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We’ve all seen the beautiful photos. Endless fields of lavender, tulips or sunflowers. Incredible colors that are the perfect setting for some gorgeous shots. But despite how lovely they look, I’ve often wondered to myself if flower festivals are really worth visiting?
I’m going to start this off by saying that I am no Instagram model. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It’s just that I’m just a very awkward person when getting my photos taken. I typically get my photos taken as I’m looking off into the distance – mostly so you can’t see me fidgeting with my hands or doing some weird half smile with my face.
I get rather self conscious when having my photo taken. So although I love the idea of them, am I personally going to get the most out of a flower festival? You might be wondering the same thing.
Flower festivals around the world
The Brussels Flower Carpet or Batalla de Flores in Valencia, Spain are just a couple of examples of incredible flower festivals around the world. Timed with the seasonality of the flowers they highlight, they are so vibrant in color. But an increasing trend to give these flower festivals a run for their money are stunning local flower fields.
Tall, colorful rows of tulips in the spring or a fall photoshoot in fields of statuesque sunflowers. I think a big bucket list item for me is visiting the lavender fields of Provence. I love lavender: the color, the smell, the taste (lemon and lavender cake anyone?).
But is all of this enough to make you want to attend one of these flower festivals? To essentially pay to walk through the flowers or stop and smell the roses. And more importantly, take the famed Insta-worthy shots of you effortlessly hanging out in a field?
What can you do at flower festivals?
Some of the bigger global flower festivals include artistic visual celebrations of flowers with displays that it probably took people months to think of and create. There will be parades, local dances and even costumes, all centered around the love of flowers.
But the flower festivals you might see all over your social media feeds are usually a little more basic. Often fields of flowers that you can pay to access and take your photos. There may be flowers for sale but generally there aren’t many other activities. It’s all about taking photos and creating your own personalized photoshoot.
I recently went to a few such flower festivals in Canada – a Tulip Festival in Chilliwack – just outside of Vancouver, Canada, a lavender field and a Sunflower Festival in Richmond BC. And I honestly wasn’t really sure what to expect before I went.
How much do flower festivals cost?
Most big flower festivals that involve parades and events that take over a city are free. You might have to pay for activities or perhaps for access to better viewing, but on the whole they are rather cheap to attend.
Flower festivals like the Chelsea Flower Show charge a lot to attend with pricing upwards of £60 of more. And then there are the flower fields where you go to take your photos, those are typically in the $10-30 range depending on the place.
The flower festival I recently attended here near Vancouver in Canada cost around $20 each. The first couple of weeks of the festival were a little cheaper when not as many of the flowers were in bloom, and weekends were more than if you visited during the week.
What do you need for a flower photo shoot?
If you do plan to attend a flower festival where you want to take advantage of all the pretty colors for a photoshoot, here are a few items you might want to bring:
Colorful clothing
Monochromatic clothing instead of busy prints – remember the flowers are the star of the show. If you must go for prints, make sure they complement the flowers rather than steal focus. Opt for fun colors that will highlight the flowers, and avoid black.
A good camera
Cell phone or actual camera, just make sure yours is reliable and has the potential to take good quality pictures.
A portable tripod
If you can’t convince your BFF or significant other to go with you, invest in a cheap portable tripod to set up for some good photos. Bonus: you can also use it for group pictures.
Fun accessories
Some good sunglasses, a nice scarf or the perfect handbag to pair with your outfit and the flowers. Many flower festivals have props like vintage bicycles, swings and fun signs but check in advance and plan to take anything else to create unique photos.
Other things to know for your photoshoot
- Flower fields generally have very little shade – prepare to cover up on sunny days so you don’t get all sweaty or sunburned in your pictures
- Flower festivals are often busy so you might need to patience as you wait to get your photos taken without others there
- If the flower festival provides props (like bicycles and swings) you may have a time limit to use such items – the last one I went to was 2 minutes if people are waiting
- Plan to go off peak times and days for maximum opportunities – less people in your photos or to compete with for space
Is it worth visiting a flower festival?
The first thing to know is what type of flower festival you are going to. Is it a big event where you get to look around at carefully curated displays of unique flowers? Or is it a large flower field aimed more at people wanting photos? Both are great, you just need to make sure it’s what you’re looking for.
When visiting these large flower fields, it really is what you make of it. If you’re looking for lots of fun activities, variety of flowers or to be surrounded by people admiring the flowers for what they are, this might not be for you.
If you’re happy to put on a pretty dress, grab your bestie and get all glammed up to take a few fun photos, it can be a great experience. When I visited, this was exactly what I was looking for. I just wanted some nice shots, to see some colorful flowers and enjoy being outdoors.
The best thing is to decide what that is worth to you? If $20 for the privilege to take some photos is too much, then maybe look for some free options or visit a public garden at a quieter time. But I had a blast on my photoshoot and it was the ultimate girls days out. I would definitely do it again – with some different flowers next time.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you been to any flower festivals or done your own flower field photo shoot?
I feel the same! I’m really self conscious when someone takes a picture of me, and I usually feel awkward. Also, these flower festivals look amazing! I’ve never been to one, but it definitely is an amazing place to take incredible photos!
I have honestly never heard of a flower festival until reading your post. I’ve seen the flower fields on IG but never thought of a festival. But I like the thought of going to a flower festival to experience something rather than just get a photograph.
It’s the same as queueing in a long line to get a picture with famous street art (Penang) or the swing in Bali… not sure I’d want to queue just for a picture but if there was no queue, I’d probably strike a pose haha!
I’ve never been to a flower festival (have been to a few of these locations you have here though). An interesting idea for my nest trip
Aw so fun! We went to the Chilliwack one a couple of years ago and it was fun, but maybe not totally worth it in my opinion. It was kind of boring, a far drive from Vancouver and full of other people taking pictures. Definitely didn’t go at an off-peak time as you suggest!
However, I have been to the Keukenhoff gardens outside of Amsterdam and think those are worth it. It’s a larger area with more to see and explore (different gardens, fountains, farms, food, greenhouses, etc) as well as the rows and rows of iconic tulips. Would definitely recommend that one!
Thanks for all the information! I feel like it depends on the flower festival and what you’re looking for in a festival. If you go to one that doesn’t align with your interests or criteria then I can imagine it wouldn’t be worth it.
I must admit that I didn’t even realise that flower festivals existed. I hate having my photo taken so I don’t think they are for me though. However I do love the actual flowers themselves.
I love flowers and flower festivals are exciting for the reasons you said. I would love to take some pictures in Tulips.
I love this article! I actually just recently attended a flower festival in my home state and realized that it definitely is important to go during off times. I went on a weekend and it was so crowded. The props definitely make those flower photos! 🙂
I love the vibrant colours when the flower fields are in bloom but I’ve never been to a flower festival. I’ve visited some gorgeous tulip and lavender fields though…Thanks for sharing!
I have yet to go to a flower festival, and you’ve just inspired me to do at least one. Ottawa’s Tulip Festival has long been on my radar to go, and maybe one day I will. But I will definitely be the one behind the camera, my husband can’t take a photo to save his life! I’ve been to Brussels and Netherlands, but unfortunately not during their festival times.
I have never attended a flower festival but I love to take photos in flower fields or close to blooming trees. So I am totally for it! They make the best photo background!
Love your perspective. I’ve always wanted to visit a Tulip Festival. I’ve been to a sunflower field, but nothing like a flower festival!
This is such an interesting post! I’ve never been to a festival, but I have been to a few flower fields, and still thought they were too busy! It would be fun to visit a flower festival, though. The tulips that you shared are lovely!
Lovely pics! And you look beautiful 😍
I love getting my pics taken with beautiful backgrounds.
Have been to the Tulip flower festival in Kashmir India, the Brussels fest will be on my list!
Thank you 🙂 I will definitely do this again and look forward to exploring some of the other, bigger flower festivals around the world too
I wouldn’t have considered going to one either but this actually sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll have to see if there are any near me.
I haven’t heard of a flower festival before, but I’d love to attend one. You look absolutely stunning and those flowers are breathtaking. I’ll start looking out for these festivals in the future!
Hi Emma,
Beautiful blog on flower festivals. I love the tulip festival in Holland and lavender flower fields. You have presented a very different perspective. Thank you for sharing ❤️😍
We went to that one in Chilliwack too! It was much smaller this year being affected by everything going on, but it was still enjoyable. We like going during off-peak times because it is more relaxing to take photos. We generally always try to go in the morning at opening time.
Lovely post Emma! I love seeing big fields of flowers, but I totally feel the same way about attempting to take photos in front of the flowers. You did a fab job and I love the photos you ended up with. 🙂
I’ve been to several around the world and so far the answer is yes!
I’ve never been to a flower festival so this was really interesting to read about for me. I don’t know if I’d be the type of person to get dressed up for photos at one, but maybe I can try it just once!
Lovely photos! We don’t have flower festivals here (UK) just flower shows – my favourite is Southport flower show near where I grew up, better than Chelsea in my opinion! But shows don’t involve nearby fields being open for photoshoots – they’re usually in towns and have marquees with different plants on display and for sale.
I have the exact same thought! We have massive garden here at Singapore too and it costs about $20 to get in. It took me some time to get around to it but but once I did, it felt totally totally worth it!
These photos are amazing! I’ve never been to a flower festival, but I’ve always wanted to go.
Everyone always have great pictures in flower fields . Thanks for the tips especially the colorful clothing . I would have to take my allergy medicine first but I do want to visit a flower field.
Ive been meaning to go to some of the ones near us but always hesitant due to the cost. Might need to branch out and explore more of them, the photos online always look amazing!
I’ve never been to one, but it certainly looks like a flower festival is worth 20 bucks. These pictures are gorgeous.
Funny, I did not know this was even a thing before you post. I mean, I knew of insta worthy flower fields, but did not know there were festivals around them.
As someone who really dislikes “travel for the instagram” but loves flowers, I am a bit torn here. The flower festival looks gorgeous (tulips are my favourite) and I find the festivals much much preferable than influencers visiting flower fields in the wild or farmed flower fields and cause destruction to those who manage and live off the flower harvest (lavender fields in Provence come to mind) . This looks like you actually had fun!
Beautiful photos! I’ve only been to the Holland MI Tulip Festival, and it was a blast! A great way to kick off spring.
I love flowers so much, but I’m also very awkward in photos so I’d definitely be very hesitant to pay for the fields where it’s more just photoshoots but would really enjoy the ones with parades and dances. If I was better at taking photos though, then I probably would be more willing to spend more money!