I love how boho theme has truly stood the test of time throughout the years. This style has faced subtle shifts in what is called boho or bohemian weddings but still of the years it has embracing this relaxed, earthy, and eclectic style. Regardless of the time period or exact fashion trends the bohemian wedding theme has always been about natural beauty for the special day.

What is a Boho Wedding?

Boho weddings are a celebration of free-spiritedness and individuality. They embrace a relaxed and eclectic style, often incorporating an earthy color palette like greens, browns, and creams. Natural elements like wood, wildflowers, greenery, and feathers are woven throughout the decor. Think macrame, dream catchers, vintage rugs, and flowing fabrics like lace and chiffon adorning the venue. Held in natural settings like gardens, forests, or beaches, these weddings often feature locally sourced food and live music with acoustic, folk, or indie vibes. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal, encouraging guests to embrace the bohemian spirit and celebrate the unique personalities of the couple.

The boho wedding style originally rose in popularity since the mid-2000s. We have seen so many variations and expressions of the style, with some trends within the “boho wedding” theme going in and out of fashion in this time period. Decor pieces like large poofs of pampas grass was once synonymous with boho weddings, but have largely fallen out of fashion since 2020. Other natural materials have arose instead such as dried palm leaves or just a focus on locally-grown, in season flower selections. 

The Boho Wedding Style Inspiration

Boho wedding theme has been a popular choice for over a decade now, but it did get us thinking. Where did this style come from? While there doesn’t appear to be a single wedding to pin-point as the originator of this style, it was likely tied to the rise of Pinterest, Tumbler Girl, and people eager to find a style that would lean itself to DIY projects without being “country” or “rustic”. Some may point to this style’s love of flower crowns and draw connections to the 1960s hippie movement which also embraced many natural elements, bright colors, and whimsical flair. 

Pinterest was at it’s peak as a young and growing platform that was the first to truly layout visual wedding inspiration all in one place that could be sorted and organized. Connect their readers with DIY projects that seemed to connect big dreams and ideas for the big day at just the perfect time. While the expression of boho wedding themes have swung between colorful and playful to more neutral, the original themes and inspirations are still very much there. Pinterest really did foster a sense of community adorned with floral crowns. 

At its core, boho style was definitely derived from “Bohemian Style”. Bohemian style, often termed “Boho chic,” is a fashion and lifestyle choice characterized by its unconventional and free-spirited essence. It draws inspiration from various sources, including:   

• Hippie culture: The 1960s counterculture movement, with its emphasis on peace, love, and freedom of expression.   
• Gypsy and Romani aesthetics: Incorporating elements like flowing fabrics, earthy tones, and intricate patterns.
• Artistic and creative subcultures: Drawing inspiration from artists, musicians, and free spirits who embraced unconventional lifestyles

The key parts of bohemian wedding style:

• Earthy Tones: Browns, greens, creams, and warm golds are prevalent.   
• Natural Elements: Incorporating natural materials like wood, feathers, and leather.   
• Flowing Fabrics: Lightweight and comfortable materials like cotton, linen, silk, and chiffon are favored.   
• Eclecticism: Mixing and matching different patterns, textures, and styles.   
• Layering: Combining various pieces to create unique and layered looks.
• Accessories: Embracing unique and often handmade accessories like jewelry, scarves, and hats.   
• Focus on Individuality: Emphasizing personal expression and a rejection of mainstream trends.   

In essence, bohemian style is about embracing a free-spirited and unconventional approach to fashion and lifestyle, celebrating individuality and creativity.   

It’s important to note that while bohemian style draws inspiration from various cultures, it’s crucial to approach this with sensitivity and avoid cultural appropriation.

The connection to the Romani culture and their traditional wedding aesthetic cannot be understated. Inspiration from Romani culture should be approached with a respect for the history, traditions, and struggles faced by the Romani people. 

Both styles often feature:

• Earthy tones: Browns, greens, golds, and vibrant colors.
• Natural elements: Flowers, feathers, wood, and other organic materials.
• Flowing fabrics: Lace, chiffon, and other lightweight textiles.
• Eclectic accessories: Jewelry, dream catchers, and other unique decorative items.

We found this beautiful necklace as a great example Romani jewelry created by someone with Roma heritage that could be incorporated into wedding day attire. 

Outdoor Weddings and the Bohemian Look

For the bohemian brides, an outdoor wedding is an obvious choice – at least for the ceremony. Couples may be looking for a boho wedding venue or just airy outdoor reception spaces that could be a blank canvas for their style to shine through. Some of the essential elements of making an outdoor wedding embrace the boho vibe is incorporating details like using natural textures (such as linen table clothes), fresh flowers, lace, and handmade details like pottery.

The boho style perfectly complements this setting, with its emphasis on natural elements, free-spirited aesthetics, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe. ²  Think flowing floral arrangements incorporating wildflowers and greenery, mismatched vintage furniture, and bohemian-inspired attire like flowing dresses and relaxed suits. The result is a celebration that feels effortlessly elegant, intimate, and deeply personal, reflecting the couple’s unique style and love for nature. 

I really like these vases from Koyal Wholesale for table vases that would even work well for DIY weddings to incorporate fresh florals. 

How is Boho different than Rustic?

People have some pretty strong feelings and opinions about whether a style is more rustic wedding theme or boho wedding theme. While both boho and rustic weddings draw inspiration from nature with earthy elements, they have distinct characteristics:

Rustic Weddings:

• Focus: Simplicity, warmth, and a connection to the outdoors.   
• Aesthetics:
  • Natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery.   
  • Neutral color palettes (browns, creams, greens).   
  • Simple, elegant decor (mason jars, burlap, twine).   
  • Often held in barns, farms, or other rural settings.   
• Overall Vibe: Relaxed, comfortable, and grounded.
• Details you may see associated with this theme: Naked cake, burlap, fresh florals such as baby’s breath or sunflowers, shabby chic wood, cowboy boots, and cowhide rugs

Boho Weddings:

• Focus: Free-spirit, individuality, and a touch of whimsy.   
• Aesthetics:
  • Earthy tones, but with brighter colors and bolder patterns.   
  • Eclectic mix of vintage and modern elements.
  • Unique decor (dream catchers, macrame, flowing fabrics).   
  • Can be held in various settings, including gardens, forests, or even urban rooftops.   
• Overall Vibe: Relaxed, playful, and bohemian.
• Details you may see associated with this theme: Fringe details, geometric shapes, dried palm leaves, fresh florals like roses mixed with dried florals, macrame, patterned fabric for wedding party, and vintage elements

Can a wedding be both? Absolutely! Your wedding is ultimately made up of unique elements that should be selected based on the couple’s preference not by strict adherence to a specific style. Perfect weddings are the ones that reflect the joys, love, and laughter of the couple not due to any one style or aesthetic choice. 

Truly, of all of the weddings I have had the honor of seeing the best ones are always the ones that you walk away learning something about the couple, and get to see their love for each other. That can happen within any style! 

Photos Featured are from the real wedding of Alle & Grant in Fall 2024
Venue: Juniper Gardens: Fieldstone location
Photographer: Alyson Kay Photography
Day-Of Coordinator: Events by Autumn
Florist: Pampas and Petals