There it is a sunlit loft in Brooklyn, where the exposed brick and twinkling fairy lights set the scene for wedding bells and vows of everlasting love. You can almost hear the whisper of silk as the minimalistic bride walks down the aisle—or, in this case, the DIY faux-grass runner. Here in New York, weddings are getting a minimalist makeover, and no element is more telling of this trend than the bridesmaid dresses. Let’s talk simple, understated elegance, shall we?

Minimalist weddings are all about stripping away the excess, focusing on what truly matters. And when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, think chic, think serene, and most importantly, think beyond the tutu-like nightmares of bridal parties past. Simplicity is the name of the game, turning bridesmaids into confidantes rather than pom-poms with legs.

You know, a while back, I went to a wedding where the bridesmaid dresses were so over-the-top they probably required their own zip code. This one gal was practically drowning in sequins. Sure, she shone bright like a diamond—but so does the Times Square ball on New Year’s Eve, and no one’s saying that should attend weddings, right? Thankfully, the minimalist trend has ushered in an era of sensibility and sophistication.

Let’s talk color. The minimalist bridesmaid digs the classics: blush, slate gray, soft plum, emerald (for the daring), and even black—yes, black! Whoever said it was only for cocktail funerals clearly hadn’t witnessed its transformative magic on a bridal party. These shades don’t shout; they whisper sweet nothings of elegance, letting the natural beauty of the individual shine through.

Then there’s the cut of the dress. Gone are the days of merciless corsets and ten feet of tulle. A simple A-line or sheath dress offers freedom of movement—and the ability to hit the dance floor without wondering if midnight has struck and you’re going to turn back into a pumpkin. ‘Tis the time for breathable fabrics, flowing silhouettes—you know, something that won’t leave bridesmaids feeling more boxed in than a subway car at rush hour.

Now, let’s not forget the forever-debate: to match or not to match? With minimalist weddings, both can work. Matching can give off serene unity, akin to a well-rehearsed subway ballet. But mismatched dresses, held together by a thread of similarity like fabric type or color palette, can forge individuality within the crew, celebrating each personality without any one dress sticking out like a sore thumb.

Accessories are a minimalist’s best friend—second only to reality TV, perhaps. A simple strand of pearls, a delicate bracelet, or heck, even just a pair of timeless earrings can complete the look. Over-accessorizing is out; think effortless charm! Less is more, after all.

I attended a friend’s minimalist ceremony last year, where the bridesmaids wore matching slip dresses in a muted lavender. The dresses had pockets, no less! (Because who doesn’t need to check Instagram while waiting for the bride’s tangent on shared middle-school experiences to wrap up during vows?)

So, if you’re planning to keep it simple and serene on your big day—or as the bride whispering ever-so-gently in your bridesmaids’ ears—embracing the minimalist approach could be your path to bridal party perfection. Imagine bridesmaids dancing freely, not worrying about bustling feet of fabric, striking the perfect balance between showing up and not outshining.

Because when all is said and done, it’s the people who matter. A minimalist wardrobe choice (also for grooms) allows the love shining from within to take center stage, no sequins required.