If you talk to wedding planners, florists, venues, and event services across the country, it’s evident that minimalist weddings are an increasingly popular trend. 

Not only can you save money by not going overboard, but as Taylor Bradford, Event Designer and Stylist for Sugar Creek Creative tells MyWedding, “Minimalist weddings are all about simple intentional design.” In other words, your wedding reflects what you care about most. Bradford advises, “Choose simplistic decor elements that have meaning to you and let those elements shine through your big day.” The simple wedding decorations you choose will work well whether you’re getting married at home or in a modern event space, wedding hall, or church. 

Read on for wedding decoration themes and ideas for all aspects of your big day (even the dress!) that will help your minimalistic vision come to life. And to anyone who has expressed skepticism about your desire to host a pared-down affair, share what Paula Clark Ramirez from the Historic Mankin Mansion Wedding Estate tells MyWedding: “Hosting a minimalist wedding can be simply magical in countless ways. With a few intentional choices, you’ll end up trading endless details and oodles of stress for not only more time and money, but for an overall greater sense of purpose.” Did you exhale like we did?

Minimalist Wedding Planning Must-Haves

• Best Minimalist Wedding Invitations: Crescendo Design
• Best Minimalist Wedding Dress: Illusion Long Sleeve High Neck Crepe Wedding Gown
• Best Minimalist Wedding Band for Her: Zoe Chicco Yellow Gold Ring
• Best Minimalist Wedding Band for Him: David Yurman Classic Titanium Ring
• Best Minimalist Wedding Ring Set: Auriya Vintage Solitaire and Wedding Band
• Best Minimalist Wedding Centerpiece: Purple Elegance Centerpiece Package
• Best Minimalist Cake Topper: Love Birds
• Best Simple Wedding Decor: Gold Circle Garlands
• Best DIY Decorations on a Budget: Cream Tissue Pompoms
• Best Home Wedding Decorations: Table Lights
• Best Wedding Hall Decorations: Just Married Banner
• Best Church Wedding Decorations: Aisle Decor
• Most Elegant Wedding Decorations: Anthropologie Home Mercury Metallic Votives
• Best Minimalist Table Numbers: Octagon Picture Frames
• Best Minimalist Paper Product: Cheers Rustic Greenery Cocktail Napkins
• Best Minimalist Welcome: Bounce Calligraphy Gold Sign
• Best Minimalist Table Decoration: Bride and Groom Chair Signs

Minimalist Wedding Planning 101

Tips:

Start by discussing with your partner what elements of your wedding hold the most value for you as a couple. “If entertainment or food and beverage is more important to you than splurging on rentals, it’s absolutely OK to focus on the guest experience,” Kevin Dennis, Owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services tells MyWedding. He also recommends going with DIY ideas whenever possible for a minimalist wedding. For instance, you can create a welcome sign, table numbers and place cards using inexpensive online resources. Keep scrolling for recommendations that touch on every element of planning a minimalist wedding, from flowers to decor, your gown, tablescapes and more.

Minimalist Wedding Shopping Considerations

Cost:

You can shop several minimalist wedding must-haves for just a few bucks, but there are also splurge-worthy products that can help create that less-is-more-look if keeping costs down isn’t your top priority. With that in mind, we included ideas that span a wide range of price points.

Theme:

“Overlook no detail when it comes to minimalism,” advises Janice Carnevale, Founder of Bellwether Events. “This can be your dress, your suit, the venue that you select (the less ornate, the better) your stationery, wedding website, and type of lighting.”

Style:

Just because your nuptials will be minimalistic doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate elegant wedding decorations into your reception. “The antique look is easy to achieve when it comes to thrifting metallic candlesticks, tableware and barware,” suggests Kylie Carlson, Owner of The Wedding Academy. When it comes to flowers, Joan Wyndrum, co-founder of Blooms by the Box, recommends placing greenery in mismatched bud vases. She adds, “Using a monochromatic palette is also helpful in bringing minimalism to life. Choosing all red flowers such as garden roses, alstroemeria, anemones, and dahlias can bring a pop of color to basic decor. Mix the flowers together or arrange each variety separately for a cool, modern style.”

Other Considerations:

“Choose a simple and comfortable wedding dress! If the wedding dress is a large ballroom gown with sequins, it wouldn’t be cohesive with the minimalistic design of the wedding,” advises Kristen Gosselin, Owner and Creative Director of KG Events & Design.