A Minimalist Wedding Can Reduce Your Bridal Stress And Save Some Serious Cash

Weddings have gotten a reputation for being bold and extravagant. In fact, weddings have taken on the notion that bigger is better, with 2023 wedding trends leaning towards opulence and all things extra. But if the idea of planning a 200-plus-person wedding in a huge event space sends shivers down your spine, there is one part of the bridal world that may actually appeal to you.

Minimalism is a concept that has been thrown around for centuries, but it wasn't until around 2000 that it crept into mainstream media. The idea of minimalism centers around the idea that less is more. What started with the minimalist design concept has become part of our daily lives, and now people are incorporating minimalism into their weddings, planning simple events that are not only gorgeous in their own right, but that also save the bride a ton of money and stress. If the idea of hosting this type of soirée for your big day sounds appealing, here's how to do it.

When it comes to planning a wedding, decor can add up quickly. From the flowers to the ceremony space to the reception, your decorations become a huge part of your budget, and for many brides, it's easy to get carried away. If you want a minimalist vibe, it's important to keep that decor simple. Brides recommend using bare, wooden chairs with a flower or two adorning them for the ceremony. But just because you want minimalist, that doesn't mean you need to keep to one style. You could also do black chairs with candles or lucite chairs that stand alone — whatever your style is, just keep it clean, simple, and neutral.

As for the reception, the same less-is-more strategy stands. Consider a bold backdrop (Brides recommends crawling greenery on the wall) that not only speaks to you and your partner, but also makes a statement. Instead of over-the-top floral arrangements on tables, consider succulents or other potted plants as the centerpiece or a mixed arrangement of different size candle votives.

Minimalism isn't just for the decor — if you truly want a minimalist wedding, keep that simplicity going in your bridal look as well. According to Wedded Wonderland, this means sticking to classic styles, neutral colors, and simple hair and makeup. Forgo the rhinestones and lace and instead stick to an all-white or off-white gown that has clean, sleek lines. This dress by Jenny Yoo is not only gorgeous, it makes a statement without a statement design. If you want something a bit trendier, the Tadashi Shoji Dawson Long-Sleeve Crepe Wedding Gown is a must. The long sleeves make it modest while the deep V-neck style gives all the sexy vibes brides crave.

No matter which dress you go with, be sure to pair it with simple accessories as well. Nude heels keep the focus on the dress while minimal jewelry (think diamond or pearl studs and forgo a necklace) will complete the look. Wedding Wire also recommends a slightly messy, low ponytail for your hair.

When keeping things minimal, this is often the hardest part. If you are hoping to keep your wedding small and intimate, you will need to make some much-needed cuts to your guest list. Starting with your wedding party, keep it small, having just one or two bridesmaids stand by your side (bonus if you only include sisters or close family). Before you begin creating your guest list, come up with a number that feels comfortable to you and your spouse. Once you land on that number, do your best not to exceed it.

To avoid any hurt feelings, Here Comes the Guide recommends letting friends and family know right away that you hope to have an intimate day. Booking a venue that limits your guest count will also help with this. Other than only inviting your closest friends and family, you can also limit your plus ones or make it an adults-only affair. No matter how you narrow down your invite list, remember that this day is about you and your to-be, not about your ex-coworker who invited you to her 300-plus wedding four years ago.

When it comes to achieving a minimalist wedding, the biggest factor to consider is the venue. Try to steer clear of traditional wedding venues like hotels and ballrooms, and instead think outside the box. Many minimalist brides opt for something more industrial like a warehouse where the ducts are exposed, giving a simple yet edgy aesthetic. You can warm the space up easily with simple greenery or wood adornments.

If your vibe is more natural and you are hoping to say "I do" outdoors, Here Comes the Guide recommends choosing a vast, open space with a view — think a forest or meadow. Another big factor in picking your venue is the light. Natural light goes a long way, not just for pictures, but for overall ambiance as well. This will also allow you to forgo extra lighting, like candles, string lights, or chandeliers, which can end up costing a ton.

While a minimalist wedding has a lot to do with the vibes, a big reason many brides opt for this style of wedding is to save money. Cutting costs can be hard when you have been told certain things about weddings that simply aren't true. Instead of looking at what past weddings have done, consider what is important to you and your spouse. Not into stationery? Skip the paper invites and opt for an online version instead. Guests can easily RSVP without the hassle, and expense, of traditional invitations.

Best for Bride recommends learning what flowers are in season the month of your wedding and only using those flowers to decorate. Doing this will save you a lot of cash, as out-of-season flowers have to be shipped in and can be very expensive. You can also cut costs by keeping the wedding-related events to a minimum (do you really need a bridal shower and a bachelorette?) and continuing to keep that simplistic mindset throughout the planning process.