Festival-style weddings are all about fun, freedom, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding that feels like your very own mini-festival, a stretch tent is the perfect centrepiece. Not only does it provide a stylish and flexible shelter, but it also creates the open, relaxed vibe that defines festival-style celebrations. Add on the extra touches, such as food stalls, outside seating to relax, live music, and fire-pits to relax around during the evening and you can really create a memorable moment for your wedding day.
Naturally, the Great British weather presents its own problems when planning a wedding. That’s why we’ve gone to work to make sure that our stretch tents are just as practical as they are eye-catching. We can adapt to the terrain, offering great solutions for any uneven ground. Our waterproof tents will shield your guests from any unexpected downpours while providing an open feel to keep things airy yet cosy.
Embrace A Natural Vibe With Our Stretch Tents
At Prickly Pear Stretch Tents, we are big on making sure we create sustainable events using our stretch tents. We use natural materials in the construction of our tents, using bamboo, silver birch, cherry and ash. We locally source as much as possible and use multiple-use materials throughout the tent, making sure that your festival-style wedding embraces being kind to the planet.
How To Create A Festival Theme With A Stretch Tent At Your Wedding
Outdoor weddings are becoming more and more popular as we aim to make the most of the country’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Breath-taking gardens, verdant farmland, and rustic countryside vistas make for memorable settings especially when the weather is kind. We have some pointers on how to create the best festival theme, but the look and feel can depend on different areas.
Choose the Perfect Location
The first step to creating a festival-style wedding is selecting the right venue. Consider open fields, woodlands, private estates, or even a beach for a scenic backdrop. When picking a location, think about logistics such as accessibility, parking, and guest facilities. If you’re hosting on private land, check whether you need permits or additional permissions. The beauty of a stretch tent is its adaptability; it can be installed on grassy fields, sandy shores, or uneven terrain, making almost any location a possibility.
Once you have a location in mind, reach out to us and we can provide options on how we can enhance the setting with a stretch tent.
Design Your Stretch Tent Setup
Once you have your venue, it’s time to design the layout. Think of your stretch tent as the hub of your festival/wedding, with different zones for dining, dancing, and relaxation. We offer a range of tent sizes to suit intimate gatherings or large-scale celebrations. Consider an open-sided configuration for summer weddings or add partial enclosures for extra protection against the elements. Position your tent to maximise scenic views and create a natural flow between the different areas of your festival wedding.
You’ll need to consider where your guests will be mulling about during the event, inside and outside the tent. If you have your live music set up inside, where will the dance-floor go? Where are your guests going to relax for a quiet catch-up and drink? We can help provide ideas for lay-outs that keep all your guests happy while keeping the festival-feel alive.
Use Festival-Inspired Décor & Styling
Your décor choices will set the tone for your festival wedding. Get inspired through adding your own personal touch to your outdoor venue. It can be daunting when approached on how you want your wedding venue to look, so here are some key elements to consider when dressing up your stretch tent.
- Fairy lights and festoon lighting for a warm, magical glow.
- Rustic furniture like wooden benches, hay bales, and floor cushions for relaxed seating.
- Hanging floral installations and bunting to add vibrant color and character.
- A statement entrance using draped fabric, signage, or a flower arch to welcome guests.
- Festival flags and colorful streamers to enhance the outdoor festival vibe.
- DIY signage directing guests to different areas (food trucks, bar, dance floor, chill-out zones).
- Low tables and floor cushions for an informal, bohemian-inspired lounge area.
What Are The Key Considerations When Planning A Festival-Style Wedding?
Food & Drink – Keeping It Casual & Fun
Festival weddings call for a relaxed and social dining experience. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, opt for:
- Food trucks serving street food classics.
- BBQ or grazing tables for a communal dining experience.
- Mobile bars and drink stations with craft beer, cocktails, or gin bars.
Encourage mingling by setting up casual dining areas with picnic tables or scattered seating.
Entertainment & Music
A festival isn’t complete without live entertainment. Consider:
- Live bands or acoustic performances for an intimate atmosphere.
- A DJ or silent disco to keep the party going into the night.
- Festival wristbands and custom signage for a fun, immersive experience.
- Interactive activities like lawn games, fire pits, or even a chill-out tipi for guests to relax in.
Guest Comfort & Practical Considerations
Ensuring guest comfort is key to a successful outdoor wedding. Here’s what to plan for:
- Blankets and heaters for when temperatures drop in the evening.
- Outdoor toilets or luxury portable restrooms.
- Clear signage to guide guests around the venue.
- Accommodation options such as glamping tents or nearby hotels.
Planning for the Weather
FAQs About Festival Weddings with Stretch Tents
The size depends on your guest list and layout requirements. Our team can advise you on the best fit based on your vision.
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of a stretch tent is its ability to be installed on sloping or uneven terrain, unlike traditional marquees.
Festoon lighting, fairy lights, and lanterns create an enchanting festival atmosphere. Uplighting can also be used to highlight the tent’s curves.
Yes! Stretch tents are fully waterproof and designed to withstand varying weather conditions.
If you’re on private land, permits are unlikely to be needed. However, public venues may have specific requirements, it’s best to check with your venue in advance.
Yes! Prickly Pear offers additional hire options, including wooden flooring, rustic furniture, and decorative lighting.
Speak To Our Team And Explore Our Choice of Stretch Tent
A festival-style wedding with a stretch tent is the perfect way to create a relaxed, fun-filled celebration that reflects your personality. With flexible layouts, weather-resistant protection, and endless styling possibilities, a stretch tent is the ultimate choice for an outdoor wedding. Whether you’re looking to hire or buy, Prickly Pear Stretch Tents has the perfect stretch tent solution to bring your festival wedding to life.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today to discuss your dream festival-style wedding. We quote on an individual basis, so simply get in touch and we can give you some great ideas to help visualise how your special day will look. Give us a call on 01172 873962.
