Thinking About Having a Minimalist Wedding?
Let’s Find What Sparks Your Joy.
We’ve all seen the overflowing floral installations and decadent dessert tables, but let’s be real: Planning a wedding is complicated enough and when you tack on these grandiose décor ideas it can be downright overwhelming and budget blowing. (Pinterest, we’re looking at you!)
If the thought of over-the-top details makes you want to make a mad dash to City Hall, you fall into the “less is more” approach.
The concept of minimalism has really taken off in the wedding style scene, and this trend towards simplification couldn’t be more refreshing.
We like to think of minimalism as clearing away the clutter, eliminating the things you don’t want, and being very intentional about what you do want. In essence, a minimalist wedding should only include the things that—spark joy. Read on for tips on how to do it:
1. Ask yourself what you need for your day to be AMAZING.
To legally tie the knot, you just need your fiancé, a marriage license, and an officiant. Everything else is extra! So, while considering traditions, include only the details and formalities that are meaningful to you both, and forget the rest. After all, your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple.
2. Make it exclusive.
We often get excited and want to invite everyone. Making your guest list exclusive will require less of almost everything—food, drinks, tables, chairs, centerpieces, invitations, and wedding favors. The extra bonus you get more quality face time with those guests you invited!
3. Invitations AKA Setting the mood.
Whether it be simple hand lettering that takes center stage, or designing one sleek, all-inclusive design, minimalist couples are opting for clean and contemporary wedding invitations. Choosing high-quality paper or, clear acrylic stock or vellum can provide a luxurious look. Geometric lines and touches of marble or metallic will up the WOW factor and still maintain your minimalist stationery. Thinking paperless? Digital invitations are the perfect way to go!
4. Choose a Blank Canvas for Your Venue.
For a truly minimal backdrop, a “blank canvas” wedding venue is the way to go. Industrial spaces are a popular choice for minimalist weddings since these venues are no-frills but still have character. A modern, raw-space venue is the ideal choice for a bare-bones aesthetic, but if your style is more organic than urban the outdoors can make an amazing choice. Consider holding your in a forest clearing, a sprawling meadow, or in front of an incredible view.
5. Choose uncomplicated attire.
When it comes to shopping for a wedding dress or suit, look for styles with clean lines and a structured silhouette. These styles help you clear the visual clutter—Look at solid colors or soft, muted motifs. Leaning toward neutral and natural color palettes like black, navy, cream, white, or taupe—but don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding a strategic pop of color.
6. Elevate the ambiance.
Though minimalist weddings favor a natural and neutral color palette, that doesn’t sentence you to boring! Luxurious textures and materials will bring visual interest to the overall look and feel. Think outside the box with rich velvet fabrics, shiny greenery, glimmering geometric shapes, or chic acrylic accents to bring a stunningly opulent look.
7. Refine your ceremony.
Keep the focus on your I Dos. Choose no-frills backdrop for your ceremony. A grounded arch made of pampas grass, or a simple geometric structure are both elegant and classic. Have an “unplugged” ceremony to make your vows the focal point: remind your guests to put away their devices so they can be fully present during your ceremony.
8. Prune the petals.
If flowers and greenery are one of your must-haves, you can keep it minimal by choosing just one understated bloom—like white orchids arranged in large luxurious clusters—or single-stem bouquets and centerpieces. Explore dried flowers they go surprisingly well with the minimalist aesthetic! Greenery more your style? Frame your ceremony with delicate strands of ivy or lay lush, leafy runners across the tables for a simple sophisticated and elegant look.
9. Add architectural elements.
Less is more when it comes to décor! Choose structured centerpieces with geometric shapes, sculptural candelabras, or clear ghost chairs that lend a clean, modern effect without obstructing the view!
10. Go naked for Your Cake.
No icing or minimal icing with a few fresh greens or flowers. If “naked” is a tad too minimalist, then consider a gorgeously geometric white wedding cake with marbled fondant or hints of metallic. You can also add an over-the-top dessert table and forgo cake altogether. Incorporate your favorite confection like mini tarts, cookies, or a platter of cake donuts.
