How to Create a Stunning Lantern Arch for a Boho Forest Wedding

A forest wedding is already one of the most naturally beautiful settings you can choose — dappled light through the canopy, the scent of the trees, birdsong in the background. But add a paper lantern arch into the mix, and you elevate the whole scene into something truly breathtaking. The best part? It's far easier to create than it looks.

Why Lanterns Work So Beautifully in a Forest Setting

The organic, rounded shape of a paper lantern echoes the natural forms of the forest — the curve of branches, the softness of foliage. Unlike rigid floral structures or metal frameworks, paper lanterns have a gentle, flowing quality that feels completely at home outdoors. In a boho setting especially, their relaxed, handcrafted aesthetic fits perfectly alongside wildflowers, macramé, and trailing greenery.

When lit from within, they cast the most gorgeous warm glow — magical for golden hour ceremonies and as the light fades into evening.

What You'll Need

• A freestanding arch frame — bamboo, willow, or a simple metal hoop arch all work beautifully in a forest setting.
• Paper or Nylon lanterns — a mix of sizes creates the most natural, abundant look. We'd suggest a combination of 20cm, 30cm, and 40cm lanterns.
• Clear fishing line or natural twine — fishing line gives a floating effect; twine adds to the boho feel.
• Battery-operated LED fairy lights — to light the lanterns from within.
• Foliage, flowers & trailing greenery — eucalyptus, ferns, and wildflowers woven through the arch complement the lanterns beautifully.
• Cable ties or floral wire — to secure everything in place.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Lantern Arch

1. Set up your arch frame — position it securely in the ground. For outdoor forest settings, ensure it's well anchored, especially if there's any breeze.
2. Add your foliage base — weave eucalyptus, ferns, and trailing ivy through the arch frame first. This creates a lush, natural backdrop for the lanterns to sit against.
3. Assemble your lanterns — pop each lantern open and thread your hanging wire or twine through the top loop. If you're adding lights, drop a battery-operated LED bulb or fairy light strand inside before hanging.
4. Hang the lanterns — attach them to the arch at varying heights and depths. Cluster them more densely at the top and sides, allowing them to spill outward naturally. Vary the sizes throughout for an organic, layered effect.
5. Fill in with flowers — tuck in wildflowers, dried pampas grass, or fresh blooms between the lanterns and foliage to complete the boho look.
6. Step back and adjust — walk around the arch and tweak any lanterns that need repositioning. The goal is an abundant, slightly undone look — perfectly imperfect.

Colour Palette Ideas for a Boho Forest Arch

• White & ivory — classic and timeless, letting the greenery do the talking.
• Blush, peach & champagne — soft and romantic, gorgeous against green foliage.
• Terracotta, rust & burnt orange — earthy and warm, perfect for an autumnal forest wedding.
• Mixed naturals — combine cream, sage green, and dusty rose for a truly boho palette.

Tips for Getting It Right

• Always do a trial run at home before the wedding day — it makes the on-the-day setup much faster and stress-free.
• In a forest setting, wind can be a factor. Secure lanterns with an extra loop of twine or fishing line to prevent spinning.
• Use battery-operated lights rather than mains-powered — far more practical outdoors and no trailing cables to trip over.
• Brief your setup team on the look you're going for — a reference photo helps enormously.
• Allow at least two to three hours for setup, more if your arch is particularly large or elaborate.

The Impact It Creates

A paper lantern arch is one of those decoration choices that stops guests in their tracks. It frames the ceremony space beautifully, creates an incredible focal point for photographs, and sets the tone for the entire day. As the light changes through the afternoon and into the evening, the arch transforms — from a fresh, airy structure in daylight to a glowing, lantern-lit centrepiece after dark.

For a boho forest wedding, it's simply unbeatable.

Shop the Look

Browse our full range of paper lanterns in every size, colour, and style to start planning your perfect arch. Whether you're going for soft and romantic or bold and earthy, we have everything you need to bring your vision to life.