How to Plan a Bohemian Wedding (Plus, 17 Unique Boho Wedding Ideas)

If the idea of a free spirited, laidback celebration is your idea of wedding heaven then you’ve come to the right place. We’re more than a little in love with boho weddings (not just because they lend themselves perfectly to festival style music) and are bursting with ideas when it comes to nailing the theme.

Whether you’re dreaming of an alfresco affair in the countryside or a care-free soirée in the city, there are plenty of ways you can work the theme to suit you. From your wedding attire to your décor and, of course, entertainment, you can infuse just about any element of your day with a little bohemian whimsy.

While boho weddings may look fuss-free and effortless, the planning process can be far from it, which is why we’ve put together this handy bohemian wedding planning guide. Start with basics such as finding the right venue and dressing the part and then let our unique ideas take care of the rest.

Getting the setting right is crucial when it comes to creating a specific feel on your wedding day, find the right venue and you’re halfway to boho wedding heaven.

If you’re set on a boho themed wedding then you’re going to want to steer clear of any venues with an air of formality, boho is all about laidback vibes. We’d avoid stately homes, swanky hotels or fancy golf clubs and instead opt for barns, tipis and rustic or industrial style buildings.

The best boho weddings we’ve seen often incorporate the beauty of the great outdoors, which is why we think a lakeside wedding venue might just fit the bill.

Think Sienna Miller on the red carpet circa 2004 or Kate Moss at Glastonbury, hair was free-flowing and so were hemlines. Avoid overly structured fabrics and perfectly coifed hairstyles and instead go for a more natural look.

Vintage lace, crepe or silk fabrics all flow beautifully and will move with you as you walk down the aisle or dance the night away. Get extra style points by opting for a gown with a tiered skirt, off-the-shoulder neckline or seventies-inspired bell sleeves.

Suits can be made from natural fabrics such as linen, and ties abandoned in favour of a relaxed open collar. Add a sprig off foliage or dried flowers to a pocket instead of a more traditional boutonniere.

To ensure guests really get into the boho spirit, make sure your invitations indicate that your big day is going to be a more relaxed affair. Incorporate wildflowers into their design, tie them with twine or print them on kraft paper to give guests a taste of your theme. Muted shades are in vogue right now but - as with any wedding theme - it’s important to customise it to suit you so by all means choose bright shades or deep hues if it feels more your style.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding somewhere like a field or a beach, be sure to highlight this to guests – there’s nothing worse than picking your way across the grass in stiletto heels! Feel free to actively encourage more casual dress too, most guests will be happy to shake off the formal dress code usually associated with weddings and embrace something more laidback.

Don’t get us wrong, we love a string quartet or a pianist at a wedding, but they don’t exactly scream ‘boho’. To really nail the theme, we reckon it’s important to set the right backing track.

Festival or folk band dress in the style of Mumford & Sons and featuring predominantly acoustic instruments – a fantastically upbeat and lively option for couples looking to create their own boho festival.

Indie bands are also a popular choice for bohemian weddings and acoustic acts help create a laidback and chilled out atmosphere.

We love the idea of adorning a simple wooden structure with some flowers and foliage and draping some fabric around it. Simple but effective, it looks thrown together in an effortlessly chic way.

Scour charity shops or car boot sales for old and vintage rugs and use them to pave your way down the aisle.

Macramé is having a moment and has become a major home décor trend over the last couple of years. Introduce some macramé magic into your decorative scheme with a woven table runner or a plant hanger or two over tables or in corners of the room.

From flower crowns to floral clips and hats adorned with sprigs of dried flowers or leaves, adding flowers to your look gives instant boho vibes.

The bohemian lifestyle is all about embracing the natural beauty of the outdoors, so why not say ‘I do’ outside? With a sandy beach, forest or meadow as your backdrop there’s no need to worry about elaborate décor.

Polished bouquets full of neatly cut roses move aside, boho bouquets are all about wildflowers, foliage and just the right amount of unruliness.

Summer nuptials or destination weddings provide the perfect opportunity for alfresco eating. Whether you fire up a BBQ, lay on a buffet or stick with a traditional three-course meal, your wedding breakfast will be given an instant boho feel in the great outdoors.

There’s something undeniably bohemian about a music festival, so why not create your very own wedfest? A party or indie band will get the party started perfectly while a food truck and mobile bar will create an authentic festival atmosphere.

Eschew the silks and satins and instead embrace linens, hessian and cotton. From the table runners to the aisle, incorporate natural fabrics to create a fresh and free-spirited vibe.

Naked or imperfectly iced cakes are a great choice for boho weddings. Adorn them with dried sprigs or fresh flowers or fruit for a nature-inspired look.

Wicker and rattan has come straight back from the 1970s and into the homes of many an Instagram interiors influencer. Bring the trend into your wedding by hiring some wicker and rattan pieces and creating a lounge area for guests to kick back in.

To really get guests into the bohemian spirit, why not offer glamping facilities? There are plenty of venues that offer glamping or companies that are willing to set this up. It’s the perfect way to end a festival themed wedding.

Scatter tealights across your tablescapes or rig up festoon or fairy lights if naked flames are not allowed. Low lighting will instantly give your reception and intimate and chilled out feel.

Flowing sleeves and skirts or rolled up sleeves with no jackets, pare back the traditional wedding formal wear and instead opt for laidback chic.

Markets, car boot sales and charity shops can all be treasure troves when it comes to finding quirky pieces for your wedding décor. From vintage teacups to birdcages, globes and books, add interesting details that say something about you as a couple.

Remember, even when working with a theme, your wedding day should reflect you as individuals so throw in some personal elements to keep it authentic. You can give it an industrial edge, a festival feel or create a dreamy bohemian garden party. True bohemians are nothing if not creative so let your imagination run wild!