Minimal Decor, Maximum Impact
Minimal Decor, Maximum Impact
Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire
Less has always been more for us Teton locals, especially when it comes to fashion and decor. When you live in an area so rich with wild beauty, blending in with the flora and fauna just becomes second nature. That’s why our region’s local planners prioritize thoughtful wedding decor that exists in harmony with the surroundings. Really, the “minimalist decor” trend has been going on here forever, and in 2025, it’s a refreshing spin on visual stimulation free of overwhelming clutter.
Enhancing An Already Sacred Space
“Most couples want to share the beauty of Jackson Hole and their love for the mountains with their guests, so they aren’t as concerned with having grandiose decor that takes away from the natural environment,” says Emily Claassen, owner of Event Planners of Jackson Hole.
And since most ceremonies are held outside, with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop, Claassen recommends foregoing lush flower arrangements or tall pampas grass along the ceremony’s aisle, and instead, opting for two nice arrangements behind the back row. This presentation will “still look fabulous in pictures,” she says, as it enhances the outdoor elements.
On the reception tables, Claassen likes to incorporate bud vases, moss or other greenery, and candles in lieu of tall centerpieces or elaborate showings with lots of flowers. She adds a simple patterned napkin for flair, instead of fancy tablecloths.
Many local designers mimic nature’s cues by including seasonal blooms grown by regional farmer florists, such as daffodils and tulips in the spring and sunflowers and lupine in the summer. Claassen opts for other local additions as well, including Atwood Design namecards and seating charts. The “simple, elegant and affordable” prints are like mini paintings, she says, each showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
Lessening the Environmental Impact
Sarah Condon of Vibrant Events of Jackson Hole says her company’s “minimalist” approach aims to reduce waste, so she focuses on sustainable and reusable decor elements that give a nod to the environment and can serve as a special keepsake for the couple. She steers brides and grooms toward reusable glassware and plates, and linen napkins that they can use to decorate their new home.
“We try to avoid single-use plastic cups, silverware, and Styrofoam,” she says, “and we work with venues that allow us to bring everything in and leave space within the time parameters so we can leave [the venue] better than we found it.” She says that reducing the number of garbage bags and waste helps their vendors, so it’s typically a win-win situation.
You can also work the minimalist notion into the actual party, making sustainability part of the event. Ideas include handing out packets of biodegradable material for the wedding toss, such as dried lavender petals, dried herbs, and even wildflower seeds. Instead of elaborate gift bags full of disposable items, you can send guests home with reusable keepsakes, such as customized water bottles or market totes. And — for the ultimate in minimal — you can forego wedding favors altogether and make a donation on behalf of your guests, instead.
Saving Pennies for What Matters
Ashley Wold of Wild Rose Weddings and Events says the minimalist decor trend suits couples who are on a moderate budget. “We often hear destination couples say it’s their dream to get married in front of the Tetons, so they are happy to trade some design elements in order to make it work financially,” she says.
“We suggest couples have one or two fun focal items that really draw attention — like a pop of color in their flowers, fresh fruit on the tables, a vibrant napkin — and then keep everything else simple,” she says.
Adopting a theme, such as sticking to a favorite flower or greenery or going for a Western vibe with lots of DIY inclusions, can also save money. And of course, you can create your own invitations and reception printables online, too.
Wold says she’s had couples go the extra mile and forage wildflowers, sage, pinecones, river rocks, and other local natural elements to include in their decor. If you choose this route, make sure to use “leave no trace” principles and forage only in the national forest or on private land with permission and not in our local national parks (where it’s illegal to collect anything without a permit).
“A lot of folks want to really focus on the people [who are at their wedding], the guest experience, and the views,” says Wold. And minimalist wedding decor, without the distracting fuss, prevents a couple from “worrying so much about all the small details that can sometimes get missed and under-appreciated” anyway.
