Choosing Your Wedding Colors: A Guide for Designing Brides
- Sussing Out Your Style
- Destination: Home, Sweet Home
- Your Secret Romantic Style
- The Gown's the Guide
- Adjust for Geography, Venue and Season
- Essential Color-Choosing Tools
- Color Schemer
- Sherwin-Williams Color Generator
- Big Huge Labs Palette Generator
- Make a Mood Board
- Making the Most of Your Choices
- And They Lived Happily Ever After ...
- Chime In!
- Comments (3171)
And even if you're getting the cake from Ron Ben-Israel, he's not going to ask you whether your wedding theme draws elements from 14th century Venetian court dress ... he'll ask you about your colors.
A mere generation ago, planning the wedding was a lot easier. It expressed your social class, and your parents' tastes. Even if they had particular ideas, the market couldn't offer much in terms of individual design. But these days, your wedding expresses your personal style in a way it never has before. Translation? The pressure's on!
Sussing Out Your Style
Some brides can solve the color question without thinking too much about style. They might have a life-long love for purple. Or, their venue might have strong hues they need to coordinate with. Or, when they picture their wedding, they already see their bridesmaids awash in certain colors. Easiest of all: sometimes they already have a theme in mind.For others, it's not that simple. Still, you can quickly pin down the styles that get your heart beating almost as fast as your fiancé does. Does Martha Stewart's relaxed, preppy look command your undying devotion? Do you pray you can someday actually subscribe to H&M magazine? Did Vera Wang's modern, moody Bolshevik collections incite heavy breathing? This gives you some major clues.
Destination: Home, Sweet Home
Still, even if you don't consider yourself a fashionista or a Martha devotee, all's not lost. Instead, let's turn our eyes back to home and hearth.Many brides aren't just looking forward to a wedding, they're also buzzing with anticipation over the dream house they plan to share with their beloved. And in the process of hunting down this love nest, most spent lots time mulling over their personal style. What did you picture in your mind's eye as the right setting for your new life together? A rangy colonial with a gabled roof? A warm, log-sided farmhouse with a wood stove in the kitchen? Or did you dream of finding a downtown loft bursting with recessed lighting and monochromatics, and flip through the new IKEA catalog to pick out your cabinets?
Or consider: do you dream of filling your home with antiques you can pass down to your children? Look to seasonal-inspired color schemes and ballrooms. Plan to drape your bedroom ceiling in yards of mosquito netting? A fairytale wedding drenched in candelabras, gold braid and gauzy swags might fit the bill. Collect exotic objects from all over the planet? Try an art museum for your setting, and a sophisticated or daring palette.
And if you're one of those eclectic types who pairs Amish rocking chairs with aboriginal artifacts, use this old designer trick: think of the last bit of art or furniture you bought to spruce up your house. That tells you what's on your mind lately.
Your Secret Romantic Style
So, you know your domestic style is Eclectic Contemporary. Congratulations: that means you're holding a black-and-white wedding with chartreuse accents and ostrich feathers in a huge SoHo loft, right?Hold it: not so fast. Why? Because many brides have a special romantic style that exists in a universe by itself. You might be thrilled picking out Art Deco style spaceships for your pendant lighting. And yet, when it comes your wedding, you might picture something a lot more traditional.
So even if you're the most fashion-forward girl on the block, take a moment to consider whether your wedding vision doesn't actually go back in time by few hundred years. You might secretly harbor a special place in your heart for New England autumns, Victorian elegance, English cottage style, or even timeless fairy tales. And if that's true, rest assured you've got plenty of company.
The Gown's the Guide
But how do you tell if this stylistic gotcha's operating in your case? Here's the secret: go get your dress.For many brides, The Dress is a journey that starts with many preconceptions, but ends in the unexpected. Finding the dress is usually a case of recognizing it once you've tried it on, not knowing ahead of time what you'll wear.
And once you've found it, the dress will offer some big clues about your Romantic style. Captured by a demure ivory gown covered in Alençon lace, with a button-back closure? Start your search with pastels and neutrals that suit a 1930's vintage or feminine garden wedding. Fell hard for a sleek, diamond white v-neck that's all about the lines? Investigate the crisper, more playful palettes we see today, such as black and white, aqua, bright pinks, lime green and corals.
Adjust for Geography, Venue and Season
Now that you've unearthed your personal style, it's time to look outward. If your style's traditional, for example, start with a hotel ballroom. If you want a strong seasonal feel for fall, try a rustic barn. Cultivated gardens go well with traditional, Martha-esque tints. Tents weddings are a blank slate: you can make them as classic or brazenly modern as your heart desires.Geography, too, plays a role in your colors. Tropical affairs in the blinding sun are often showcases for the brightest hues of all: coral and orchid, for example, or aqua and orange. Evening white-tie affairs in New York City? Not so much.
Many brides are in the middle, and want to weave in at least a seasonal hint. Fortunately for them, most seasons have palettes both traditional and modern. For example, a classic summer wedding might feature cornflower blue or sage, where a modern one draws on fuchsia and lime green, or orange, pink and black.
Even flowers help set the style. For example, a profusion of pinks in a bouquet of roses and peonies says English cottage. Mini-sunflowers and chrysanthemums says New England country. On the other hand, the color blocking in a hand-tied bouquet of purple callas is strongly modern.
Essential Color-Choosing Tools
Now you've got a style in mind, let's get to the art of actually picking colors. Here are a few can't-miss tools.Color Schemer
You'll need to create a free account, but this wonderful site has user-created palettes aplenty that you can search by keyword. Once you've registered, hit the "search schemes" button and enter words that fit your vision, like "fall,""garden," "sunset," "winter." Or free-associate with adjectives like "nautical," "peaceful," "modern," "preppy" or even "trendy." We promise, you'll be hooked.Sherwin-Williams Color Generator
Hit their site, and choose "FIND COLOR." Click on any color that draws you, and you'll automatically pull up two accent colors that complement it. Cool.Big Huge Labs Palette Generator
Have a photo on your hard drive that seems to capture your wedding's heart and soul? Upload it to a palette generator, which will kick out most of the main hues involved. Unless you're on the beach, use one of the more neutral, calming colors as a primary (e.g., use it for bridesmaids or table linens), and the more nervous, high-energy colors as accents (use these in table napkins, chair sashes, ribbons, and some of your flowers.)Make a Mood Board
Once you've narrowed down some favorites, start grabbing photos (for your own personal use, of course). Make a special folder on your hard drive, and save photos that seem to fit the colors, setting and season you're going for. If you've got any photo editing software, start putting them together in one big image. This will tell you more than thousands of words how your look will play out.
Making the Most of Your Choices
Now that you've got your colors, how can you really make them shine? A problem that plagues some brides is an oversized fear of chaos. Although it's simple, most weddings aren't at their best when the groomsmen's vests and ties exactly match the bridesmaids' gowns, which in turn match the bride's sash.So, choose your colors wisely and stick with them, but strive for designing more than matching. Brown and ivory are neutrals when chosen thoughtfully, so use their many shades for a sophisticated, monochromatic look. If the bridesmaids wear mocha or persimmon, the men will look great in chocolate brown. And even if the flowers call for a palette of orange and yellow, let a little green or cream sneak in for dimension. Check for too much of a good thing: when the entire wedding party wears matching brown or black, the effect can be overpowering.
And They Lived Happily Ever After ...
When all's said and done, you're sure to have a great feeling about your colors, and how they fit your personal style. Even if the scheme you hit on isn't "I've loved that all my life!", it might be "I never would have thought of that, but I love these together!"Picking your colors is a journey, just like finding the dress, or knocking all those planning items off your checklist. But hitting on the right colors, theme and setting for the ultimate expression of your own Romantic style? That can be the pleasure of a lifetime.
hi
Please help me to decide the motiff of my wedding…all I want is an elegant look.
thanks
Lorena
ms staceyleah,
your the only one can help me to decide the motiff for my wedding.I want to have a combination of color that look elegant…. and i really dont know what color is that…it’s just a matter of simple but elegant.need your thoughts please
loreena,
Could you give me the venue link/pic so I can see the best color scheme? Also waht are your fave colors, I can look at those to see if those work. A very elegant and simple color scheme is black and white. Itis amazing together. You can google image black and white weddings to see if you like it. When you use any classic color and pair it with a simple white or ivory, it is a stunner.
hi ms staceyleah,
thanks for your thoughts ms.staceyleah but i dont want to have a black combination for my weeding…actually i dont have an specific favorite color besides i love it all…i dont have yet a picture for the venue but i guess it’s specifically a grand ballroom.
your thoughts please…thanks a lot for prompt reply
Ms. staceyleah, how about red gold and white is it a good combination?how can i use these colors that can look elegant? how about the dress of the bridesmaids,flower girls etc….and how about in the reception…your thoughts please.
lorena,
Red and gold are excellent colors. Since you said a grand ballroom, the decor would need to fit the setting and I think this link would work very well…
http://www.polyvore.com/romantic_red_gold/set?id=44157232
Have the flowergirls in deep red dresses. It will be beautiful or have them in a champagne gold and the bridesmaids in red. Not only is the reception pic of the board simple elegance but perfect for a ballroom. I love the floating candles and rose petals, it makes it so romantic.
thanks so much ms staceyleah…one more thing i could ask…how about the color of the table and the chair?OMG your so very great…really thank u
lorena,
I would do a simple white on linens and chair covers. Use chair cover types that do not need sashes, it will give a more clean line or where the fabric knots in the back of the chair.If you do want sashes have white chair covers, white chair linens, white sashesThen pull in the gold chargers, red centerpieces just like pic in link I provided. You can always choose a pale gold or champagne linen,chair cover,and sash. This would work too. Hope this helps!!!!
Hi there! My fiance and I are planning an outdoor wedding reception next June. I really love pale dusty aqua/mint, mustard, and ivory together, but I’m struggling to put them together nicely. I don’t want to over saturate with color, but I also want to have a nice pop. I also love shades of neutral greys, but I’m not sure that would tie in either? Any help or advice? I’m uploading a picture of my color inspiration, hopefully that helps!
katykay,
Love your pic. Yellow and grey would be amazing colors together. I think if you pair these 2 colors with ivory, you would have a wonderful color scheme for an outdoor wedding.
Here is a sample with all the colors and to me, it takes away from the look you are after.
Source 1
Google image yellow and grey weddings to see if that is the look you are after most. I think it suits your inspiration pic perfectly. Let me know what you think!
I am gettig married next year and would love to use red, silver and white. Please I need your take on it. How do i combine the colours in terms of maid pf honour’s, brides’ maids, grooms men etc?
Comfort,
I would have the girls in red, guys in grey or black and red or black and silver vests/ties. Flower girls can wear white with red or silver sash. I would also use one main flower in one color like red roses thruout. For reception use white linens with silver chargers, silver vases with red roses. Google image red and silver wedding then google image red and grey wedding. Loads of pics to give inspiration.
I am getting married June 21, 2013. I was planning on using champagne for the color of my bridesmaids dresses. However I bought my dress last week and its ivory. My mom thinks I should change the color to something more colorful. My fiance likes the champagne color. I need advice on what to do
Valerie,
I would keep the champagne color dresses and add a pop of color in the florals if you wish. http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/03/08/real-weddings-melissa-diego/“>Example
I am planning my wedding (not engaged yet). My dream is to get married on the beach (either Florida or North Carolina). My wedding colors are baby blue and green (any color of green). My banquet is going to be made up of my two favorite flowers Liliacs and White Roses. Does this work for a wedding?
Ms Dee,
Yes it will be very beautiful. Were you planning to use white lilacs or the purple lilacs? Tip: It is always best to secure a venue before choosing colors because the colors may not always compliment. It can save alot of money and time. If the wedding will take place outside( both wedding and reception) then you can plan away with your colors, they will work and look stunning! This has amazing colors. Just have white linens with green centerpieces, maybe add some seaglass to the bottom of vases….
Thanks I want purple lilacs. what do you think of the colors baby blue and lime green? I was thinking of having my 6 bridesmaids wear baby blue and my maid of honor could wear lime green.or maybe the other way around (my 6 bridesmaids wear lime green and my maid of honor wear baby blue). Then the groomsmen can either wear lime green or baby blue vest. I have been planning my wedding since I was 16!! I want my wedding to be outside and the reception i want inside.
Ms. Dee,
I do like the blue and green but after playing around with the colors I saw the blue and purple best suited each other without the green, just have abundant greenery for the beach wedding….
another look…
If you still want to have your MOH in a different color, then choose a nice purple shade or is you still love the green, find a shade that looks great on her skintone. I would limit the green to just her. Hope this helps!!
Here is the full wedding…
hi, Im getting married in October and doing the planning by myself; im on a very tight budget but i want a classy calm ambience for my wedding. Im lost for colors but i have orange, champagne and red on my mind. the venue for the reception has great chandliers and white floors. Pls help me out.
Felicity,
Look at this tablesetting….
Have urns of fall branches strategically placed around your venue. Do you have access to free fall branches?
Lots of pics…
This is cozy and beautiful…
Here are some fall table pics with candlelight and rose petals, completely stunning and would be cheap to do. Dollar tree website has all those cylinders for a buck each, save on crafts or ebay has floating candles. You could have flowers but head to a flower market/wholesale or fifty flowers and pick up anything you need on the cheap. Table linens in the beautiful orange shade( like the pic) would compliment your setting. have girls in champagne and guys in brown or black with champagne vest. Spice wedding cake with cream cheese icing, have caramel apple favors. Alot of this is DIY so it will shave dollars plus are those tablescapes gorgeous or what!!
Hi! I will be having my wedding in a high ceiling wide space with green vines and green plants surrounding the glass window of the venue. I want to have a fairy tale like wedding. What do you think will be the best color motif for my bridesmaids dress, for my venues and flowers aswell. I’m thinking of purple, pink and yellow or a turquoise, purple and yellow. Or if you have any more that you can suggest. I want it to be dreamy. It will be held at night.
jc,
An enchanted garden look would work well for what you are wanting, it adds to the greenery etc.
here is what would work well…
Make use of the greenery, if allowed, by putting white lights on greenery and renting ficus trees….
I had to show you this…
beautiful…
nice…
More of Davids work. There are several that I thought would be nice.
hi Stacey,
we also thinking of using the plastic vases with mason jars for the floral centrepieces.
Hi Stacey,
here is the pix of the plastic vase. It comes in plain white and also in different designs. Would it be great as centrepieces?
Queen,
Love those!! I think they would work great. I saw you were thinking of mason jars with the vases. Of course! Just use clear. If you use the designed colored ones with mason jars it can look to cluttered. I would add any color thru the florals. Unless you choose solid colored vases mixed with colored designed vases, then it would work.
We are getting married at Angel Orensanz (http://www.orensanzevents.com/index.html) in September and are having trouble picking our color palette. The lighting is very flexible and can go many directions but the large ceiling is a dark blue so I’m trying to figure out how to work with that and not clash but not necessary be stuck with just blue as my color. any ideas?
Thanks!
Ashley, That venue is stunning! it is a darker venue so lighter colors will show up best. Blues and purples will fade into the background and can look grey or black in pics. Do you have any fave colors? I could see if any of those work. My first thought was white florals.
My favorite colors are light blue, light pink, crystal… kind of a modernized hollywood glam look. We are having a formal wedding though, obviously indoors, at the beginning of September, so I didnt want to go retro or too vintage. The various colors I was playing around with in my head are eggplant/wine/plum/burgundy, gray/silver, white/ivory/pearl, yellow, champagne/gold, light blue, rose/pink, sage, and navy (obviously not all together, just some combination of three of these). Any suggestions? thanks so much! Here are some venues of the space with coloring that I really like. I just cant seem to pick color schemes from these… thanks!
Ashley,
I have noticed by the pics you posted, most of them are white florals. I think that is a smart choice. Have you thought about using blush pinks, creamy whites, and burgundy? Old Hollywood Glam is actually gonna fall in those vintage colors, maybe even black and white. ( which I think black and white would be a perfect pick. Simple yet elegant, modern yet old glam).You can take a vintage color palette and modernize it by the containers and ways you decorate with it and I think it will meet the idea you are after. The last photo on your pics is absolutely stunning. I absolutely love the greenery set against the burgundy.
This is the black and white I was thinking would be absolutely stunning…
( the colored lights really work with these colors)
This is beautiful and would work….
Here is a upclose shot of the table….
( you could use black, navy, or chocolate brown napkins). I could so see this in your venue. Want to add some extra color to the centerpieces? Floralytes are amazing( google image floralyte wedding centerpieces). Didn’t know if you want to use feathers but they would really add to your theme. This is amazing…
Idea one
love this…
Idea 3
idea 4
idea 5
idea 6
idea 7
THIS is my pic for your venue, this is so amazing. The black, white, green, burgundy…
So would this, the colors are amazing and would go well with your venue.
nice…
Check out Sue/Chris wedding reception area….
You may like this coloring…
hi Stacey,
thanks for ur comments. we got Plastic foldable flower vases at $1 each that’s about 150 Nigerian naira. what do you think about using the pvc flower vases as centrepieces? the glass vases are quite expensive about $10-$ 30. sice she is on a tight budget she is thinking of using the pvc but dnt know if it can be used for wedding decor?
Queen,
Do you have a pic of the vase? I am sure it will work just fine.
Hi Stacey,
my friend is getting married on the 12th may, 2012. Her colors are fuschia and green. Its going to be in a theatre. How do we incorporate these colors in the following: FUSCHIA AND GREEN THEME
1. Bridesmaid gowns. 2. Bridesmaid shoes 3. Groomsmen shirt and ties. 4. Chair covers. 5. Sashes 6. Napkins 7. Floral centrepieces 8. Decor lights 9. Ceiling drapery. 10. Cake
Its gonna be a DIY as they are on a tight budget.
Queen,
Could I see the theater so I can tell where the colors need to be coordinated. The colors alone will “pop” and be perfect for a tight budget. For the girls have them in a color that suits the skintone, you can use colored shoes but metallic strappy heels would be nice, then have the guys in suits with matching vests and ties or striped ties.
This would be a very nice and easy diy wedding style, perfect for a theater wedding…
this could work…
This could be easy to do and pretty. Think flower markets and buying bunches of flowers, buy vases at dollar tree website for a buck each.
You know this could actually be simple to do. Look to white carnations, daisies, and fillers such as babies breath, have green stems showing.
This could be simplified too. have low centerpieces of seasonal flowers in the brides colors and lots of greenery. Carnations in tight bunches look like peonies. Use this little flower as the main flower. It comes in assorted colors. Fifty flowers website has roses you can buy in bulk. More fillers, greenery will need less florals.
http://www.polyvore.com/olive_fuschia_wedding/set?id=24824823
This is another example, cut costs by using loads of greenery, floating candles and floating rose petals. It will add the pop of color without all the colored flowers….
Depending on the theater style, one idea she may like is the common decor especially in the 20′s-40′s, would be simple candle centerpieces, in square glass candle holders. Think also jazzy supper club. Have strategic larger arrangements with lots of greenery placed around the venue, simple candles on tables. Or rent linens in fuchsia or green, then add candles. Also popular in theaters was the single rose bud vase, add votives. Simple is best in ornate venues.
Look at this…
This is fantastic….
Let me know what she thinks and once I get the venue pic or link, I can tell more what linen, sash color etc. needed.
hi stacey,
so sorry dnt have a pix of da venue but its a club that has a stage with about 10 ceiling fans. its painted white with a high
ceiling.
Queen,
Okay, then a pop of color thru the linens needs to come through. Against all the white would be so pretty. If it were me, I would have fuchsia linens, chair covers,and sashes. Pulling in fuchsia adding green florals. With green being an accent color.
like this…
The venue sounds like it may have a airy, tropical feel to it. If so use fuchsia linens with lush greenery centerpieces, add votives, no flowers. Greenery is alot less expensive. It will give he room a very lush feel.
This could work too, buy floralytes at save on crafts website…
( use inexpensive fuchsia carnations thruout as the only flower in bouquets. Its a budget flower)
Look at this, I love everything about this, use fuchsia chair covers, silver grey linens and top with the green and fuschia blooms, love it! ….
Hi there, we are getting married in April 2013 and our wedding venue is gold (see pic) – what colours would you recommend? We were wondering about a tiffany blue or maybe a light green? I also have a ginger bridesmaid to contend with!
Michelle,
I think the tiffany blue and gold would work. Think mainly tiffany blue, gold, and subtle touches of pale green in hydrangeas etc.
Like this
or this…
Hi Stacey,
Cld u pls tell me the name of the LED light to use? I’m on a tight budget and so wld do the decor by myself. I really dnt know the types of LED to use for decor? Also what color shld i buy for my yellow and green theme weddinh
Queen,
It depends on what type of LED you want to use. If you are looking at floralytes you can look on save on crafts website. Not only are they water proof but look great in centerpieces.
Source…
Source 2…
Source 3..
It depends on where you use it. I like the idea of using green in the room. If you want to cut costs then use floralytes, submerge them in your centerpieces.
Great diy..
This will be nice in your setting, rope lighting or LED twinkle lights can work…
Hi Stacey.
my major theme is yellow while my hubby’s color is green. wld like to use green as the accent. pls cld u suggest how to use yellow chair covers and green sashes?
Color of Table linens and color of napkins?
Color of ceiling drapery?
Color of flowers to use?
Thank u
Queen,
This would be beautiful florals in your venue…
( actually I love the entire look of this, white linens, then add yellow chair covers green sash( I would not use a bright yellow but a soft( like in the pic) romantic yellow, think sage or olive green satin sashes)Lots of candlelight. Finish with white napkins with thin yellow napkin ties. Then bring in billowy white draping in ceiling with twinkle lights. Use yellow, white, green florals,( like the ideas in these links)making sure you have lots of greenery.
This style is fantastic, this would really go in your venue. if you look closely you can see all the beautiful yellow and green florals. I love the idea of matching the pale yellow linens with your idea of yellow chair covers then add a green sash in a shimmer organza or a great green satin. Finish this off with clear glass votives and green, yellow, or white candles( your choice) but colored candles would be nice. If you want to bring in a slightly deeper yellow you can with this and not offtrack the vibe. If I recall correctly you already have the crystal chandeliers so this would just fall into place, top it off with billowy white ceiling drapery. Reason I say that is you want to keep your space cozy but still “open” and with colored draping it can close the room in.
This would be super stunning. I would switch the chair covers to matching green and use yellow sashes instead but if you choose not to that is okay. If you use the yellow then i would again use the pale yellow linens with pale yellow chair covers, green sash. Personally I think the green linens really showcase the yellow and green centerpieces alot better. Hope these help in your planning.
My wedding is in few months time and will like you to advise me on the colours to use for both trational and church wedding.
malumi,
You could go for a traditional white wedding if you wish. Choosing white flowers, linens, candles, etc. keeping it simple, clean, elegant. have the bridemaids in a classic color or even a pink or other classic shade. Do you have a pic or link to your venue? Also what are some of your fave colors?
I am thinking of get married at the Sunset Ballroom in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ in May of 2013. I have attached a picture of the room with the centerpieces that are included. i need help choosing colors and a theme.
Thanks
Amy
Amy,
Very beautiful. First could I get some colors that you love, some faves? Also what are some things that you both love? eras, places, etc? You could always go with a beach theme, I do love the colors they used in the pics. You could easily use lighter sunset colors, think yellow, pink, mauves, etc.
As far as colors I like blues, greens, red, pinks, champagne, mauve, pale yellows, beige, browns. We both love the beach, fishing, boats, parks, country woodsy settings, nature, animals and we both also love Manhattan. I do like the beachy theme but wanted to see if you had any other unique different ideas.
I put a few more picture that the Sunset Ballroom had on there website to try and help with some ideas.
Thanks,
Amy
Amy,
What about a nautical style theme, not the traditional blue and white stripe but more of a harbor style, maybe with old world charm? Your venue has traditional elements to it. You will also want your dress to match the style of your theme.
Look at this, of course it can be done to a lesser scale if you choose. I personally love this for your setting.
I love the old lanterns mixed with the modern-ish elements. you could add other nautical items like temp. gauges, etc. Technically like something you would find in a titanic movie, not necessarily the theme but the era. Pirates of the Caribbean comes to mind too. Instead of using the aqua underlays have a shade of green( like in your venues carpet) with the white overlays. make it romantic like using the pale colors but add lush greenery and hanging amaranthus. Have natural elements. Change the ink on the invites etc. to the same shade of green as the underlays. I think this could be stunning in this venue and honor the venues setting. Pull in framed history facts about the area. it is a great conversation starter. Incorporate old bottles and maps into the tables centerpieces. Use hot wax with stamp for your invites or use scrolls. Another idea is what is your fave movies or even your honeymoon location, you can make a theme out of that and give your guests a “little vacation” at your wedding. You can look into your home and own fashion to see what colors you lean most too. Is there something you collect, that could be the center of a theme like the era, for example, it came from. Once we get a general direction for your theme we can begin narrowing colors and decor. Since your wedding will be in the evening, lighter colors or the red family colors are best. Blues and purples can fade into the background looking grey without lots of lighting. It will be difficult to have a manhattan theme because of the setting but you can still add elements if you choose,it can be something you both love to add in the food or as favors, even beverages. Here is some boards you can look thru to see if anything stands out…
http://staceyleah.polyvore.com/