Interested in having a minimalist wedding? Not sure where to start, or what it even means? This is the post that will help you figure it out!
When we think about wedding planning, many people conjure up images of stress and overspending. I mean, the average wedding costs $28,000 in the United States and can take over a year to plan. The thing is, though, is that wedding planning does not have to be a big ordeal. It can be manageable. Enjoyable. And, even, gasp, affordable.
One method to keep stress down and enjoyment high is to plan a minimalist wedding. This is an intentional, thoughtful approach to celebrating your marriage while minimizing unnecessary expenses and stress. Less is more, so to speak. If you’re motivated by budget constraints, a desire to keep things simple, or other reasons, a minimalist wedding may be right for you.
The Minimalist Wedding: 12 Tips To Cut Costs and Stress
This post is going to go over what a minimalist wedding is and how you can curate one for yourself. It’s a guide to cutting costs and stress while creating a beautiful day. When you reduce what you plan, you can reap a lot of benefits. Plus, your wedding can be every bit as meaningful and memorable as a grand celebration.
Let’s get into it!
Why Choose a Minimalist Wedding?
Why would anyone want a minimalist wedding? Aren’t weddings about grandeur, extravagance, and overindulgence?
Not always.
Minimalist weddings are about focusing on what truly matters. And, when it comes to weddings, it’s about the commitment that two partners make and the inclusion of those who support them. Going minimalist with your wedding can save you money, decrease stress, be more sustainable, and give you a more meaningful experience. Less items means less cost and fewer decisions. Plus, easier logistics is more peaceful, cutting back on waste is better for the planet, and choosing priorities over excess is more meaningful.
Yes, of course, over-the-top weddings can be amazing, but sit with your partner and determine what the best path for you is. You may find that a minimalist approach excites you even more than a huge event.
1. Rethink Your Guest List
The easiest way to keep things minimal and easy is to start with your guest list. Less people, less space, less stuff needed. Simple as that.
We all know that the more guests, the more a wedding will cost. Guests mean that you’ll need food, drinks, seating, and favors. By focusing on just close friends and family, the ones who really matter in your life, you can minimize your guest list. Be honest with yourself about who should be at your wedding. If someone isn’t really in your life, or won’t be five years from now, consider not inviting them.
If you need tips on minimizing your guest list, or having a small wedding, check out this post.
2. Choose a Simple Venue
Venues can be one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding. The more that is included, and the nicer the setting, the pricier it can become. A minimalist wedding calls for a thoughtful but straightforward setting.
Opting for a non-traditional venue like a park, beach, backyard, or community space can keep things simple for you. If you want additional ideas for non-traditional venues, check out this post. Choosing a venue that needs minimal décor can also help. Naturally beautiful spaces like gardens and forests can reduce the need for expensive decorations and timely setup.
To keep things even more simple, opt to have your ceremony and reception at the same location. This will save you the hassle of communicating the change in venue to guests, as well as figuring out your own transportation and logistics.
3. Skip Unnecessary Traditions at a Minimalist Wedding
While many traditions are not exactly costly, they do take time and energy. To keep your wedding that much more minimal, cut out traditions that you don’t absolutely love. This will allow you to focus on the customs that hold meaning for you and your partner.
To do this, talk to your partner about common wedding traditions. You may find that you skip the cake cutting, bouquet tossing, or favors. To mix things up a little more, you can even combine events like your rehearsal and welcome party so there’s less to plan and coordinate, too.
4. Focus on a Few Key Décor Elements
Wedding décor can be expensive, annoying to procure and assemble, and a pain to store before and after your wedding. And, don’t even get me started on getting it to your wedding.
To help minimize wedding décor, choose a few standout elements that you love. For example, focus on string lights or floral arrangements. Keep everything else minimal. See if you can borrow or rent instead of purchasing, too. And, of course, whenever possible, opt for seasonal and local flowers.
5. Simplify Your Wedding Attire
In a post on tips for a minimalist wedding, you can’t skip talking about wedding attire.
It’s easy to go overboard with your wedding clothes. I mean, for some, it’s worth the splurge. However, keeping it simple can be calming. Consider wearing an elegant gown or suit that is easy to re-wear or sell after your wedding. Shop sales, buy used, or look for sustainable brands to save on money and help the planet even more. Keep your accessories minimal and look into timeless pieces that you would be happy to wear again.
6. Trim the Food and Drink Budget
Food, drinks, and dessert can be a huge expense at most weddings. However, there are ways to simplify without sacrificing quality.
For example, you can opt for a buffet, family style, or food stations instead of a plated dinner. Limiting alcohol to just wine and beer can help, too. To mix things up consider hiring a food truck (see tips in this post) or catering from a local restaurant (see ideas in this post) for a unique and cost-effective alternative. Don’t shy away from a dessert bar or DIY cookies (more in this post) instead of a pricy cake, too.
7. Go Digital With Invitations
There was a time when I would never, ever recommend digital invitations. I thought they were tacky, classless, and lazy.
Wow times have changed.
After all the shutdowns, digital invitations have found their footing. For couples who had to postpone their weddings (sometimes multiple times), digital invitations were a lifesaver when it came to easily communicating with guests. And, after all that, I think they are a viable option for many couples, especially those who want to have a minimalist wedding.
So, go ahead and use digital platforms like email, websites, or wedding apps to send invitations and manage RSVP’s. If you want physical invites, see if you can use designs on recycled paper, and skip extras like envelope liners, wax seals, and RSVP cards.
8. Streamline the Timeline for a Minimalist Wedding
Once easy way to minimize is to control the length of time your wedding lasts.
Long weddings that have multiple events can be exhausting and cost a lot of money. Keeping things short and sweet, with a more focused timeline, can keep things minimal and simple. In order to do this, consider combining the ceremony and reception into a single, seamless event. The ceremony itself can be short, too. Have a quick cocktail hour, and have your dinner a buffet instead of a multi-course meal. After dinner, make things relaxed to minimize energy spent. And, of course, have a clear ending to your wedding.
9. Rethink Entertainment
Minimalist weddings prioritize things like entertainment in the sense that they make every dollar count.
If you are having a small wedding, consider skipping entertainment altogether. Or, if you really do want music and dancing, either splurge on an awesome band, or hire a DJ. If you want to DIY, a curated playlist or a talented friend can also make things easy. Skip everything that are over-the-top like photo booths, fireworks, or extra performers. Focus on creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and entertainment all can enjoy.
If you want ideas on entertaining guests at your wedding or fun table games for guests, check out the links provided.
10. Opt for Minimal Favors or Skip Them Entirely
Many couples find that wedding favors are unnecessary when they want to have a minimalist wedding.
Often tossed and not always taken home, wedding favors are thoughtful but most guests will not miss them if your wedding doesn’t provide them. If you want to offer favors, consider meaningful items like handwritten notes, homemade treats, or donations to charities in honor of your guests.
11. Make Your Minimalist Wedding Personal
To minimize the cost of your wedding and enhance your guest’s experience, look for ways to make your wedding incredibly personal.
For example, writing your own wedding vows can make your ceremony heartfelt and unique. Place family heirlooms around your wedding for décor. Serve your favorite foods. Instead of buying and showcasing more, focus on creating an experience that reflects your personalities and relationship.
Want ideas for wedding vibes? Check out this post!
12. Know Your Priorities
Minimalist weddings are not about cutting everything out. They are about focusing on what is the most important to you and your fiancé.
Be sure to identify your top priorities and allocate your budget first to them. Let go of things you don’t really care about. Remember that your wedding is about celebrating your love, not about impressing anyone. By curating what you enjoy, your guests will likely appreciate the experience as well.
THOUGHTS ON HAVING A MINIMALIST WEDDING
Friends, it is totally possible to have a minimalist wedding that celebrates your love without added stress and expenses. Focus on what is essential to you, keep things simple, stay true to your values, and be thoughtful for your guests. If you do all that, you will curate a day that is meaningful, intimate, and uniquely yours and your partner’s. Happy wedding planning!
More On Smaller Weddings From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
13 Ways To Entertain Guests At A Small Wedding
Tips To Create A Small Wedding Guest List
Why You May Want A Small Wedding Party
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