Boho weddings in Ibiza

Ibiza has had a free-spirited reputation since the 1960s, and boho styling fits the island's countryside without much effort. Old fincas have sabina-wood beams, thick whitewashed walls and dry-stone terraces. Olive, carob and almond trees give shade for a ceremony. The look is about using that setting rather than covering it.

Most boho weddings here are symbolic ceremonies led by a celebrant, with the legal marriage done at home. That leaves you free to hold the ceremony under a tree, on a lawn or in a vine-covered courtyard. Our guide to the symbolic ceremony explains how it works.

The palette is earthy: sand, terracotta, olive green, cream and rust, with the occasional dusty pink or mustard. Flowers are loose and textured rather than tight and round. Dried pampas, bunny tails and palm leaves keep well in the heat and work in any month. Fresh garden roses, dahlias and cosmos add softness in summer and early autumn.

Olive branches and wild herbs such as rosemary make simple table runners and buttonholes. Many cut flowers on Ibiza come in from mainland Spain, so ask your florist which stems are local in your month. Dried pieces need almost no water, which helps in July and August.

Boho styling works best at venues with trees, old walls and space for long tables outside.

• Juntos House, in an old whitewashed house in Sant Mateu, has a courtyard terrace, a lavender garden for long tables and an olive-tree ceremony spot for about 80. Weddings of up to 120 are reported.
• A mi Manera, a garden restaurant near Sant Llorenç, holds ceremonies and dinners under the trees, with lights strung through the branches and art around the garden.
• Kazamor, above Cala Vadella, is dry hire for up to 100 guests. You bring your own caterer, drinks and styling, which suits a couple with a clear boho plan.
• Can Skye Ibiza, an agroturismo near Sant Carles, offers weddings of up to 80 with a circular garden, a sea-view lawn and dinner under the vines.
• Aiyanna Ibiza on Cala Nova is a beach restaurant in natural wood with colourful details, for 60 to 140 guests.
• Fincadelica, a whole-estate hire on 21 acres near Sant Llorenç, seats 230 on its lawn for a larger boho weekend.

Long trestle tables or low tables with floor cushions are the classic boho layout. Mix wooden and rattan chairs, add linen runners in sand or rust, and use terracotta pots or ceramic jugs instead of tall glass vases. Lounge corners with rugs, poufs and low sofas give guests somewhere to sit between dinner and dancing.

Lighting carries the evening. Festoon bulbs strung between trees, paper or rattan lanterns with battery candles, and a few hurricane glasses on the tables are enough. Furniture hire companies on the island stock vintage and up-cycled chairs, rugs and cordless lamps, so you don't need to ship anything in.

Boho dress codes ask for light, natural fabrics. A loose lace or crochet dress, flowers in the hair and flat sandals suit the bride; linen suits, open collars and espadrilles suit the groom and guests. Ibiza's own espardenyes, rope-soled shoes, make a practical favour for guests dancing on grass.

Put the dress code on the invitation in plain words. Guests who have never been to Ibiza will otherwise arrive in heels that sink into gravel and lawn.

Heat matters more than the look. July and August average highs of 29.7 °C and 30.3 °C at Ibiza airport (AEMET), so start a summer ceremony after 19:00 and give guests shade and water. Dried grasses and light fabric drapes lift in the wind, especially at cliff-top and hillside venues; ask your stylist to weight or tie them. Our seasons and weather guide has the figures for each month.

Fire is the main rule for boho styling. From 1 May to 15 October, fire within 500 m of woodland needs authorisation under Decree 125/2007, and most rural venues sit near pine woods. Agree on candles with the venue, and don't plan sky lanterns. Outdoor music at most countryside venues ends between 23:00 and 00:00. See rules and permits for the detail.