The Boho Girl’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding

Non-cliche ideas for a laidback day.

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Allix Cott is the Head of Editorial Communications at Carats & Cake. Launched in 2013, Carats & Cake curates the best of weddings across the country in order to allow couples to find top vendors and venues by location. The platform empowers local businesses by bringing their brands to life through real content and enabling them to run more efficiently through smart, elegant tools.

Perfect for the bride who dreams of romanticism and organic elements, crafting boho-chic features is easy when guided by a group of the industry’s top experts. Bouquets full of foliage, woven installations, and touches of florals and feathers are all examples of how you can add an ethereal quality to your walk down the aisle, or your post-ceremony celebrations. From kicking-off your boho affair with stationery fit for a floral enthusiast to detailed lighting features that mimic an intricate basket, the wedding industry’s top experts weigh-in on everything you need for creating a day that’s nothing short of dreamy.

For the bridal party

Consider a floral halo or floral hairpiece to add some subtle bohemian inspiration to your day. This decorative option is great for both you and your bridal party.” – Melissa Porter, managing partner & wedding planner, Asheville Event Co.

Start with your stationery

“Kick-off a boho affair by setting the tone with a playful stationery. The floral elements of these illustrated invitations brought the entire color scheme (and feel) of the wedding to life.” – Lisa Gorjestani, founder, Details Event Planning

Create a striking tented entry

Flowers and greenery don’t have to stop at your centerpieces. Decorating entrances to tents, or designing around formal structures to create a natural, organic look, brings the outdoors in and teases your guests with what’s to come under the tent!” – Yumiko Fletcher, owner and creative director, Hana Floral Design

Simplify the flower crown

“A quintessential feature for any bohemian bride, elevating the look of your flower crown by simplifying it with smaller buds and fewer flowers, adds a touch of sophistication to your day-of look.” – Kate Harper, event coordinator, V. Love Events

Craft loose and eclectic arrangements

“Infuse a bit of bohemian style into your floral design by adding branches and foliage to your bouquets and arrangements. Ask for organic shapes, natural textures, and local blooms for a free-spirited design that complements your overall wedding vision.” – Callista Osborn, owner, Callista & Company

Integrate woven elements

I love incorporating rattan when it comes to crafting an unconventional lighting fixture! The light, airy feeling of these woven fixtures creates a fresh and textured look, while also adding a bohemian, modern vibe.” – Lyndsey Hamilton, owner, Lyndsey Hamilton Events

Implement floral table runners

“Creating a stunning floral garland down the middle of your table not only puts a spin on the traditional centerpiece but adds an elegant bohemian element to your tablescape.” – Thomas Bui, owner, Thomas Bui Lifestyle

Elevate your signage

“For this wedding, capturing bohemian elements like this lucite signage really added to the couple’s contemporary outdoor affair.” – Austin Trenholm, owner, Trenholm Photo

Take advantage of lush greenery

“Sprinkling fresh greenery throughout elements of your ceremony and reception—like integrating foliage into your name card display—highlights the charm of the outdoors and can easily elevate a boho-inspired event.” – Merilee Hennings, owner, EverAfter Events

Opt for an intricate gown

“Nothing says boho like a woven wedding gown. We love the intricacy in the design of this bride’s dress, and how she paired it with a bouquet of colorful florals.” – Laura Remmert, owner, Laura Remmert Events

Create comfortable seating

“Using plush seating alternatives that are placed directly on the ground can tie-in the relaxed vibe of a bohemian wedding. The pillows and rugs used in replace of chairs for this laid-back dining set-up was the perfect option for this alfresco affair.” – Jennifer Thye, owner, Imoni Events

Spotlight elements from your surroundings

“Creating a whimsical floral arch is all about movement, texture, and spontaneity. Explore your surroundings and see what is growing currently to give your arch a less contrived, more organic feel. At Fearrington, I love using uncommon textural elements from our gardens, like vines and ferns, to add personality and movement throughout the piece!” – Jenna Armstrong, lead floral designer, Fearrington Village

Go wild with your bouquet

“Using an assortment of wildflowers in your bouquet adds levels of texture and depth that are optimal for any bohemian bride.” – Anna Le Pley Taylor, owner, Anna Le Pley Taylor

Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match

“A collection of found décor elements allow for a bit of whimsy to the tablescape.” – Stephanie Cole & Sarah Drake, owners, Cole Drake Events

Add florals down your aisle

“Showcasing blush-toned florals down the length of your aisle can enhance a bohemian-style ceremony by complementing traditional wood elements. This ceremony is the perfect example of a seasonal outdoor setup with an effortless, chic boho style.” – Jamie Lagoyda, senior manager of weddings and events, Auberge du Soleil

Stick with fork-free foods

“When hosting cocktail hour with a more casual/bohemian aesthetic, opting for smaller, utensil-free cuisine options can guarantee a menu full of freshness and diversity. Mini food options (with a modern interpretation) are perfect for an outdoor reception, helping to add elements of whimsy and effortlessness to the overall event.” – Mark Russell, executive chef, Great Performances.

Consider geodes

“Replace traditional floral centerpieces with organic geodes.  As a décor element, geodes are a great way to complement a bohemian table display.”  – Claudia Hoste, owner, Hoste Events

Embellish ceremony chairs

Set the tone for your bohemian-designed wedding by dressing the bride and grooms’ chairs with delicate and airy greens to bring the organic look of the outside into your indoor space.” – Mary Wright Shah, creative director and planner, Diamond Affairs