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Choosing Your Wedding Colors: A Guide for Designing Brides

There's no question: choosing wedding colors is one of the earliest, trickiest tasks a bride has to cross off the list. You can't even talk your florist until you've worked this out.

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.

Home Decor

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.

Pink & Champagne Wedding

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.Seasonal

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.

Purple Green

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.

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, tell us about you ... then post away!

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  1. Kristyn
    January 8, 2009

    Hi I have just started planning my wedding, and I am really drawn to red and orange, but I would love to incorporate some sort of purple, because it is my favorite color. Do you have any ideas?

    Reply
  2. di
    January 7, 2009

    hi, i really need some suggestion for my wedding colors. My wedding dress is light gold with a burgandy sash. any suggestions?
    link to my dress:

    Maggie Sottero: Ivana

    Reply
    • di
      January 7, 2009

      and the wedding is in july!!

      Reply
      • stacey
        January 15, 2009

        di,

        your dress is beautiful.
        * My 100th Post! ( something a little different, beautiful)

        * Pink & Burgundy Wedding Detail Inspiration Board
        ( i would choose something like this.The gold would play off of it beautifully. I love the way the white flowers have yellow centers, makes it look so summery. pull touches of gold in votive holders(glass/gold edging), gold and white cake with these floral colors for accent, favor boxes/bags in gold and white (think simple gold dragees in white bags), keep it more about the burgundy and pinks. i think if you do this your wedding will be spectacular!

        * India at Battery Gardens
        ( this color combo would work as well)

        * Linh’s Alberta Wedding
        ( so would adding peaches to the mix)

        * cranberry and gold

        Reply
        • Di
          January 21, 2009

          Thanks soo very much!! Do you have any specfic colors in mind for the bridesmaid dresses? Thanks

        • stacey
          January 22, 2009

          di, i would put the bm in champagne or a pink or rose shade (also think blush pink, some skintones cant wear this, i have a light olive complexion and it washes me out). dont worry the pinks will not clash against your dress. with all the florals it will tie it in beautifully. but champagne will be more versatile since its a neutral shade( which neutrals are the best colors for any bm, they are failproof) just make sure it will flatter your bm. what floral colors did you decide?

        • di
          February 1, 2009

          I havent decided on florals..Im pretty iliterate when it comes to wedding or colors in generall. please make some suggestions.thanks

        • stacey
          February 2, 2009

          di, hi great to hear from you again!! what color bm dresses did you decide on? i would go with a mixed shade of pinks and burgundy (pinks from light to dark) that way whatever bm dress color you choose it will go. for flowers i would suggest talking to a florist to see what is available in my area, consider your budget will it be lush or budget? beautiful roses can be bought in bulk at a cheaper price isnt that great!! if you choose mixed flowers, i have read, that it is costly because of all the flowers that have to be ordered and they arrive in a certain amount, so some may not be needed. :? i personally love old fashioned or fuller bloom roses or peonies. i think they would be heavenly with this. another idea is chose great 2 tone roses/flowers. there are roses tha thave pink and burgundy in the mix, add lush greenery and its a winner!! :thumbsup: another way it can be done is choose 1 flower color( like a deep shade of pink) and add burgundy ribbons. the options are endless.

        • stacey
          February 2, 2009

          di,
          i am not trying to confuse you but look at these other options. i just want to make sure you love the colors you choose. here they are. these colors also go wonderful with burgundy as you can see. i love this too cause its simply elegant, unfussy, easy to do too.i hope i didnt overwhelm you. you could still use pink in this. dont you just love it! so summery and elegant!! these are the types of flowers i was thinking in the beginning. gardeny. roses with greenery and berries. whatever the formality, this would still work. maybe this will help you see some floral ideas. beautiful huh?!? here is the website in case you want to look at these amazing florals!

          *Ariella Chezar Floral Designs

        • stacey
          February 2, 2009

          di, not sure which pics posted, gonna try again.

    • Simone
      January 10, 2009

      well the obvious would be to play off of the dress burgandy & champagne would be my first suggestion. or maybe burgandy & a pinkish color to brighten it up a little for the season? i dont know anything too bold might clash with the beauty of the dress.

      * J Crew Silk tricotine Sophia short dress

      Reply
  3. Julie
    January 6, 2009

    I recently started planning my wedding, and I knew I wanted a vintage look with rich colors, even though it is going to be a summer (albeit indoor) wedding. Here is the thought I came up with…I really want my bridesmaids to wear dark purple but I wanted a twist. So the scheme I came up with is sort of peacock inspired. Dark purple base, with chartreuse (olive green) accents. I want to incorporate frosted gold and other rich colors like blues and browns as well. Does this sound good? I’m not sure on flowers, I don’t want to go totally vintage – but more modern vintage inspired…any suggestions?

    Reply
  4. Holly
    January 5, 2009

    Hi. Um yeah I have a problem. I am getting married in June of 2009. I have no clue where to start for my colors. Im not really loving the flowers that I am seeing. If someone could just throw some ideas my way, I thank you very much.

    Reply
    • stacey
      January 7, 2009

      hi holly, could you give me some details to you wedding vision. ar eyou having a theme, is it simple or elaborate? that will help me narrow down some colors that would be perfect! :mrgreen: questions for thought… what is your fave color, your fh? is there a color that is meaningful to you both that you would love to use? an easy way to see what your drawn to is by looking at your closet to see what fashion colors your drawn too, home decor colors. these will help you see what you love!! looking forward to helping!! :D

      Reply
  5. Sandra
    January 3, 2009

    I am having my wedding in three months time and would love to get photos of a wedding with pink as the colour theme- if you have. From the bride’s attire, flowers, cake, reception decoration, maid’s,groom and his men’s attire. Hope to hear from you soonest coz am kinda running out of time.Thanks.

    Reply
  6. stacey
    December 31, 2008

    brides, i found some beautiful pics…. bride and groom from brides.com under fashion/wedding dress/ find your style/view beach casual

    Reply
    • stacey
      December 31, 2008

      brides, here is a couple more, more like a simple yet upscale…i found at brides.com still under the same heading as above link. you are not gonna believe this but these are carnations! its on main page on flurry white florals. ( so beautiful and sooo inexpensive!!) this looks like a million bucks!!

      Reply
  7. Auntebetz
    December 30, 2008

    My daughter is getting married in Oct and wants to use various sized candles on a large gold charger for centerpieces. The candles are cream colored and we are using gold ribbon on them. I think the centerpiece needs a little something else. Any suggestions? Thanks

    Reply
  8. BB
    December 13, 2008

    We just wanted to share our wedding invites that we did for a Favor Ideas reader …(with her permission of course!) that contacted us for her wedding.
    As with most brides she was on a VERY TIGHT budget, but wanted nice invites as any bride would! She was undecided but knew that she wanted green and blue wedding with a art deco kind of style and we suggested this design and hue of green and blue which she liked and did the invites, rsvp, table runners, and others for her.
    This is a pic of some of the items we did for her at Big Boo Designs
    Just wanted to share or inspires others!

    Reply
  9. Danielle
    December 5, 2008

    Wow! I love those ideas!! We’re on a budget, so I wanna use inexpensive things, and make it look like I spent a million bucks!!! So does anyone have any ideas of how we can do it??

    Reply
    • stacey
      December 7, 2008

      danielle, i listed some ideas below can you tell me which ones you liked? colors? the key to making it look more expensive is the color. make your flowers look flowing with greenery, for instance use fresh clipped greenery, add a few fern leaves intermixed. have diy wedding invites simple white with a fern leaf or preferably a palm tree motif. baskets from $store are a great way to hold favors etc. i mentioned coloring the water to an ocean blue for centerpieces would be a wow factor!!

      silk flowers would be a budget friendly way to go unless you prefer real.colin cowie and others say repeating a single flower single color scheme (repetitive looks more expensive) do you have a supermarket florist? sometimes they give the best rates. this is the centerpiece i would use…. clear glass containers( in abundance from your local $ store) place layer of sand on bottom then place seashells(from walmart) in bottom and use food dye to dye water ocean blue, add flowers.lots of ferns!! the single color agaisnt white will stand out!!

      another option for your alter is billowy sheer white fabric gathered on simple bamboo poles( not expensive) and add greenery,few of your chosen flowers,shells.(shells at walmart) add simple white flower petals for aisle(consider making this kinda thick it will look more expensive) think silk flowers (you could use them again in your home or crafts. unless you prefer real. bm carrying a single flower(lily would be amazing) with greenery and ribbon is in right now and say it looks super chic. another flower option are lilies, you might like it only takes one in a simple glass container to make impact. what time of day is your wedding? tiki torches are very cheap at the dollar stores like 2.00 a piece, where i live. also what about friut centerpieces in small baskets? even edible fruit centerpieces!!

      you probably wont need much to decorate( are you renting a tent?) i would look at the backyard and pick out places i want to make impact. is your wedding gonna be small? medium? by your wedding cake have a simple wood crate with a message in a bottle set in sand(brown sugar)for your guest book have a large piece parchment paper(inexpensive from a paper or craft store) burn edges to look old have it anchored down with “rocks from the ocean” (from walmart) add an amazing old world feather pen(buy the feathery white one and replace existing feather with a large real feather held by dab of superglue(example peacock) (from craft store, for impact and creativity!) set all this will a grouping of old bottles (blue or clear) with a single stem flower each. i think this will make a statement, as will the message in a bottle. just enough and definitley not cheesy!! smile!

      consider the ribbons in a beautiful tree for a simple flutter. you will want things billowy,as if on the beach. have tropical music in the background. i hope i am helping i may not be giving ideas to suit your vision :( if not let me know what you envision and the ideas you may like i sent. and give me more details of what time, how many bm, etc. heh check out what i just found, you can get most of this stuff at orientaltrading.com ( almost forgot about them!!)

      i love this board!! so simple! makes me wanna pack and head out to the islands how fun!! see the single stem lily!! yeah!! :thumbsup: it looks like a celebrity would throw it!! oh supermarket, walmart, or silk flowers would do this up right!! love the bm in different colors!! here it is!! ta-da!! i hope you love it!!smile!! so easy to put together! axe roses they are to formal for this theme as i read on an article stick to calla lilies or tropical flowers.one more idea is in pic for centerpiece. link below….

      * tropical dreaming…

      * Tropical wedding theme ideas

      * How to have a cheap wedding that only looks expensive

      * Aqua & Yellow Maui Wedding Board (colors would be easy on this too a subtle elegance island wedding)

      * Caribbean Theme Wedding
      take a look here at many island, caribbean, and island themes great site!!

      Reply
  10. Danielle
    December 3, 2008

    Hi everyone! Im getting married in August 2009, and I’m having a backyard wedding, since we have a pond and a really nice backyard.My theme is tripical, so what colors should I pick that’ll go great together? Btw..my dress is spaghetti strapped, with no color to it. :D

    Reply
    • stacey
      December 4, 2008

      danielle, brides.com (destination and seaside theme) and theknot.com have amazing real weddings (type in tropical wedding and look at galleries also destination under real weddings)

      * Jessica & Danny’s Inspiration Board

      * The Tropical Island Theme Summer Wedding

      * Themes – iLoveThese inspirations for a beach theme wedding

      * Give a Pond a Tropical Look for an Ocean Themed Wedding ( this was neat, never thought about this! the coloring would be fantastic!!)

      this site is amazing check out everything….
      * Arbors,Arches,Chuppas

      * Tropical Getaway

      Reply
      • stacey
        December 4, 2008

        danielle,
        i hope i have enuf info for ya to look at to narrow down what you like… when you have let me know!!
        i love the use of 2 colors cause your gonna have a ton of greenery automatically, adding ferns and other tropical foliage in centerpieces plus colors in food, etc. omg! almost 4got this link below!! check it out!! for a backyard wedding it will be simple and tropical!

        if it were me i would seriously would choose a white background and add a pop of color, add fruit( another pop of color) (pineapple etc in centerpieces in wooden crates or bowls, line tables with bamboo runners put groom and gm in simple beige slacks, flipflops, and white button down shirts the kind you dont tuck in thats a billowy style fabric, like you see in pics( love this look!). add tiki torches for aisle and white and green paper lanterns in trees.bm in a simple knee length dress with flip flops, ( i prefer green or a lighter shade of coral or tangerine orange. also ocean blue dresses would pop agaisnt this orange. (color green will be automatic in this wedding) you can cut down on # of flowers you use in this wedding too….which is budget friendly.

        * Amy & Mark in Mexico

        and a great link that will go with this wedding…
        * Keep it simple sister….

        and that is sooo true! keep it simple!! oh yeah! add fluttery white and coral orange ribbons to tiki torches for a flutter ( as if on ocean. with all the green wow!! if you use blue dresses with this dye your centerpiece water (simple food dye) the same blue add greenery and coral flowers and voila a lush expensive tropical look made by color. it will look like you went to great detail! let me know what ya think!

        Reply
        • stacey
          December 4, 2008

          danielle, google image destination wedding groom. the color of the pic dress is palm beach coral i looked at website, didnt find THAT dress but click on the color and it will pull up other styles. also check out the color pool. add the blue i think it would be simple, tropical, soothing and fab! with the colored water of course!!

          * Martha Stewart: Fire and Water

        • stacey
          December 4, 2008

          danielle, computer messed up didnt take my pics!! :faint: here they are again!!

  11. mariamDimas
    November 22, 2008

    pls can i see yellow and lemon green

    Reply
  12. stacey
    November 20, 2008

    BRIDES, great wedding here the front entrance is courtesy of brides.com ( just search babys breath and it will pop up)

    Reply
  13. JEANNE
    November 19, 2008

    Hi! i’m getting married next year and my color scheme is going to be light blue and silver. We’re indian and are pretty tanned however and my bridesmaids are worried that the periwinkle or light blue color for the dress will wash them out because its such a light color. The other option is to do a dark blue (navy blue) color with silver. My only issue is we’re planning on setting our reception in a very dark but very BLUE setting using lighting and I’m afraid the dark blue will look TOO dark in that setting. Do you suggest staying with light blue? It is a very formal setting as well.

    Also, I really want our flowers to stand out, and so I’m thinking about incorporating some deep pinks and purple into the blue bouquet. Do you think having a blue bouquet is better (which is what my fiance likes better). I’m having a hard time finding examples of blue bouquets I like. Any ideas? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Makaela
      November 19, 2008

      Jeanne, I’m getting married in about a year and a half but I’ve been looking at tons of magazines and pictures and I found really pretty flowers; anemones! I think are supposed to originally be Japanese but there seems to be different shapes to them. My favorite flowers are daisies and I thought that these anemones would go well because I also want my favorite color blue. They come in simple, pretty colors, I’ve seen different blues, pink, red, purples and white.

      This website has great pictures. They are simple, but they stand out and come in a lot of colors!
      Fotosearch: anemone flowers

      I am not very good at choosing things, especially for other people so I think the best thing to do is look at tons of pictures to find out what would look nice together.

      This is also another link for blue hydrangeas, if you’re going to have purple flowers, these would be a nice touch of blue to go with the dresses. blue hydrangeas

      Reply
      • Jordana
        November 25, 2008

        there are some blue daisy’s as well – swan river daisy I think they are called. they are an australian flower. :)

        Reply
    • stacey
      November 19, 2008

      jeanne, hi and congrats!! i have a friend that is indian and she looks sooo good in icy light blue. i would go with a monochromatic blue wedding different ranges of blue like this…

      * Belle.Blue.Wedding – IB #4 ( see how good it looks, of course adjust for the formality)

      * Brienne & Daniel are married!

      dark colors at night can get lost, light colors show up better. unless its pure blue with a sultry nightclub type theme, like this…
      * Wedding Wednesday Celebration – Part 1

      head on over to theknot under photo galleries look at the blue decor etc.

      * We Think You’ll Love… ( this website is amazing scroll down for advice on all skintones/ hair color, its a great source!!)

      * Shades of Blue and Apple Green

      * Wedding Wednesday – Blue & Gold Wedding

      * Eclectic Blue, Gold & Green Wedding ( i love this and the bm could wear any shade they desired!! i love the gold but replace with your silver for added sparkle at night!!) for xtra ooph tint centerpiece water a desired blue shade with food dye and/or add colored blue pebbles from your local craft store.

      * Planning a Fall Wedding for an Indian Bride with a Blue Color Theme

      i hope you like these ideas!! another idea silver linens, light blue runner group different shades of blue flowers in silver containers down center. like in pic on one of these links( it has the paper lanterns above it, also go to artfool.com and look at 40 fab ladies party its gorgeous!! i love the lanterns!! and the white flowers pop agaisnt the blues!!

      Reply
  14. NOEMI
    November 18, 2008

    I NEED ALOTS OFF HELP I WANT A NICE COLOR FOR MA WEDDING WAT COLOR SHOUL;D I GET!!!!!!!!! :? :? :thankyou: :thankyou:

    Reply
    • stacey
      November 19, 2008

      noemi, what kind of theme or wedding style are you having? i can help you find colors if i know what idea details that you have!! would love to help!! looking 4ward to your reply!! :mrgreen:

      Reply
  15. Jordana
    November 10, 2008

    OMG you ladies are so talented. I love all these ideas! SO now I am hoping you can help me.
    I am getting married in Spring in Australia and am having a scottish/tartan/old folklore handfasting/wedding. I am wearing white with some sort of tartan accent and my 2 daughters will wear similar (my clan colours are seen in background of crest here: MacDonald Crest ). My fiance and his son will be wearing a kilt with his clan colours (his are here: Tosh Crest) and his daughter will match my daughters with his tartan instead of mine.

    The issue I have is that there arre so many colours within the two tartans to choose for a wedding theme colour and I want to keep it simple. What would you do?

    Oh… and I have no idea who I am havnig as bridesmaids yet so I don’t know what colours will clash or suit their skins…. and there will probably be two more tartans on the 2 groomsmen!
    Help please.

    Reply
    • Jordana
      November 10, 2008

      I forgot to say I am thinking about using the dark hunter (?) green or sapphire blue and silver. Neither of us like gold and sapphires are my daughters and fiances birthstone and one of my favourite colours.

      Reply
    • stacey
      November 11, 2008

      jordana,when i first thought of weddings this was it for me i love all things scottish and irish!! i did a lot of research and found links below, that have been the best. you are right on target with the sapphire blue mixed with the green. blue was the traditional wedding color in medieval and scottish weddings. incorporating white heather in to the decor and your bouquet is very traditonal also adding rosemary.also celtic knots were important. use that on invites and in other decor areas.

      i would use white flowers with the white heather and tie with tartan colors. google image scottish wedding and scottish wedding cake for lots of pics!!

      * Victorian Jane gown with celtic style embroidery (up close view is better it is gorgeous!! you will see celtic knots on bodice and train, i tried to enlarge it but couldnt.)

      * Tartan Weave Napkins

      * Thistle centerpiece (scroll down for purple CP, thistle very traditonal)

      * Lilies, white heather and skeleton leaves bouquet (this wedding is great for a visual of heather wreaths and rosemary in bouquets, it does look scottish have always LOVED this when i 1st saw it!!)

      * Dreaming of a Scottish Wedding Theme?

      * REAL WEDDING Highland Loving

      * Traditional Scottish Wedding

      Reply
      • stacey
        November 11, 2008

        jordana, google image celtic knot wedding and see ringbearer pillows etc.

        Reply
        • Jordana
          November 25, 2008

          Thank you for the ideas. After speaking to my fiance we ended up going with a royal blue and silver as the colours and we will just put really slight tartan touches on things like the bouquet and buttonholes for the bridal party in relevant tartan colours, plus the mens kilts if they are wearing them. Not such a strong scottish theme anymore but more old style beliefs and superstitions instead from all over the world :)

    • Blake@FavorIdeas
      November 13, 2008

      Hi Jordana, here are some more ideas for developing a Scottish feel and minimizing the clash of the tartans issue! You inspired it! :mrgreen:

      Wedsmack: Big Scottish Heart, All Elegance

      Reply
      • Jordana
        November 25, 2008

        Thanks for this. I’m going to see if we can find a place t buy little bottles of scotch in bulk because I love this idea :)

        Reply
  16. Sarah
    November 7, 2008

    Hello! I am getting married on May 30, 2009! I am unsure of what color scheme to go with. Me and my future husband love color! My favorite colors include green, yellow, orange, blues…pretty much all colors! But at the same time, I like romantic colors, or a bright color with like a brown. I am frustrated. I have thought of terracotta, Clover green&Navy Blue, and canary yellow for “theme colors” My fiancé is in the United States Marine Corps, and he will be wearing his dress blues. Do you have any ideas on what colors will go well with his uniform, and the season of the wedding? The wedding will be indoors. Thank you for your help.

    Reply
    • stacey
      November 7, 2008

      sarah, hi! i love the idea of the blue and green as main color scheme and since you want it romantic then lighten the colors.

      the rule is pick no more than 3 colors, so it wont look like its to busy. i would have the girls in either pale blue or a beautiful multi shade bouquets agaisnt it, is one idea. like a pale mix of your fave colors wrapped by the color of the bm dress.

      * Eclectic Blue, Gold & Green Wedding

      * Understated Elegance: blue and green

      * Board: Aqua Blue & Apple Green

      * Board #116: Sweet Tarts for Sweethearts ( this is to give you a look at how the multi colors will look and personally against a brown dress would be beautiful!!

      i hope this helps!but to have your groom stand out in his uniform yet blend, i would omit the navy blue on the bm. just for this one.

      Reply
      • stacey
        November 7, 2008

        sarah, hi again. i found the site i wanted to give you i did find it on a previous post to show some bolder colors. it is called desert delight. it is a september 13th post. i am giving you a couple pics just check it out to see the entire thing.

        i also have another post with the lime table, brown dress with green sash, etc. you might be interested?!? Check out this comment/post here. it is bolder colors, which i think you will love. and the other is romantic bold. hope you check it out!! i really believe you could find your scheme with these 2.

        Reply
  17. Nicky
    October 22, 2008

    Hi, can anyone help????

    I’m having a Spring wedding (early May) and for some reason am struggling for colour ideas. The venue has maroon in the plates etc so I dont want anything that will clash. I’m totally opposed to having pink but are there any other colours which are Spring like but which would go nicely with maroon.

    Reply
  18. jennifer
    October 15, 2008

    Hi, There is a picture above with a bridesmaid in a green dress with blue hue to it standinging next to a bridesmaid in a purple dress. Do you know at all what that color or fabric is called? the green/blue one? i am trying to find that dress or at least pin point what the material is called. :( help?

    Reply
    • Jessica
      October 15, 2008

      the fabric is taffeta….most likely iridescent taffeta. Not sure what the name of the color would be, though.

      Reply
    • stacey
      October 15, 2008

      hi, i didnt find the exact dress or color but over at jim hjelm occasions, look under satin faced taffeta and silk shantung. both of those dresses have the sheen. i will keep looking but, to me, it looks like the taffeta. maybe blake will see this and know for sure. i have researched everything and cant find any info. wish i could help more. another idea is to print pic and bring to a bridal salon. i am pretty sure they will say taffeta.
      jcrew.com has taffeta dresses that might fit the bill in assorted colors!!

      Reply
  19. franca
    October 14, 2008

    Hi, Roli,
    i need to get your numer please, u know i like ur gown and someone has promised to get it if i provide her with the detail on the gown .please help me .or mail ur number to cuttyfranca@yahoo.com.
    Thank you.am really waiting to hear from u or call 08053886606.

    Reply
  20. Joy
    October 12, 2008

    I’m having a disaster with my wedding colours. I’m wearing an ivory colur gown. My husband to be is wearing a grey suit with an ivory coloured shirt. My colours are clover green and champagne. I’m wondering how to incorporate blue which is his colour. I’m thinking marine blue. Pls, any ideas how to put all these colours together?

    Reply
  21. stacey
    October 7, 2008

    all brides that are planning a red wedding!!! check this out!!!look what an impact and simple it is!!!love…….it!!! How to cheer up a monochromatic tabletop?
    niceeee huh?!? it does have wow factor!!

    Reply
  22. Melinda
    October 5, 2008

    I am getting married in May 2009 in philadelphia in a lush outdoor garden patio of an old mansion. I originally wanted a tropical color theme and I still do but I need help with making it work. I also have a soft romantic side so my thoughts are this…grey and cream (or champaign) as my main two colors. After that I am lost. I love the combo of canary yellow, lime green, coral and sky blue. I was thinking about having my 4 bridesmaids be in these 4 colors and the groom & groomsmen wearing cream/ivory suits (no clue on the tie or shirt color yet..maybe green?). If I don’t have the girls in differnt color dresses I don’t know which one to pick as my next most prominent color (either yellow, coral or green). And if I do have them each in different dress colors, will a tropical mix of flowers be too much? I want to keep it classy, but fun. Please help!

    Reply
  23. WHITNEY
    October 5, 2008

    :cry: I DESPERITE NEED OF YOUR HELP MY FIANCE HATES PINKS PURPLE GREENAND BLUES BUT IS WILLING TO HAVE A PEACH WEDDING :lol: I CHOSE PEACHBECAUSE IT WAS MY MOTHERS WEDDING COLORS IN 1982 I WANT TO INCORPORATE BROWN ABD CREAM AND A HINT OF GOLD SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? AM I GOIN IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION? WE ARE PLANNING FOR A JUNE WEDDING :thankyou: FONDLY , WHITNEY

    Reply
  24. Heidi
    October 3, 2008

    AAAAHHHHH! I can’t find what I am looking for! My colors (I think) will be black (men’s tux), Cream or Ivory and Deep (like blood) red.

    Reply
  25. Jasmine Lira
    October 2, 2008

    OKay!!! I NEED MAJOR HELP!!!! I dont have my wedding colors picked out yet!!!?? I need HELP I CANT DECIDE!!!
    I want like a teal color called JUNIPER, but i dont know what colors go with that??? Can anyone HELP ME!!?? The church carpet is like a blue with a little bit of a dark red… so i dont know what to do!! My wedding is July 2009! :? :? :? :?

    Reply
    • Mj
      October 6, 2008

      dark maroon looks good with teal

      Reply
    • stacey
      October 6, 2008

      Jasmine – see
      * Masterpiece Weddings: Deep Colors!
      * Colors and inspiration
      * Jessica’s Wedding ( this is my fave overall, i love the color combo and its still romantic!!)

      i would add pops of dark red roses to this combo or some red somewhere but dont do the whole teal and red combo, i think with the carpet you need subtle. keep flowers in venue in whites and maybe a few flowers with reddish centers but muted. some white roses have this, and its gorgeous. if its reddish pink that is okay. it will work. google image teal wedding and teal wedding board and teal wedding board snippet and ink. but i loveeee the teal and gold with pops of reddish color. write back if you need more help!!

      Reply
  26. Jessica
    October 1, 2008

    Does any one have any opinions or pictures of the colors black and pale blue for wedding colors? My wedding is in the evening and I feel like these colors look great together, but I just want extra opinions because I keep wanting to change my mind. Oh, and btw, bridesmaids dresses would be black and they would carry white flowers tied with a light blue ribbon. Also, our best man will me wearing his Marine dress blues, so does anyone think the black bridesmaids dresses will clash??

    Reply
  27. deenie
    September 28, 2008

    Hi thanks for the color response we are going with fuscia and orange. My daughter purchased a dress from davids bridal. it is : SV9563 galina which looks awful on the model. are there any brides out there who have also purchased this dress, We would like to see a picture of it on you if that is possible
    thanks deenei

    Reply
    • deenie
      September 28, 2008

      dress looks great on

      Reply
      • Dawn P.
        October 2, 2008

        Hi Deenie, I saw that interesting discussion at davids bridal about that gown and how it looks so much better in real life. What a GORGEOUS dress. I should find an occasion to wear that dress. ;) Please post pics later on if you don’t mind!

        Reply
  28. Brandie
    September 27, 2008

    Hello,

    So my husband and i are renewing our vows due to the fact that we didn’t get to have the wedding we wanted because he was deploying to Iraq. So this is going to be the wedding we didn’t and couldn’t have. I know that we are going to have a beach wedding, the date is September 12, 2009. I’m just confused on a color scheme. i have already changed colors once and i think i’m driving my wedding planner crazy. our first color scheme was tropical colors: pink, orange, yellow, lime green and white, but now i’ve changed to cobalt blue, pool blue, seafoam green, tan, and white, i think that these colors are beautiful with the ocean. i just don’t want to use too many colors. my husband is in the United States Marine Corps and he is going to be wearing his dress blues along with his four groomsmen and his best man will be wearing his Army dress uniform and our ringbearers will be wearing kid’s USMC dress blues. Can you please help me on a color scheme before i go crazy.

    Reply
    • stacey
      September 30, 2008

      Hot Pink, Blue, and White Wedding Colors

      Board #218: New England Beach Wedding

      Wedding Wednesday – A Delicate Light Blue Wedding

      The Beach Chic Preppy Wedding ( i love this!)

      Also see Jodi and Aaron in Baja, Mexico at brides. i know its white but on the beach that is an amazing color. it stands out and is easy. and with the uniform blue color it would be smashing. have girls in a lighter blue and girls carry yellow flowers. then add tons of white flowers have beige and white reception background with blue containers full of white and yellow flowers and lots of greenery. you carry a blue bouquet. (for something blue)

      i think white would be great because it wont compete with the natural colors. thats why i also love pale creamy yellow alot of beach weddings have creamy yellow cause it compliments all teh blue in the ocean and sky. if you dont like what i sent try a blue and green wedding. i will look for more posts. be right back.

      oh!! i gave other color ideas for you to look at. by the way what is your fave color? your fh? and your fave flowers? let me know because that might be all the color scheme/flowers you need. i am here to help!! :D in any way i can.

      Reply
      • stacey
        September 30, 2008

        Floral Arts Bahamas, scroll to #’s 9, 10, 11 pics. this is the simple i mean can punch it up say if you use navy and pink, with simple pale pink and white orchids. i hope i am not confusing you!! i am just thinking of alot of color schemes and giving examples for each. you really dont need alot of colors.

        if you dont want to use combos i sent or your fave colors. consider this: you changed color schemes twice!?! okay, narrow it down by choosing one color along with white from your first color scheme and then 1 from your second color ideas. say…seafoam and yellow(for example only).

        Blue & Yellow Preppy Wedding

        Board #81: Anje’s Modern Romance (this is unusually pretty)

        hope all this helps!!!

        Reply
  29. Christine
    September 25, 2008

    It’s another 15 months to my wedding and I am stuck on colors but I know I want grey. Should I go with red and grey, pink and grey or yellow and grey. Does anyone have any inspiration boards?

    Reply
  30. STACEY BURNETT
    September 25, 2008

    HELLO im looking for some help on my colour scheme im really liking the idea of a very pale green with a fushia pink? as my wedding venue is painted pink? could i have some more ideas on colours i could have? i have attatched a picture of my ideal wedding dress and the venue

    Reply
    • stacey
      September 26, 2008

      hi stacy,
      Pink & Green spring weddings thread
      Snippet & Ink: antique pink ( i love this for that type venue, wish i could see a pic of the inside, if it looks old world style i would go with that to keep in with the building, and add modern updated touches)
      Snippet & Ink: Olive Garden ( like this with girls in a fuschia or shade of pink, dont overlook just a green and white backdrop with centerpieces of fuschia peonies)

      i have it!!! i have your wedding!! oh i hope you go with this!! it has the mix of modern and old world!! Martha: Fuchsia & Taupe this is so easy and amazing!!!!!!! put lots of greenery in the mix in and around venue!!!! good luck!!

      Reply
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