Emma and Jayne kiss. They stand in front of wall with floral arch. Emma wears a decorated leather jacket and red kilt. Jayne wears a long green jackets and purple tartan dress.

Planning a festival themed wedding

Thinking of trading in a traditional wedding venue for tipi tents, congas and colour? A festival themed wedding might be just the vibe. It can offer freedom, fun, and loads of opportunities to personalise every part of your day. That’s exactly what couple Emma and Jayne did at their festival themed “Wedstock” wedding.

Emma and Jayne planned their joyful wedding day at Glendearg Farm in Galashiels, a space they transformed with festival-inspired details. They organised the entire event themselves – from the rainbow outfits of their “Pridesmaids” to the personalised wristbands handed out.

Their ceremony, led by humanist celebrant Lizzie Edgerton, was full of personal touches – some traditional, like a handfasting and personal vows, and some less so. This included their dog Mr Magikk taking his role as Dog of Honour very seriously (and stealing the show in the process!)

“There were dogs everywhere,” says Lizzie, “happily wandering about among the guests. It was such a joyful day.” After the ceremony, Emma and Jayne’s guests embraced the festival vibe, turning a wedding march into a full-on conga line! This was soundtracked by the brilliant Auld Reekie String Band.

We’re sold! If you are too, here are some top tips for planning your own festival-themed wedding.

Emma and Jayne face one another as celebrant Lizzie delivers their outdoor ceremony. Both hold bouquets - one real and one crochet!

Choose a venue with open space and flexibility

Fields, farms, barns, gardens – even getting married at home in your own back garden – these can all be a great blank canvas for your day. Emma and Jayne’s choice of Glendearg Farm offered plenty of space for guests to relax, dance, and soak up the atmosphere.

Prepare for the Scottish weather

Make sure to be mindful that in Scotland the weather can be unpredictable so preparing for any and all weathers is a must! Make sure you’re stocked up on plenty of water for guests, sun cream and portable fans for the hot weather. And, we hate to say it but… plenty of waterproofs, umbrella’s and blankets for if the weather turns. If you’re getting married outside, consider using gazebo’s or having an indoor backup.

More is more! DIY details

Think fairy lights, gazebos, mismatched seating, home-made signage and bunting galore. Emma and Jayne’s guests wore Wedstock wristbands, and their bridal party’s rainbow colour scheme added both fun and meaning to the day. Prepping some homemade items is also a great way to include friends and family with the wedding planning and making it more meaningful and memorable.

The Auld Reekie String band play outside on the grass. They sit on mismatched armchairs with coloured bunting hanging above them.

Emma and Jayne make their entrance for the ceremony together.

Create your own soundtrack

Live music is a huge part of any festival, so your festival themed wedding should be no different! Whether it’s a folk band, acoustic set, or your own playlist with a portable speaker, soundtracking your day will set the tone – especially if it ends in a surprise conga! Music might be a big part of your story as a couple too so it’s a lovely way to personalise things even more. Get your guests involved too by asking them to contribute to the playlist with a song that holds a memory of you both for them.

Ceremony details

Humanist ceremonies are personal by design so there are plenty of opportunities to make sure the ceremony reflects you. Our humanist celebrant can give you lots of ideas for symbolic rituals like handfasting, writing your own vows, or how to make your entrance. Want to walk in together to your favourite song? Have your dog as ring bearer? Traditional or not, the choice is yours.

Keep it relaxed and real

Part of the draw of a festival themed wedding is the laid-back, come-as-you-are energy. So, you might want to embrace informal dress codes, food vans or picnic-style catering, and a timeline that leaves room for spontaneity!

Photo of the homemade "wedstock" wristband. It's multicoloured with white text reading "WEDSTOCK"

Inside the tipi before guests arrive. Lanterns and bunting hang from the light blue coloured ceiling.

Emma and Jayne sit at a wooden table outside signing the marriage certificate with celebrant Lizzie. Their Dog of Honour sits below, overseeing the proceedings.

Make your wedding feel like you

We love seeing couples let loose and have fun with their day. You can keep the emotional heart of the ceremony while still laughing, singing, and dancing your way through it. The key is remembering it’s your day – so it should feel like it reflects you.

One of the reasons couples choose a humanist ceremony is because it gives them the freedom to shape their day, their way. All Humanist Society Scotland celebrants can legally marry you anytime, anywhere in Scotland. So, get in touch with us today and start planning your own festival of love!