Unveiling The Boho Wedding: A Guide To This Unique Celebration

Boho weddings are perfect for brides who want something romantic, laid-back, ethereal, and non-traditional. The bohemian wedding trend is all about creating an eclectic, whimsical setting filled with various textures, earthy elements, rich colour palettes, dreamy wildflower-style arrangements, and collected decor. The term bohemian first appeared in the English language in the 19th century to describe the non-traditional lifestyles of marginalised and impoverished artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and actors in major European cities. Bohemians were associated with unorthodox or anti-establishment political or social viewpoints, expressed through free love, frugality, and even voluntary poverty.

Boho wedding attire

When it comes to specific dress styles, there are a few key trends to consider for a boho look. Floral lace is a classic choice for boho brides, adding a subtle yet eye-catching touch of nature to the outfit. A-line silhouettes are also popular, as they create an effortlessly chic look, especially when paired with a woodland or seasonal wedding theme. Sleeved wedding dresses, from bell sleeves to puff sleeves, can add movement and elevate the ethereal feel of a boho dress.

For bridesmaids and guests, boho wedding attire can include flowy floral dresses, ruffle details, and soft, breathable fabrics like chiffon. Maxi dresses are a popular choice, as well as wrap dresses and off-the-shoulder styles. Earthy colours and floral prints are also common in boho wedding guest attire.

When it comes to purchasing a boho wedding dress, there are several designers that specialise in this aesthetic, including Maggie Sottero, Alice Temperley, Lillian West, and Theia. These gowns can be found in boutiques like Kleinfeld, but they tend to be on the more expensive side, often starting at several thousand dollars. For more budget-friendly options, David's Bridal and BHLDN offer a wide range of discounted gowns and bohemian styles at more affordable price points.

Boho wedding venues

Boho weddings are perfect for couples who want a romantic, laid-back, ethereal, and non-traditional celebration. The beauty of a boho wedding is that it can be held almost anywhere, from beaches to deserts to mountains, and can be as relaxed or formal as you like.

Beach Boho Wedding Venues

Beaches are a popular choice for boho weddings, offering a natural and simple backdrop. A beach venue can be dressed up with décor to create a memorable occasion and stunning photos. Beach boho weddings often feature flower crowns and long, flowing bohemian wedding dresses that are comfortable and warm.

Desert Boho Wedding Venues

For couples who love sun and sand, a desert venue can be an ideal choice. Desert locations can be more affordable than beach venues and offer a unique setting for your celebration. You can also incorporate desert-inspired elements into your décor, such as succulents and cacti.

Mountain Boho Wedding Venues

Mountain weddings provide a combination of natural beauty and elegant surroundings. Many mountain venues have majestic views and may require minimal additional décor. The natural setting of a mountain wedding aligns with the boho theme's focus on celebrating love in nature.

Tented Boho Weddings

If you're concerned about the weather, consider a tented wedding. Tents provide shelter from rain or strong sunlight and can be decorated to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. You can also rent air conditioning units or heaters to ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the celebration.

Outdoor Boho Weddings

Many boho weddings take place outdoors to embrace the beauty of nature. This can include venues such as gardens, vineyards, or open fields. When planning an outdoor boho wedding, consider the potential for rain and muddy terrain, especially when choosing your attire and decorations.

Backyard Boho Weddings

Backyard weddings are a practical and intimate option for a boho celebration. By hosting the wedding at a loved one's home, you can create a sentimental and budget-friendly event. You can allocate more of your budget to other elements such as flowers, décor, or a live band.

Destination Boho Weddings

Whether you dream of a beach ceremony in Mexico or a mountain celebration in a far-flung location, destination weddings allow you to choose a venue that is special to you and your partner. However, keep in mind the additional costs of transportation, accommodations, and décor for a destination wedding, as well as the travel expenses for your guests.

No matter which venue you choose, a boho wedding offers a unique and memorable experience. Embrace nature, incorporate rustic and elegant elements, and don't be afraid to think outside the box to make your big day truly yours.

Boho wedding decor

Centrepieces

Centrepieces are a great way to bring a boho feel to your wedding tables. Twinkling jar lamps, vases of wildflowers, and eucalyptus branches are perfect for adding a natural, earthy touch. Macramé installations holding terracotta pots with flowering plants are another beautiful option.

Table Settings

Wood slices, woven table runners, and vintage beaded napkin rings will give your table settings a boho feel. For a unique touch, you could use wooden coasters, or even personalised wooden guest books.

Backdrops

A distressed wooden wedding arch draped with beads, tassels, or garlands makes a stunning boho backdrop. You could also use a crocheted cloth, or macramé wall hanging, for a relaxed, hippy vibe.

Flowers and Garlands

Bouquets and garlands can include traditional options like roses and baby's breath, as well as pampas grass, greenery, and dried flowers. You could even offer flower crowns to your guests, for a generous, boho touch.

Other Decorations

Boho-style decorations can include anything from dream catchers to feathers, and from floating flower petals to paper lanterns. For a unique guest book, you could take inspiration from nature, like wooden fish decorations, or a tree branch adorned with well wishes.

Boho wedding flowers

For a boho wedding bouquet, you can opt for a mix of soft shades like white, pink, blue, and green, combined with brighter hues like orange, yellow, and coral. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of options, including dried and artificial bouquets. Some bouquets feature sola wood flowers, while others incorporate eucalyptus, baby's breath, peonies, and roses.

If you're looking for specific flower types, you can find options like ranunculus, lisianthus, protea, and succulents. For a more natural look, dried pampas grass and bunny tails are popular choices, often used in table centrepieces and wedding decorations.

• White bridal bouquet with roses, peonies, baby's breath, and eucalyptus.
• Pampas grass bouquet with dried flowers and eternal roses for a natural, boho look.
• Terracotta and blush eucalyptus with pampas wedding arch arrangement.
• Lavender blue thistle bouquet with eucalyptus leaves and dried lavender for a rustic touch.
• Dried flower bouquet with pampas grass, bunny tails, and daisies for a natural, bohemian style.
• Artificial flowers in champagne hues, including roses and baby's breath, for a rustic-boho decoration.
• Natural dried flower bouquet with pampas grass, eucalyptus, and preserved florals for a boho home or wedding decor.

Boho wedding hair

For long-haired brides, loose and relaxed updos are a great option. Try a messy bun, a low chignon, or a half-up-half-down style incorporating braids or twists. If you're happy to wear your hair down, go for tousled waves or curls, adding in a flower crown, fresh or dried flowers, or a beaded hair vine for a whimsical finish.

Brides with medium-length hair can experiment with textured updos, like a tousled updo with twists, braids or loosely pinned curls. A half-up-half-down style is another classic boho choice, allowing you to showcase the length of your hair while keeping it out of your face. Add volume to the crown of your head for a touch of glamour, or try a messy bun for an effortlessly elegant look.

And for short-haired brides, don't worry—you can still achieve a gorgeous boho style. Incorporate small braided accents, like a side braid or a crown braid, or go for a textured bob with added volume. If you have a pixie cut, embrace the messy, tousled look with a styling product to add texture and define individual strands.

Whatever your hair length, boho wedding hair is all about working with your natural texture and adding whimsical, romantic details. Flowers, foliage and hair accessories are a must, whether that's a delicate hair vine, a bold flower crown or a simple ribbon. And don't be afraid to get creative—boho style is all about expressing yourself!

Frequently asked questions