Thrift The Trend: Bohemian Rustic!

Dreaming of a bohemian rustic wedding but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Weddings can get expensive fast, but the good news is, achieving that effortlessly chic, earthy vibe doesn’t have to break the bank. The beauty of this style lies in its charm, simplicity, and the creative freedom it offers—making it the perfect match for budget-savvy couples looking to add plenty of personality to their big day. Whether it’s scouring thrift stores for vintage treasures, DIY-ing décor with a natural touch, or repurposing family heirlooms, there are countless ways to create that boho-meets-rustic magic without blowing your budget. Plus, a thrifted or DIY wedding often feels more unique and personal, making for a celebration that’s authentically you. If you’re ready to lean into creativity and make your dream wedding vision come to life on a budget, you’re in the right place!

What Is Bohemian Rustic Wedding Style?

Bohemian rustic wedding style beautifully blends free-spirited, eclectic vibes with the cozy charm of countryside aesthetics. It’s all about combining natural elements like wood, greenery, and wildflowers with soft, romantic touches such as lace, macramé, and candles. Picture a ceremony under a canopy of trees, tables adorned with mismatched vintage plates, or a reception glowing with string lights and lanterns. This style often embraces earthy color palettes, from muted browns and greens to subtle blush tones. The result is a laid-back, effortlessly elegant atmosphere that feels warm, inviting, and deeply personal, making it a favorite choice for modern couples.

Key elements of Bohemian Rustic weddings include:

Earthy tones and textures (linen, wood, rattan, lace)
Plenty of natural greenery and dried florals
Eclectic, gathered-over-time details
Handcrafted touches and artisan finds
A casual, outdoorsy vibe that encourages guests to kick off their shoes (sometimes, literally)

And the best part? Many of these signature elements are absolutely made for thrifting.

Why Thrift for Your Boho Wedding?

Weddings are notoriously expensive, and decor can account for a big slice of your budget. Thrifting not only saves you money, but also helps you build a truly personal event. Here’s why the secondhand route is a must for boho brides:

Uniqueness: Secondhand finds stand out from cookie-cutter rentals.
Sustainability: Reusing gives pre-loved items a second story and reduces waste.
Cost Savings: Buy beautiful (often high-quality) pieces for a fraction of retail.
DIY-ability: Many thrifted treasures just need a coat of paint, fresh fabric, or your creative touch.
Treasure Hunt Fun: There’s nothing like scoring an amazing find for your big day.

Must-Thrift Bohemian Rustic Wedding Decor Essentials

Mismatched Vintage Tableware

Mixed china or stoneware dinner plates:

Add charm and personality to your wedding table settings with mismatched china or stoneware plates. These pieces create a unique blend of patterns and colors, perfect for a vintage or rustic vibe. Scour thrift stores or secondhand shops to curate your collection. Each plate tells its own story, setting the perfect tone for your celebration.

Cut-crystal and pastel glass goblets:

Glass goblets with cut-crystal designs or soft pastel hues instantly elevate your table décor. They add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your drink stations or guest tables. Mix styles for an eclectic look, or focus on one color palette to match your wedding theme. Bonus: they photograph beautifully during golden hour!

Ornate silverware (even a little tarnish adds character):

Set the table with ornate silverware to bring a sense of vintage elegance to your celebration. Don’t shy away from pieces with a little tarnish; the aged look adds richness and history. Pair them with soft linens and floral accents for a timeless aesthetic that perfectly complements an intimate and romantic setting.

Assorted glass jars and bottles for wildflower vases:

Create stunning floral arrangements by repurposing glass jars and bottles as vases for wildflowers. Their simple yet versatile design makes them ideal for centerpieces and accent décor. Mix sizes and shapes for added visual interest. They’re affordable, earth-friendly, and give your wedding an effortlessly charming, freshly-picked-from-the-garden appeal.

Textiles & Fabrics

Vintage lace or crochet table runners:

Lay the foundation for your tablescapes with vintage lace or crochet table runners. Their intricate patterns bring a soft, romantic touch to any setting. Pair them with rustic wooden tables for a boho-chic vibe or layer over colorful linens to create depth. These runners exude timeless elegance and are perfect for weddings with a vintage flair.

Gauzy curtains to use as ceremony backdrops:

Transform your ceremony space with dreamy, gauzy curtains. Drape them from a wooden arch or string them between trees for a light, ethereal effect. Flowing and delicate, they move beautifully with the wind and look stunning in photos. Bonus points for adding greenery or fairy lights to make them even more enchanting.

Quilts, Persian-style rugs, or even embroidered tablecloths for lounge areas:

Create cozy and stylish lounge areas with quilts, Persian-style rugs, or embroidered tablecloths. Spread them over seating spaces or use them as picnic-style setups for an outdoor wedding. Their textures and patterns add warmth and character, letting guests relax in comfort while surrounded by eclectic yet tasteful details.

Macramé wall hangings:

Bring retro-cool vibes to your décor with macramé wall hangings. Use them as stunning ceremony backdrops or statement pieces over lounge areas. Feeling crafty? Create your own with affordable materials and personalized touches like beads or dyed threads. These textured beauties blend perfectly with bohemian or natural wedding themes.

Furniture Finds

Old wooden benches and mismatched vintage chairs:

Add an eclectic charm to your wedding seating with old wooden benches and mismatched vintage chairs. These pieces are perfect for creating a relaxed, backyard feel or enhancing a rustic vibe. Look for variations in styles, colors, and finishes to bring character to your setup while giving guests a cozy, memorable spot to sit.

Rattan or cane peacock chairs:

Make a statement with rattan or cane peacock chairs for the happy couple. Their iconic high backs and intricate woven details scream bohemian sophistication. Position them at the sweetheart table or lounge area for must-have photo ops. Add cushions or throws that match your color scheme to complete the vibe.

Low coffee tables and poufs for a relaxed, festival-inspired setup:

Create a chic, laid-back atmosphere with low coffee tables and poufs scattered across your lounge areas. Perfect for an outdoor festival-inspired wedding, these setups invite guests to kick back and mingle in comfort. Mix textured cushions, rugs, and small floral arrangements to tie the look together while keeping it effortlessly cool.

Candleholders & Lights

Brass candlesticks in varying heights:

Brass candlesticks bring warmth and timeless elegance to your wedding décor. Mix heights and styles for a layered, eye-catching tablescape. Whether paired with tapered candles for a classic feel or colorful candles for a modern twist, these pieces create an intimate glow that complements any setting, from rustic barns to grand ballrooms.

Hurricane lamps, lanterns, or even mason jars for tealights:

Elevate your ambiance with hurricane lamps, lanterns, or mason jars filled with tealights. These versatile pieces add a charming, cozy vibe to table settings, pathways, or ceremony spaces. Reflect your personality by mixing shapes or embellishing jars with ribbons or lace. Their soft flicker creates an inviting, romantic atmosphere.

Secondhand Christmas lights or string bulbs:

Repurpose secondhand Christmas lights or string bulbs to give your wedding a magical glow. Drape them over trees, decorate arches, or create an overhead canopy for a starry-night effect. Vintage-style Edison bulbs or twinkling lights offer different vibes, making them perfect for both boho-chic celebrations and classic evening receptions.

Vases, Jugs & Baskets

Assorted glass bottles:

Hunt for an assortment of glass bottles to add vintage charm to your wedding. Apothecary bottles make perfect bud vases, while milk bottles bring a nostalgic touch. Colored glass adds a pop of personality to tablescapes. Cluster them for centerpieces or scatter them around for whimsical yet cohesive styling.

Woven picnic baskets:

Woven picnic baskets offer a charming, functional touch to your wedding décor. Use them to hold ceremony programs, wedding favors, or even blankets for chilly weather. They exude a rustic, welcoming feel that fits perfectly with outdoor or barn settings. Bonus? They’re beautiful décor items, even after the wedding!

Ceramic jugs for wild, country-style flower arrangements:

Ceramic jugs are a chic, practical find for displaying lush, wildflower arrangements. Their sturdy, timeless design complements a countryside vibe, making them ideal for centerpiece displays or entrance décor. Choose jugs in soft, neutral tones or classic whites for versatility, letting florals take center stage with a natural, effortless look.

Artisanal Touches

Vintage mirrors as welcome signs or menus:

Turn vintage mirrors into elegant focal points by using them as welcome signs or menus. Add calligraphy or hand-painted details for a sophisticated touch. Perfectly blending function with flair, these mirrors reflect light beautifully, making them stand out whether displayed at the entrance, bar, or dining areas.

Old crates for displaying favors or gifts:

Repurpose old wooden crates as rustic shelving to display wedding favors or gifts. Stack them at different angles for visual interest or fill them with greenery and fairy lights for added charm. They’re versatile, budget-friendly, and fit seamlessly into barn, garden, or industrial-inspired wedding themes.

Woven fans or tambourines for guest favors:

Celebrate your day with guest favors like woven fans or tambourines. Fans are both pretty and practical for warmer celebrations, while tambourines invite your guests to join the fun on the dance floor. Add personalized tags or ribbons in your wedding colors to make these favors truly unforgettable.

Thrifted Fashion Finds for the Boho Bride

Vintage slip dresses, prairie gowns, or 1970s lace numbers:

Channel timeless sophistication with a vintage slip dress, a dreamy prairie gown, or a romantic 1970s lace number. Slip dresses offer sleek, understated elegance, while prairie gowns exude soft, rustic charm. For boho brides, 1970s lace pieces deliver intricate details with a free-spirited vibe, perfect for making unforgettable bridal memories.

Beaded bags, embroidered clutches, and boots or sandals:

Complete your bridal look with unique accessories like beaded bags or embroidered clutches for a touch of shimmer or vintage flair. Pair them with footwear that reflects your style, whether that's chic boots for an edge or comfy sandals for an effortless, laid-back addition to your ensemble.

Antique veils or floral crowns:

Top off your outfit with an antique veil or floral crown for a breathtaking finishing touch. Veils with lace or beaded accents add a timeless elegance, while floral crowns bring a whimsical freshness, perfect for outdoor celebrations. Either choice connects your look to the romantic, vintage essence of the day.

Common Boho Wedding Budget-Busters to Avoid

While thrifting is budget-friendly, even the savviest shoppers can get carried away. Watch out for:

Collecting way more than you need (“just in case” quickly blows the budget)
Splurging on items that require expensive repairs
Overcommitting to complicated DIYs you don’t have time for
Forgetting about hidden costs (transport, cleanup, and post-wedding storage)
Set your budget, track purchases, and stay focused on your overall wedding vision.

Expert Advice: Making Boho Thrifted Weddings Look Cohesive

The magic is in the mix—but a little planning makes all the difference! Here’s how to keep your thrifted celebration polished:

Stick to a consistent color palette (earth tones with pops of blush, sage, or mustard are always on-trend)
Repeat materials (wood, lace, glass, rattan) throughout your decor
Cluster similar items (like grouped candlesticks or glassware) for impact
Keep signage, stationery, and textiles coordinated to tie it all together

If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to a wedding stylist with boho experience. They can help you refine your vision, prioritize purchases, and recommend trusted secondhand sources.

Ultimately, crafting a bohemian rustic wedding is all about creating a space that feels authentic to you and your partner’s personalities. By blending natural elements like wood, lace, and earthy tones with personal touches, you can design a celebration that’s both beautiful and meaningful. Don’t be afraid to mix and match decor, incorporate secondhand or vintage finds, and lean into the relaxed, unstructured vibe that boho style embodies. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s to tell your love story in an environment that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.

If planning becomes overwhelming, working with a wedding stylist experienced in bohemian or rustic themes can make the process infinitely smoother. They’ll not only help you bring your ideas to life but also ensure every element ties together seamlessly. Trust your instincts, be intentional with your choices, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating a day you’ll cherish forever.