WEDFEST
When one fuses a wedding and a festival together pure magic happens! We were lucky enough to be a part of this inspirational WEDFEST in South Africa created by Emily Lockhart Wedding & Event Coordination a few weeks ago. We were so inspired by this unforgettable and unique experience and thought to share our WEDFEST experience with you!
As you drive amongst the lush green rolling hills of Underberg, South Africa, you come across a quaint glamping village. The canvas bell tents are equipped with foam mattresses, linen and a night light with finishing touches like glass water bottles and trailmix on the bed side tables.
After having settled in to your luxury glamping tent you start to make your way to the WEDFEST area. You are welcomed by a pleasant steampunk clad gentleman who presents you with a festival entry wristband, an enamel mug and food stall vouchers. The festival area is kitted out with deck chairs, firepits, hammocks and crocheted tipis.
We follow the alluring acoustic sounds coming from the chino coloured stretch tent. It’s a live band! An amazing duo performing a range of indie covers and other genres. We grab a drink from the bar (using our enamel mugs) and take a seat on giant floor cushions that are scattered around handmade pallet tables.
The spectacular bridal party have made their entrance and dance merrily as they make their way to the main table. We laugh, cry and listen intently to the very special and carefully crafted speeches made by friends and family members. Meals are served between speeches. When we say served, it’s definitely not the traditional way of serving wedding meals…OF COURSE NOT! No, no, guests take their food vouchers to a beautifully crafted seafood Mexican foodstall to claim their starters and mains by handing over their food vouchers to the waiters and waitresses stationed behind the stalls. For dessert there is a crêperie stall handing out delicious crêpes drizzled with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit which can be paired with a delicious cup of your favourite brew supplied by the coffee caravan.
Once all the formalities are over the guests dance the night away under the colourfully lit chino stretch tent to songs performed by more live bands.
Waking up the next day does not involve the packing of bags and saying sad goodbyes. The WEDFEST does not end here! There is an entire itinerary planned for the day and evening including cooked breakfasts by the river, river swims, mountain hikes, hilltop sundowners and an evening barbecue before retiring to the luxury camping quarters one last time.
Driving home the next day we reflect on two full days of pure magic and creativity, the new friends we’ve made, the old friends we’ve reconnected with and the overflowing joy, happiness and love shared by the bridal couple. The WEDFEST was not just a wedding but a two day adventure!
We hope that we have inspired you, dear reader / event organiser / bride and groom to-be to create your very own WEDFEST for your next event! Nordic Stretch Tents have a range of stretch tents and glamping tents available to assist in creating your ideal WEDFEST experience. Contact us to find out more!