With Coachella upon us and Stagecoach knocking at our door, it’s time to get ready for Festival season! And maybe even host your own festival party!
You’re not a festival person you say? Well with everything from Bottlerock in Napa to the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, festivals have now become part of our vacation destination decision making process, and a summer doesn’t feel complete without experiencing some live music in the sun. Even city-hosted concerts in the park have gotten a more festive vibe. And of course, those fun elements have now infused their way into the party planning space.
I didn’t think I was a festival person until 2016 when my hubs and I decided to try Coachella for the first time. We thought, “People come from all over the world to visit Coachella, and it’s in our own backyard, we have to give it a try.” Man were our minds blown! We thought we’d be the oldest ones there, but we were so wrong. Young and old, cool and not, the vibe was out of this world and the people were so friendly, we actually met some of our bestest friends at the RV Park where we stayed. I highly recommend giving it a try!
So to help you get in the festival party spirit and be ready for your next one, whether it’s Coachella or YOUchella, I thought I’d break down a few elements to get you prepped!
The Look
While the outfit and accessories are paramount, I actually love seeing all the creativity people have with things like awesome hairstyles and #bodyglitter.
I love the glitter and #facejewels that so many ladies are rocking that truly enhance their beautiful style, like this chunky glitter by @cosmeticsemilia.
If you’re hosting your very own festival party, or just want to get festival ready, the super talented @workofheartfacepainting based in Santa Barbara can hook up your whole tribe with beautiful #festivallooks.
This gal looks super adorable with a blend of glitter, jewels, fun makeup and hair. I can totally see my niece @jeaneettemorales with this exact look.
Speaking of hair, to look the part, you can’t go wrong with #doubledutchbraids, those extra long braids that sometimes even have color weaved in them like @baysidepamperparties. And @braidsfordays_shop shows us #unicornhair is also a thing. How fun is that!
There are lots of folks who will braid your hair for you to make your festival prep super easy, like the talented @aslynrenee based out of Los Angeles.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a #flowercrown. Especially if you’re hosting your own event, a special touch from a vendor like @edensgardenflowercrowns in the South Bay or @madreflorals in Santa Clarita bring so much fun for the whole tribe.
And how cool are these custom hats by @crownsbychloe_?!
I think if you just rocked one of these hats with some sunnys, you’ll look cute no matter what you wear.
The Scene
Well if there’s any reason to host a festival themed party, it’s for all the beautiful decor you can use! There are a few ways to do this…go the ‘chella’ route and embrace some of the colorful and carefree elements of the big festivals, or go ‘boho’ and embrace some of the chic laid back vibes representing a nod to the hippy days. Let’s explore them both.
This adorable set up by @nineteen27vintages is definitely on the #bohochic side, and it’s simply adorable. From the macrame wall to the floor seating with cushions, they’ve transformed this space into a gorgeous festival party scene.
For a #Saharatent like experience (that’s the house music stage @Coachella) companies like @wondertentparties do a fab job of making these intimate spaces into festival ready gathering spots. I can totally see a henna and tarot card station set up in there.
For the ultimate festival like experience, services like @festipi bring the camping vibe to life! Just BYO chair and you’re set for an afternoon of music and fun.
All the heart eyes go to @santabarbarapicnicc for their pop up intimate festival style picnics on the beach or at iconic places like the Santa Barbara mission. What a great way to bring the festival vibe to your closest group of friends.
Then there’s the more funky and colorful vibe of a #chella party, like @world_event_management put together, complete with colorful marquee letters and hay bales.
You can never go wrong with a playful #selfiestation like @lauravallexx posed for with friends.
And then of course there’s #kidchella for those of us who wish our parents knew about hosting themed parties back in our day. It’s ok mom, skateland was good enough for me. 🙂 Nice job with this one @teakandlace
The Treats
Talented bakers will never cease to amaze me with special ways to bring a theme to life. Check out these gorgeous treats, like this #coachellacake by @belletorte…I mean it has it’s own #flowercrown and sunset with palm trees!
Or this colorful too-many-to-count tiered cake complete with #peace sign and funky cupcakes all around….so groovy!
These cute little tent and feather #customcookies by @sugarbabiesbakeshop are almost too cute to eat.
And @pastrygirlslondon crafted these #teepee #cakepops with such fab details for a #sweetstable.
The Fun
Once guests arrive, it’s only proper to give them some fun swag, like these glow sticks, neon glasses, wristmands, etc., like @gemloujenko did for her #festivalparty
But the real fun comes with setting the mood with music! My absolute favorite #festivalDJ is @djsonny7even based in Los Angeles (full disclosure, this is my hubby – hehehe) Truthfully, he loves playing pool parties and for crowds with festival party vibes, and is just so talented.
How do you find other great #DJs, #bands, and other artists? Well mainly it’s word of mouth, or you might reach out to an artist you saw perform at another event or venue. It’s hard work finding talent!
Our site @inspomyparty will soon offer a great way to find recommendations for entertainment from family, friends, and neighbors, but there are also great sites out there like @thumbtack and @gigmasters to help you find great bands like @rumbaflamenca and emcees like @mrlifeofyourparty.
The Invites
So maybe I’ve convinced you to host a festival themed party? Here are some cool ways to get the word out to your closest friends and fam.
You can’t go wrong with sending a cool #lanyard invite in the mail announcing the festivities. This one by @wedfest.co is super bright and fun.
Can I please be invited to the #bestiefestie? But I need the #VIPpass so….hook me up @teepover_!
Might as well throw in a colorful #baefest #wristband like this one by @wedfest.co to make it look really authentic!
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the lineup!
