Last year, you were a bridesmaid at your BFF’s wedding. The occasion, while lovely, was filled with extremes. For instance, the church was adorned with dozens of huge flower arrangements and the formal reception was held at a local hotel in a room covered with velvet wallpaper and lit with huge clunky chandeliers.

Recently, your sweetheart popped the question during a romantic picnic, so now you’re starting to plan your wedding. While you adore your bestie and know her wedding was truly lovely in many ways, you are more interested in a simple-yet-meaningful affair.

In other words, you want something a little more subdued. For tips on how to achieve an optimal minimalist wedding, consider the following ideas:

1. For the Colors: Less is Definitely More

Instead of a wedding that looks like it was inspired by a rainbow, a minimalist wedding typically involves one main color, with pops of another tone. For example, you may want to go with an all-white or all cream motif with some green accents here and there.

Likewise, if you’re getting married under a white wooden arch, wind ivy or evergreens around the top, opt for white linen tablecloths and plates with a runner of greenery down the center. Continue with the “less is more” tone with beautifully classic and simple thank you notes to send out once the wedding is over.

2. For the Dress: Skip the Beads and Lace

Minimalist wedding dresses come in a variety of styles, so you have plenty of options for your special day. But what these gowns share in common is a lack of fussy design details, including no beading, lace, belts and, in some cases, sleeves and veils.

Of course, if you’re planning a winter wedding and love the look of a long-sleeved wedding dress, by all means go for it. But, then again, consider skipping the train and sequin touches in the bodice and instead opt for a simple-yet-lovely dress that will also be more comfortable to wear.

3. For the Food: Consider a Themed Bar

Rather than planning — and paying for — a four-course reception dinner, consider going with at least one food and beverage bar that is tasty and easy for your guests to access. Examples include a taco table where your friends and family can easily make their own delicious concoctions; a hot chocolate bar that features whipped cream, sprinkles and candies; and/or a long table set up with cupcakes set out on simple white platters.

4. For the Location: Keep Decorations Simple

You can adopt a minimalist approach to pretty much any location. For instance, in a church you can stand under a bare arch and place white votive candles on the altar, or if you’re getting married outside, guests can sit on wooden benches or simple white or acrylic chairs. Skip the floor runner, bows on the pews and huge floral arrangements and instead keep the decorations as simple as possible.

Congratulations on Your Big News!

Now, don’t go thinking a minimalist-style wedding won’t be as meaningful as a more traditional affair. On the flip side, a lack of fussy decorations and designs will keep the attention where it belongs — on you and your fiancé. By keeping the “less is more” mantra in your head as you plan, you’ll be sure to have a gorgeously simple wedding that you and your guests will remember for years to come.