10 minimalist wedding ideas for the modern couple
Feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning and all the inspiration around? Many brides do, so it's understandable that minimalism has become such a big wedding style trend and looks set to continue into 2023 and beyond. Here at Wedding Sparrow, we strongly believe that beauty lies in simplicity and that less is more when it comes to timeless wedding design. Our go-to planner for modern, simple wedding design is California wedding designer and Fine Art Curation member, Lea Stafford Events, who shares 10 minimalist wedding ideas with us today.
1. Be authentic and make decisions based on who you are rather than the expected
Wedding traditions can be great but don't feel slave to them. Select any that align with you and your values as a couple, and forgo the rest. A wedding can be anything you want it to be, so don’t be afraid to go your own way and make choices based on what’s important to you.
2. Simple and clean always wins when it comes to design
Less is more may sound like a cliché, but it is the essence of minimalist design. As a design movement, minimalism is still relatively new, having only come into its own in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly with American visual art. In its most stripped-down definition, minimalism is about designers expressing only the most essential elements by getting rid of any excessive and unnecessary components. Keep this in mind with all of your wedding decisions.
3. Bold accents provide depth and uniqueness.
Modern design is the antithesis of fussy and twee. Go for clean lines, bold shapes and graphic patterns. Far from feeling stark, unique accents can still provide depth, as you can see in this stunning bridal bouquet with statement green anthurium and textured grasses.
4. Flip tradition on its head
Modern weddings are all about creating your own traditions and giving a personal spin, for example, rather than jumping the broom, jump a sword like one of our recent weddings!
5. Incorporate technology
While many couples are enjoying tech-free weddings to encourage guests to be in the moment, technology certainly brings benefits to wedding planning, particularly for ease of communication. It can also enhance the experience for your guests on the day, so why not consider a collaborative playlist, digital guest book or live wedding album?
6. Use cool and fun materials that are non-conforming
A great wedding planner with an eye for minimalist design will be able to suggest interesting alternatives to traditional wedding staples, such as furniture, tableware, centrepieces, stationery and catering, and have a book of trusted suppliers to make the modern magic happen.
7. Go for colorful attire, it's always fun
Who says your wedding dress has to be white? Or even be a dress for that matter!
8. Curate a culinary experience
Work with your caterers to create menu that's inspired by your favorite chef, dining experience, travels, and season.
9. Expand the wedding day to a wedding weekend
Now we are able to travel and celebrate together after the restrictions of the pandemic, why not make a weekend of it? This is especially great for destination weddings but even if you're celebrating closer to home, your guests will really appreciate being part of events like a pre-wedding dinner or day-after brunch.
10. Create bespoke experiences that promote guest engagement
We're all a bit over photo booths these days but there are a host of other activities to entertain guests and get them involved in the day. From pizza making and wine tasting, to lawn games and tarot readings, use your imagination to make your wedding day one to remember.
vendor credits
Planning and design: Lea Stafford Events | Photography: Sarah Eichstadt | Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten | Rentals: Theoni Collection | Cake: Revelry Cakes | Stationery: Bourne Paper Co.
