When you’re planning your wedding, a great theme really does bring the look and feel of your day together. Rustic and boho themes are as popular as ever but what’s the difference between the two? And, when you’ve decided which to go for, what are those must-have details that will really bring your theme to life? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers for you right here.
Rustic and boho wedding themes explained
As you plan your wedding, there are two words you’ll definitely hear a lot – ‘rustic’ and ‘boho’. These two wedding themes are super popular but really, what do they mean? Well, there’s definitely some crossover between the two but there are differences. If you stick to the thought that a rustic wedding theme is very natural with lots of organic, outdoorsy elements while a boho wedding theme is more free-spirited, alternative and eclectic, you won’t go far wrong.
A rustic wedding theme
A rustic wedding theme needs a really natural colour palette with plenty of organic shapes and textures. Think wood, lace and hessian plus country flowers, grasses and foliage. Perfect for barn weddings, rustic inspired weddings are all kinds of beautiful and can be incredibly romantic. Here are a few essential items for your rustic wedding:
Bare wood tables, rough linen napkins, greenery and muted colours make this the perfect look for a rustic wedding.
Image Courtesy of Foxtail Photography
Keep things natural with a naked wedding cake, lightly dusted with icing sugar and decorated with flowers and foliage.
Image Courtesy of BH13 Photography
Flower-filled wooden crates work so well at rustic weddings and you can move them from ceremony to evening reception.
Image Courtesy of Gabrielle McMillan Photography
Lengths of hessian make wonderful chair decorations.
Image Courtesy of Party Packs
This is the classic rustic wedding tablecentre and with good reason. A wooden slice, mismatched glassware, flowers and candles are a fabulous combination.
Image Courtesy of Studio Something
Use lots of props as focal points. We love seeing vintage bikes decorated for weddings.
Image Courtesy of Petal and Blush Photography
Wooden crates were made for rustic weddings! Use them to display details of the day or even your table plan.
Image Courtesy of Phillipa James Photography
A simple ‘just picked’ arrangement that brings some scent to your ceremony makes an ideal addition to chairs.
Image Courtesy of James Grist Photography
Another must-have prop for a rustic wedding, a decorated stepladder is always a great idea.
Image Courtesy of Lola Rose Photography
Neutral bunting brings a fantastic finishing touch to a rustic wedding.
Image Courtesy of Chasing Moments Photography
For a rustic wedding them, keep your stationery simple with natural tones, handwritten fonts and natural motifs and detailing.
Image Courtesy of Not on the High Street
A boho wedding theme
This is the wedding theme for the creative couple. If you want to mix up colours and more alternative decorations, then go for it! Think fringing, macramé, patterns and a wider colour palette mixed up with a free-spirited take on the traditional wedding.
Bring your boho wedding theme to life with these must-haves:
Colourful flowers and plenty of macramé make a brilliant backdrop for your boho wedding.
Image Courtesy of Darina Stoda Photography
Unstructured wedding dresses, tumbling tresses and simple, natural headpieces are all the hallmarks of a boho bride.
Image Courtesy of Danelle Bohane Photography
A colourful display of old family photos makes a great talking point.
Image Courtesy of M & J Photography
Dreamcatchers and flowers are a brilliantly boho take on the trend for hanging decorations.
Image Courtesy of Jessica Pledger Photography
We love this colourful bouquet and its loose, wild look works brilliantly with this theme.
Image Courtesy of Pinkerton Photography
Line your aisle with mismatched rugs for the ultimate in boho style.
Image Courtesy of Lamb and Meadow Photography
Add more texture and colour to your wedding day with vibrant pompoms.
Image Courtesy of Jo Hastings Photography
Create an amazing outdoor seating area for your guests or use this space as an amazing backdrop for photos.
Image Courtesy of We Heart Pictures
Decorate your wedding cake with edible flowers and petals for a super pretty look.
Image Courtesy of Aimee Twigger
Don’t be afraid to bring a few touches of luxury to your boho wedding. Textured metals look amazing.
Image Courtesy of Lauren Love Photography
Make your own suspended wedding decorations! Tie on lengths of fabric, add feathers and tiny bottles filled with flowers.
Image Courtesy of Hayley Pettit Photography
If the boho vibe appeals, you can find out more about choosing the perfect boho wedding venue right here.
