Choosing Your Wedding Colors: A Guide for Designing Brides
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 collection for fall 2007 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 ...
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.
Chime In!
Stuck on colors, and looking to chat? Upload some starter pics that shows us your venue, your dress or whatever you're working with. Tell us the season or theme, if you've got one ... then post away!You Might Also Like ...
- Month by Month: Wedding Themes and Colors for Every Season
- The Meanings of Colors in Weddings
- Dreaming of a Dazzling Green Theme Wedding
- A 5th Avenue or Beach-Style Aqua Blue Wedding
- From 40s Fantasy to Designer Deco: the New Black and White Wedding
- Pink Theme Weddings
- Is Orange & Fuchsia Too Loud for a Wedding?
- A Pale Pink & Champagne Springtime Wedding
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ok so i think im just doing a color theme. i changed it a little. im thinking of a blood red,pumpkin orange, and an off white. i really dont have anything planned yet. i like unquie things and kinda funky. if that helps at all. i really dont even know where to start.????? sry that im so confussing and dont know what i want yet.
Janice,
* go here
May have to sign in or sign up for free, after logging in ( if the page doesn’t work) click wedding photos; will bring you to a color gallery.
* very nice
* I just found this amazing site, check out every gallery. red and orange is on this site alot.
Janice,
Could I see a pic of your venue or a link to get a better idea of how and what would work? Also, what is your wedding theme or style? casual, semi formal? whimsical, modern?
Hello!
I am getting married on Aug 14, 2010 and I am having a hard time picking out colors! We are getting married on a golf course in Cape Cod and have thought of two ideas: our favourite colour is red, so we were thinking of going with a grey-red-orange theme with red/orange flowers and grey bridesmaids and groomsmen. Is this too “fall” for an August wedding? We also like the idea of purple-grey-white, with purple bridesmaids and grey groomsmen and white calla lilies. The ceremony will be in the late afternoon with reception into the evening. Any advice would be appreciated!!
Meg, What a venue! Okay I seriously need to think about relocation!
Totally loving the purple scheme. It would go well with the venue.
Have you considered purple white grey red?
I have considered red and purple together… I wasn’t sure if they would work together but I really like the combination. What do you think?
meg,
I thought the red/purple would work, I tried to find the right combo for the setting. I am hoping you like the board I came up with. Let me know!
Meg,
When I paired the red and purple together with the grey, it just didn’t do what I hoped it would. It appeared jumbled, even though I used streamlined items. When I paired the orange and red, to me, it just jumped out with simple classic elegance that you see at this type of venue/setting. The colors looked romantic and crisp without trying to hard. I absolutely loved the red/orange. ( I leaned more to a summer dreamsicle orange) You could also use peach or apricot. When I studied the red and gray it came across very elegant but not what i would choose for this setting. It didnt have that quaint classic feel to it.
I love the red and orange together, it looks great!! Thanks for your input!
My wedding will be june 16th 2010 and I cannot decide my colors. We are getting married in Hilton Head on the ocean. My fiance is a marine, and wishes to wear his uniform. Any idea what colors to choose?! Im going nuts!
Shelby,
the venue should be complimentary colors. Do you have a link for the venue or a pic? I would love to help!!! 
Even with his uniform you can still go with any color you love,
Hi!
I’m getting married this December and will be having a garden reception. I’m having trouble deciding what color motif to go for but one thing’s for sure — I really want my colors to be vibrant & romantic at the same time. My fiance and I have been exchanging ideas & the colors of burgundy, golds, orange, yellow, ivory & silver have been mentioned for possible combinations. By the way, my reception will fall well into the night (my wedding is at 5 PM) so another criteria for me is that the colors must not be washed out once the venue is lighted at night. What do you think?
Meg,
Usually in a garden wedding you look at what is already blooming. Being it is a December wedding, I am assuming it is indoors overlooking the garden? With a nighttime wedding darker colors need to always be paired with lighter ones or the dark colors can look colorless in pics or to the eye. They can appear greyish.
* here are some ideas for color
* Check out all the weddings on this website, you will be happy you did!
Meg,
More from the site. Did you see that brown and green wedding!
* pics
Stacey,
Thank you for your advice! It will be an outdoor reception (I live in a tropical country where the weather in December will be around 20C at night).
Meg,
That is beautiful!!! I think light colors would be gorgeous! you could have lighter florals and have the bridal party in the deeper shades like burgundy. Bouquets of peaches, oranges, and yellows would be very nice against burgundy.
Meg,
* like this gorgeous wedding
Meg, apologies for all the comments. not takin my posts well.
* lovin this bouquet.
* Just gorgeous, love the butterfly bouquet jewel. perfect for a garden wedding in fall.
Stacey,
Thank you for your advice & inputs!! I’m loving the colors!!!
i once saw a very deep brown sage green and vibrant orange all put together and they worked together wonderfully!! who would have thought?!?
I’m getting married in October at a Golf Club in Florida. We’d like to use autumn colors like deep reds and burnt orange shades. The venue’s carpet is burgundy with tan designs, and the chairs a champagne or gold shade. My fiance is set on wearing a very light gray suit, and I need some help meshing the autumn colors and champagne/gold with his suit. I’d love some suggestions for a color for bridesmaid dresses that will complement the gray suit and not clash with the other colors that are predominant at the venue. Thanks for the help!
Lauren,
Have you thought about putting the girls in red? grey and a shade of red is very popular. then put the burnt orange and deep red bouquet with it. You could also consider having them in a platinum shade. No worries with the tan and gold in the reception it will be okay.
* check it out
* here is gold and grey paired together
Which Golf club is it? I would be happy to check out venue to see how the interior looks.
Thanks so much. Red is probably the best way to go for the dresses. MetroWest Golf Club is our venue, you can find images in their tour section: http://www.metrowestgolf.com/tourwed/. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Thanks for your last suggestions I was originally thinking of black tables and black chairs with champage bows now I think that might be too much black, wha about champage tables and chairs and black bows? What colors would you use (not pink) for flowers and centerpieces? Thanks for your help Barbara
Barbara,
The champagne linens with the black bows would be very nice. Red or burgundy flowers would be beautiful. Also elegant centerpieces of white or cream.
would you happen to have any boards to show these colors and also using black dresses again mine is ivory for a Feb wedding in Fl what colors would you use with black dresses? I am also looking for what color table linens to use and bows on chairs…thanks so much for your suggestions
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Barbara, Champagne pics are difficult to find so I used black and gold( gave more results).
* here are some pics
* more pics
hi stacey,
i still dont know what will be the motif of my wedding. My wedding will be on sept 2010. Will you help me look for the color that will compliment my favorite colors. Purple and pink. Thank you.
Glyza,
You can use purple and pink alone for a gorgeous effect! What is the look of your wedding? garden, elegant, formal, informal, etc.
* pics
* more pics
* purple and fuschia would be gorgeous and make a wow statement!
* red and brown were added to the purple/pink here
i want my wedding to be formal. You think that purple and pink will compliment each other.? thank you
glyza,
Which shades were you wanting to use?
good evening
my wedding is will be holding on march 20th 2010.i don’t know my colors. i’m running crazy. i want cream and wine. please give me the third colour
ifeoma,
What about simple navy, black, or brown? This could be your main attire colors while the wine flowers could be brought in with cream linens etc. Or you could use cream, wine, gold. If your wanting a more lighthearted look you could use a pale yellow with wine or some pale pinks.
my wedding is in october and i would love some help with choosing the colors… i love the if idea of mixing coral, gold and ivory, but dont know if those r the only colors i should use and how to use them…
Gracie,
Those colors are gorgeous together. You could add a shade of burgundy or even a burnt orange, chocolate is an excellent color for this. Can I see a pic of your location?
I am gettng married on 2-26-11…it will be a formal indoor wedding in Florida. My dress is ivory and I was thinking of black bridesmaid dresses…table linen to be black with champage runners and bows on chairs…am looking for a bright color to make it pop and to use for the flowers…would love any suggestions and/or pictures. Thanks
Barbara,
A deep shade of red or pink would look wonderful.
* Some pics
* here is your colors with green
* pink
* red
Hi Stacey-
I am having trouble choosing my bridesmaid dresses. I attached my dress, the watters torrean, which I think has a somewhat vintage look to it. We are also getting married in a big mansion in upstate NY with a tent outside … it’s at Esperanza mansion. Our wedding is in late Sept, 2010.. and some ideas I was throwing around was a deep purple, deep red, or burgundy. I like golds and ivorys too… I can’t decide if I should keep that soft, romantic/vintage look.. or go a little more bold and elegant?? Any combos/recommendations you could make?! Thanks!
Heather,
I found a wedding using the colors you have chosen. Mixing them in varied shades. I think this is very beautiful, this way you can use all the colors you mentioned…together.
* real wedding
Hi! I am getting married in July, 2010, and have selected the colors royal blue and kelly green. I am getting married in the evening at a church. I have not ordered the bridesmaids dresses and was wondering what you might think of these two colors together. I can’t find many photos. Thanks!
I have decided on a Cinderella-type ball gown and would like an elegant indoor garden theme. I love glitz and prefer elegance over simple.
Brook,
I have some ideas saved but wasn’t sure if you wanted lighter blues mixed in. Were you wanting the girls to wear the blue or the green? I do like the royal blue but for a cinderella theme I am thinking a lighter soft green might work( to lighten things up) Since you are getting married inthe evening. If you use the deeper colors it won’t show up as well( especially if your venue has low lighting). Let me know what you think? Thanks!
I planned on the girls wearing the royal blue. I had also considered tying in a pale, baby pink. Would this be too much? I appreciate all of your help and may lighten the green. My fiance really likes the kelly green, but if we tie in the lighter blue/baby pink would this work? THANKS!
Stacey,
I have attached a copy of my bridesmaid dresses for you to see as well. The dresses will be royal blue.
Thanks,
Brook
Brook,
I made you a board with your colors. I thought pale yellows and a touch of blush pink mixed into the green florals would be gorgeous against the bolder color. I would keep it soft for an elegant look.
Stacey,
Thank you so much! I love the earrings, bouquets, and overall look of the board you created!
Thanks,
Brook
Brook, I am so glad you liked it!
Stacey, Your ideas are awesome and everyday you seem filled with new ideas and never exhausted of everyone’s details and quirks, lol. I asked you several months ago for some advice but now things have changed a bit. My wedding is in June this year and I finally have chosen my BM dresses and they are Eggplant (Bill Levkoff Euro Eggplant). They look great on the girls but it is the summer, so I don’t want all of my colors too dark. Also, I don’t want to mix in too much green, although I know it looks great with purple, but for strange reasons, lol.
Anyway, in the girls bouquets, I am very happy to have lighter pinks, purples and ivory and I think that will work. No idea what to do with my flowers and I am having some time with the centerpieces. The reception is at Giorgios on LI. The colors in the room are ivory, blue, red and gold but I think it still is pretty neutral. Flowers are a whole other story, I have no idea, but at least if i can nail down some colors to carry in, or if i should just stick with mostly ivory/pinks/purples and some green? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!
Janine,
Your right it is pretty neutral. What a beautiful venue! I think your going in the right direction with the pinks and maybe lavenders against the dresses.
If you use pinks keep it on the blush mixed with a slightly deeper shade pink , and maybe a touch of lavender and whites. That way it won’t compete with the venue. You don’t need much it is pretty ornate, so keeping them on the paler side will allow the room to shine. I love those reception chairs!!!
Hi Stacey,
I’m having a fall wedding in November. I’m not sure if you received my other message. We actually decided to change our venue to the Sheraton in Pomona. We visited the Pasadena location and were completely turned off and disappointed!
What colors would look best with Burgundy? Please keep in mind that I plan to use chair covers. I would love to have a romantic feel to the room.
I appreciate all your help
Shelley,
I love the fact your using burgundy in this room. it will be the perfect compliment! I wouldn’t go outside of burgundy, ivory, gold, and chocolate. it will give a romantic feel to the room with keeping with the classic rich texture. If you don’t like chocolate, black would work. I would definitely pair burgundy with a neutral and a rich deep hue like brown. Then turn around and add lots of ivory candlelight to keep it soft and light with the deeper colors.
This venue looks familiar! I think I have worked with this one before!
Thank you Stacey for all the advice!
I’m planning to use ivory table and chair covers. Do you think I could you the colors on this bouquet as an inspiration or would it be too much? (I found it on your site)
Shelly,
The bouquet colors would be beautiful in the setting especially against the ivory linens/covers. Simple elegance.
Hi,
I am getting married 10/23/10 and I am completely clueless on wedding colors! I really want to have Navy, Gold, and Ivory. However, I feel like I should add an accent color to pop/have for wedding flowers.
Any recommendations? I was thinking fuschia pink? But then it isn’t “fall.” I was thinking pale orange…what do you think??????
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Jessie,
Actually fuschia would work great! it is a deep color which would work for fall. What color is your venue? carpeting? A color can most likely be found there.
Thanks for the advice! The reception hall is pretty old and needs some updating. It has wooden floors and the ceiling is a high ceiling (it’s gold, which sounds ugly but you hardly notice it).
Do you think Navy bridesmaid dresses would be ok?
Jessie,
Navy would be very nice! It will flatter and is classy!
Hi I am getting married in the fall (October 2010) and I was wondering if aqua blue theme is too “out of season”? My wedding is a very intimate wedding (only 50 closest family members). The reception wall is brick and the accents are chocolate brown, so I was wondering if having an aqua theme would be clashy? What colors would be better and how would I decorate the room? I’ve attached some pictures of what the room color is.
Jinny,
I think aqua would be beautiful in your venue( which I love!) Alot of white or cream looks pretty amazing in there too. Another color that would work well is pale yellows, tangerines, apricot, etc. You can have a beautiful aqua wedding in October. Why not pair Navy with this? Aqua or pale blue pops against navy.Plus, it will pull in a jewel tone which will anchor “fall”. You could also have your bm in aqua and put darker blue bouquets against it.
Jinny,
Here is a real wedding with your colors and it looks fantastic!
* Real wedding
Hi Stacey,
Great work ur doing here on this site.I must say your comments have really helped me so far.My wedding will be coming up in July and i have issues with my colors.i have decided on purple but i need another color to complement it.i dnt want pink color.can u pls suggest a color that will look great to make up that day for me?looking forward to your reply.
Tayo
Tayo,
Are there any colors you are drawn to more? What about your fh’s fave color? What type of wedding are wanting? garden, modern, romantic, country, rustic, traditional, etc? Will it be a casual affair or more elegant? Also your venue colors can help determine a color scheme. Looking forward to your reply!
Hi Stacey,
Sorry my reply came a little late.The reception venue is a green field.The wedding is going to be elegant but simple as well.we’ll be using a very big canopy,its inside d tent that will be decorated.Also,for my traditional wedding,we’ll be wearing a traditional attire,i need two colors that will make up the attire.am black and my fiance’s also black in complexion.we both want cool and nice colors to match.looking forward to ur reply ASAP.
Tayo,
Have you thought about pairing a lavender with a deeper purple then pulling in green and white florals?
* it is beautiful
* some more ideas
* is this gorgeous or what!!!
I also would be ok with a lighter purple, not lavender but lighter. I want a romantic feel to my wedding, also thought of incorporating butterflies. I love them, love wild flowers and purple is my favorite color. I am just afraid that my scheme is going to look too “Fall”….
Lauren,
I love the theme and color scheme. I think your heading in the right direction. I would have the bm try on shades of purple to see which works best for their skintone. Periwinkle is generally flattering on most skintones. It will not look fallish at all. think about more pastel bouquets with your dresses, pulling in yellows, pinks, greens, etc. You could also have your florals in purples and greens while your bm wear a shade of beautiful green.
Lauren, I made you a board. I used champagne/gold for dresses, linens, favor ribbons.
Hi! I am getting married April 2011. I have decided that my girls are going to wear a purple, like a plum, more like a true purple, not too dark, not too light. I like the idea of having all different flowers in the bouquets. I also want gold accents with centerpeices. I need help with clarifying and pulling together my ideas so it all can make sense to me. Help! :)