A FESTIVAL THEMED WEDDING
(on a budget)
We right in the middle of the wedding season and even little unmarried me (who’s still very happily in love) is looking forward to a wedding party. If only because of the latest trend in the land of the lovebirds, a festival wedding; looks like so much fun. And it’s affordable. Gone are the white tailored waiters with their spotless white serving trays, this people, is a serious party feast.
The tent
The white catering tents are over, finished and done with. Today it’s the colorful tipi. Maybe they are a bit more expensive but so much more fun (and more Instagrammable). And besides you don’t need those common preppy flower pieces to dress the place up.
The location
Go natural. A beautiful bay hidden behind a natural boundary of hills. My dear friends Micke and Helena got married in Sweden with fairy lite trees, a bonfire surrounded by sofas, sound boxes in the branches and a gorgeously set tables with white linen tablecloths. It was perfect.
The seating
To stay with my Swedish friends, they had the best seating plan ever. Her seating cards consisted of pieces of sawn in half wood with the names of the guests written on them. Each guest received a half piece and had to look for the other half to find their seating partner. Didn’t cost a thing but it was a token of love and attention.
The music
You can’t have a festival wedding without festival music. Out with the cover bands and those old classics. Hire a singer-songwriter who brings intimate songs with the help of his guitar. Or do it like my Swedish friends (it was a really good party) and bring your favorite street artist. He’ll have a great day and you’ll be totally unique.
The food
I so hate layered finger food at weddings. From those enormous platters prepared hours in advance missing the boats when it comes to pure and natural. At a festival wedding you just set our dishes for people to share. Rustic food like: homemade bread with olive oil and the best salt. Maybe you can start out with something luxurious like oysters but eventually everyone will very much enjoy rich salads, good pasta, nice bread and of course the best wine. For desert it’s trays of marshmallows to hold over the bonfire.
Blankets
Make sure you have lots of blankets, rolled up on the sofas or draped over the chairs. Set up lounge areas so everyone can enjoy their wine with their favorite company.
Signposts
Very fun and very festive. Make wooden signposts to point the way to the toilets, the dinner area or whatever. It’s even more fun if you paint them on old pieces of wood and make up your own names for these places.
Tableware
Once when visiting an exclusive Chanel show Karl served a high tea in collection of knickknack crockery. Not one plate was the same but all breathed the same style. The glasses were all different too. It makes it so real and a lot easier for you. Make sure the flowers you put on the table are in full bloom, when they’re at their best, you throw them out the next day without feeling guilty.
Fire
Fire is essential. Arrange plenty of fire baskets or open fire spots. Light the path with the help of lanterns or by hanging fairy lights in the trees. Sparkle sticks are a good idea for the first dance. It’s a good way to invite people on the dance floor.
And then there’s the dress
I would get married in something mind-blowingly beautiful and then change into something comfortable, something that is allowed to get dirty. Go crazy on the dance floor on your bare feet, sit by the fire or jump into the pool or the sea.
Sounds fabulous to me.
