Festival Themed Party Entertainment

How to Plan a Festival Themed Wedding or Party

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to planning a festival themed wedding or party! Whether you're dreaming of a boho-chic wedding or a lively festival-inspired bash, this guide has everything you need to create a magical and unforgettable event. Festival-themed weddings and parties are gaining popularity in the UK for their relaxed atmosphere, offering endless possibilities for creativity and personalisation.

1. Why Choose a Festival Themed Wedding or Party?

A festival themed wedding or party is the perfect choice for couples and party planners looking to create a unique event. These celebrations offer a laid-back, bohemian vibe that can be tailored to reflect your personal style. Benefits include:

• Unique and Personalised Experience: Festival style events allow for extensive personalization, from the décor and entertainment to the food and guest activities.
• Perfect for Outdoor Lovers: These events are ideal for those who love the great outdoors and want to incorporate nature into their celebration.
• Creative Freedom: With a festival theme, you can break away from traditional wedding norms and create a day that is truly your own.

The trend is growing rapidly in the UK, with more couples opting for non-traditional, personalised wedding experiences that reflect their unique love stories.

2. Choosing the Perfect Venue

The venue is one of the most important aspects of a festival style wedding or party. The right location can set the tone for your entire event.

• Outdoor Spaces: Consider farms, vineyards, forests, or meadows for an epic outdoor festival wedding. These natural settings provide a beautiful backdrop and plenty of space for guests to explore and enjoy.
• Festival Tents and Tipis: Tipis, yurts, and marquees are popular choices. Each option has its own charm:
  • Tipis: Perfect for a rustic, bohemian look.
  • Yurts: Offer a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
  • Marquees: Provide a blank canvas that can be decorated to match any theme.
• Garden party at home: if you've got the space, why not organise your festival garden party at home?
• Transforming Your Venue: Use lighting, such as fairy lights and lanterns, to create a magical ambiance. Décor elements like hay bales for seating, festival flags, and bunting can transform a simple field into a festival wonderland.
  
  

3. Essential Festival Entertainment Ideas

Entertainment is crucial in creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. Here are some top ideas:

• Live Bands and Musicians: Choose from folk bands, rock and pop party bands, indie rock groups, or acoustic sets to suit your theme. Live music adds an authentic festival feel and keeps guests entertained.
• Choosing the Right Band: Look for bands with experience in performing at weddings or events. Consider the vibe you want to create and choose a band that matches that energy.
• Festival Wedding DJs and Silent Discos: For a modern twist on the traditional wedding dj, consider a silent disco. Guests can dance the night away to music on wireless headphones, which also helps with noise control.
• Interactive Entertainment: Magicians, fire performers, and circus acts add excitement and keep guests engaged. These performances can be scheduled throughout the event to maintain a lively atmosphere.
• Unique Performances: Aerialists and stilt walkers bring a sense of wonder and spectacle. These acts can be incorporated into key moments, like the entrance of the bride or the first dance, to add a wow factor.
  
  

4. Decorating Your Festival Theme Party

Décor plays a vital role in setting the scene for your festival themed birthday party.

• Colour Schemes and Themes: Popular colour palettes include earthy tones, vibrant festival colours, and pastels. Themes can range from boho and retro to rustic and modern.
• DIY Decorations: Get creative with homemade bunting, fairy lights, and festival flags. These elements are cost-effective and add a personal touch.
• Festival Flags and Banners: Use these to mark different areas of the venue and add to the festival feel.
• Hanging Installations: Flower chandeliers and lanterns create stunning focal points. These can be made from real or artificial flowers and can transform any space into a magical setting.
  
  

5. Bar and Catering Options

Food and drink are essential elements of any celebration, and a festival-themed event is no different.

• Festival Style Food & Catering: Food trucks and street food vendors are popular choices. They offer a variety of foods and add to the festival atmosphere.
• Menus That Match Your Theme: Consider options like wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and ethnic street food to provide a diverse range of flavours.
• Unique Bar Ideas: Mobile bars and cocktail campervans are perfect for a festival setting. They can be styled to match your theme and offer a variety of drink options.
• Signature Drinks and Bespoke Cocktails: Create a signature cocktail that reflects your personality or the theme of your event.
• Alternative Catering Ideas: Grazing tables and dessert bars are excellent choices. They provide a visually appealing spread and allow guests to help themselves throughout the event.
• DIY Options: For a personal touch, consider DIY food stations where guests can create their own dishes, like taco bars or salad stations.
  
  

6. Festival Party Games & Activities

Keeping guests entertained with festival inspired activities is key to a successful event.

• Fun and Games: Giant lawn games like Jenga, cornhole, and croquet are great for keeping guests entertained.
• Setting Up a Festival Game Area: Designate a specific area for games and provide seating nearby so guests can relax and watch.
• Photo Opportunities: Create photo booths with creative backdrops and props. Encourage guests to share their photos on social media using a custom hashtag.
• Wellness and Relaxation Zones: Chill-out tents and wellness activities like yoga and meditation sessions offer guests a place to unwind.
• Creating a Relaxation Zone: Use comfortable seating, cushions, and low tables to create a cosy space for guests to relax.
  
  

7. Tips for a Smooth Music Festival Themed Party

To ensure your festival-themed event runs smoothly, consider the following tips:

• Logistics and Planning: Create a detailed timeline and checklist to keep track of all the elements. Coordination is key, so consider hiring a professional planner if needed.
• Timelines and Checklists: Plan everything from the setup to the takedown to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Guest Experience: Ensure your guests are comfortable by providing amenities like portable toilets, seating areas, and shelter.
• Personal Touches: Welcome guests with festival wristbands and provide maps of the venue to help them navigate.
  
  

Summary

By incorporating these tips and ideas, you can create a festival theme wedding or party that is truly memorable. Embrace the creativity and freedom that comes with a festival theme, and enjoy planning an event that reflects your unique style and personality. From choosing the perfect venue and entertainment to decorating and catering, every detail contributes to the magical experience of a festival-themed celebration.

Photos by: Carrie Lavers Photography, Andrew Billington Photography