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 (3096)
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.
mary, if girls can wear taupe in fall why cant guys? also consider brown it has black’s classy appeal just softer. so many people steer from putting guys in this, but it looks so good. go to the library or a local bookstore, look at a book called simple elegant flowers with micheal george. there is a fall bouquet in there that takes my breath away. sorry there is no pic on internet. it has pears and apples intertwined in it. i think if you go with this you wont need an extra color in the green and gold. with this put girls in a shade of green or gold guys in brown with green or gold add this floral with your bouquet tied off with gold ribbon. i can see it now, i was thinking last night i wish someone would use that floral it is well….i think…absolutley stunning without being showy. look at it and write back with your opinion. thanks!!
mrs p, ivory and gold look unbelievable together. its mistake proof scheme .dont know what color your location is but this scheme goes with…everything. leaves room open to put girls in black, brown, green, any color you like, that coodinates with your venue. i can see evergreens intertwined with pearls or crystals. shimmery ribbons, white roses or tulips peaking out from fake snow in rust wrought iron containers, white edible glitter cake. ivory candles, twinkling lights, rust metal lanterns, metal tabletop sleigh to hold favors. enchanted winter wonderland with simple elegance.hope this helps!!
Hi, i’m getting marred at October I’m thinking of having green and gold as the color for my bridesmaids’ dresses, :-? I’m wondering what color others have or would use for the groomsmen suits. Any ideas? Thanks!
Mary Says:
Dawn P, They do allow fresh flowers. I thought it was hilarious myself that they would have a problem with fake flowers. Battery operated candles should be fine as well. Thanks for the response.
hi,
i am getting married in august and i have chosen peach and Olive green as my color. what other color can i combine to make dresses for my bridemaids
Hey poodle, just to clarify, the venue doesn’t allow FAKE flowers on the table? (lol … that makes me laugh for some reason). And no candles? But I assume they’d allow battery-operated candles? Anyway, just wanting to clarify that fresh flowers are ok. I might have some ideas.
I am getting married on Valentine’s Day 2/14/2009. My colors are Pink, Chocolate Brown & Ivory. I have incorporated the heart theme into the wedding, but I am looking for suggestions on centerpieces. The reception site does not allow candles nor fake flowers on the tables. So I need some ideas for the tables, if possible I would like to incorporate something that represents Valentine’s Day.
Ms P, where is the wedding being held? Do you have a wedding location or reception site? Since the wedding is in December, you can use Ivory and Emerald Green, Ivory and Chocolate, Ivory and Red, Ivory and Navy is also pretty together.
Hi guys, my wedding is in December 6th. I am totaly clueless. I havent done anything as yet. I love the color ivory though. Which colors can I match to it? I also need patterns for bridesmaids. Im nervous. I only have 5 months to go. Where do I start? Pleaaaase help me. Thanx
Hey ” i did enjoy myself and it was a two days wedding i’ve attached a second day attire and also reception. my theme colour was silver and white for first day, but for decor pink was there just to brake the two like you advice me to do so, and sweet pink and silver for second day whooo i had fun thank you again.
hie guys i have a wedding coming up and the bride wants orange to be one of the colours, can u help me with any colour combinations that can go with orange.
Thandiwe, you and your ladies look gorgeous! HA, they definitely have got the pose down! I see little hints of the pink in your chair ties from the photo of you and your groom. Looks like a lovely and, I think, very large wedding! SO glad to hear it was everything you worked so hard for over the months! Feel free to post some more pics
Hi Jessica, check below, I put some of Stacey’s ideas and photos into a small board, I LOVE her ideas for combining navy (navy! is! classic! and very underused) with pink to have that midsummer flavor without looking “4th of july drugstore” even slightly.
Some other places for ideas along those lines (incl. in the navy pics below) are some great weddings from Brides:
Gina & William …. navy, cream & brown
Jennifer & Jason … navy, cream, purple
and the jackpot, a fresh summer wedding with navy & pink, white bridal bouquet, the whole thing:
Mary Ann & Kevin
Hi! You might be hearing from me a lot because I do want a lot of different ideas! My fiance and I are getting married so close to 4th of July how would we work with the colors red, white and blue?
Also another idea we had was palm beach coral and yellow and pink flowers…if you can think of any ideas of these two schemes please email me. You are a pick help!! Thanks!!!
Hi i would like to apreciate every help that you gave to me , i manage to take all the advices and i had a day. I got married 10 May 2008 wooow i had a wonderful day and my colours were planding nicely please find my pictures attached and tell me what do you think maybe it might help other brides.
jessica, hi i got it!! i put a classy twist to it. put girls in navy. google image navy blue bridesmaids and look at top row 4th pic. add this bouquet, google image bostongaleria.com look at bouquets that one with more pink(it wont look 4th of julyish then) it will pop against the navy(this color will look good on all bm’s) mimic this color in reception on either white or navy tablecloths. blue and white cake. your bouquet white with navy ribbon. add candlelight and voila! hope ya like it i love this color scheme!!
I am getting in 2009 and I want my fiance’s favorite colors and mine. His is blue and red and mine are pink and green. How can I incorporate all these colors? PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!
The architect, hi and congrats!! keep it simple and elegant keep everything from table linens etc. in champagne. white plates will work set on silver or gold chargers. you will have a neutral backdrop to work with. this makes planning easy and versatile. do lilac colored centerpieces accented with lilac candles in glass votive containers. add pops of silver or gold depending on your fave metal color. dress your girls in a shade of that metal color depending on their skintone, i love silvery grey, accented with lilac and champagne bouquet,even if you choose a shade of champagne gold cause it suits better,this would work also, if lilac only works for them then still keep the same bouquet. add pops of curly willow or grapevine to make it interesting, (even thruout your wedding) wrap bouquet stems in pearl strands. you carry champagne flowers wrapping the stems in pearl strands. have branches with hanging strands of pearls in large glass vases for alter etc. combined with chosen flowers i would use roses. do not be afraid to use different shades of the lilac and the champagne. if you use this i know you will have smooth planning and a absolutly breathtaking wedding, and easy on the budget as well.
can any one pleeeease tell/show me how to make lilac and champagne work. i and my darling have these as our colours. lets not go into the theme chapter, thats a long talk. as for weather conditions its early november and geographically slightly arid. pls and pls, lend a helping hand.
Ok Stacey, I have caught up with you a bit with the images … lol!
That autumn sonata bouquet is INCREDIBLE. Let me think about it, hmm, I have some possible ideas.
I’m going to head over to Autumn later this evening and get you some pics there too, I see you’ve been helping out those brides. Lucky brides!
Drop me a note, blake AT favorideas.com, we’ll try to see why you can’t post pics?
blake, :-?:P:((
thank you!!
Stacey … is stumped?
This is a matter for CNN! If Stacey is stumped with those catwoman fingertips flying over the whole internet and coming back with the PERFECT photos … we are in big trouble!
I’ll try to catch up with you a bit over the weekend, but wow! If nothing is coming to mind for you, this is a puzzle
blake , i am stumped. bride wants fall and dusk at beach colors in one. simple greenery, ribbons, roses. wear again dresses for bm. loves the feel of dusk.simplicity of wedding on mypublisher.com that doesnt require lots of planning. here are the pic she has: http://www.getmarriedinhawaii.com/images/JustMarriedOnHapunaBeach.jpg
i thought of autumn sonata bouquet on brides.com or vanilla roses. she loves the color vanilla, it need to fit both seasons. i need help on this one. no starfish, leaves, etc.
brea, you are welcome!! the different colored bows around chairs could be to much in the restaurant, consider ivory chair colors with one shade of bow in a simple green or brown or deeper shade of cream or gold. are the chairs wood?it would look more tuscan, i wouldn’t use covers might consider greenery garlands for back of chairs with 2 simple bows holding it in place.keep background low key then add pops of color in floral etc. think this in ivory:
See:
Weddings in Tuscany
A Tuscan themed wedding
Inside Weddings / “Romance by Design“
write back with what you think thanks!!!:D
Stacey-
I don’t have any pictures of the restaurant but i wish i did. I think the cocoa brown with cream, gold and white will look excellent, I’ll probably add some green as well. I also like the idea of adding pops of color throughout, like yellows and oranges. I was thinking of having ivory colored chair coverings and then tying different colored bows around each chair. Thanks for your help!
brea, stylemepretty.com check out ideas and inspiration, flowers and decor, and inspiration boards. another idea: use greenery centerpieces in amazing containers surrounded with candles. or axe the floral/greenery and do bread in baskets(this would go over well!!) been looking at italian restaurant pics, most are decorated in a way you wont need much. already beautiful/heavily decorated. definitely stick with neutral color palette in tuscan theme earth tones. use bolder colors in small doses, bouquets, cake, bout. greenery plays up the wrought iron in the restaurants too. dont like the brown? then go with olive/sage green dresses. consider grapes in your decor. consider vintage lace or beads for bouquet wraps.
hi brea,
try Calamigos Ranch ( i think this is all the website you need so many ideas!!
i like the wedding with branches centerpiece easy and cheap but what a statement add roses to and and it would be soooo pretty) also type in calamigos ranch wedding in google images. idea?? i think a soft cocoa brown and cream with white and gold would fit add pops of color like a deep red and cream bouquet and floral decor. add bits of yellow or orange berries(to tie in) i am not sure what the restaurant looks like. do you have a pic?
I need help choosing wedding colors. I’m getting married at the end of September next year and the reception site is an italian restaurant that has a rustic feel. I’m not really into yellow or orange but want colors that will look classic and match the restaurants decor. Any suggestions?
ndidi ok, write back with your location, style of wedding, etc.. i would love to help you!! short on time, no problem, there want alot of info on your post, i need more details thank you!! by the way congrats!!
i need to make a decision on colors .im kinda short of time