9 Gorgeous Bohemian Wedding Dresses You’ll Love (Under $200)
If you’re looking for a bridal style that’s wildly romantic and feminine, you should definitely check out bohemian wedding dresses. The boho aesthetic is free-spirited, eclectic, and open to interpretation- you can pick your “take” on a look and absolutely make it your own- whether you’re going for dreamy and flowy, simple and vintage, or edgy retro rocker glam. For more info on what “bohemian” style is all about, read below. Or feel free to skip and head straight to our top nine picks for budget boho wedding dresses.
What is a Bohemian Style?
The history of the bohemian style goes deep. Its origins are somewhat debated. Some believe it to have ties to the nomadic lifestyle of the Romani people from the late 19th to early 20th century. Others think it’s linked to counterculture in the late 18th century, after the French Revolution. Either way, the style originates from people that are a bit on the outskirts of society- think non-traditional, somewhat unconventional.
The style itself is hard to define, perhaps because it’s not meant to be defined. Think flowy, loose, comfortable, romantic. Ready to move in, ready to dance in. Balloon sleeves. Fringe. Loose, airy fits. Feminine, form-flattering fits. Lace. Woven Fabrics. Embroidery.
History of Bohemian Fashion
In the early 1900s, designer Paul Poiret brought some boho chic to Paris before World War 1, introducing free-flowing shapes like kimono sleeve jackets and harem pants. Fast forward to the 1960’s and 1970’s, when Bohemian style would reach new heights in the US during the impactful counterculture “hippie” movement, perhaps peaking at Woodstock, where festival culture truly began “trending”. All those flowy, flowery dresses..all the moccasins and to-die-for bell bottoms? Pure boho heaven!
As for the 90s and 2000s, Bohemian style made its presence known as stars like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, the Olsen twins, and even in the babydoll dresses of the Grunge movement. (Shout out also to Lisa Bonet, who was the undisputed Boheme queen of the 80’s, and Rachel Zoe, who was largely responsible for the aesthetic’s triumphant early 2000s revival).
If you’re interested in more fashion history, check out this Harper’s Bazaar article on the history of Bohemian culture, or this one, which has interviews with Kate Hudson and Rachel Zoe on the beginnings (and resurgence) of celebrity Boho style. (Here’s an interesting Artland Magazine article on Paul Poiret as well).
Throughout time, Bohemian style has remained popular. More recently, boho influences can be seen in on runways and in the fashion-forwards crowds at festivals like Coachella- where people want to feel liberated, comfortable, and gorgeous. Which is maybe why Boho style has also been incredibly popular in wedding fashion.
What are Bohemian Wedding Dresses?
Again, the Bohemian aesthetic is an eclectic and open one. Unlike ballroom wedding dresses or A-line gowns, there’s no specific cut that defines a dress as Bohemian. Plenty of crossover dresses enter Bohemian territory- for example, many lace or embroidered dresses may have a look that could be considered Boho; many mermaid or romantic gowns may also fit into the Bohemian category.
There are also different looks within the Bohemian category- some gowns might be considered romantic boho; others might be bohemian-glam or vintage or retro bohemian. There are no rules here, basically.
In general, boho wedding dresses have a more laid-back vibe. They might look (and hopefully feel) more comfortable than many dresses. I guess if there was a defining rule, you could probably say a Bohemian wedding dress isn’t stiff or stuffy.
Bohemian wedding dresses might feature:
- Lace
- Flowing fabric
- Woven floral patterns
- Looser, airy fits
- Mix of patterns, textures, and influences
- Beading
- Crochet detailing
- Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza
9 Best Boho Bridal Gowns
Here are our top picks for a stunning but cheap boho wedding dress:
Best Lace Bohemian Wedding Dress: Soroyan V-Neck Lace Gown
Brides love the flowy flattering fit of this dress, and note that the fabric feels soft and high-quality. Some do advise to size up, and be aware that without a bodice, the look is pretty revealing.
"Absolutely perfect"
Best Boho Wedding Dress with Long Sleeves: Sufutop V-Neck Bridal Gown
Reviewers rave about the quality and fit of this bell-sleeved beauty, and note that the empire waist and subtle A-line shape provide a fit that’s flattering and comfortable. Many chose it for their reception or beach wedding. It’s also a popular choice as a plus size boho wedding dress- in the Amazon review photos (link above), you can see the dress on many different body shapes and sizes.
"This dress is absolutely PERFECT... The material is amazing! Flowy and comfortable! "
Best Batwing/ Cape Bohemian Wedding Dress: Kysyfnmag Boho Gown
The dramatic cape sleeves and deep V-cut back really add some show-stopping romance to this super-feminine and flattering dress. The front bodice also features a deep curved V and intricate crochet detailing.
"This boho bride is obsessed! True to size."
"...Once I received it and tried it on I was blown away!! This dress is so flattering!!! Everyone was asking me where I purchased it from! "
Best Plus Size Boho Wedding Dress: Pinup Fashion Store Boho Wedding
Most of the dresses on this list are available (and beautiful!) in plus size. But this flowy and feminine dress is a great plus-sized pick, with lace 3/4 sleeves, a simple yet elegant shape, and pretty cutout detailing at the waist and mid-bust.
"The lace and detailing is breathtaking. I felt so good in this dress and truly felt comfortable and myself. I wore a half slip under it but would recommend a full slip for full coverage"
One reviewer mentioned wearing it with an Austrian crystal bridal jewelry set:
"I wore the dress with Austiian Crystal Wedding necklace set and felt like an absolute princess."
Best Simple Bohemian Wedding Dress: Yuxin Princess Lace Off Shoulder Wedding Dress
With delicate puffed sleeves and an airy, flowy feel, this gown has classic fairy tale princess vibes that are perfectly complemented by pretty lace and feminine stitching at the waist.
"I LOVE THIS DRESS. I was blown away at the quality and it fit like a glove. SO Happy I decided to order a dress here instead of spending thousands at a bridal shop."
Best Vintage Bohemian Wedding Dress: Ever Girl Lace Bohemian Wedding Gown
For chic boho vibes with a decidedly elegant vintage feel, it gets no sweeter than this lace boho gown. The mermaid cut is flattering and fun; a smile tie at the waist creates shape and allure.
"What a BEAUTIFUL dress at a really good price. It's heavy and layered. It's legit. Looks just like the photos - Oh yeah looks and feels like a 2 thousand dollar dress not a 189 dollar dress."
Best Short Bohemian Wedding Dress: Hanshi Short Boho Mini Bridal Dress
This bridal mini is a unique mix of glamour and chic, and it offers a lot of versatility- go for all-out drama with the long elegant train, or remove it for easy, comfortable elegance. Short wedding dresses can be beautiful for any bride! Some reviewers chose this mini for their elopement wedding dress.
"The quality was perfect it fit like a glove like it was made just for me. So comfortable so stylish."
Best Elegant Bohemian Wedding Dress: YMSHA Long Lace Boho Wedding Gown
Lace detailing and sheer flowy arms give this dress just the right amount of boho appeal, while its classic shape and dreamy tulle skirt offer romantic elegance.
"The dress is absolutely stunning, I love it so much it is everything I ever wanted and for an amazing price! I emailed them immediately after purchasing my dress to give my measurements and they custom made it for me based on my measurements."
Best Rustic Bohemian Wedding Dress: Mashengyue Lace Boho Bridal Dress
This lace bohemian bridal dress is a little bit country and a whole lot of glamour. The off-the-shoulder top is unique and eye-catching, while the subtle long train captures classic, almost vintage, charm. Reviewers rave about its high-quality fabric and craftsmanship.
"I am shocked at how amazing this dress is. The quality surpasses my expectations. The lace is in tact, sturdy, and wrinkle free. The dress lining is thicker than you would expect, wrinkle free, and hugs all the right places"
This post was all about bohemian wedding dresses.
