This year that relaxed 1970’s vibe has hit the catwalk in a big way and is now set to influence this year’s summer brides.

Here are my top five tips on how to achieve the laidback luxe of Boho.

1/ Start with the Dress – For most self-respecting brides the dress is pretty high up on your to-do list.  You want to achieve relaxed, off-duty glamour, oozing cool confidence.  Think vintage gowns made of lace or silk, a dropped waist here, a bell sleeve there, halter neck, pleated train….the possibilities are endless.  I choose my dress from designer Sarah Arnett who is a master of that effortlessly cool look.  At the heart of the Boho vibe is Hope & Harlequin based in Brighton’s Laines district they stock Sarah Arnett Bride and make their own H&H collection of vintage and Boho inspired gowns.

2/Venue – The venue is key to the Boho theme, but remember Boho is versatile, it’s a relaxed chilled out version of you, it could be a church or a luxury hotel, a country house, a marquee or barn or equally a beach or a forest glade.  Decorating the venue whatever you choose with handmade signs, bunting or jars for candles can put that unique stamp on things which only you and your partner share….this brings me to the next point, flowers.

3/Flowers – Boho flowers are effortlessly undone.  Formal or over-arranged can look over fussy, wild or country flowers give a softer feel to bouquets and posies.  Think summer meadows and fill the venue with less expensive flowers (Ranunculus rather than roses or peonies) and go for jars and pots of flowers, the good thing here is that you can talk to your florist about bulk buying one variety and popping them into jars, pot, boxes or cans, anything unique to you is even better.  Wildflowers can look amazing used in a headdress or corsage.

4/ Don’t forget the groom.  If a bride’s boho style is all about the dress then the groom’s style evolves through his subtle accessories.  Suits can be brought to life with an elegant tie slide and cufflinks, think mother-of-pearl or semi-precious materials.  Don’t go for the obvious bright tie, bright socks bling, subtle finer accessories can say so much more.  Try Boston&Boston for inspiration.

5/ Relax – Boho is all about unconventional, relaxed styling so remember to kick off those shoes, drink some champagne, eat your favourite food, dance until the small hours and laugh.  Your day will be boho bliss!

Love DSB X

This article was first published in Country House Wedding Venues – Summer Guide 2015 – Deborah Simpson Boston 2015