Or as we like to call it, a WEDSTIVAL #weddingfestival #wedstival
As you might know, here at Hire a Bridesmaid we’re all about that stress-free wedding life. So, when the most chilled and relaxed couple approached us to help them plan their day, we were like “duh!”
Meet Radha and Ben:
Their wedding day was THE GOODS. They’re so cool and hip and alternate and funky and creative and educated and fun (basically, who want to be when I grow up), and now we’re going to show you how to create the same boho-style wedding….
STEP ONE:
Be chilled and flexible.
These guys booked suppliers and then those suppliers went back on their word and/or cancelled. I’m talking multiple vendors took their chilled personalities for granted, and undid their promises . But Radha and Ben didn’t panic, not once. They kept their cool and did what any sane person would do in this circumstance… they hired me. Enter your professional bestie….
STEP TWO:
“You do you boo” – every millennial ever
These two knew what they wanted- a Festival style affair, true to their love of music festivals, travel and colour.
For starters, Ben and the Grooms-people’s suits were a surprise for Radha! She had no idea what he’d be wearing (this boy has taste #kudos). Ben is a super talented graphic designer, illustrator and photographer himself, so you know the signage and custom invitations were special.
Their tables were all low-lying with funky cushions and eclectic rugs, and each table was named after a festival they’ve attended:
… When “you do you”, means you make your future Husband and your Brothers wear your face for the day:
STEP THREE:
Have some fun, adult-sized entertainment. We’re talking a jumping castle in obnoxious primary colours, sumo wresting and a cricket pitch!
Not only do these make for excellent time-fillers while you’re off getting photos, your photos IN them are to.die.for!
The key to this is placement- if you have a huge space, you can spread each activity out and around. Just like a Festival, each is a different “stage”!
Add some sweet music and live musicians, and you have yourselves a partayyyy:
STEP FOUR:
Food! It’s all about the food!
Relaxed dining at weddings is a great way to ensure guests talk with one another AND get up from their tables.
Radha and Ben went for the most decadent grazing platter, thanks to The Event Folk, and a delicious mix of vegan paella options from Paella Del Mar. Like OMG wow thanks! I’ve actually never had pineapple in my paella and I’m legit never going back!
You could even add in a food truck or woodfired pizza station for that festival food variety!
STEP FIVE:
Drink | drank | drink some more!
Vintage caravans, like our friends at The Airstream Social, not only serve WHATEVER YOU LIKE, they have a delicious range of their own wines that are amazing (hint: try their pinot noir, you won’t be disappointed).
Reasons why this vintage caravan bar is a total hit:
* It is shiny and we like shiny things
* It comes with its own lounge area! Complete with a velvet couch, coffee table and lamps
* The owners and staff are actually THE nicest, kindest, and helpful humans you’ll ever meet. Nothing was too big an ask, including a last minute drive to the shops and serving Radha and Ben’s personalised cocktail in souvenir tea cups (the MOG had cleaned each one herself #adoptme )
STEP SIX …..and probably actually step one but I got carried away….
Find a huge DIY Venue that allows you to go wild (within reason).
Set your sights on a completely DIY venue; it means you bring everything in and choose whichever suppliers you like! (Suppliers for this one listed below) Annnnnd if you can stay onsite, it’s a great idea for those who want this boho/relaxed vibe.
Some venues are big enough to allow camping or glamping tents #sweetdreams
STEP SEVEN:
Add more things that are personal to you and fun!
A cool, young celebrant who makes everyone laugh? Amy from I Do, Me Too!
How about a Glitter Station, Temporary Tattoo Zone and Chill-Out Teepees- need we say more?!
STEP EIGHT:
Lighting.
Literally THE most important factor in life (and selfies)
Festoon lighting is practical for an outdoors lawn event, and it provides the best moody lighting for photos, no flash necessary. Check out the below from the incomparable Kieran Moore Photography:
STEP NINE:
Have an on-the-day coordinator
I’m definitely biased, but I cannot stress the importance of having someone who has your back on the day, and who can set all this up for you. It’s not enough to rely on your family or Bridal party to do it all because, at some stage, they will have to disappear to dress and get ready, not to mention the stress it can cause when there’s added time pressures.
A professional coordinator will complete all last-minute tasks and troubleshoot anything that might go awry (for example, a old speaker system that doesn’t have the correct AUX input for the iPod to play the songs for your ceremony…. hypothetically speaking…). This dedicated person will look after your MC with timings/updates and also serve as your contact on the day, so if anyone needs anything, they can ask your coordinator, not you.
But don’t take it from me! Here’s what Radha and Ben had to say:
” Hire a Bridesmaid is truly both a personal and professional pleasure and an invaluable asset in ANY brides arsenal. From the inception stages to the eventual ( brilliant) fruition of our wedding, Kerstyn and Hire a Bridesmaid were an invaluable support, who encouraged our wedding vision with total sincerity. whether it was assisting us with securing new suppliers after last minute vendor losses( I’m talking weeks here), to providing us with the best florist I have laid eyes on, and managing multiple moving parts on the day, dealing with any last minute hiccups ( which allows you to fully enjoy your day!!)Kerstyn managed it with the most optimistic, professional and joyful attitude of almost any vendor.nI cannot recommend enough. As my mum said, on many occasions throughout the planning AND on the day, “worth her weight in gold”. “
It was our pleasure, guys 🙂
STEP TEN:
Be madly in love.
At the end of the day that’s all that matters. You two cute little lovebirds.
Stop! (Don’t stop)
“In conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty.
But it does say it on every wedding invitation you receive, so….
AMAZING SUPPLIERS:
Photography: Kieran Moore Photography
Celebrant: Amy Watson
Venue: Terara Riverside Gardens
Styling: Piccolo & Poppi
Florals: Lisa Louise Floral Design
Grazing: The Event Folk
Catering: Paella Del Mar
Beverages: The Airstream Social
Lighting: Luminous Entertainment
Hair Styling: Absolute Hair by Tia
Make Up: The Make Up Society
Fun Times: Colourful Castles
Live Music: Shaun Wessel Music
DJ: Cass Greaves
Custom Signage and Invitations: the groom himself, Ben Mayo
Coordination and Planning: HIRE A BRIDESMAID
Thank you to Radha and Ben for letting us share in their special day. It was #goals
xx
