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.
Hi Stacey,
I am trying to decide on a definite color scheme for my wedding. My wedding dress is a gold-ish color and I love it but, now I am wondering what colors to choose for my bridesmaid dresses and for the reception, etc (I have uploaded a picture of my dress from the Mori Lee website). My wedding is on Aug 7, 2010. I like the idea of chocolate brown bridesmaid dresses because I think that will look good with my soft gold dress. But I don’t know what to choose as an accent color! I was considering a dusty/pale pink, because it is a summer wedding….my original idea was a rich wine color but that seems too wintery.
My wedding will be in the evening in a beautiful church that resembles a cathedral (see picture). My reception, which consists of a dinner and dance, will be held in a hotel meeting room. (no picture). We will have white tablecloths and chair covers with organza bows in chocolate brown (see picture). The bows are available in a variety of colors, so we can make changes to that.
I would love to hear your ideas! thank you :)
Liz,
I think the dusty pink with gold and chocolate is perfect. it will make the wedding have a warm classic look. I think your right for not choosing wine. I think the brown will compliment much better.
* real wedding
* more brown and pink
* real wedding pics and ideas
Good! I’m glad to hear you like the pink idea. Thanks for your input :)
Hi, I am from England and getting married in a few years at a wonderful location. I am really struggling with a colour scheme and I like to be organised and hope you can help me.
So far I like the idea of
1) Black, red and white
2) Very neutral pale colour (like whites, cappucino etc) with just plain white and gree lillys for flowers
3) Black and champagne (for bridesmaids, chair covers and table cloths – I really don’t know what flowers would look nice though
4) coral and reds and yellows
The hall is so grand and traditional I am not sure what would work as I do not want to draw attention away from the wonderful art work. The link I have left takes you to a website where you can watch a virtual tour which is the best way to see what it looks like. The concert hall is where I will have the ceromony and reception will be in the great hall
Can you advise
Thanks
Claire
Claire,
Ca you repost the link or tell me where the venue is so I can take a look?
It is so ornate you don’t need much at all. With this I could see black, champagne, and wine/burgundy. Have bridal party in black with burgundy bouquets, champagne linens, burgundy centepieces. Just a rich classic feel to it. I would love to see the virtual tour though, so I can be sure. Thanks!
Hi,
The link to the website is
http://www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk/
And go to the virtual tour which is at the bottom of the website I think. I am getting married in the concert room and reception is in the great hall.
Thank you for your help
Claire
Claire,
Which room were you gonna use? the great hall?
I am using all the rooms. The concert hall for ceromony and the great hall for the meal and evening reception
Claire
Hello!
I’m am getting married on June 12, 2010 and I’ve selected purple and green for our colors. I actually only picked these colors b/c I saw them in a bouquet and I loved the combo. I found some pretty purple satin dresses for my bridesmaids already (regular purple–not’ dark, not light), but I don’t really have a direction to give my fiance about what shades of green to steer towards (or away from) for the groomsmen attire. Also, I have no idea about themes. Do you have any suggestions?
Michelle,
If your wanting a theme just look at what you and your fiance like, special place, item, motif, flower. Then pull that into your wedding. For example: was the first flower he gave you. have that on your invites, etc. iIt becomes your motif/theme. Thenhave that flower as your centepieces. It pulls special meaning into your wedding. You could even have a small caption at bottom of program stating the flower meaning. Just like the victorians had a meaning for every flower this could be a new meaning attached to it. A certain era? that could be your theme. Love knights/castles? medievel, vintage? have a early 1900′s style wedding whether it is victorian, 20′s thru the 50′s. boho look at the mid 60′s to 70′s. And of course, my fave themes are from movies. Do you love movies? have a movie themed wedding with flim strip cake etc. or base it on a certain movie you both love.
You are not required to have a theme. That is optional. You can choose tomake your wedding romantic, bold, modern, sweet, old fashioned. whatever your hearts desire. Or even a color theme just using your colors.
*Here are some green and purple pics
* real weddings
* real wedding
at theknot.com you can sign in or up for free. once logged in click on wedidng photos and look at the color galleries. you can then click on purple weddings and it will pull up color pairings with pics to search.
* like here, I hope it pulls up
I love a pale or spring green with purple.
Thank you so much for your advice and for the links! You are a great help! And after comparing greens, you’re right…pale green does look great with that shade of purple :-)
Hi Stacey,
I’ve been struggling with my colors ever since we got engaged in November 2009. Our wedding date is planned for October 9, 2010 and I REALLY need to pick colors soon. Our venue is at a country club that is surrounded by mountains. The feel is “old classic”…it’s a stone building and the ballroom has pretty chandeliers and gold accents on the window treatments. I’ve attached a picture below, but this picture shows the room set up for a ceremony, not a reception so the chairs look VERY pink, but they don’t look as bad in person and with tables set up. We will be having our ceremony outside (weather permitting). We will be using the linens from the club which are Ivory. I also don’t want to spend extra on chair covers.
Back to the colors. Yellow is my favorite color, but I don’t want to put my bridesmaids in yellow dresses. I was thinking maybe grey and yellow because I’ve seen a lot of pictures recently with those color combinations and they look good. But I feel like yellow and grey are more of a modern color palette and our venue has a more “classic” feel. I want my colors to match the feel of the venue and I also feel like my personality is classic, not trendy or over the top. Do you have any suggestions?? I’m really struggling. I really don’t want brown or orange as colors either (even though it’s a fall wedding). What about Red, Grey and yellow? I don’t even know if those colors go together or would look right in the room. Or should I go for something more neutral like champagne and pink? But it’s a fall wedding and I think of pink is a spring/summer color. Thanks in advance for your help!!
Jess,
I think I have your solution. When you mentioned your fave color was yellow, I had to find a way to make this a part of your color scheme. Shades of pink and yellow are “big” fall colors. You just have to balance the look. When I saw the pic you posted, the chairs look mauve. I kept the look classic as requested. So the color scheme is burgundy which plays very well with the venue colors. All I did was deepen the colors already existing in the venue. I thought it worked better cause bm in pale colors would blend in to much, wouldnt work so well for pics. The bm bouquet( yours being yellow) have a combo of monochroamtic tones actually. red, wine, yellow, and a touch of pink. I hope you like the board. I posted it by your venue pic so you could see how it looks.
Thank you sooooo much Stacey!! I LOVE the colors on the board you posted! I hadn’t even thought of Burgundy as a BM dress and color and I think I’m in love with the idea!! Was there a specific link where you found the some of the pictures on the board or did you take the photos from different places? So from the look of the pictures you would suggest using white flowers for center pieces on the tables? I can’t tell if those have pink and yellow in them too. Let me know what you think! I think you have solved my HUGE dilemma and I’m very excited!
Jess,
Actually the flowers have some pale yellow in them which could be mixed with blush. You could also pick one color, for the centerpieces, from the bm bouquet and use it at your reception. I made the board at polyvore and it has all the pic info, websites, etc.
* here it is
If your interested in browsing any of my other boards just click my name ( highlighted in blue).
Hello
I’m still not sure when my wedding day will be but I have these months in mind November, January, or March.
The colors I have in mind are ivory, green, navy, black, and a deep vintage burgundy (OPEN TO ANY SUGGESTIONS)
I would love to have a modern, simple, chic, elegant wedding I just can’t seem to narrow down the colors for the reception.
I’m unsure what color of dress my girls should wear but it would be wonderful if they wore a coctail dress.
Thank you so much for the help.
Shelly,
Can I see a pic/link of your venue? I could see which would suit the location best. i like the classic colors you have in mind. You have picked timeless colors that will work with bm skintones. I can see why it is difficult to pick between these colors. take ivory and green and pair it with navy, black, burgundy. They all look amazing when paired with either one of these deep colors. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Hi Stacey,
I haven’t really decided on a venue but I narrowed down my selection.
It will be between these 3 venues:
http://www.Sheraton.com/Pasadena
http://www.sheraton.com/fairplex
http://www.losserranoscountryclub.com
Thank you so much!
Shelley,
With the Fairplex black and white with another color may be a little much. But with the other 2 venues it will be perfect. The Pasadena is amazing! It has sorta a spanish/italian style interior to it. I am assuming that would you use the room with the black railing/curtains. On this one I would go with black white green or burgundy. For the fairplex I would go with navy or burgundy. It all depends on your location. When you finalize one please let me know and I will be very happy to help you with ideas. For the country club black white green.
Hi Stacey,
We’ve decided to go for the Pasadena location. BUT I’m absolutely in love with midnight blue/navy, ivory, and green. Could I be able to use these colors for the decor?
Thank you,
Shelly
Sorry Stacey I forgot to add a thought…. If I go with the color burgundy how could I make it work with flowers and reception decor?
I’m really open to any suggestions.
Thank you so much!!!
i appreciate the colors and ideas i ve learnt from favorideas.com and please keep the good work. i would like to use two colors so far: blue, yellow. i need one more color to complete my choice for my wedding, this year. Thank you.
feyi,
what type look or theme are you wanting. blue and yellow with simple white or ivory looks amazing. another color is a shade of pink or orange. it depends on the shade if your going soft or bold.
* I personally love just the blue and yellow
* more pics
Blue and yellow makes a impact just based on its color pairing. Like for example, pair crisp white with hot pink or navy blue. The bridesmaids look amazing and those color dresses make a bride dressed in white stand out even more, which I love. More than 3 shades the bride can easily get lost in the colors, which I think the bride should be front and center since it is her wedding day. And pictures? It makes it look super wow! I am a huge fan preferring a simple 2 color, color scheme. LOVE IT!
Stacey,
I’m am having a hard time with colors. My wedding is Aug. 20 2010 at the briscoe manor. I am trying to decide between cappuccino and blush, or bordeaux (wine) and not sure what other color to pair that with. My fiance likes the cappuccino and blush and wants to wear a cappuccion tie. I had always wanted a yellow wedding but it didn’t fit well with my dress (ivory) and the venue which is elegant but with a country feel. Any suggestions… so stressful i’m glad to see i’m not the only one!
Thanks
Kellie,
Why not have the cappachino and blush then add some pale yellow flowers into the decorating? Don’t worry about adding it anywhere else the floral decor will be enough. Ivory, Blush pink and pale yellow would be stunning against cappachino. This way you get to have your yellow too!
* like this bouquet
* check out this gallery
* see the ivory looks almost like pale yellow, it is stunning
Hi Stacey!
I’ve been on here before, but I’m still stuck!!! I know that I want ivory and champagne/gold. However, I can’t decide on the other color…I’ve thought burgundy, eggplant, peach, pale pink, sage green and so on and I just can’t seem to come up with that perfect 3rd color. I want it to be elegant and timeless, as it is a night time wedding in the heart of the city.
Here is a link to where the ceremony and reception will take place. http://www.peachtreeclub.com/TheTerrace.aspx Any ideas?!? Thanks for your help :)
Leah,
With this color scheme, you wouldn’t haev to pick an accent color.( as shown in links below). once you have the bridal party, guys in black, etc. it will work beautifully!
Since it will be a evening wedding go with a third lighter color. Due to the setting I wouldn’t want to compete with the view. I would pick green. champagne, ivory, green would be a stunner. If you want you could put the girls in eggplant and I wouldnt pull eggplant anywhere else.
* loft wedding 1 ( love how the turned leaves pull in color without actually adding another color.
* loft wedding
I need help with flowers.. My wedding is outside on may 1st 2010. I chose the color Lapis from davids bridal. Also am incoperating a pale green color with ribbons for the flower girl pail and favors. I need help with choosing the right flowers. My recpetion is in a barn and I know that I want to have silver buckets for centerpieces but what flowers!????
Angie,
I would go with a simple green and white floral palette. It looks so good with purple. Why not consider white shasta daisies and green hydrangea, maybe throw in a few white roses. Anything garden or wildflower will suit this setting nicely. To many flowers? want to simplify? you can’t go wrong using any 3 of these types throughout your wedding. one flower in green and white like hydrangea would fit. plus it you need fewer stems due to the large bloom.
Hi Stacey,
My wedding is September 10, 2010 outside at Johnson Mill. My colors are red and purple – I attached a color board I made. I want to go with an elegant/woodsy theme. As such, my dad is making my centerpieces, which will be water features made out of driftwood and decorated with flowers in my colors and floating candles. I was wondering if you could help me with the linens. I’m having some sit-down tables and also some cabaret tables for people to stand around. Most of the tables will be under a white tent. I’m wondering if I should keep it more simple and just go with white linens for the sit-down tables and maybe purple linens for the cabaret and buffet tables, or should I incorporate more color on the sit-down tables? Can you please help?
Brooke,
OMG! that venue leaves me speechless. Okay I am moving to Utah! LOL. I couldn’t find an interior shot. Can you tell me the colors inside the reception hall?
Hi Stacey,
Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of the inside. It’s a bed and breakfast, so there is no reception hall inside. We are planning on having the reception outside on the lawn area by the lake and the mill wheel. I believe there is a photo or two of it on the website. It’s surrounded by trees, and there are lots of flower beds a potted flowers around at the time of year we are having our wedding. Also, the colors in the surrounding mountains will be starting to change. We will have our ceremony in a grove of trees below the waterfall. Does that help? Thanks!
Brooke,
I would probably go with the white linens. It would showcase your dad’s centerpieces. I have a pic below with purple draping( I love this!). It is beautiful yet outdoorsy.
* Second pic
Here’s the color board I made.
Brooke, This is gorgeous! I love it! I thought about suggesting a pale purple to set the purple/red centepieces on but didn’t.
It looks just as amazing as white would. Keeping the linens on a paler side will enchance your centerpieces, whether choosing white or lighter purple.
That looks really nice!
Hey Stacey,
I think I have narrowed down my color scheme for my wedding but have been struggling with creating a color board to share with others so they can see my vision. My colors are mango, coral and eggplant. Help please!!!!!
Christiane,
* here is a wedding that might do the trick! It is GORGEOUS!
Ok Stacey,
you helped me pick my wedding colors. And now i am stuck on what to do for wedding favors. We don’t have any out of town guest so i am not doing welcome bags.
But I am at a loss for wedding favors. Our colors are light blue and Orange.
So far here is my center pieces. I will be getting a floral ball and cutting it in half and adding flowers to it and putting at the top of the vases. The flowers will be a mix of Light blue, Orange and maybe white!
Allison,
I am a huge fan of anything edible. I would have little glassine bags with a orange and blue striped ribbon with maybe some cookies inside. Or white favor boxes with striped ribbon with truffles or your fave candy inside. It is a great time to share treats you and your future hubby love with all your guests! Be sure to check out all the great favors this site has to offer!
Stacey,
Your such a great person. Thanks so much for helping. I can’t believe how much you have helped me and all the great ideas you have!
Your a Goddess!
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for all of the great ideas but I just couldn’t seem to find a post to fit me. I am having my wedding 2/2011 on a beach in Mexico. We love simple elegances and if given the choice we dress in black. Brian does not want to wear black at the beach (so understand) and we are on a tight budget. So I am struggling with the vision/theme.
I love the city black tie elegant look and not too much color. (Sometimes less is so much more) So I am hoping to get the color from the beach (at sunset). I am leaning towards a graphite/slate grey flow-y bridesmaid dresses, each carry a simple flower and carry that concept throughout. I am just unsure of the colors to mix in with the grey idea and can I pull the grey off on the beach? Ugh! I don’t want to do the same old over the top color beach wedding or settle on the same olds blues.
Thanks,
Sara
Hi Sara, while you’re waiting, this great wedding I ran across came to mind, maybe it will help! City fashion chic meets European
hey dawn.
thanks – its perfect – i just need to figure out which tropical to put in it and how to make it beachy but classy….thanks a million
sj
Sara,
I took the grey and paired it with white and a touch of fresh green. I tried the grey/white alone and it needed something. Instead of going outside the color scheme at other neutrals. I just took cue from the green of the flower stems/ greenery that would already be a part of any wedding. Ijust pulled the green from the natural stems and foilage and put it a little more front and center. It is colors that would not compete with any of the setting. You can make these wedding colors/style more casual or formal; depending on your taste. I went with a beach chic look with clean lines. I hope you like the board.
Sara,
* this is nice
I NEED YOUR HELP TO CHOOSE A SUITABLE COLOUR FOR MY WEDDING, PLEASE SEND ME EMAILS FOR THE POSSIBLE COLOURS.
Nomfunkeko,
what would be the type of wedding your planning? theme? and some colors you prefer
:wave: Hi Stacey, whilst my heart is still set on a tiffany blue colour scheme, it wont tie in nicely with the venue so we going for the ivory, champagne and crystal look. Please could you send me some inspiration boards. I like the victorian/ old hollywood glam look…please help
Tania-Lee,
Hi!
* Ivory and champagne
* this is beautiful
I also made you a board, hope youlike it.
Thanks Stacey, please send me more ideas for this colour scheme.
Are all brides as confused as i am? All teh colours posted are so stunning
Tania-Lee,
* here is a lot of different pics with ivory
Tania-Lee,
* you might like this
* more pics
* vintage
* hollywood glam
Tania-Lee,
* I love the old fashioned style of thisa>
( be sure to check out the related post section for the rest of this wedding)
* vintage glamour
* a real wedding with a more vintage edwardian touch.
* the reception
* guest book table
* complete shots of the wedding
You mentioned you liked lace and pearls? I am wondering if you are leaning more toward the edwardian/victorian era. It had more of that. I am thinking you might like the last wedding links. Is that the style your looking for? It is sooooooo! beautiful!
I am inlove with teh Victorian era but seeing those hollywood glam pics thats what i would love to incorporate. I love the hair styles…
Tania_Lee,
I have a few more links for you. Could you tell me the details that are a must have? I am thinking black, champagne, ivory would look so beautiful. The weddings then were mostly candelabras, table lamps, or florals. In the traditional victorian times florals would have been in abundance with pearls, lace linens, etc. hollywood glamour is more streamlined. So actually mixing the 2 could make it look less of either one. I would actually stick with just one style on this one to make sure the overall look is right.
The one thing that would make it easier would be do you want less or more florals. Sleek or more romantic?
IM GETTING MARRIED IN SEPT 2010. I HAVE CHOSEN GOLD YELLOW AND ORANGE. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH SOME MORE COLOURS
Colleen,
Are you wanting more colors with what you have chosen? What is your theme or wedding vision?
Hi, I am planning August 2010 wedding and would love input on color of bridesmaid dresses (strapless and cocktail/tea length). The girls and I are all for black but my mom and fiance are not. For flowers I would like lime green chrysanthemums or cymbidium orchids. The ceremony is at Riverview B&B
and the reception is at a new community hall. I was thinking of incoroporating a white and black damask theme (table coverings/stationary). I also love the ceramic letters L O V E with the flowers in water in the picture attached.
Is there another colour besides green (unlikely to look good on my bridesmaids) or black that would work well. Oh and my dress is at Martina Liana, if you go to the 2009 collection under “collections” and then scroll over the right on the bottom group of dresses, my dress is #210 in ivory. Thanks very much!!!!
Amber,
What about a green and brown ? It is a gorgeous color scheme. I like the green alot for this venue and the pic you provided, love that!
* brown and green
* also navy and green
* more navy
* real weddings
wasnt sure if you were going ahead with the black/green damask.
Hello everyone. I am getting Married March 26 2011 and we are having a little bit of conflict with our colors. He wants Royal Blue and I would like to have a Lite blue like pool, baby blue, robins egg. But my issue is I don’t really think having two blues is a good idea.
We are also thinking of adding White or Sliver to our colors.
anyone have any pictures of two different blues at a wedding that would really help out!
Thanks for your advice!
Allison,
* it is a gorgeous combo.
* rest of wedding
* first part of this wedding
* shades of blue wedding
hope this helps!
Thanks Stacey,
But i think now it has changed to Orange and some type of light blue! I have been doing some searching on google and have seen some orange and blue weddings and they look very nice.
any tips on this color scheme?
Allison,
I love the blue/orange combo. Very fresh color combo.
* blue and orange
* pics and ideas
* real wedding
* aqua and orange
* more aqua
Allison,
* loads of ideas at the knot
Thank you so much Stacey!
I think the blue and orange are going to be our colors.. more and like aqua and orange..
Thank again..
kindly help out with ideas for
groom and attendants attire.
The groomsmen are wearing black suit while Groom and bestman wear Grey suit most likely. is it ok that way?
do u think its appropiate they wear black too?
Both of them would be wearing just shirt and tie, no vests so is it appropriate for them to wear cream shirt/ivory shirt with wine tie.
the wedding color theme is wine and gold. its a formal one
the brides gown is ivory colored and her attendants are wearing wine dresses
Juliana,
I think black would be amazing with these colors. It would make it look timeless and elegant. Yes, all the guys could wear black. The groom would be handsome in simepl black and white while the groomsmen would look sharp in black with matching wine tie. The cream/ivory shirt would look perfect with this.
thanks a lot. what colour of tie should the groom and his best man use considering ur suggestion.
i would appreciate pictures for the wine and gold color theme
thanks
juliana,
I found more results with red/gold than wine and gold.
* pics
* more pics( sign up for free here and click wedding photos link the look at red receptions, it will have all red colors)
* one of the main pages
hello stacey. i am having my wedding on 10-10-10. We are going for a fall theme with colors of latte, wine, and gold. My dress is champagne with gold embroidery. My MOH has a latte dress and my bridesmaids have wine dresses. I am stuck on what color to do for the tuxes for the groom and groomsmen. My groom is refusing to wear a vest. What can i do with the colors for the tuxes. thank you for your help.
Jenise,
You could always go with a simple classic black. It goes with everything and will not clash with your attire/colors. Most grooms dont care for chocolate brown but he may just like it, wouldnt hurt to ask. I would talk to a tuxedo shop and see which options they have. A double breasted tux is pretty formal, it doesn’t require a vest.
* classic three button tux ( this looks sharp without a vest)
Hi Stacey,
My fiance and I are in a huge rut when it comes to colors and themes. We are planning a February 2011 wedding and I originally was planning an Old Hollywood themed wedding since I got engaged Aug. ’09. He recenetly told me he “does not get” the Old Hollywood theme and does not like Black & White and thinks it is “Dull”. He said he would like brighter colors. So I decided on a Cherry Blossom themed wedding (Black, Ivory, Fuschia, and Ballerina Pink). He said “way too girly!” So them I thought maybe something romantic and rich for February…and went with a Deep Blood Red and Royal Purple color scheme. He said he hated the purple! So I asked him “Okay, then what would you like because I need your suggestions.” He said Navy Blue, orange, and White….or White Green, and Brown. *YUCK*!!!
We cannot decided or agree on ANY colors or themes!
Do you have any suggestions that might help us out?
Oh…one thing we can decide on is we both want to have Spanish food and music. It will be a Spanish/Italian Wedding!
Attached it my dress.
Jessi,
Okay what about the red for you that you mentioned mixing it with the orange he mentioned or red and brown.
* here is one example
* I was thinking you might love this one. It is gorgeous. The girls/guys are wearing black but look how amazing this is!
* look at this, this has wow factor
let me know what you both think about any of these. If you did decide to use a rich navy blue then that would compliment these colors very, very well. Location is everything too. Will the style and colors go with the venue? Do you have a link or pic that I could see? It also depends on the style you use daily. I usually ask brides to look in their closet and see which colors they wear the most, your closet will tell you what styles/colors you lean too. For the groom too. Does he wear alot of black or navy? other colors? Wedding decor should show guest your love and your personalities. It will tell the story. Can’t wait to hear from you.
Hey Stacey!
Thank you so much for replying back. We actually just put a deposit down on a venue just last night. Here is the link:
http://www.lakemaryeventscenter.com/
We also decided on keeping the Old Hollywood theme and doing Black, Ivory, Deep Red Wine, and Gold. It will match the Grand Ballroom which has very large windows with big gold drapes, the room is painted a soft beige and the rug is beige with a sage green color.
I absolutely LOVE the design and color scheme of the first link you posted in the comment. It is very similar to the style I am looking for. Do you have any other examples of wine and gold colored reception decor for the Old Hollywood theme?
My fiance and I actually both wear a lot of black, white, burgundy, grey, etc. in our wardrobe. We also both love bright rich colors, especially jewel tones, but don’t wear these colors as often.
Jessi,
* idea 1
* more pics
* this is crazy gorgeous! look at the theme!
* just change to your colors
* love this, looks like a vintage supper club!
Jessi,
* beautiful. It says modern but actually looks supperclub also.
* this really does!
* gorgeous table
* beautiful
Thank you sooo much Stacey! These are perfect and right one track to what i was looking for. =) I appreciate your help! I definitely got a ton of ideas from the links you sent.
Hi Stacey,
You av great ideas about weddings and colors.can u pls help fix up two lovely colors as i’ll be havngg my wedding July 2010.i like Purple but dont know what other colors to combine with it.tanks,i’ll be expecting ur reply.nyce dayy!
Tayo,
Purple is a wonderful color to use! Can you tell me the type of wedding your having? rustic, vintage, beach, bold or softer looking, etc? Also the venue colors will dictate color scheme.
* here are some pics to look at.
* real weddings using purple
* wedding boards
* I love this color, add simple white or blush florals and it is breathtaking!
* like here
Hi!! So our wedding is going to be March 17th 2012. We already starting to think of all the major things. Colours are so tough. My fiance loves purple, and i used to absolutely hate that colour, because it was my mom’s favourite colour and she over did it for me when i was little ( i used to wear just purple) now i am starting to love it again, but more on the darker side… Since March it is just beginning to transition from winter to spring… i wanted to warm up the deep purple with champagne. What do you think? Also my fiance is from Australia and we will be having a reception there right after, so i want to work in both settings. Please please help!
illan,
here is a link to check out purple weddings. I think it sounds wonderful!!
there are several that would work beautifully!
you may have to sign up for free and log in then go to wedding photos link to see the galleries.
* the knot
* nice
* purple/champagne
* purple/gold
* purple/green
* aubergine
* plum
* boards
* love this
Hi my name is Brandey and my fiance actually pointed me in the direction of this site b/c we can’t decide on wedding colors. I think what we really need is an outside opinion. His favorite color is purple and I love every color except purple. Our wedding is on Sunday, September 19, 2010 in Kansas City. I’ve attached a picture of my dress and the venue. Also my favorite flower is a gerber daisy. Please help us.
Brandey,
Hi, love loft style venues. There are lots of colors that work in this venue. Were you planning on incorporating purple in the venue with another color or would you like to steer clear of purple?
I personally love the colors pink and gray together, but if I can see some cool examples of purple weddings then I would be willing to compromise for him. I just don’t want my entire wedding to be engulfed in purple.
Brandey,
* purple pics
* more purple
* this is great
* this
* another great one
* Ah! found it, this is awesome!
* sneak a little pink into your bouquet! :peaceout:
Brandey,
A way to still pull some pink into the decor without be too detected is using small amounts of pink blooms, like orchids. a few stems here and there will compliment. Or you can carry pink blooms mixed into your bouquet. Tha way you both get the colors you love!
Hi Stacey!
I came across this page and I just love all the ideas floating around. I read the post about john and the huckleberries and I love the idea that you came up with for them. I am in a world of anxiety today. I am so lost in what I want… we both love blue and I love COLOR!!
I really love pink and well my fiance… not so much. Up till today I was going for the tropical theme for my September 2011 wedding. I realize that as much as I love the beach I am very glamorous as well. I love glitter and glam. My fiance and I have the same refined taste and both enjoy the finer things in life and we love style. Though after two children we find ourselves on a very tight budget. We picked the resort beach wedding because it is cost efficient. After days of trying to make up my mind I am lost under a mound of ideas and I have overwhelmed myself. 
Ashley,
Looking forward to your response!
Hi! Are you wanting to incorporate pink? or find another color. Also, what is the formality of your wedding?
Since you love all things sparkly, I am giving you a link full of eyecandy. It has the most beautiful weddings and some of the best ideas. I noticed you posted a royal blue, is that the color blue you wish to go with? what about the pink shade? Also can I get the resort venue link so I can take a look at it? It helps me decide on the right colors or shades.
* website
* here is another great one
once I hear from you I will begin the search for ideas!
Ashley,
I didn’t know if this had to much decor but it is an elegant beach wedding with the glam. It can be adjusted for your wedding easily and adding blush pink and white flowers to the color scheme instead. But check out the candelabras, I love that. You may have aparty rental store that you could rent those fairly cheap.
* real wedding
Ashley,
* more weddings
* wedding 2
* look here at the branch centerpieces with hanging crystals, you could axe the small candles on branches
* real wedding 3
Ashley,
I made you a board with the colors you gave me. I made this board very diy, it gives bling on a budget. I made the board with key items in mind in a streamlined diamond theme way. First is the square vases, you can use cylinder if you wish and can find these type glass vases at any dollar tree or dollar store. I have found them for a dollar a piece and are very nice vases. diamond confetti, saveoncrafts.com or any craft store has this. You can find diamond shaped confetti at walmart but i think the smaller confetti would be best for using in bottom of square or cylinder vases. fill these with water and let the rhinestones create a bed at bottom of vase. then place 1 simple draping pale pink orchid. with the money savers elsewhere in the board, orchids shouldn’t hit the pocketbook hard. reception has simple white or even platinum table linens( again, this is the best way to add impact for mere dollars, renting linens are not that expensive, finish with simple blue sashes on chairs or chair covers if you like and matching blue napkins. centerpieces will be finished by adding clear glass votive holders with white or pale pink candles in between orchid vases. I actually love the silver beaded or rhinestone holders. you can take plain glass votive holders and hot glue rhinestone trim around middle of holder, add candle, and voila! the guys and gals would look sharp in navy blue as in reception, your all orchid bouquet with diy rhinestone trim around handle and gals have pink roses/orchids. the favors are simple ribbon with rhinestone buckles found at a craft store. I kept the look simple and clean. For placecards consider writing guests names in blue on them then sit them upright in a bed of sand ( low wood or glass box filled with sand) In center have a rhinestone trimmed ( diy)vase of white branches with crystal garland attached from some of the branches.
Hello!
I’m getting married on May 29th, 2010 to the love of my life. He is in the Marines, and his best man will be in uniform as well. We aren’t going with the traditional all out military themed wedding, besides him in his uniform and a few other details, but as far as color goes, we aren’t. I have chose canary yellow to be my main color, but i’m having troubles with the accents. I love the color green and thought about doing that as an accent. My sister has suggested that she wear an orangey mango color dress (she’s the maid of honor). Because she wants to wear her orange dress she thinks that I should have two orange dresses and two canary dresses. Do these colors sound good together? I wanted to add in the green but I’m afraid to have three different color dresses. For the centerpieces at the reception, we thought about having the citrus theme, and adding oranges, lemons, and limes in a vase. The flowers are geber daisies. Any help on tying the three colors together would be much appreciated!!
Audrey,
Hi! I love your idea! I would have the girls try on the colors to see if it goes with their skintone. I think I would have the girls in the same color and have maybe a different colored sash to keep the colors bright yet subtle. green would also be a great anchor for the brighter colors.
* ideas
* board
* real weddings/pics
* gerbera daisy
Hi Stacey,
Great article! Hoping you may be able to help me as I am so stuck for colours…it’s driving me crazy. My June 19 wedding will be held in Bali in a private villa overlooking the ocean. Both the ceremony and reception will take place there. I’d like to use local flowers – but thinking mainly whites/creams with a touch of colour – aiming for something a little understated and not overly ‘tropical’ if you know what I mean. I still haven’t chosen a dress but thinking of going for something along the lines of the style attached. I’d really like to go for colours which are a little contrasting and not so expected….but really don’t know what combinations might work well for this venue / location. I like the idea of rich, lush colours – but also want something sophisticated. Some ideas I’ve been toying with are coral/ice blue/buttercup. Any help greatly appreciated.
Melanie
Melanie,
your in luck with colors! You can use an array of colors.
* check this out
* this is beautiful!
* i think something like this would be beautiful
* this is serene yet has a subtle tropical feel
* i love this
* and this
* white with a pop of color is super stunning, it is simple yet is elegant and has impact
* this is so pretty
* tiffany blue
* very pretty
* another pretty one
Melanie,
* look at the whites with crystals
Melanie,
*this is beyond beautiful
Hi Stacey,
Wonderful article! I’ve been going crazy with themes and colors for my July 3, 2010 wedding. I’ve attached a photo of my dress, the outside of the venue (it’s an old theatre), and the inside lobby (we’ll stand for the ceremony where the christmas tree is in the pic; I make my entrance down the staircase).
I love the beauty of the venue, I don’t want to compete with or overwhelm it. But it’s also difficult to come up with colors! The reception room upstairs has the same carpet, mostly shades of red with green.
My fiance has chosen gold as one of the colors due to the ease of fitting it in with the decor already in the theatre. We’re thinking about a 1920s/jazz inspired motif. Nothing over the top (no flappers!) but we do love jazz and that vibe…we just don’t know how to create it! Any ideas?
Caroline,
Love it! I was thinking old hollywood, so vintage it is! actually black and white or light champagne gold stood out to me above all. I think it would go beautifully in this venue and the entire vibe your going for.
* here are some pics/ideas
* great gatsby themed weddings
* something like this would be stunning, simple and and stunning.
* rest of previous wedding pics
Caroline,
I think the a burgundy/red wine would be beautiful.
* check out this table setting. I love it has that vintage streamlined feel. I think this would be PERFECT!
The good thing about this table setting is there is an effortless feel to it. It has that vintage supperclub attitude about it. keep the flowers creamy white just like the pic. It tends to give a warm, more vintage feel than white. I do hope you like this. It would be very simple and easy on the budget not to mention gives off major impact! :clapclap:
Brides,
I was thinking about the Christmas in July concept today, only switching it around to July after Christmas. I was thinking about all the brides that may be or in the middle of planning a destination wedding. While I do love all things snow, I find myself caught up in a beautiful beach, gentle breeze, and no coats! So I made 2 boards based on this. First board is a simple color scheme of sand, white, and pink.
Now the second board is based off a destination sunset. I chose the Jamaican sunset. After searching endless color combos. I left it a simple creamy white, sand, rust, bringing in a small hint of deep pink found in the centers of white orchids. I looked at yellow, pink, and every other color. Only to find a traditional fall color ( rust) paired whites and pink really brought out the vision. Ladies, I think I have a new favorite color scheme combo. It has the creaminess that I lean toward in decor. I truly hope you like it too.
The third board I threw together pulled away from the tropical vibe and into the vintage. I used a simple palette of blush,copperorange orchids, ivory, and black. I think I have been on a rust/copper and pink kick here lately! it is a highly underestimated color for warmer weather events. I hope I have given you all a new color to ponder for your event.
Hey Stacey. Names John. My soon to be wife is on here all the time. All she talks about these days is the wedding stuff. She keeps going back and forth with colors. I thought I might try and help by talking to you. See, I miss her and want her back, if you know what I mean. She spends all her time searching for ideas and stuff. She has been talking of sunset colors like orange, pink and purple. Yeah, she loves sunsets. Even has a few ablums laying around the house with montana sunset pictures in them. But, she loves huckleberries even more. She is an artist and is so worried about it not looking right. She wants to move to Montana because she loves the lakes and mountains. Every summer for the past 12 years, she reflects on her late grandfathers huckleberry pancakes with huckleberry syrup and peanutbutter. Gross hu? She loves it. I know her favorite color is purple and she goes nuts for orange and pink. I know her favorite food is anything huckleberry. I was thinking a huckleberry theme would make her so happy. Do you happen to have any ideas for that?
I would really be happy if she could stop obsessing about the colors. I love her and miss her Ha!
Thanks Stacey!
oh her name is Amanda.
Hi John! Welcome to the board! She like huckleberries huh?!? This is funny cause they are my absolute favorite too! LOL. I loved them so much I use to eat them green, yes, green, when I was little. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by colors. While I couldn’t find a huckleberry theme; I did find blueberries which could pitch hit for that. I happen to LOVE THIS!
* boards and pics
* wedding board
* here is a blueberry wedding
* i could see those blueberries with floating candles with this
* here is another
* not blueberries or huckleberries but blackberries, this is a rustic version just use her fave berry in this instead
John,
I made a inspiration board with this theme.