A systematic investigation of the luminescence spectroscopy of Y(P,V)O4:Bi(3+) is presented. The emission spectra and the decay curves are measured as a function of the host morphology, composition, temperature, excitation wavelength, and doping concentration. On this basis, the nature of the excited states and the radiative and non-radiative relaxation processes are discussed. Colour coordinates and quantum yield measurements are also carried out to provide information about the potential applications of the studied materials.