DIY Festival Wedding: Lauren and Ross' Big Day at Smallshaw Farm
It's that time of year when wedding season is in full swing, and brides everywhere are eagerly planning for their big day. From choosing the perfect dress to finding the dream venue, there are endless details to consider. But what if you're looking for a more unconventional and budget-friendly option? Look no further than Lauren and Ross' DIY festival wedding at Smallshaw Farm! This couple broke all the traditional rules and created a unique celebration that was as eco-friendly as it was fun-filled. So whether you're a bride-to-be searching for inspiration or a wedding supplier curious about this trend, get ready to be dazzled by this one-of-a-kind nuptial experience!
Meet Lauren and Ross, and TEQUILA!
Hey there folks, let me introduce you to one of my favourite couples - Lauren and Ross. These two are the ultimate festival goers, self-proclaimed live music enthusiasts, and tequila aficionados. I mean, they live and breathe these things. You can find them, without doubt, rocking out at the front row of a concert, likely, with a shot of tequila in their hands. Their love for music and fun is infectious - they brought stories, laughs, and top-notch dance moves to their wedding. And don't even get me started on their knowledge of tequila - they sealed their vows - expertly delivered by celebrant Theresa - with a shot! So, if you ever need a companion for a wild concert or a tequila tasting party, these two are your go-to couple. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Choosing the venue - why Smallshaw Farm is the perfect fit for a festival wedding
When it comes to planning a wedding, the most stressful decision is definitely choosing the venue. There's so much to consider- is it big enough for your guest list? Will it look good in photos? Is it within budget? But for this couple, the answer was clear from the moment they set foot on Smallshaw Farm. Not only did it tick all the practical boxes, but it had a vibe that perfectly matched their festival wedding. The rolling hills, the rustic buildings, cottages on site, and a huge orchard to pitch a tipi (because British summers, right?) and food truck in - it was like the place was made for them. All in all, it was the perfect venue for a wedding that was all about good vibes, good people, and good times.
Wedding decorations on a budget - tips and tricks for creating a colorful and festive atmosphere without breaking the bank
Let's talk about wedding decorations on a budget. I know, I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but it's doable. First off, Lauren and Ross embraced the festival vibes and went for bright and bold colors. Who says weddings have to be all white and floral anyway? Paper decorations are your new best friend. They're cheap, easy to make, and can add a pop of colour to any space. Alongside rustic tables, re-purposed liquor bottles to hold candles, and a home-filled bar, they make for a perfect combination. Of course, nothing can beat a custom neon, but that's reusable at home, so it counts as a long term investment!
Food and drinks - creative ideas for a budget-friendly yet delicious wedding menu, including a DIY bar
Ok, let's talk about one of my favourite things: food and drinks at weddings. Now I know what you're thinking - exactly what Lauren and Ross were thinking - "how can we feed everyone without breaking the bank?" Fear not, this couple brought some killer ideas for a budget-friendly yet delicious wedding. First up, they skipped the fancy caterers and went for a local food truck. Not only will they provide mouth-watering grub, but it'll give your wedding that cool, chill vibe. Plus, you can save on serving staff. Second, they hired a fridge van for their mid-summer, roasting hot day. Trust me, having this reliable fridge on site was a game-changer. There were no worries about the cakes melting, food going bad and you can store drinks without having to rely on ice buckets - and there's always the opportunity to go and cool down - it is YOUR wedding after all. Finally, Lauren and Ross set up a DIY bar. Who doesn't love playing bartender? They offered up a selection of beers, wines and spirits, all bought in bulk to keep down the costs and let guests - well the best man - mix and match to their heart's content.
Entertainment - how Lauren and Ross incorporated live music, games, and other festival elements into their wedding day
Let's talk about the ultimate wedding day entertainment. None of that boring stuff like endless speeches or awkward dance floor moments. This couple really knew how to bring the party vibes with live music, games, and outdoor festival vibes. Imagine walking down the aisle to your favourite song played by a live guitarist/singer - talk about romantic. And then, in between all the emotional moments, you get to let loose and have fun with giant lawn games and a glitter artist. What about a dance floor packed with people from before your first dance until my batteries died (several hours later)? Who said weddings have to be stuffy and serious? This couple definitely proved that you can have a memorable and personal wedding day filled with all the entertainment you could ever want.
The dress code - encouraging guests to embrace the festival wedding vibe
What about a festival wedding dress code? I mean, what do you even wear to a festival wedding in an orchard on a farm? Well, Lauren and Ross chose to ditch the stuffy suits and uptight dresses for their guests, and said casual all the way! Ross wore Nike SB Blazer's - a personal favourite - with a green Joe Browns’ summer blazer and black trousers. Lauren graced the aisle in a ethereal pink A-line tulle dress by Nicole Milano with statement pink heels.
The special touches
Lauren and Ross went all out to add unique, special touches to their festival-style wedding. Talk about creativity and thoughtfulness! One thing that really stood out was their super innovative DIY wedding video. They handed out camcorders to their guests and asked them to capture candid moments throughout the day. Then they sent the footage to a specialist company for a professional edit. I mean, I only found out about this a few days before and I'm already buzzing to see the final result. Who knows, there might even be some pro-camera work in there!
They also ditched the traditional guestbook and had guests write their well-wishes on a pair of vinyl records. It was a nod to their shared love of music and fit perfectly with the festival theme. And let's not forget about the beautiful 'tree of memories' they set up in the orchard. It was adorned with photographs and mementos of absent family members and friends, making sure their presence was felt on this special day.
All these special touches truly reflected Lauren and Ross' personality and added so much depth to the celebratory atmosphere of their wedding. It's safe to say they knocked it out of the park!
To sum it up, Lauren and Ross's wedding was like a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. It was a real testament to their personalities, mixing the conventional with the alternative, and creating a one-of-a-kind festival experience that truly reflected their passions and interests. By breaking away from the norm—whether it was their dress code, the packed dance floor, the DIY wedding video, or the amazing food and DIY bar—they made sure that their special day was as unique and unforgettable as they are. It was a joyous celebration that left a lasting impression on everyone's heart.
Suppliers:
Venue: Smallshaw Farm
Dress: Anghel by Nicole Milano from Charlotte Elizabeth Bridal
Suits: Joe Browns / Groom’s Shoes: Nike SB
Hair: Emma Phillips
Makeup: Georgia Cutts
Food: Mav’s Fried Chicken (@ Cutlery Works, Sheffield)
Celebrant: Theresa Ribeiro
Guitarist: Jack Manning
Band: Citrus Funk
Flowers: Stems and Petals
Video Editing: Wed.Lock.Films
Tipi: Premier Event Marquees
