How To Plan a Boho-Inspired Wedding or Party
How To Plan a Boho-Inspired Wedding or Party
Every time I hear the word Boho or Bohemian, I am instantly reminded of the bohemian fashion trends of the late 60s and 70s, especially those iconic looks from Woodstock and those that get re-imagined every year during Coachella.
Boho-fashion is marked by an effortless whimsical aesthetic that mixes eclectic patterns and shapes. Icons like Janis Joplin, Jane Birkin, and my girl, Sienna Miller, have done an exceptional job capturing and re-imagining (at least with respect to Miller) boho-style.
The aesthetic has withstood the test of time that even in 2022, boho-inspired weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and even Bat Mitzvahs are all the rave.
But how can you transform bohemian fashion into a stand-out vibe at your wedding, birthday party, picnic, or next event? Decor of course!
Outdoor Is Always Better
To capture the mood and vibe of a boho-party, an outdoor wedding or outdoor party is always better. Bohemian is not just a fashion trend, it actually started as a counterculture movement marked by freedom, openness, nature and rebellion. Accordingly, that mood is best captured by taking the party outside and into mother-nature (think, your backyard, the beach, an outdoor venue, or even a greenhouse). I love a backyard wedding or outdoor wedding reception—so airy. Besides, nothing is more freeing and rebellious than being outside.
Farm Tables or Wood Tables Are Preferred
Next, your guests will need a place to gather, sit, and eat, because—let’s be real—you cannot have a memorable wedding or birthday party without exceptional food and drinks. To capture the bohemian-style at your next event, opt for wood/farm tables rather than plastic tables or tables requiring linens. However, I have seen several boho-inspired parties that managed to capture the mood by using plywood tables, white linens, and adding boho-decor, like lanterns, woven chargers, and colorful goblets. Plywood tables are also cheaper than farm tables. So, for the budget-conscience bride or celebrant—get the plywood table. Just play it up with some boho-decor.
Low Picnic Tables Can Be an Unexpected Welcome Addition
Low picnic tables are also a great way of achieving the bohemian style at your next event. With low picnic tables, your guests will be even closer to nature. Decorative rugs and mismatched pillows are a must if you chose the low picnic table at your next celebration. Nothing says boho than a mixed pattern rug and comfy pillows. I have seen at least one bride do a low picnic table in her lounge area—it looked amazing!
Neutral Colored Chairs and Seating Areas
As for seating, brown or neutral-colored chairs are preferred. For example, the fruitwood folding chair, white distressed cross-back chair, or brown cross-back chairs are best. Another favorite of the bohemian vibe is rattan—rattan chairs, rattan tables, or rattan dividers—these will all assist in achieving the look. If all you seek is a splash of boho, adding a rattan chair or rattan divider into your decor would accomplish this as well.
For wedding receptions, you may also consider a boho-inspired lounge area. A bronze or brown loveseat accented by rattan chairs and tables or wood chairs and tables, or a little bit of both, will bring the earthy and freeing vibe of the bohemians to your big day. Check this out for inspiration.
Boho-Inspired Tablescape
Earlier, I mentioned colorful goblets. To capture the mixed patterns and shapes of the boho-style, mixing and matching drinkware is great. We have these boho-inspired wine goblets in several different colors and styles that can accomplish this look.
Let’s Not Forget Floral and Lighting
Fake flowers or pampas are my favorite. I recognize that not everyone is into fake or silk flowers. But if you are like me and know that sometimes the occasion calls for fake or silk floral, then please have at it. Silk floral are also cheaper. Pampas, real or fake, are a great way to add boho to your outdoor picnic gathering, wedding reception, or birthday celebration. If you decide to rent pampas from us, they come in these oversized glass vases that should be a staple at any bohemian-inspired event.
Last but certainly not least, lighting! In order to solidify your event as the exemplar on how to do a boho-inspired party, I think warm lighting is a plus. I love to accomplish this look by using candles but because I know my friends and I will all be drinking and stumbling about, I do not recommend real candles, unless you want to risk burning your backyard down. Also, many venues may not permit actual candles/fire because of safety concerns. So, what is your option? Battery-operated candles of course!
The candles can come in different sizes (going back again to the mixing-and-matching of shapes and patterns)—this gives the care-free vibe we are looking to accomplish. You may even opt to place the candles in wicker lanterns, like this.
Just Have Fun
There are a lot of ways to do boho or bohemian. This article list some of my favorite. What are your favorite? Is there something in our inventory that you would like to add to your next boho-inspired event? Well, hit us up and let us see how we can assist you in achieving the perfect bohemian-inspired party, wedding, birthday, etc.
