Are you on the hunt for the wedding dress of your dreams? Are you planning a bohemian wedding and want your dress to be the highlight of the day? Would you like to choose a modern wedding dress that truly flatters you?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast and events professional specialising in weddings, it was only natural for me to take an interest in the fashion trends that define this industry.
Today, I'm sharing everything I know about chic bohemian wedding dresses, so you can finally find THE dress that will make you shine on the most beautiful day of your life.
Feminine and elegant, the bohemian wedding dress is very much in vogue. It brings vintage style back to life and modernises it: we’re seeing lace and crochet make a comeback, creating stunning wedding gowns. Whatever your taste or body type, there is definitely a bohemian wedding dress that will suit you! For those seeking simplicity, a short dress would be just perfect. If you want to showcase your back or highlight your profile, there are many backless designs available. And if you want to accentuate your neckline, I recommend trying a dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves. To help you decide among all these options, trust your instincts, take your time, and seek advice from your bridesmaids, who will be able to guide you!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- What defines a chic bohemian wedding dress,
- How to determine if this trend suits you,
- What are the different types of bohemian wedding dresses,
- Which body shapes do they flatter,
- And my expert tips to help you choose the perfect dress!
How to Identify a Bohemian Chic Wedding Dress?
Both elegant and on-trend, bohemian chic wedding dresses have many wonderful qualities and unique features. In the following sections, I’ll guide you through what gives these dresses their boho vibe, so you can figure out which style you like the most.
Iconic Materials and Textures
The bohemian chic style marks a return to authenticity in the world of weddings. Gone are the days of puffy and uncomfortable dresses, replaced by outfits distinguished by their simplicity and elegance. This is particularly evident through the use of luxurious and vintage fabrics.
Lace
This very elegant fabric allows for the creation of openwork patterns, especially around your back and neckline. It thus dresses you with sensuality, sugging your skin without ever revealing it.
The Crochet
This is a well-known needlework technique passed down from our grandmothers, which allows for the creation of stunning interwoven patterns. It is done using wool and highlights the details of your dress. Its vintage style perfectly aligns with the bohemian chic tradition.
With these weaves, the fabrics used are generally lightweight and flowing, like silk. A bohemian dress is usually comfortable to wear and allows you to move freely.
Explore the Classic Patterns of Boho Chic Style
This trend is characterised by recurring patterns that create a sense of movement and evoke a feeling of freedom, while also reminding us of nature. This includes:
- of flowers,
- of intertwined botanical patterns,
- of foliage,
- of arabesques…
The Inspirations: The Roots of Hippie Chic Style
It may not be a secret to you, but bohemian chic fashion draws its inspiration from the social, cultural, and artistic revolution of the hippie movement in the late 1960s. In contrast to traditional conservative values, the youth in the USA and Europe embraced an alternative and peaceful lifestyle during that time. From a fashion perspective, this manifested as a break from formal, classic clothing in favour of loose and flowing outfits. Women wore long dresses and skirts, often customizing them with embroidery.
This heritage can be seen in the bohemian chic trend, featuring dresses whose cuts and materials evoke the sense of freedom that was already present in the outfits worn by hippies.
Sometimes Colourful Dresses to Switch Things Up from White
Because it’s a less conventional style, this allows those who want to break away from traditional wedding customs. So, if you're looking for a wedding dress in colour, this is the style to consider! There are many designs available in pastel wedding dresses or even in bolder colours. It’s the perfect way to stand out from the crowd!
👉 Wondering why wedding dresses are traditionally white? Check out our article on this topic!
Is this type of dress right for you?
After discovering or revisiting the features of a bohemian wedding dress, are you still wondering if it suits you? I suggest we answer that question in the form of a quiz:
- Do you prefer flower crowns over traditional tiaras?
- Are you a fan of thrifted items? How about vintage fashion?
- Do you prefer ankle boots and sandals over high heels?
- Do you think comfort is just as important as beauty?
- Do you appreciate minimalist designs?
- Would you like your wedding dress to be unique and reflect your free spirit?
➡️ Did you answer Yes to several questions? Then you might just find the wedding dress of your dreams in a bohemian shop! To help you, I invite you to explore many chic bohemian dress styles on our website dedicated to this world.
👰 Worried that the dress won’t fit you? With the tips provided on our website, you’ll be able to take your measurements and share them with us when you place your order. Your dress will then be tailored by our seamstresses to ensure a perfect fit!
What are the different types of bohemian chic wedding dresses?
Now that you have a better understanding of chic bohemian dresses, I invite you to explore the various trends within this style, so you can find the one that you like the most!
In Lace, for Those Who Desire an Intricate and Sophisticated Dress
Bohemian-chic lace dresses are perfect for you if you’re looking for a flowing yet fitted style that reveals a hint of your skin. Their delicate patterns make them truly festive outfits, exuding elegance and femininity. Are you after an exceptional wedding dress that stands out from the ordinary? I can only recommend choosing this type of fabric and cut.
Long Sleeves for Their Romantic Touch
When looking at the wedding photos of our grandparents, it's clear that our grandmothers often wore beautiful, intricately designed dresses with long sleeves. If you're a fan of this vintage style, you'll be pleased to know that there are many bohemian wedding dresses available with long sleeves. The sleeves are usually quite simple and slightly sheer, giving a hint of your skin.
👉 There are even dress styles where the sleeves can be removed! This allows you to surprise everyone by changing your look as the celebrations go on.
A dress that showcases your shoulders, to brighten up your face and neckline
Would you like to highlight your hairstyle or a special necklace that means a lot to you? In that case, I recommend choosing a dress that leaves your shoulders bare. These often have sleeves, but they start after your shoulder. This adds a romantic and sensual detail, emphasising your femininity and drawing attention to your face and neckline.
The short bohemian dress: perfect for a chic casual style
Are you looking for an elegant and feminine bohemian dress that moves away from the classic princess style? Then you may want to consider a short bohemian dress, which will enhance your legs and give you the look of a dynamic and independent woman. These styles are also perfect for those seeking a slightly more casual dress, for a civil ceremony, for example.
The Backless Dress: A Sexy Cut that Combines Sensuality and Glamour
During the ceremony, most of your loved ones will see you from behind. This is also the case when you walk down the aisle to get married. For this reason, it’s important to plan to enhance this part of your body, whether with a lovely updo, a veil, or a backless dress. There are many styles of backless dresses that you can pair with a back jewellery piece, for instance!
A colourful dress to break away from classic white
As I mentioned earlier, bohemian dresses can also be colourful. You can choose a romantic pastel shade, which will be unique and different from white, while still being very feminine.
What type of dress should you choose based on your body shape?
Bohemian dresses suit most body shapes, but here are a few basic rules to help you choose a dress that flatters you:
- If you are tall, go for a long, flowing dress, possibly with a backless design.
- If you are petite, short dresses will be perfect for flattering your figure!
- If you have wider shoulders, consider an asymmetrical neckline, which will slim down your bust by creating an optical effect.
- If you are curvy, with slightly wider hips, don’t hesitate to wear a loose-fitting dress, with ruffles and pleats, that will highlight your curves.
- If you want to accentuate your breast, square and sweetheart necklines will be ideal.
- Have a smaller bust? A dress with a stunningly intricate backless design will be perfect to draw attention to that area of your body!
👉 For more details, feel free to check out this blog post which offers you personalised tips to select your dress according to your body shape!
How to be sure you're choosing the right dress?
Are you on the hunt for the perfect bohemian wedding dress that will make you shine on the most beautiful day of your life? To avoid it being a stressful experience, here are a few tips to help you!
Choose the Right Size…
Many women are tempted to buy a dress that's too small, thinking it will motivate them to diet before the wedding. Believe in yourself: if your partner has chosen to marry you, it’s because they find you beautiful! There's no need to add extra stress while preparing for this joyful occasion. Therefore, I strongly recommend choosing a wedding dress that suits your body shape, and that isn’t too tight!
Try it out or take your measurements carefully
To find a dress that truly fits you, there's no secret: you need to take your measurements correctly and use them to find a suitable dress. If you're buying your dress in-store, be sure to try it on. If you're ordering online, don't hesitate to choose a cut that resembles a dress you already own and enjoy wearing regularly.
Consult Your Bridesmaids for Advice
Your bridesmaids or groomsmen are usually friends or loved ones that you’ve chosen for this role because you trust them. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help in selecting your dress! When you’re feeling a bit lost, the opinion of someone who knows you well can make it easier to decide between several options you’re unsure about.
👉 If you have hired a wedding planner, don’t hesitate to consult her on this matter too. Being familiar with the wedding industry, she should be able to help you choose a dress that enhances your figure and fits well with the style of your ceremony.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, and this is the best advice I can give you, you must trust that little voice in your head that tells you which dress is meant for you! A wedding dress is a special outfit that will create many memories, so it's important that you truly love it. Be patient and wait for that genuine spark of love!
I hope this guide has helped you to choose a bohemian wedding dress that you will remember for the rest of your life ! In the meantime, to assist you in preparing for your wedding, feel free to check out the numerous articles dedicated to this topic on our fashion blog!