Wedding Planning

Minimalist VS. Maximalist Weddings: Finding Your Perfect Expression

September 15, 2022

The wedding day is a cherished milestone, a celebration of love and commitment that reflects the unique personalities and preferences of the couple saying, “I do!”. As weddings continue to evolve, we’ve noticed two distinct trends that have emerged in 2023: minimalist and maximalist weddings. Each style offers a distinct approach to celebrating love, incorporating different aesthetics, priorities, and values. Let’s explore the essence of minimalist and maximalist weddings, and hopefully help you understand their key differences and provide insights to help you choose the perfect style for your special day!

Embracing Minimalism: Less Becomes More

Minimalist weddings have carved a niche for themselves by celebrating the essence of simplicity and tranquility. These weddings are an ode to the philosophy that "less is more," focusing on the core elements that truly matter! The minimalist approach exudes an air of understated elegance and calm sophistication. So, what defines minimalist weddings?

Olivia Reed Photography

Venue Options

Picture a minimalist wedding, and you'll likely envision a sleek, modern venue with clean lines and ample natural light! Industrial spaces, art galleries, gorgeous rooftop restaurants, and serene outdoor settings provide the perfect backdrop for this style. 

Décor

The hallmark of minimalist décor is its moderation! Neutral color palettes, unadorned spaces, and carefully chosen details like geometric shapes or single blooms take center stage. The result is an atmosphere that fosters pure serenity and bliss!

Minimalist Wedding Attire

Brides in minimalist weddings often opt for gowns with uncomplicated silhouettes, exquisite fabrics, and minimal embellishments! Bridal parties tend to fair on the smaller size with minimalist weddings, and their dress styles tend to vary amongst the group as well! 

The Ceremony 

Minimalist ceremonies are intimate affairs, with a focus on meaningful rituals and heartfelt vows. The décor is kept simple, letting the couple and their love story take center stage!

Guest List

A smaller guest list is common for minimalist weddings, allowing the couple to share their special day with only their closest family and friends! This more intimate gathering not only ensures a sense of togetherness but also allows for personalized attention to detail, creating an unforgettable experience for each cherished guest!

Embracing Maximalism: Where More is a Masterpiece

Maximalist weddings, in contrast, celebrate the concept of "more is more." These weddings revel in opulence, extravagance, and a grand celebration of love that's impossible to ignore. A maximalist wedding is a sensory experience that leaves an indelible impression. Here's a glimpse into the world of maximalism!

Kirsten Smith Photography

Venue 

Maximalist weddings demand larger-than-life venues, from ornate ballrooms and historic estates to expansive outdoor locations! The setting itself becomes an integral part of the overall grandeur, enveloping guests in a captivating ambiance that speaks volumes about the couple's extraordinary love story.

The Décor

Think bold color combinations, intricate floral arrangements, and elaborate tablescapes! Maximalist weddings are a riot of textures and patterns, with absolutely no detail spared. In 2023, the most notable trend that caught our attention are the larger-than-life floral arrangements! These lavish displays transform venues into enchanting botanical wonderlands, and are sure to leave a lasting impression on guests.

Maximalist Wedding Attire

Brides who gravitate towards maximalism often choose elaborate gowns featuring dramatic embellishments, voluminous skirts, and intricate embroidery! Alternatively, brides are additionally opting for a sleek and chic gown paired with an incredibly detailed veil and/or statement jewelry pieces. No matter what bridal look you choose for your maximalist wedding, you are sure to turn heads! Maximalist weddings often include expansive bridal parties, elegantly mirroring the lavishness of the overall celebration! 

The Ceremony

Maximalist ceremonies are awe-inspiring spectacles, featuring dramatic entrances, elaborate floral installations, and captivating lighting designs that transport guests to a world of fantasy! Every element is meticulously curated to evoke a sense of wonder and create an unforgettable experience for all in attendance!

Guest List 

Maximalist weddings often have larger guest lists, as the couple wants to share their extravagant celebration with a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances! 

Choosing Your Wedding Style: What Matters Most?

When it comes to choosing between a minimalist and maximalist wedding, there's really no right or wrong answer! What matters most is that the style you choose resonates with you and your partners personalities, values, and vision for your special day. A few things to consider as you plan for your dream wedding: 

Personal Preferences

Think about your personal style and what resonates with you as a couple. Are you drawn to the elegance of simplicity, or do you yearn for a celebration that bursts with extravagance and bold statements?

Budget and Feasibility

It is so important that you and your partner understand the financial implications of your chosen style! Maximalist weddings, with their intricate details and lavish arrangements, often come with a higher price tag. Whereas minimalist weddings, with their focus on simplicity, might be a bit more budget-friendly!

Guest Experience

Think about the experience you want to create for your guests. Are you looking to create an intimate, serene atmosphere where everyone feels closely connected? Or do you envision a grand celebration where every corner is a visual delight?

What Style Should I Choose, Minimalist or Maximalist Wedding? 

Both minimalist and maximalist weddings offer captivating ways to celebrate love, each with its own allure and charm! Your wedding day is an extraordinary canvas upon which you can paint your love story, and whether you opt for the understated elegance of minimalism or the grand spectacle of maximalism, the choice is a reflection of your hearts' desires. Whichever path you choose, remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your unique journey, a testament to the love you share, and a promise of a beautiful future together!

Updos for I Dos is ready to sprinkle some magic onto your bridal beauty, no matter which style of wedding you choose! Our community of hair and makeup professionals are like styling chameleons, making sure your look is the ultimate expression of YOU, whether you're going all-out glamorous or embracing an effortlessly elegant vibe. With Updos for I Dos by your side, your wedding day style will be as unique and fabulous as your love story! Click the link here to secure your wedding date with us today!