John K. Raustein, Cronopios Studio
Choosing the overall look and feel of your wedding is one of the most personal (and exciting) parts of the planning process. Few decisions make a bigger visual impact than where you land on the style spectrum—between the sleek simplicity of minimalism and the bold drama of maximalism. Each aesthetic tells a distinct story, complete with its own strengths, challenges, and signature mood. The question is: which one speaks to yours? Here’s a closer look at both styles to help you decide which direction best suits your day.
Open the Door Events, Gatherings by Emily
Photography: Joy Zamora, Camille Delaune
Minimalist Design
Pro: Forever in Style
The true superpower of minimalist design? It never goes out of style. With its clean lines, muted palettes, and intentional simplicity, minimalism strikes that rare balance between contemporary and timeless. It feels effortlessly modern in the moment—yet twenty years from now, your wedding album will still look as fresh as ever. This is an aesthetic that resists trend fatigue and instead embraces enduring elegance. A minimalist wedding doesn’t shout, but it whispers with confidence.
Pro: A Focus on What Matters Most
In a minimalist setting, every element is well thought out—there’s no visual clutter competing for attention. Instead of navigating a maze of décor moments, your guests are fully present, immersed in what matters most: you two. Your ceremony, your vows, your shared joy take center stage. Even with a large guest list, minimalist weddings have a way of feeling intimate. By removing distractions, they create space for connection, grounding the celebration in authenticity and heart.
Culīna, Andrea Zengarini
Photography: Bring Me Somewhere Nice
Pro: Fits Almost Any Space
Minimalist design is remarkably adaptable. Instead of competing with the environment, it complements it—highlighting a venue’s natural features rather than overshadowing them. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a sun-drenched loft or a beachside villa with sweeping views, a minimalist approach lets the setting shine while adding just the right amount of polish.
Pro: A Sustainable Choice
The minimalist ethos often goes hand in hand with conscious decision-making. Fewer elements, more intention—a mindset that values quality over quantity. With less décor and a focus on essentials, your wedding leaves a lighter environmental footprint. It’s a wise, modern choice for couples who want to celebrate love beautifully all while being kind to the planet.
We Are Ona, Studio Stories
Photography: Amber Vanbossel
Con: Can Actually be Pricey
Many couples assume that a wedding with minimalist design is more budget-friendly, but that’s not always the case. In reality, achieving that sleek, editorial-level simplicity often comes with a high price tag. Think bespoke furniture, designer florals, or a curated selection of artisanal details. The less-is-more approach can demand a higher investment in quality and craftsmanship to make it truly stand out.
Con: Challenging to Balance
Truth is, pulling off a minimalist design that still feels rich, layered and balanced is anything but simple. Fewer elements in play means very little room for error. Too bare, and the space risks feeling unfinished, cold, or even impersonal. Add too much, and the minimalist magic disappears.
Serebro, Miss Little Things
Photography: Sozonova, Dos Más En La Mesa
Con: Trickier for Creative Expression
The calmer color palettes and restrained design elements that define minimalist aesthetic makes it harder to experiment with vibrant hues, bold ideas or unexpected choices. If you are a couple who thrive on quirky, out-of-the-box touches, minimalism may feel a bit limiting.
Con: Can Be More Work Than Expected
Let's be real: designing a minimalist wedding often takes more time and thought—not less. The search for quality, intentional items can often be more time-consuming and complex than it seems at first glance. Everything has to be cohesive and purposeful, which requires meticulous curation and a strong creative direction.
CT Studios
Photography: Ally Rabon
Maximalist
Pro: Bold & Dramatic
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that’s an extravaganza of color, texture, and layered detail—maximalism might be your perfect match. It’s an ode to unapologetic opulence, turning every corner of your celebration into a visual feast to remember. The beauty of maximalist design is in the drama and grandeur it creates—and truly, it’s hard not to fall in love with.
Pro: Creativity Without Limits
Maximalism tosses out the rulebook and says yes to everything. Mixing patterns? Go for it. An unexpected palette? Absolutely. With no rigid design constraints, couples have the freedom to bring their most imaginative, over-the-top ideas to life. It’s a playground of expression and experimentation, made for those who love to color outside the lines.
Feerique
Photography: Alex Shevtsov & Karina Nikitina, Jin Lang
Pro: Built-In Guest Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of maximalist design is how immersive it can be. Interactive installations, surreal floral compositions, and tablescapes that feel like they’ve leapt from a dream—every element offers something to explore and admire, transforming your wedding into a world of its own. Guests will be drawn into this dynamic atmosphere, captivated by the sensory richness around them, and feel as though they’re part of a larger-than-life experience.
Pro: Instagram-Worthy at Every Angle
Maximalist design creates a wedding that’s made for the camera—yours and everyone else’s. From the moment your guests step in, they will find themselves pulling out their phones to document every element, big or small.
Serebro, Flor de Sens
Photography: Sozonova
Con: Can Feel Overwhelming
The bold mix of colors, bold shapes, eclectic prints, and complex combinations in maximalist design is undeniably its strong point. But with so much going on, it might quickly tip from stunning to overwhelming. If not thoughtfully curated, the abundance of details can make the atmosphere too chaotic, leaving you and your guests feeling more disoriented than inspired.
Con: Requires High Budget
No surprises here: the bigger the vision and the more elements involved, the higher the cost. Maximalist décor often means more of everything—custom builds, dramatic lighting, and standout rentals that turn heads. And while the final result can be breathtaking, achieving that level of detail and impact often comes with a premium.
Feerique, Katsman
Photography: Artem Vindrievsky, Alex Shevtsov & Karina Nikitina, Lesya Oskirko
Con: Not for Every Venue
Some spaces—especially smaller or more architecturally complex ones—can clash with a maximalist approach. When a venue already has a distinct character and makes a strong visual statement, layering on too many additional elements can create tension rather than harmony. Instead of elevating the setting, the design might start to feel like it’s fighting the space for attention.
Con: May Not Age Well
Unlike minimalist design that can easily stand the test of time, maximalism in decor is often rooted in trends. But what feels bold and fashion-forward today might not hold the same appeal years down the line. Styles change, tastes evolve, and what once felt like a statement can start to feel like a time capsule. While that isn’t necessarily a downside, it’s still worth considering if you’re hoping for a timeless aesthetic in your wedding album.
