The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it can provide a stunningly atmospheric backdrop for a wedding. If you’re in love with the Lakes and being outdoors, you might consider planning a hiking themed wedding.
Here are a few ideas to make the theme come together.
Décor – It’s all in the Details
The little details can really bring this idea to life. For example:
Table Names – You could name your tables after your favourite fells – this will make for a sweet, personalised touch that really means something to you as a couple.
Favours and Place Settings – When it comes to wedding favours, there are a few options. A small compass attached to a place setting would make a great memento for a guest. Or, you could purchase small wooden tree cut-outs (eBay or online craft stores tend to stock these), and hand-paint them with your guests’ names. Pinecones also make a rustic (and cheap!) place setting – just pop a piece of card with your guests’ names between the scales.
Maps – Maps are a great choice for a hiking wedding! Try using a map as the background for your seating plan. You could also fill a photo frame with a cut-out section of a map with the table number painted on top. Maps can make great bunting, too: just cut out shapes (like hearts, for example) from the map paper, and attach them to ribbon or twine to make cute, DIY bunting. Broadoaks has amazing gardens and grounds so you could set a trail for your guests through the grounds and leave little clues to where you met, or your favourite songs etc so they can combine your love of hiking with a fun activity before or after the wedding ceremony.
Flowers and Centrepieces – A hiking-themed wedding suits natural décor: think a lot of greenery and local flowers. You could also arrange flowers in vintage hiking boots for quirky decorations your guests will love.
You can ask your guests to write their well-wishes on pebbles using a marker pen, instead of a traditional guestbook. These can be kept in a glass jar and make a great, rustic alternative to a guestbook (and a nice memento for you). Unfinished wood slices make great decorations, too – you can use them as a base for your floral centrepieces or put candles (in jars) on top.
Keep it Cosy – Hiking-themed weddings really suit a cosy atmosphere (especially if you’re going for an autumn or winter wedding). Soft lighting is key here – candles are always a romantic choice for wedding, and fairy lights can add a bright twinkle to a dark room. If your venue has fireplaces, make the most of them – there’s nothing more comforting than a roaring fire.
Comfort Food – Consider going for hearty comfort food instead of fine dining. Many couples opt for sausage rolls instead of dainty finger food, for example. Or you might want to consider warming dishes like stews or tagines to fill up your guests. This kind of wedding perfectly suits some delicious, warming food.
Boho Vibes
When it comes to outfits, a boho theme may suit the occasion perfectly. Think fuss-free hairstyles, wellies or walking boots, and a dress that can withstand a little bit of mud. A relaxed wedding can create a wonderful atmosphere for yourself and your guests, making it a day to remember.