Planning a boho chic wedding reception that feels effortlessly romantic and Instagram-worthy? You’ve come to the right place. This dreamy aesthetic blends natural textures, warm lighting, and relaxed elegance to create an unforgettable celebration your guests will rave about long after the last dance.
These 15 boho chic reception ideas are perfect for free-spirited couples who want their wedding to feel intimate, authentic, and visually stunning without breaking the bank. From brides dreaming of macramé and pampas grass to grooms excited about creating cozy gathering spaces, this guide has something for every boho-loving duo.
We’ll walk through creating show-stopping overhead installations that’ll have everyone looking up in wonder, plus share secrets for designing centerpieces using natural textures that bring the outdoors in. You’ll also discover how to transform ordinary lighting into pure boho magic that sets the perfect mood for your celebration.
Create Stunning Overhead Decor Elements
Hang Macrame Canopies for Intimate Atmosphere
Transform your reception space into a romantic hideaway with strategically placed macrame canopies. These handwoven masterpieces create perfect intimate pockets throughout your venue, giving couples and small groups cozy spots to gather and connect. Choose oversized macrame pieces in natural jute or cotton rope and hang them at different heights to add visual depth.
Position larger canopies over dining tables or lounge areas, while smaller versions work beautifully above cocktail stations. The intricate knot patterns cast gorgeous shadows when backlit, creating an ever-changing light show as the evening progresses. For outdoor venues, secure them between sturdy trees or use tall wooden posts as anchors.
Install Flowing Fabric Draping Between Trees
Nothing says bohemian romance quite like billowing fabric dancing in the breeze. Select lightweight materials like chiffon, tulle, or gauze in earthy tones such as sage green, dusty rose, or warm cream. The key is creating movement and flow rather than structured draping.
Start by identifying natural anchor points like tree branches, then let the fabric cascade in gentle waves rather than tight pulls. Mix different fabric lengths and textures for added visual interest. Consider using ombre fabrics that transition from one color to another, creating stunning sunset effects when caught by natural light. This technique works especially well for outdoor ceremonies and receptions where trees provide natural architecture.
Add Floating Pampas Grass Installations
Pampas grass brings that perfect wild, untamed beauty that defines boho style. Create show-stopping installations by clustering different varieties at various heights above your reception area. Mix traditional beige pampas with white, pink, or even dyed versions in soft pastels.
Use clear fishing line or thin wire to suspend individual stems and small bundles, creating the illusion that they’re floating freely. Group them in odd numbers and vary the heights dramatically – some hanging just above head level while others float much higher. The feathery plumes catch every breeze and create constant gentle movement that adds life to your space.
Suspend Vintage Dream Catchers at Varying Heights
Dream catchers bring spiritual meaning and artistic beauty to your overhead design. Hunt for authentic vintage pieces in various sizes, or commission local artisans to create custom versions using natural materials like willow branches, hemp cord, and real feathers.
Create visual rhythm by hanging them at different heights throughout your space – some at eye level for close-up appreciation, others much higher for dramatic impact. Mix circular dream catchers with more unusual shapes like teardrops or crescents. The intricate web patterns create beautiful shadows when lit from below, and their gentle rotation adds subtle movement that captivates guests throughout the celebration.
Design Eye-Catching Centerpieces with Natural Textures
Combine Dried Flowers with Antique Brass Vessels
Dried flowers paired with antique brass vessels create the perfect boho centerpiece foundation. Pampas grass, dried eucalyptus, and wheat stalks work beautifully in weathered brass urns or vintage pitchers. The warm golden tones of aged brass complement the muted earth colors of dried botanicals perfectly.
Mix different heights and shapes of brass containers across your tables. Large ornate urns anchor bigger arrangements, while smaller brass bowls hold delicate sprigs of baby’s breath or dried lavender. Don’t worry about matching pieces – the beauty lies in the eclectic collection. Hunt for vintage brass at thrift stores, antique markets, or even your grandmother’s attic.
Layer Vintage Rugs as Table Runners
Skip traditional table runners and roll out vintage Persian or Moroccan rugs instead. This unexpected choice adds incredible texture and authentic boho flair to your reception tables. Choose rugs with rich jewel tones, intricate patterns, or faded vintage appeal.
Persian runners work especially well on long farmhouse tables, while smaller tribal rugs can span round tables beautifully. The key is mixing different patterns and colors – don’t aim for perfect coordination. Layer a smaller rug over a larger neutral one for extra dimension. Make sure the rugs are clean and food-safe by having them professionally cleaned before your big day.
Mix Succulents with Woven Baskets
Succulents bring life to your tablescape while maintaining that laid-back boho vibe. Arrange different varieties in woven baskets of varying sizes and textures. Seagrass baskets, rattan planters, and macrame plant holders all work wonderfully.
Create mini succulent gardens by grouping plants like echeveria, jade plants, and string of pearls together. Add some air plants draped over the basket edges for extra visual interest. Your guests can even take these living centerpieces home as wedding favors. Water sparingly before the event and mist lightly if needed during setup.
Incorporate Feathers and Crystals for Mystical Touch
Peacock feathers, ostrich plumes, and pheasant feathers add dramatic height and movement to your centerpieces. Tuck them into floral arrangements or let them stand alone in tall vases. The natural iridescence catches candlelight beautifully.
Scatter raw crystals like amethyst, rose quartz, and clear quartz around your arrangements. These gems catch the light and add that mystical boho energy. Mix different sizes and colors for the most impact. Place larger statement crystals as focal points and smaller tumbled stones throughout the tablescape.
Use Mismatched Vintage Candlesticks
Nothing says boho chic quite like a collection of mismatched vintage candlesticks. Brass, silver, glass, and ceramic holders in different heights create romantic ambiance and visual interest. Mix taper candles in various shades – cream, dusty rose, sage green, and warm amber work perfectly.
Group candlesticks in odd numbers for the most pleasing arrangement. Vary the heights dramatically – some tall and stately, others short and squat. The flickering candlelight will dance across your other textural elements, creating magical shadows and highlights throughout the evening.
Set Up Cozy Lounge Areas for Guest Comfort
Arrange Floor Cushions in Rich Jewel Tones
Transform your reception space into an exotic oasis by strategically placing floor cushions throughout your venue. Choose deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, rich burgundy, and golden amber to create visual depth and warmth. Mix and match different sizes and shapes – combine large square meditation cushions with smaller round bolsters to create dynamic groupings that encourage conversation.
Position these cushions around low coffee tables or scattered near the dance floor to give guests comfortable spots to rest between activities. The key is creating intentional clusters rather than random placement. Group cushions in odd numbers (three or five works perfectly) to achieve that effortlessly curated boho aesthetic. Consider velvet, silk, or embroidered fabrics that catch the light beautifully and add tactile interest to your space.
Create Low Seating with Moroccan Poufs
Moroccan poufs bring authentic bohemian flair while serving multiple purposes throughout your celebration. These versatile pieces work as seating, footrests, or even small side tables when topped with a decorative tray. Choose genuine leather poufs in neutral tones like camel, cream, or charcoal, or opt for colorful embroidered versions featuring traditional patterns.
Place poufs in conversation circles around your lounge areas, creating intimate spaces where guests can mingle comfortably. The low height encourages a relaxed, casual atmosphere that’s perfect for outdoor receptions or indoor venues with high ceilings. Mix different sizes and textures – pair smooth leather poufs with woven or embellished versions to add visual interest. These pieces also photograph beautifully, giving your wedding album that coveted boho aesthetic.
Add Layered Persian and Kilim Rugs
Create stunning foundation layers by overlapping Persian and kilim rugs in your lounge areas. This layering technique adds instant sophistication while defining separate spaces within your reception venue. Choose rugs with complementary color palettes – perhaps a large neutral Persian rug as your base with smaller, more vibrant kilim rugs layered on top.
The contrast between ornate Persian patterns and geometric kilim designs creates visual texture that’s quintessentially bohemian. Vary the sizes dramatically – use oversized rugs to anchor seating areas and smaller accent rugs to highlight specific furniture pieces. Don’t worry about perfect alignment; slightly askew placement looks more natural and lived-in. These layered rugs also help muffle sound in large venues while creating cozy pockets where guests naturally gravitate toward meaningful conversations.
Transform Your Lighting into Boho Magic
String Edison Bulbs Through Tree Branches
Edison bulbs create that perfect warm, vintage glow that makes any boho reception feel magical. Thread these oversized filament bulbs through natural tree branches to create an organic canopy of light that guests will remember forever. Start with bare branches – either gathered from your venue’s grounds or sourced from a local florist – and secure them at varying heights using fishing line or clear wire.
Space your Edison bulbs about three feet apart along each branch, allowing the warm amber light to create intimate pockets of illumination. This technique works beautifully both indoors and outdoors, transforming plain ceilings into rustic masterpieces or adding drama to outdoor pavilions. Mix different branch lengths and angles to create depth and visual interest.
Place Lanterns at Different Heights Throughout Space
Lanterns bring that nomadic, worldly feel that’s essential to boho style. Create visual layers by hanging Moroccan-style metal lanterns from shepherd’s hooks at different heights, clustering some on the ground, and placing others on vintage wooden crates or tree stumps.
Choose lanterns in mixed metals – copper, brass, and aged bronze work beautifully together. Fill them with battery-operated candles for safety or use real pillar candles if your venue allows. Paper lanterns in cream, blush, and sage green add softness when mixed with the metal varieties. Group odd numbers of lanterns together, playing with scale by pairing large statement pieces with smaller accent lanterns.
Use Pillar Candles in Glass Hurricane Holders
Glass hurricanes protect candle flames while creating stunning light displays that dance across your reception tables. Choose hurricanes in varying heights – some tall and slender, others short and wide – to create dynamic arrangements that catch and reflect light beautifully.
Fill the base of each hurricane with elements that speak to your boho theme: dried beans, sand, small pebbles, or dried flowers. White and cream pillar candles provide classic elegance, while deeper jewel tones like burgundy or forest green add richness. Cluster three to five hurricanes per table, surrounding them with eucalyptus garland or trailing ivy for that natural, overgrown garden feel.
Install Fairy Lights in Mason Jars
Mason jar fairy lights bring whimsical charm that perfectly captures boho’s free-spirited essence. Battery-operated fairy lights work best – choose warm white LEDs for a soft, romantic glow. Drop a strand of twenty to thirty lights into each jar, leaving the battery pack hidden at the bottom.
Customize your jars with twine wrapped around the rim, dried flowers tucked inside with the lights, or vintage lace tied with hemp cord. Hang some jars from tree branches using jute rope, while others can sit on tables or line walkways. The soft twinkle creates an enchanting atmosphere that makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale forest.
Craft a Stunning Ceremony Backdrop
Build Triangular Wooden Arch with Dried Florals
Picture walking down the aisle toward a striking geometric backdrop that perfectly captures boho elegance. A triangular wooden arch brings modern sophistication to your ceremony while maintaining that earthy, free-spirited vibe your guests will remember long after the last dance.
Start with cedar or pine lumber to create your triangle frame – these woods offer natural warmth and weather resistance. Sand the pieces smooth and consider staining them in walnut or leaving them natural for an organic feel. The key measurements should create a triangle roughly 8 feet wide at the base and 10 feet tall, giving you enough presence without overwhelming your space.
Dried florals transform this geometric shape into pure magic. Pampas grass creates dramatic height and movement, while eucalyptus branches add silvery-green texture. Incorporate dried roses, wheat stalks, and baby’s breath for romantic touches. Attach these elements using floral wire, concentrating the fullest arrangements at the top point and base corners while keeping the sides more minimal.
Position your arch where natural light can filter through the dried elements, creating beautiful shadows and depth. The triangular shape photographs beautifully from every angle, giving your photographer countless opportunities for stunning shots.
Create Tapestry Wall with Vintage Textiles
Transform any plain wall or outdoor space into a bohemian masterpiece with layers of vintage textiles that tell stories through their patterns and textures. This backdrop option brings incredible warmth and personality to your ceremony space.
Hunt for authentic vintage pieces at estate sales, antique shops, and online marketplaces. Look for Persian rugs, Moroccan textiles, Indian block prints, and embroidered fabrics from different eras. The magic happens when you mix patterns, colors, and textures that shouldn’t work together but somehow create perfect harmony.
Create depth by hanging textiles at different heights and angles. Use a sturdy backdrop stand or tie-off points to support heavier rugs. Layer smaller pieces over larger ones, allowing corners to drape naturally. Macrame wall hangings add textural interest between fabric pieces.
Colors should flow together while maintaining visual interest. Jewel tones like deep burgundy, emerald, and sapphire work beautifully with warm neutrals and metallic accents. Don’t worry about perfect matching – the slightly mismatched aesthetic is exactly what makes boho style so appealing.
Add battery-operated string lights behind translucent fabrics to create a soft, romantic glow. This technique works especially well for evening ceremonies when the illuminated textiles become the focal point of your entire setup.
Design Circular Moon Gate with Pampas Grass
A circular moon gate creates an enchanting portal that frames you and your partner in perfect symmetry. This backdrop style draws from ancient Chinese garden design while embracing contemporary boho aesthetics.
Build your circular frame using flexible materials like PVC pipe or purchase a ready-made metal hoop in 8-10 foot diameter. The frame should be sturdy enough to support substantial floral arrangements while maintaining its perfect circle shape throughout your ceremony.
Pampas grass becomes the star of this design, with its feathery plumes creating movement and ethereal beauty. Attach full stems around the entire circumference, varying the lengths to create organic flow. The natural cream and beige tones of pampas grass provide a neutral foundation that complements any color palette.
Enhance your pampas base with complementary dried elements. King protea adds sculptural interest with its bold, architectural blooms. Dried hydrangeas provide delicate texture, while bunny tails grass contributes soft, cotton-like accents. Eucalyptus branches fill gaps and add that signature silvery-green color.
Position your moon gate to take advantage of natural lighting – sunrise or sunset ceremonies create magical photographs with backlighting streaming through the pampas plumes. The circular shape symbolizes eternal love while providing a stunning frame for your most important moment.
Secure everything properly with zip ties and floral wire to prevent any ceremony-day mishaps from wind or movement.
Style Your Reception Tables for Maximum Impact
Mix Vintage China Patterns on Each Table
Creating an eclectic tablescape starts with breaking away from traditional matching dinnerware. Collecting vintage china from thrift stores, antique shops, and estate sales gives you access to beautiful patterns that tell unique stories. Each guest experiences something different when every place setting features distinct florals, delicate gold rims, or charming pastoral scenes.
The key to pulling off mismatched china successfully lies in finding pieces that share common elements. Look for plates with similar color palettes – perhaps soft pinks and greens, or cream bases with gold accents. You can also tie everything together by keeping one element consistent, like using the same vintage silverware pattern or identical napkin colors across all settings.
Consider mixing different sizes and styles within each place setting too. Pair a delicate teacup with a bold dinner plate, or combine ornate charger plates with simple salad dishes. This layered approach creates visual depth and gives your guests something interesting to discover throughout the meal.
Use Natural Wood Slabs as Charger Plates
Wood slab chargers bring organic warmth to your boho reception tables while creating a rustic foundation for your place settings. These natural pieces work beautifully with mismatched vintage china, providing an earthy backdrop that makes colorful patterns pop.
Choose slabs that are roughly 12-14 inches in diameter to properly frame standard dinner plates. Look for pieces with interesting grain patterns, natural edges, or even small knots that add character. Light woods like birch or maple create a bright, airy feeling, while darker walnut or cherry slabs offer rich, dramatic tones.
Before your event, make sure each slab is properly sanded and sealed to prevent any food safety issues. You can rent these from specialty event companies or create your own collection by visiting local sawmills or woodworking shops. Many couples choose to have their wedding date or initials lightly engraved on each piece, creating memorable keepsakes for special guests.
Add Copper and Rose Gold Accents
Metallic accents in warm tones instantly elevate your boho tablescape from casual to sophisticated. Copper and rose gold complement the natural textures beautifully while adding that perfect touch of glamour your guests will notice.
Start with your flatware – rose gold cutlery creates an elegant foundation for each place setting. Mix in copper serving pieces like small bowls for nuts or olives, vintage-style water pitchers, or decorative serving spoons. These metals photograph beautifully and catch candlelight in the most flattering way.
Don’t forget about the smaller details that make big impacts. Copper napkin rings, rose gold charger plates layered under your wood slabs, or metallic votive holders scattered down the center of tables all contribute to the cohesive look. Even simple touches like copper wire wrapped around napkins or rose gold painted mason jars for water glasses can tie everything together without overwhelming the natural elements.
Incorporate Small Potted Plants as Take-Home Gifts
Living plants serve double duty as both beautiful centerpiece elements and meaningful favors your guests will use. Small succulents, herbs, or flowering plants in vintage-style terracotta pots create perfect boho table accents while giving everyone something special to remember your day.
Succulents work especially well because they’re low-maintenance and travel easily. Choose varieties with interesting colors and textures like purple echeveria, silvery dusty miller, or trailing string of pearls. For herb gardens, consider small pots of lavender, rosemary, or basil that guests can plant in their own gardens or use in cooking.
Create personalized plant markers using small wooden stakes with guests’ names written in calligraphy or tie small tags with care instructions and a sweet note about your special day. Group 3-5 small pots together as mini gardens, or place one at each setting depending on your guest count and budget. These living favors often become treasured reminders of your wedding that continue growing for years to come.
Plan Interactive Entertainment Stations
Set Up Flower Crown Making Station
Transform your reception space into a whimsical workshop where guests can craft their own floral masterpieces. Position rustic wooden tables adorned with vintage lace runners and wicker baskets brimming with fresh blooms like baby’s breath, eucalyptus, roses, and wildflowers. Provide flexible floral wire, ribbon in earthy tones, and small scissors for each guest.
Create an Instagram-worthy backdrop using macrame wall hangings and dried pampas grass to frame your flower crown station. Display finished examples on vintage hat stands to inspire creativity and show different styling techniques. Consider adding a chalkboard sign with simple instructions written in beautiful calligraphy.
Stock your station with seasonal flowers that match your wedding palette. Spring weddings shine with peonies and ranunculus, while autumn celebrations call for dahlias and chrysanthemums. Don’t forget greenery options like ivy, ferns, and olive branches for texture and movement.
Assign a crafty bridesmaid or hire a local florist to guide guests through the process. This personal touch ensures everyone leaves with a beautiful crown while creating memorable interactions. Provide small mirrors so guests can admire their creations and take photos wearing their handmade accessories.
Arrange Crystal Bar for Guest Customization
Create a sparkling crystal bar where guests can select meaningful stones to take home as wedding favors. Display an array of tumbled crystals in wooden bowls, vintage glass apothecary jars, and woven baskets. Include popular options like rose quartz for love, amethyst for peace, citrine for joy, and clear quartz for clarity.
Design informational cards describing each crystal’s properties and benefits. Use calligraphy or hand-lettering on kraft paper for an authentic, handmade feel. Arrange these cards next to their corresponding crystal displays so guests can choose stones that resonate with their intentions.
Provide small muslin bags or tiny wooden boxes for guests to package their selected crystals. Add personalized tags with your names and wedding date to create lasting keepsakes. Consider including a printed guide about crystal care and cleansing methods.
Position your crystal bar on a vintage dresser or wooden farm table decorated with trailing ivy and tea light candles. Create height variation using wooden boxes and vintage books as risers. This setup allows easy browsing while maintaining the organic, free-spirited aesthetic that defines boho style.
Design a Boho-Inspired Bar Setup
Use Vintage Carts with Macrame Details
Vintage bar carts bring instant charm to your boho reception setup. Hunt for weathered wooden carts or brass trolleys at thrift stores and estate sales – these pieces tell a story and create conversation starters for your guests. The patina and aged details add authentic character that new furniture simply can’t replicate.
Macrame details transform ordinary carts into bohemian masterpieces. Drape handwoven macrame runners along the cart’s shelves or wrap intricate knotwork around the handles. Create cascading macrame plant hangers that attach to the cart’s corners, allowing greenery to spill naturally over the bar setup. The contrast between the hard metal or wood surfaces and soft, flowing macrame creates visual interest that draws guests in.
Consider layering different textures on your cart surfaces – rough jute placemats, smooth river rocks, or woven grass table runners. These elements build depth while maintaining the relaxed boho aesthetic. Position your vintage cart strategically near lounge areas where guests naturally gather, making it both functional and decorative.
Serve Signature Cocktails in Mason Jars
Mason jars embody the perfect blend of rustic charm and practical function for boho weddings. These versatile vessels work beautifully for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, giving your bar setup a cohesive look that guests will remember long after your special day.
Create signature drinks that reflect your personality as a couple. Think lavender gin fizz, cucumber mint mules, or pomegranate sangria – drinks that taste as beautiful as they look in clear glass jars. The transparent nature of mason jars showcases colorful ingredients and creates an Instagram-worthy presentation that guests love to photograph.
Different jar sizes serve different purposes throughout your reception. Wide-mouth pint jars work perfectly for cocktails with muddled fruits or herbs, while smaller half-pint jars are ideal for shots or tasting portions of specialty drinks. You can even use quart-size jars as serving pitchers for larger batches of signature cocktails.
Personalize each jar with custom labels featuring your wedding date, names, or drink recipes. Tie twine or ribbon around the jar mouths for an extra bohemian touch. Consider pre-filling jars with your signature cocktails and arranging them on ice-filled galvanized tubs for easy self-service.
Display Drinks with Dried Fruit Garnishes
Dried fruit garnishes elevate your boho bar setup from ordinary to extraordinary. These natural decorations last throughout your entire reception without wilting, making them both beautiful and practical for outdoor celebrations or long events.
Dried orange wheels, apple rings, and pear slices add warm, earthy tones to your drink presentation. Thread dried fruit onto wooden skewers or bamboo picks for easy handling or float them directly in cocktails for a more organic look. Dried figs, dates, and apricots bring rich colors and sophisticated flavors that complement autumn and winter boho weddings perfectly.
Create stunning garnish displays by arranging dried fruits in wooden bowls, wicker baskets, or ceramic dishes around your bar area. Mix different shapes, sizes, and colors for visual variety – think bright dried pineapple rings alongside deep purple dried plums and golden dried mango strips.
Dried herbs pair beautifully with fruit garnishes. Combine dried rosemary sprigs with orange wheels or match dried lavender with lemon slices. These combinations add aromatic elements that engage multiple senses and create memorable drinking experiences for your guests.
Add Hanging Plants Around Bar Area
Hanging plants create natural canopies that define your bar space while adding living elements to your reception design. Suspend plants at varying heights around your bar area to create depth and visual interest that draws guests into the space.
Trailing plants like pothos, string of pearls, or ivy work beautifully in macrame plant hangers suspended from tent poles, tree branches, or ceiling structures. These cascading plants soften hard architectural lines and create intimate pockets within larger reception spaces.
Air plants offer low-maintenance options that thrive without soil or frequent watering. Display them in geometric terrariums or simple wire holders for a modern boho twist. Combine different air plant varieties – some spiky, others soft and flowing – to create textural contrast throughout your hanging garden.
Consider the practical aspects of your hanging plant display. Position plants where they won’t interfere with bartender movement or guest circulation. Use sturdy hanging hardware that can support plant weight safely throughout your entire event. Water plants lightly before your reception to keep them looking fresh without creating dripping hazards below.
Group plants in odd numbers for the most pleasing visual arrangement. Hang three small plants at one corner, five medium plants along the bar back, and single statement plants as focal points. This creates rhythm and flow that feels natural rather than overly structured.
Last Thoughts
Planning a boho chic reception gives you endless ways to create that dreamy, relaxed vibe your guests will remember forever. From hanging macrame installations and pampas grass centerpieces to cozy floor cushions and warm string lights, these elements work together to build an atmosphere that feels both elegant and effortlessly cool. The key is mixing natural textures, earthy colors, and creative lighting to make every corner of your venue feel intentional and inviting.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your entertainment and bar setup too. Interactive stations like a flower crown bar or tarot card reader add that bohemian spirit while giving your guests something fun to do between dancing. Start with one or two ideas that speak to you most, then build from there – your dream boho reception is totally within reach, and your guests are going to absolutely love celebrating with you in such a magical space.
Happy Wedding Day,
Sheila
5428 Salem Church Rd.
Knoxville, Tn 37938
Photo By: Beauty in Brokenness Photo