The Magic Of Bohemian Weddings: A Guide To This Free-Spirited Celebration

A bohemian wedding is all about embracing nature and channelling a free-spirited, laid-back vibe. Boho weddings are often held outdoors, surrounded by nature, and feature an eclectic mix of natural, rustic, and vintage details. The bohemian wedding aesthetic is about creating a whimsical setting with various textures, colours, and dreamy wildflower arrangements. It's less about matching and more about the overall atmosphere, so don't worry if your details aren't perfectly coordinated!

Boho weddings are also about expressing your individuality and creativity. Whether it's through your choice of decor, fashion, or entertainment, a bohemian wedding is a unique and special celebration that reflects the couple's personality and style.

Bohemian wedding attire

The bohemian wedding aesthetic is laid-back, free-spirited, and artistic, with an eclectic mix of influences, from organic elements and minimalism to rustic and vintage styles. So, what does this mean for wedding attire?

Bohemian Bridal Attire

Bohemian wedding dresses are often loose-fitting and effortless in design, with unfussy silhouettes. They tend to be more relaxed and less structured than traditional wedding dresses, with a mix of airy and dramatic styles.

Lace is a key feature of many boho wedding dresses, along with details like flutter sleeves, off-the-shoulder styles, and high slits. Silhouettes can vary, from fit-and-flare to sheath, or even mermaid for a sultry touch. Boho brides often opt for neutral hues or earthy tones, but vibrant colours are also a popular choice.

For the ceremony, a veil and delicate floral crown or hair accessories can complete the bridal look. For the reception, a quick change of shoes and jewellery can transform the outfit.

Bohemian Wedding Guest Attire

For female guests, long maxi dresses in a bold colour or floral print are a great choice. Details like ruffled hems, blouson sleeves, or tie waists add a boho touch. Jumpsuits, pantsuits, and midi dresses can also work, especially with a unique print or fabric. Don't forget to consider the weather and location—sunglasses, cover-ups, and shoes suitable for outdoor terrain may be necessary.

Male guests can opt for a casual suit in a light colour like tan, blue, grey, or brown. Linen or chambray suits are perfect for a boho vibe. For colder months, a tweed or wool suit with a pattern or a pop of colour is a good choice.

Boho weddings can vary in formality, from casual daytime celebrations to black-tie events, so be sure to consider the time and venue when choosing your attire.

Wedding venue and decor

A bohemian wedding venue and decor should channel an effortless, eclectic, and whimsical style. The decor should feature various textures, earthy elements, and rich colour palettes.

When it comes to venues, outdoor locations such as gardens, forests, beaches, deserts, botanical greenhouses, farms, rustic barns, or secluded woodsy areas are ideal for a bohemian wedding. However, you can also recreate this style at casual indoor venues like barns and industrial spaces.

Venue Ideas

• A desert, botanical greenhouse, farm, rustic barn, or secluded woodsy area.
• A garden, forest, or beach for an outdoor ceremony.
• A casual indoor venue like a barn or industrial space.

Decor Ideas

• Natural decor, such as an abundance of florals, greenery, pampas grass, and dried palm leaves.
• Earth tones, such as sage green, brown, tan, taupe, ivory, forest green, red, orange, pink, gold, and yellow.
• Vintage details like rugs, assorted vases, and dream catchers.
• Macrame decorations, such as light fixtures, hanging tapestries, and table runners.
• Mismatched furniture and dishware to create an eclectic tablescape.
• Rattan, bamboo, or wicker furniture, such as chairs or lounge seating.
• Crystals, geodes, and quartz incorporated into decor or as escort cards.
• Succulents and cacti as centrepieces or altar decorations.
• Hanging wedding centrepieces made of pampas grass and greenery arrangements.
• A bohemian wedding cake with dried or fresh flowers, greenery, or a geode motif.
• Boho-chic accessories like flower crowns, crochet sandals, and wide-brim hats.
• Wooden wedding signage with white lettering or calligraphy.
• Oversized floral backdrops or a triangular wooden arch adorned with flowers.
• Eclectic ceremony seating with vintage upholstered chairs and sofas.
• Tents or teepees decorated with pampas grass and throw pillows.
• Hanging dream catchers, lanterns, or paper lanterns.
• Boho-inspired invitations, stationery, and vow books with deckled edges.
• Gold, pink, and peach tone bridal makeup for a sun-kissed glow.
• A bohemian wedding dress with loose or slightly fitted styles, fringe, bell sleeves, lace, off-the-shoulder necklines, or sheer panels.
• Colourful or patterned bridesmaid dresses.

Makeup and hair

For a bohemian bridal look, makeup artist Alex Evans recommends starting with the eyes. First, apply an eyeshadow primer—NYX is her brand of choice. Next, apply a gold eyeshadow all over the lid—she suggests Woodwinked by MAC. Then, use a fluffy blending brush to apply a soft brown matte eyeshadow in the crease. Add depth by applying a dark brown eyeshadow, such as Swiss Chocolate by MAC, in the outer corner of the eyes.

Line the top and bottom lids with a black liner—Rimmel’s waterproof liner is a great drugstore option. Softening the line with a smudgy brush, and blend a little of the dark brown eyeshadow on top of the liner. Finish off the eye look with a coat of mascara.

Tame your brows with a good pomade—Salon Perfect’s Light Brown Brow Pomade is a great option. Add warmth to your face by applying bronzer in a “c” formation from your cheekbone up to your temple. Dust on some blush—like Peaches by MAC for a romantic pink hue—and a highlighter for an extra glow. Sun Rush Lustre Drops by MAC will give you that radiant bohemian shine.

For the lips, opt for a neutral pink shade with a gloss on top. White Russian by Buxom is a fantastic choice for a glossy finish.

As for the hair, start by curling your hair with a one-inch iron. Then, braid a two-inch section behind the ear and secure it with an elastic. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, including the braid, and tie it into a ponytail. Pull out some strands for added texture. Take a one-inch section of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it, securing it with a bobby pin. Finish off the look by spraying in your favourite texturizing product—Evans recommends Hair Refresher by Davines.

Wedding cake

When it comes to a bohemian wedding cake, there are endless ways to incorporate this important element into your wedding celebrations. Boho wedding cakes exude a free-spirited essence and individuality, embracing simplicity, neutral palettes, and nature-inspired adornments. They often merge vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities, creating a unique celebration statement piece.

Boho cake flavours blend taste with aesthetics, echoing nature and authenticity. Emphasising organic ingredients, these cakes can surprise with fresh berries or handmade preserves, capturing the essence of the earth. Popular flavours include rich dark chocolate and refreshing lemon. For a folksy feel, you might opt for a strawberry wedding cake, or choose vanilla and raspberry for a lighter option. If you're having trouble deciding, cupcakes are a great way to offer a variety of flavours to your guests.

The style of a boho wedding cake is often characterised by its simplicity, but this doesn't mean boring. Boho-influenced cakes create a maximum effect with understated elements. For example, a colour palette of white, brown, light purple, dusty rose, or pale blue can be used, with embellishments inspired by nature to add an enchanting touch. Pampas grass, for instance, is synonymous with boho and will instantly give your cake a boho vibe.

For a rustic boho cake, colours are typically muted, with delicate decorations such as dried flowers and feathers, or a large wood slice as a cake stand. Nature-inspired boho cakes might utilise fresh plants, such as white, pale pink, or light lavender roses, or greenery like sage, olive branches, or rosemary. For a chic touch, add some edible bronze, gold, or silver leaf details for a metallic accent.

If you're a fan of the classic boho style, your cake can be the definition of boho, with whimsical details and a hint of whimsy. Think dried flowers, pressed flowers, and hints of rust. You can also channel a charming boho vibe with a textured white cake, decorated with dainty daisies and sprigs of greenery, or a hint of terracotta. For something truly out-of-the-box, consider a cake that mimics the incredible beauty found in nature, like a geode cake with metallic detailing.

Wedding favours

Dream Catchers

A dream catcher is a perfect DIY project that embodies the bohemian spirit. You can make them yourself or with your bridesmaids, adding a personal touch to your wedding favours. They are an excellent choice for intimate events and can even be offered as a fun bridal shower activity. Alternatively, you can find mini dream catchers in bulk online or at craft stores.

Seed Packets and Potted Plants

Seed packets with a mix of herb and flower varieties make great bohemian favours. You can offer popular herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, or opt for a wildflower mix. For a unique touch, provide guests with seedlings in burlap bags, allowing them to plant and watch their own little gardens grow. Potted succulents are another excellent choice, doubling as table decor and guest favours.

Fans and Parasols

Raffia or bamboo fans are stylish and functional favours, especially for a summer wedding. They will keep your guests cool and comfortable while adding a bohemian flair to their attire. For a more luxurious option, consider offering parasols or small umbrellas, which can provide shade and protection from the sun or rain.

Mini Instruments

If you want to splurge on your wedding favours, mini instruments like tambourines or maracas are a fun choice, especially if you're throwing a festival-style wedding. Your guests can use them throughout the night, creating a joyful and musical atmosphere.

Dried or Pressed Flowers

Dried flowers or pressed flower souvenirs are both beautiful and personal. Pressed flowers can be used in creative ways, such as adorning the front of a notebook or being framed as a keepsake. If you're using dried flowers for your bouquets or flower crowns, consider offering small bouquets to your guests as a memorable token.

Honey Jars

Go natural with jars of local honey, the ultimate gift for the bohemian-inspired "flower child." You can personalise the jars with custom labels featuring your initials, wedding date, or a playful message like "Meant to bee!" Etsy is a great source for custom labels, or you can try your hand at calligraphy yourself.

Bohemian wedding favours are all about embracing creativity, individuality, and a carefree spirit. These ideas will surely leave a lasting impression on your guests, reminding them of your special day.

Frequently asked questions