agreeably popular choice not only amongst the general public but also within celebrity circles.

The fascination with festival-themed dos’ has also become appealing to huge names who have taken a fondness for this unorthodox theme. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Jade Jagger, and Kate Halfpenny have paved the way by holding festival-style weddings with camping and music at the forefront of their event. In 2019 Ed Sheeran tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart Cherry Seaborn in Suffolk woodland, where he threw a tremendous festival-themed wedding party with a giant Big Top tent. And more recently in 2023 Olly Murs and Amelia Tank got married in a secluded venue on Osea Island, Essex. Celebrating with a “festival-style” wedding dubbed “Murs-Fest”, which allegedly featured a McDonald's truck, a fairground carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a performance stage.

If you have an appetite for something unconventional and lively for your wedding day, then a festival wedding is an excellent pick for you. With our detailed guide, you’ll be equipped with all the essentials to help you execute your festival extravaganza to the fullest.

Set the tone with festival themed stationery

Create your very own festival wedding "ticket" with these adorable invitations from Etsy.

Establishing the tone of the event is probably one of the most important ways to kick things off. This can start with your wedding stationery - it's a fun way to give your guests a little hint of what's the come.

As festival weddings are slightly more complex it's imperative that you outline all relevant information with lots of additional details to help prepare your guests ahead of the date. Covering everything from camping opportunities to facilities on your festival site will make all the difference.

Gather your festival essentials

Ensure your guests are equipped for your festival themed wedding with these quirky festival kits from Etsy.

Festival essentials range from footwear to decor. As many of you festival enthusiasts already know, festivals tend to be unsuitable for stilettos, so it's important to be open to alternative wedding shoes. Be certain to plan ahead, and give your guests a heads-up about the setting to ensure they can plan what to wear ahead of the date.

Creating a handy checklist for your guests is also incredibly thoughtful as this will help them feel more relaxed and prepared for your ceremony. Your checklist should include a variety of tips, such as packing an extra layer for the evening, advice on camping essentials, and details on appropriate footwear for your chosen venue. Be sure to let your guest know whether you’ll be hiring portaloos, so there are no suprises on the day!

Keep the ceremony relaxed and informal

The very essence of a festival oozes relaxation, so picking an informal venue that fits the tone is vital. For a more authentic experience, selecting a venue that can accommodate yurts, tents or tipis is fundamental. More contemporary options are also a great choice as they provide a black canvas giving you the chance to curate your special day from the ground up.

Establish your theme through the use of props; dressing the ceremony room with hay bales, wildflowers, and rustic accessories is a great way to set the tone. Use wicker hampers as table centerpieces, and hang bunting and giant paper lanterns from trees for an extra touch of vintage elegance. Need more help? Consider exploring our selection of barn venues in Hampshire, for example, or country house wedding venues in Berkshire, to discover a suitable setting for your day.

Think about your caterers

Your catering should reflect the festival spirit! Organising the caterers for your big day isn't as difficult as it seems, and following a festival theme actually makes it a little less stressful. Food trucks and street food are both good options, offering a more informal style of dining that everyone's sure to love. Plus, the options are endless! From wood-fired pizza to hot dogs to a full-on hog roast, fancy sit-down dinners are a thing of the past.

Opt for a fun cake

Now for the cake! This is one of the main attractions of your ceremony, and something many of your guests will look forward to. Aim for a charismatic creation and select a whimsical baker who can prioritise organic ingredients whilst retaining glamour. Pick something that integrates berries and an elegant floral design with fresh flowers that will always go down a treat and fit the theme seamlessly.

Don't forget, it's all about the music

The music at a festival is the most important part - and it should be a top priority at your festival wedding! We'd recommend hiring either a live band or DJ to assist in pumping up the atmosphere. Installing a stage also adds an authentic touch.

Now that you're all set, explore our full list of Hampshire venues that would be perfect for your festival wedding.