I think it’s pretty safe to say that the UK is very much leading the way when it comes to alternative, quirky and unique weddings. In fact I probably hear about yet another alternative wedding fair popping up somewhere here on a weekly basis! Don’t get me wrong, this is no bad thing, I remember when I was a bride trying to find ANYTHING remotely different was an impossibility. Today’s brides are very lucky indeed!
We feature a lot of international weddings on this site and one of the things I hear over and over again from brides in Europe is how “There’s nothing alternative over here at all” or that “Doing something different is very unusual in (insert country here)” which is why I was overjoyed when I found out that someone’s doing something about it!
Based in Alsace, France the Wild Wedding Festival wants to bring some of that quirky UK wedding magic to the east of France. Launched in 2015 by Caroline Beck-Wild, a wedding planner who was tired of seeing the same old same old, the Wild Wedding Festival is an annual event, taking place in September, and this year’s show looks like it will be their biggest and best yet!
There are two festivals taking place this year. The first, on the 15th & 16th September at the Hippodrome of Strasbourg-Hoerdt will have over 60 exhibitors and the second, on 29th & 30th September at Kota Alsace in Guebwiller, more than 50. And with over 1000 visitors attending each show last year, it seems like Wild Wedding Festival sure is making a much needed impact in France right now!
Set outdoors, as well as the exhibitors themselves there will be different areas for you to enjoy, all themed around different weddings styles such as woodland weddings, bohemian vibes, circus celebrations and so much more! Workshops and classes will be going on throughout, so whether you want to try and learn a first dance or find out what you need to write on your invitations, they’ve got you covered.
There’s a dedicated kid’s area to keep those babes entertained throughout the day and like any good festival, plenty of food options from an array of food trucks, loyal chefs and bakers. With vendors covering everything from fresh juices, vegan options, organic coffees, cocktails and delicious meats direct from the grill there’s sure to be something everyone will love. In fact I’m actually quite jealous I’m can’t be there myself!
So whether you’re live in France, or you’re having a destination wedding and you’re desperately searching for quirky suppliers, this is a wedding fair you need to check out! As these images from last year’s event show, it sure does look like a lot of fun! With a focus more on the rustic, festival wedding trend, if this is your vibe then you are going to adore what they have in store.
Tickets cost just €4 in advance from wildweddingfestival.com or €5 on the door (kids get in free) and €1 of each ticket sale is being donated to to the nature-protecting organisation, Alsace Nature.
