A minimalist wedding is a beautiful thing—it emphasizes quality, and not quantity. (Which can consequently save on costs, so we’re off to a good start!) But removing some of the extra frills of a traditional wedding might leave you wondering how much of you can really be in the wedding? The answer is simple: plenty!

There are two directions you can take for your minimalist wedding, and they each have their own unique twist on wedding must-haves. One is a simple, natural approach that can be as elegant or relaxed as you want it to be. The other is a modern, chic approach for a more refined palette.

So which one is the most you? Keep reading to pick which approach fits your personality and vision the best.

Invitations with Little-to-No Design

Minimalist Wedding Invites

Photo: The Pretty Blog

Simple: Feature element, like a branch or ribbon; plain font
Modern: Black or gold lines; elegant, stand-out font

Right off the back, set the tone for your minimalist wedding with clean, simple save-the-dates and wedding invitations. If you’re using color, do so sparingly. Let your fonts and a simple graphic element be the focal point.

Plain, No-Frills Chairs

Minimalist Wedding Chairs

Photo: Ruffled Blog

Simple: Wooden chairs
Modern: Clear acrylic chairs

Keep the decorating work to a minimum, and choose chairs that speak on their own. For a more natural look, wooden chairs are perfect—even if they’re a little worn, that just gives them more character. Or give a chic touch with clear chairs. Plus, they make smaller spaces feel less cramped.

Pick the Right Space

Minimalist Wedding Space

Photo: Brides.com

Simple: Exposed beams
Modern: Floor-to-ceiling windows

When it comes to the space, you want it to have the same feel as every other part of your wedding—after all, the space ties it all together. Look for exposed wooden beams for a simple, natural look or big open spaces that encourage mingling. Large, sunny windows are the perfect piece for any wedding (even the not-so-minimal ones!).

Neutrals…with a Splash of One Color

Minimalist Wedding Table

Photo: Brit.co

Simple: Green for spring; gold for fall
Modern: Rose gold year-round

Limiting the amount of color at your wedding will keep it feeling fresh; lots of color and activity can become overwhelming, and will take away from any minimalist wedding theme. Stick to a neutral with one color mixed in, if you must. (Hint: it should be the same color you have on your invitations.)

Simple Wedding Dress

Minimalist Wedding Dress

Photo: Truvelle.com

Simple: Thin straps, a-line dress
Modern: Hi-neck dress with low bun

Similar to your venue, your dress is the second element that ties the event together. So to really own the minimalist wedding, your dress should follow suit. Avoid anything with lots of jewels or bows, and keep the trains and additional layers to a minimum.

Ceramic White Plates

Minimalist Wedding Plates

Photo: My Wedding

Simple: Colored napkins with simple clasps
Modern: Chromatic silverware

Plain white plates are stunning on their own, so you don’t need much more. Use colors napkins with a simple clasp to match the color scheme, or keep the napkins white and play up the color in the centerpieces. To capture the modern look, use stand-out silverware or a smaller, hors d’oeuvres plate layered atop the white one.

Small Bouquets

Minimalist Wedding Bouquets

Photo: Style Me Pretty

Simple: 1-2 flowers with minimal greenery
Modern: Silk flowers

The goal is to create bouquets that accent the rest of the décor without overpowering anything else. Remember how your wedding dress should be simple so it doesn’t clash with the centerpieces and venue? Same with the bouquets—you don’t want them to overpower your no-frills wedding dress.

Textured All-White Cake

Minimalist Wedding Cake

Photo: Bridal Musings

Simple: Touch of green from the bouquet
Modern: White flower on one or two tiers

Hands down, an all-white wedding cake is perfect for any minimal wedding. If you must add color, do so minimally to ensure the texture of the cake stands out. For some dimension, consider matching white flowers or decorations. And, of course, no cake topping.

Fewer Tables

Minimalist Wedding Table

Photo: Style Me Pretty

Simple: One long table
Modern: 3-4 long tables, separate or in a U shape

Nix the sweetheart table or bridal party tables; keep everyone at one or a few tables. This will eliminate the need for lots of centerpieces or table numbers or confusion finding a table. Your wooden or acrylic chairs will also really pop at larger tables, instead of all spread out around the venue.

Small Wedding Party

Minimalist Wedding Party

Photo: Pop Sugar

Simple: None
Modern: Maid of honor and best man only

It’s becoming more and more common to only have a tiny number of friends and family up in front with you. From a minimalist standpoint, this makes sense—it’s certainly going to keep your bouquet count low, as well as any other morning-of, getting-ready things that need to get done. (Hint: Don’t forget to let your close friends know that you, even though you’re not having any bridesmaids, you still want to celebrate bachelorette-party style with them!)

Header Photo credit: Winston & Main

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