How to Plan a Festival Wedding (5 Ideas + Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Venue)
Festival weddings at outdoor wedding venues have become one of the most popular wedding styles in the UK – and it’s easy to see why. They’re relaxed, fun, full of personality, and feel more like a weekend experience than a formal one-day event.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like your favourite summer festival (but with better outfits and more of your favourite people), this guide will walk you through exactly how to make it happen.
What is a festival wedding?
A festival wedding is a laid-back, outdoor-inspired celebration that blends:
- Live music
- Street food or relaxed dining
- Outdoor spaces, tipis or yurts
- Camping or glamping
- Multi-day celebrations
Think less “formal wedding breakfast” and more weekend party with your favourite people.
Why choose a festival wedding venue?
Choosing the right venue is everything – especially for this style of wedding.
Here’s what couples are usually searching for (and what you should be looking for too):
✔️ Space to create your vision
- Outdoor areas for ceremonies, dining and dancing
- Room for tents, tipis or yurts
- Space for guests to relax and explore
Festival weddings need breathing room – cramped spaces stifle the vibe quickly.
✔️ Built-in infrastructure
- Power supply for bands and lighting
- Toilets, showers and facilities
- Weather back-up options
A venue that’s already set up for festivals saves so much stress.
✔️ Accommodation options
- Glamping, camping or nearby stays
- A place for you to stay on-site
Because no one wants the party to end early.
5 Ways to Create the Perfect Festival Wedding
1. Start with the vibe (this sets everything)
Your theme doesn’t need to be complicated – just consistent.
Ideas couples love:
- Boho festival
- Rustic countryside
- Ibiza-style party
- Woodland or nature-inspired
- Lots of colour
💡 Tip: Set the tone early with invitations (think festival tickets or wristbands).
2. Make it an experience, not just a day
Festival weddings work best when they feel immersive.
Think:
- Weekend celebrations
- Welcome drinks the night before
- Day-after brunch
This is what turns your wedding into something guests never forget.
3. Focus on music (it’s the heart of it)
A festival without music… isn’t a festival.
Ideas to include:
- Acoustic singer for the ceremony
- Roaming band during drinks
- Headline band or DJ in the evening
Live music is one of the biggest drivers of atmosphere at festival weddings.
4. Create relaxed, social spaces
Not everyone wants to dance all night – and that’s the beauty of a festival setup.
Add:
- Chill-out areas with sofas or hay bales
- Fire pits
- Outdoor seating areas
These spaces keep guests mingling and relaxed all day long.
5. Add fun, interactive touches
This is where festival weddings really shine.
Popular ideas:
- Flower crown stations
- Glitter bars
- Food trucks or street food
- Garden games
These little moments are what make your wedding feel unique (and amazing in photos).
What do guests wear to a festival wedding?
This is one of the most searched questions – and it’s worth answering clearly.
Guests typically wear:
- Floaty dresses or relaxed suits
- Boots, wedges or comfy shoes
- Layers for the evening
💡 Top tip: Tell guests what to expect so they come prepared (especially for outdoor settings).
How to choose the best festival wedding venue (quick checklist)
If you’re comparing venues, here’s what to look for:
- ✔️ Outdoor ceremony options
- ✔️ Space for tipis, yurts or marquees
- ✔️ On-site accommodation or glamping
- ✔️ Power, lighting and facilities included
- ✔️ Flexibility to personalise your day
- ✔️ Weather contingency plans
The right venue should feel like a blank canvas with support built in.
FAQs
What makes a wedding feel like a festival?
- Live music, outdoor space, relaxed structure, and interactive experiences all contribute to the festival feel.
Are festival weddings cheaper?
They can be – especially with food trucks, DIY decor, and flexible options – but costs vary depending on scale and suppliers.
Can you legally get married at a festival wedding venue?
Some venues are licensed, others require a legal ceremony elsewhere first – always check. Here at Bennetts Willow Barnw e are licensed for indoor & outdoor weddings)
Do festival weddings work in the UK weather?
Yes – as long as your venue has solid wet-weather plans (this is a must-have).
Looking for the perfect festival wedding venue?
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, fun, festival-style wedding in the countryside – you’re in exactly the right place.
At Bennetts Willow Barn, we’ve created a space that’s designed specifically for couples who want something a bit different from the traditional wedding day.
Here’s what makes it work so well for festival weddings:
- ✔️ A beautiful yurt marquee for dining and dancing
- ✔️ A rustic horse box bar to keep the drinks flowing
- ✔️ Outdoor spaces for ceremonies, games and live music
- ✔️ A log-walled garden for that laid-back festival feel
- ✔️ On-site glamping so your guests can stay and celebrate all weekend
- ✔️ Plenty of space to make the day completely your own
It’s not about rigid timelines or formal rules – it’s about creating a wedding that feels like you.
Whether you’re imagining live music under the stars, street food, fire pits, or a full weekend celebration with your favourite people, our venue gives you the freedom (and support) to bring it all to life.
👉 If you’re currently searching for a festival wedding venue in Worcestershire or the West Midlands, we’d love to show you around and chat through your ideas.
Come and see how it could all come together – and start planning a wedding that feels more like a festival than a formality. Click here for more information about our full day wedding options.
With thanks to Rachel Burt Photography for the images in this blog from Lorna & Chris fabulous festival wedding here at Bennetts Willow Barn!
