HOW TO
Be a Minimalist Bride
Sleek and simple wedding dresses, and pared-back ceremonies are having a moment in the spotlight. And if you have minimalist tendencies, you’ll understand how refreshing it can be to keep things a little more low key.
But basic definitely doesn’t mean boring. You can still make an impact while wearing streamlined silhouettes or setting the tables with fuss-free centrepieces. Stripping things down to the essentials is also a great way to keep the focus on the most important part of the day: celebrating your love for each other.
What is a minimalist wedding?
There is a lot of work that goes into planning a wedding. Once you start flipping through magazines, saving pins on Pinterest or following other brides-to-be on Instagram, it can be easy to get caught up in the noise of the industry. But even if you’re looking for a more simplistic approach to your nuptials, it's still possible to have an incredibly stylish day.
Start with your colour palette. Choose one key shade and one complementary hue to ensure consistency throughout your
decor. You don’t have to use white as your main colour: warm neutrals can create a welcoming environment without taking any focus away. Echo your palette in the florals and fixtures you use to dress the tables and surrounding space.
Being intentional in every choice – from the party favours to your food – is key to keeping your wedding as “you” as possible, and will also help cut-back on waste and costs. Smaller weddings instantly lend themselves to more minimalist styling. If you count yourself as an unconventional bride, you might not worry about moving away from traditions, which can be costly and sometimes create clutter. Plus, spending less on elements for the wedding day itself will leave you with more money to put towards your honeymoon or starting your life together with your new partner. You might also want to share your moodboard with your bridal party and guests to make sure they dress accordingly.
What is a minimalist wedding dress?
First and foremost, minimalist wedding dresses have clean lines and classic fabrics. When it comes to the silhouette itself, stick to styles that you will feel comfortable in. You might opt for a strapless design with an A-line fit, choose an asymmetrical style that falls to the floor or even add lace into the mix if you’re looking for a slip with very simple proportions.
Structured cotton, silky satin or subtle textured fabrics all fall under minimalist dress design. When it comes to colour, choosing white, ivory or champagne shades that fit with your overall palette is the best move. Shorter hemlines and styles worn without draping veils bring a relaxed feel, which is perfect if you’re planning a more casual affair.
3. Invest in outerwear
Adding timeless coats and jackets to your wardrobe each season is the best way to build a capsule collection. A classic trench or biker-chic leather jacket make the perfect layer during transeasonal months. When the temperatures really start to dip, reach for your favourite wool coats with longline silhouettes to help keep you warm. The Moon Child maxi coat is our pick for instant evening glamour; but the Editor’s Pick longline blazer and Unstoppable Biker Leather Jacket promise to carry you from day-to-night in style.
Our three favourite minimalist wedding dresses
The most beautiful brides are the ones wearing dresses that make them feel incredible. It can take time to find “the one” – and you might be surprised by some of the silhouettes you try on. Enjoy the process of choosing your dress and take your most trusted friends or family along with you on the journey.
1. Miami Heat Asymmetric Dress
With a lustrous satin finish, this one-shoulder midi style is a contender for the chicest minimalist wedding dress out there. It feels incredibly modern thanks to the cut but the colour is still classic. Choose simple heels and subtle statement jewellery to finish your look.
2. Hit Predictor Strapless Dress
Strapless silhouettes are endlessly flattering. This style has a bodycon fit and alluring side slit that adds a little drama to the design. It’s cut from a crepe which will wear with ease and comfort. When paired with a veil and up-do, and finished with dainty jewellery, this dress becomes a must-have for brides looking to find a more casual option.
3. Miami Heat Midi Backless Dress
Simple yet stunning: this strappy style is a captivating choice. Cut from satin, the backless design features cross-over straps and subtle ruched details. It has a shorter hemline, which makes it perfect for dancing the night away. And it doesn’t feel overly bridal, meaning you can easily wear it again after your wedding.
Choosing a dress that complements your overall style and theme for the wedding is the best way to create harmony. MANNING CARTELL’s elevated take on classic silhouettes, which are finished with subtle details and elegant fabrics, are loved by brides with good reason.
