Sit back and relax

Having a music fest themed wedding is a lot about creating a laid-back vibe that's perfect for mingling and  relaxing. This photo sums up what it's all about: simple co-ordinated decor, good food, some drinks, and non-stop music. So remember to sit back and relax on the very day, and soak up on wonderful atmosphere.

Photo credit: Love in the afternoon shoot via Postcards and Pretties

Breezy style

The perfect dress for a casual theme is airy and has enough room for you to breeze around. These dresses are fitting for dancing to great live music, for mingling with your guests and for lounging around on the picnic blanket. 

1.  Giambattista Valli dress from the Spring 2012 Couture collection via Style. Love the mid length style, the frills add lovely detail and texture.

2. Marchesa dress from the Spring 2012 via Fashionologie. The layered dress looks ethereal, you'll be gliding around like a fairy. The color is a subtle nude, a change from the whites that most will choose.

3. Elie Saab dress from the Spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection via Style. This easy style is accented with a skinny belt, and sequined draping at the neckline.

4. Reem Acra dress from the Bridal Fall 2012 via The Wedding Chicks. This dress showcases a subtle change from a sweetheart neckline, and very delicate pleating details on the bustier top. 

5. Jenny Packham dress from the Spring/Summer 2012 via Wedding style magazine. This dress eludes bohemian charm with beautiful beadings allover.

Put on your best smile

When there is a party, there are always lots of photos taken. It's great fun when you can snap a photo with your friends and get a copy of it right away. Renting a photo booth for a festival themed wedding lets your guests take home a wonderful gift. Prepare props to suit the music fest theme, rock star shades, wigs, guitar... Your guests will be making a beeline have a photo taken.

Photo credit: All photos via Smilebooth

Plait it

This hairstyle is great for an outdoor wedding, no worries about the wind messing up your do. I love the pretty texture that plaiting creates.

Photo credit: Hunger Games wedding inspiration via Green Wedding Shoes

Bring out the festival fun

Don't be afraid to splash color all over your decor, it brings out the fun and cheer in the wedding celebrations. Enjoying a mini music fest with a casual picnic says it all. Add dashes of color to your decor, from tassel garlands to poms poms, balloons to paper lanterns. Colours in the little details adds impact without overwhelming.

1. Giant wedding balloons can add that wonderful burst of color, and yet not burn a hole in your pocket. Gather a few balloons of a similar shade for an ombre effect as seen here via The Wedding Chicks.
2. Tassel garlands are a beautiful sight swaying in the gentle breeze. Metallics add that sparkle seen here via Confetti System.
3. Picnic styled get-up calls for a rustic table setting. This centerpiece is quietly elegant, the twigs lend a organic feel, seen via The Pretty Blog.
4. Umbrellas provide same shade for guests, rain or shine, seen via Style Me Pretty.
5. Hang an array of paper lanterns and pom poms for an interesting visual. The mix of texture says fun. Seen via Branco Prata.
6. A lovely picnic basket laid on each picnic blanket is both pretty and functional. Fill them with small posy of flowers, napkins and a bottle of wine, seen via The Wedding Chicks.
7. Bamboo and wooden cutlery are easy to handle, not flimsy like plastic, and not heavy like metal, plus they look great. Seen via Frolic.

Glorious Picnic Fare

Pies and cakes, sandwiches and salads, pizzas and burgers, the food choices for a casual picnic reception are endless. Crank up the fun factor by offering an array of picnic-appropriate food that both of you love, coupled with a brief description of each. Salads and soups can be served in mason jars to avoid any spills and for easy handling while dining on the lawn. 

Photo credit: (Top row, left to right) Turkey caprese sandwich via Martha Stewart, Raspberry tart favor via Martha Stewart Weddings, Southwestern chicken wraps via Martha Stewart, (2nd row, left to right) Eggplant pasta salad via Real Simple, Tuna nicoise sandwich via Martha Stewart, Cherry fruit salad via Martha Stewart, (last row, left to right) Summer fruit sangria via Martha Stewart, Tomato mushroom pizza via Real Simple, Herbed pasta salad via Martha Stewart

Town & Country Picnic Wedding - Real Wedding

Real weddings are a great way to find inspiration and wonderful ideas for details. Food served straight from the grill and casual dining on the grass, I absolutely love the vibe of the reception and ceremony. Check out this real wedding feature on 100 Layer Cake.

Part 1: Town & Country England BBQ picnic: Lisa & Rory

Part 2: Town & Country England Wedding: Lisa & Rory

Music Fest Out

Get ready for a day of celebration that's truly unforgettable.

Photo credit (clockwise from top left): A vintage-style 1940's inspired wedding picnic setting via Hostess with the Mostess, A picnic at Petersham via frolic, Orange County Garden Wedding by Erin Hearts Court Photography via Style Me Pretty, Table decor for Picnic wedding via The Pretty blog, Backyard fiesta wedding celebration via Green Wedding Shoes, Picnic menu for Picnic wedding via The Pretty blog, Vintage inspired backyard wedding via Green Wedding Shoes, Hanging Lanterns for outdoor weddings via Green Wedding Shoes

Light it up

When you bring the wedding celebrations outdoors, providing good lighting is crucial. You don't want your guests squinting, and feeling uncomfortable. With a myriad of lighting options available out there, from twinkling lights to chandeliers, lanterns to candles, you'll be able to find one that suits your style. Twinkling lights hung around the surrounding allows your guests to dine on the grass, while candles placed around the centerpieces provide for comfortable dining at the tables. Just remember, rent a tent to cater for unpredictable weather, and one that is big enough to cater to all.

Photo credit (clockwise from top left): Washington wedding by A Kurant Event via Style Me Pretty, A rustic wedding in the woods via Green Wedding Shoes, Whimsical & fun DIY wedding via Green Wedding Shoes, New York backyard wedding via 100 Layer Cake, Bahamas wedding by Style Art Life via Style Me Pretty

Have yourself a festival

Weddings don't have to be all formal and glamorous, sometimes chilling out and having some fun can be just as memorable. Think casual brunches and evening strolls in the park, it's relaxed and all about enjoying the simple things. So creating a festival of small proportions seems to fit the bill just right. Set up an area in the park, go crazy with colors, get a live band, play a repertoire of different music that you love and invite your guests to indulge in a picnic on the lawn. Live music, good food and great company!

Photo credit: Love in the afternoon shoot via postcards and pretties