Choosing Your Wedding Colors: A Guide for Designing Brides
And even if you're getting the cake from Ron Ben-Israel, he's not going to ask you whether your wedding theme draws elements from 14th century Venetian court dress ... he'll ask you about your colors.
A mere generation ago, planning the wedding was a lot easier. It expressed your social class, and your parents' tastes. Even if they had particular ideas, the market couldn't offer much in terms of individual design. But these days, your wedding expresses your personal style in a way it never has before. Translation? The pressure's on!
Sussing Out Your Style
Some brides can solve the color question without thinking too much about style. They might have a life-long love for purple. Or, their venue might have strong hues they need to coordinate with. Or, when they picture their wedding, they already see their bridesmaids awash in certain colors. Easiest of all: sometimes they already have a theme in mind.For others, it's not that simple. Still, you can quickly pin down the styles that get your heart beating almost as fast as your fiancé does. Does Martha Stewart's relaxed, preppy look command your undying devotion? Do you pray you can someday actually subscribe to H&M magazine? Did Vera Wang's modern, moody Bolshevik collection for fall 2007 incite heavy breathing? This gives you some major clues.
Destination: Home, Sweet Home
Still, even if you don't consider yourself a fashionista or a Martha devotee, all's not lost. Instead, let's turn our eyes back to home and hearth.Many brides aren't just looking forward to a wedding, they're also buzzing with anticipation over the dream house they plan to share with their beloved. And in the process of hunting down this love nest, most spent lots time mulling over their personal style. What did you picture in your mind's eye as the right setting for your new life together? A rangy colonial with a gabled roof? A warm, log-sided farmhouse with a wood stove in the kitchen? Or did you dream of finding a downtown loft bursting with recessed lighting and monochromatics, and flip through the new IKEA catalog to pick out your cabinets?
Or consider: do you dream of filling your home with antiques you can pass down to your children? Look to seasonal-inspired color schemes and ballrooms. Plan to drape your bedroom ceiling in yards of mosquito netting? A fairytale wedding drenched in candelabras, gold braid and gauzy swags might fit the bill. Collect exotic objects from all over the planet? Try an art museum for your setting, and a sophisticated or daring palette.
And if you're one of those eclectic types who pairs Amish rocking chairs with aboriginal artifacts, use this old designer trick: think of the last bit of art or furniture you bought to spruce up your house. That tells you what's on your mind lately.
Your Secret Romantic Style
So, you know your domestic style is Eclectic Contemporary. Congratulations: that means you're holding a black-and-white wedding with chartreuse accents and ostrich feathers in a huge SoHo loft, right?Hold it: not so fast. Why? Because many brides have a special romantic style that exists in a universe by itself. You might be thrilled picking out Art Deco style spaceships for your pendant lighting. And yet, when it comes your wedding, you might picture something a lot more traditional.
So even if you're the most fashion-forward girl on the block, take a moment to consider whether your wedding vision doesn't actually go back in time by few hundred years. You might secretly harbor a special place in your heart for New England autumns, Victorian elegance, English cottage style, or even timeless fairy tales. And if that's true, rest assured you've got plenty of company.
The Gown's the Guide
But how do you tell if this stylistic gotcha's operating in your case? Here's the secret: go get your dress.For many brides, The Dress is a journey that starts with many preconceptions, but ends in the unexpected. Finding the dress is usually a case of recognizing it once you've tried it on, not knowing ahead of time what you'll wear.
And once you've found it, the dress will offer some big clues about your Romantic style. Captured by a demure ivory gown covered in Alençon lace, with a button-back closure? Start your search with pastels and neutrals that suit a 1930's vintage or feminine garden wedding. Fell hard for a sleek, diamond white v-neck that's all about the lines? Investigate the crisper, more playful palettes we see today, such as black and white, aqua, bright pinks, lime green and corals.
Adjust for Geography, Venue and Season
Now that you've unearthed your personal style, it's time to look outward. If your style's traditional, for example, start with a hotel ballroom. If you want a strong seasonal feel for fall, try a rustic barn. Cultivated gardens go well with traditional, Martha-esque tints. Tents weddings are a blank slate: you can make them as classic or brazenly modern as your heart desires.Geography, too, plays a role in your colors. Tropical affairs in the blinding sun are often showcases for the brightest hues of all: coral and orchid, for example, or aqua and orange. Evening white-tie affairs in New York City? Not so much.
Many brides are in the middle, and want to weave in at least a seasonal hint. Fortunately for them, most seasons have palettes both traditional and modern. For example, a classic summer wedding might feature cornflower blue or sage, where a modern one draws on fuchsia and lime green, or orange, pink and black.
Even flowers help set the style. For example, a profusion of pinks in a bouquet of roses and peonies says English cottage. Mini-sunflowers and chrysanthemums says New England country. On the other hand, the color blocking in a hand-tied bouquet of purple callas is strongly modern.
Essential Color-Choosing Tools
Now you've got a style in mind, let's get to the art of actually picking colors. Here are a few can't-miss tools:Color Schemer. You'll need to create a free account, but this wonderful site has user-created palettes aplenty that you can search by keyword. Once you've registered, hit the "search schemes" button and enter words that fit your vision, like "fall,""garden," "sunset," "winter." Or free-associate with adjectives like "nautical," "peaceful," "modern," "preppy" or even "trendy." We promise, you'll be hooked.
Sherwin-Williams Color Generator. Hit their site, and choose "FIND COLOR." Click on any color that draws you, and you'll automatically pull up two accent colors that complement it. Cool.
Big Huge Labs Palette Generator. Have a photo on your hard drive that seems to capture your wedding's heart and soul? Upload it to a palette generator, which will kick out most of the main hues involved. Unless you're on the beach, use one of the more neutral, calming colors as a primary (e.g., use it for bridesmaids or table linens), and the more nervous, high-energy colors as accents (use these in table napkins, chair sashes, ribbons, and some of your flowers.)
Make a Mood Board. Once you've narrowed down some favorites, start grabbing photos (for your own personal use, of course). Make a special folder on your hard drive, and save photos that seem to fit the colors, setting and season you're going for. If you've got any photo editing software, start putting them together in one big image. This will tell you more than thousands of words how your look will play out.
Making the Most of Your Choices
Now that you've got your colors, how can you really make them shine? A problem that plagues some brides is an oversized fear of chaos. Although it's simple, most weddings aren't at their best when the groomsmen's vests and ties exactly match the bridesmaids' gowns, which in turn match the bride's sash.So, choose your colors wisely and stick with them, but strive for designing more than matching. Brown and ivory are neutrals when chosen thoughtfully, so use their many shades for a sophisticated, monochromatic look. If the bridesmaids wear mocha or persimmon, the men will look great in chocolate brown. And even if the flowers call for a palette of orange and yellow, let a little green or cream sneak in for dimension. Check for too much of a good thing: when the entire wedding party wears matching brown or black, the effect can be overpowering.
And They Lived Happily Ever After ...
Picking your colors is a journey, just like finding the dress, or knocking all those planning items off your checklist. But hitting on the right colors, theme and setting for the ultimate expression of your own Romantic style? That can be the pleasure of a lifetime.
Chime In!
Stuck on colors, and looking to chat? Upload some starter pics that shows us your venue, your dress or whatever you're working with. Tell us the season or theme, if you've got one ... then post away!You Might Also Like ...
- Month by Month: Wedding Themes and Colors for Every Season
- The Meanings of Colors in Weddings
- Dreaming of a Dazzling Green Theme Wedding
- A 5th Avenue or Beach-Style Aqua Blue Wedding
- From 40s Fantasy to Designer Deco: the New Black and White Wedding
- Pink Theme Weddings
- Is Orange & Fuchsia Too Loud for a Wedding?
- A Pale Pink & Champagne Springtime Wedding
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I am getting married in July 2010; Cliffs in Southern California, at sunset. My fiancee and I were thinking some shade or shades of blue (his fave color) && red and/or pinkk with some silver too. Please let me know if any-one has any ideas or sees anything that might lend a helping hand! =) Confuseddd…*
jewli,
* i think you might enjoy this website, my fave wedding which incorporates a touch of red in the bouquets against the teal.
MATT and ALI
*blue and pink
*cliffs resort
Hello, I’m planning an April Wedding for 2010.
My color scheme so far is red, black and white. Just because those are my fav colors 
but I fear they are not colors to have for a spring wedding. What do you think of these colors and are they okay to use in spring? Please let me know if you have other ideas for me? Stuck and confused! 
linda,
not to worry! that can be a very sophisticated palette for spring!! they will be perfect for spring!
*wedding pics
*more pics
*wedding boards
to make it more springish just do flowers like here….
*board
the key is to use white linens for crisp and fresh. accents of black in napkins and black vases with red flowers.
linda, oh yes!! use a spring flower like red tulips.
Hello Stacey,
Thanks so much for all your help with choosing colors. It is a very exciting, yet stressful time, good to know there’s someone out there willing to help. Loved the boards, lots of great ideas. Also would gray be better than white or black? (red grey and white) or red black and gray) or should I stick with the red black and white? Also, what role would our five year old play? I’ve hear of ring bearer to symbolize unity or flowergirl?
linda,
the five year old should be a ringbearer or flowergirl. actually a girl can carry this…
*ringbearer rose
perfect for a girl or boy.
*red and grey
*a board with grey/burgundy instead of true red
oh goodness!! the grey for sure!! with red. i love black but i LOVE grey!! it is my fave. it looks so clean and refreshing.
Hi im currently looking into colours schemes for my weddin for May 2012 & i want a white wedding dress but ive kinda got black & white with silver in mind, but also like ice blue & white for schemes!
If any one could help me out with links of pics for these’s colours id be really greatfull!
Thanks!
lacey,
have you thought about black white accents of silver with ice blue?
*wedding boards
*black and silver
*black white blue
*blue and white
*more blue and white
*silver and blue
*beautiful
I am getting married in June 2011. I was originally wanting a red and white wedding, but now I need an accent color. I would really like my bouquet to be all red roses. I was thinking that maybe my bridesmaids could wear red dresses and carry red and yellow rose bouquets. Would this look ok. Then I would have just yellow accent more at the reception and maybe in church decoration. I’m just so stuck here and back and forth. Unfortunatly my fiance and I do not have our venue picked yet, we are looking. Please help me…
Thanks Emilee
And if you can some up with any other accent color that will look better, then plz let me know. Yellow was just a color that someone told me I should use and I just didn’t know. Thanks
emilee,
hi!! without a venue this will be difficult cause you will want colors to compliment the venue. actually red and white will hold up well on its own. i would consider going a deep red, it gives off such romance and classiness!!
*red and white
here are some results that show red paired with other colors…
*red weddings
i am a HUGE fan of red and grey, it is a knockout color scheme!
*example
*red weddings
*real wedding
*theknot is a great place to browse colors( sign up for free; click wedding photos…takes you to photo gallery)
*check out this site too, look at lots of colors by category.
i am planning to marry d man of my dreams i have no idea wat colors to go with my fav colors are pink and purple so cud someone plzz help my husband said its totally up to me
hi keisha,
do youhave a few more details of what type wedding your after? venue style?
*pink and purple wedding
*pink and purple real wedding
*wedding boards
*more boards
just a little eye candy to see if you find something ya like. purple and pink are beautiful! does your fh have a fave color? it could be worked in the colors maybe!?!
my fh favourite color is blue so i really dont know wat color to choose becus i want ut to be about us and not jus me the setting will be outside including tress and other nature so plzz help
Michelle, I also think blue is very pretty for winter colors! You could do a winter wonderland theme. heres a picture of Christina Aguilera’s reception, i think its beautiful.
Thank you
I was engaged many years ago and was to be married during the spring. At that time, I loved the spring colors and my wedding was a spring themed wedding. The wedding didn’t happen and I had given up on love for awhile. I am truly blessed to have found my soul mate and am getting married after all! However, I have changed a lot in the past 8 years and I know love the fall colors but my wedding needs to be in March or May due to my work schedule and some other time constraints. What color combos can I have that would still be appropriate for that time of year? We will be getting married at Dunaway Gardens, http://www.dunawaygardens.com. I love greens, browns, and corals. My favorite flowers are tulips, dahlias, gerbera daisies and fall foliage. Help?!
Olivia,
that venue is WOW! i believe i have a real wedding that might catch your eye and totally fit into this venue.
*real wedding
*more pics same wedding
*part 2
i hope it suits what you are looking for. if not, please post back and i will begin searching ideas!! this wedding will fit the bill in spring season or fall. it will give you the fall colors you love.
Thank you so much for the quick response! The venue is wow and I’m so blessed it’s only 15 minutes from home. I’m looking more for browns, greens, and corals versus the garnet/red tones and champagne tones.
Olivia,
*this is very nice
*just change the pink to coral
*same wedding
*another knot wedding
*this is soooo amazing!
* i wanted to list every wedding here but couldnt so here is the fab link!
You are amazing! Thank you so much!
Hi i’m getting married in march 2010, the colour scheme is black, white and yellow but my fiance wants to change the yellow to green but i am not seeing that colour going to well with the black can you help me see the light please.
Willie,
oh yes! black white and green is an awesome combo!
*black and green
*black white green
My wedding is going to be in December of 2011.
I’m not sure what color scheme I should be using.
I would like something that is elegant and unique but I’m on a tight budget.
I would like to incorporate a winter theme in my wedding.
I have these colors in mind red, black, white (vanilla), soft gold, or ivory but I’m not sure how I can use these for my decorations or for bridemaids dresses.
Please help!
Sicerely,
Michelle O.
michelle,
can i see a pic of your venue? i can help you with the decor and right color elements. i would keep the color scheme red, black, vanilla, and soft gold. the ivory is close to vanilla. are you wanting to put the bm dresses in red or black? i will make you a board as soon as i hear from you!! talk to ya soon!!
Hi Stacey!
Unfortunately I do not have a venue for the wedding yet. We are still trying to decided on that.
Would that affect the color scheme?
I forgot to add…
I’m not sure what color the bridesmaid dresses should be.
I’m not even sure if they should wear long or short dresses.
Is black or red classy?
Michelle,
both colors would look fantastic but i would choose black. it is totally rewearable. i would ask my bm which color they prefer. it depends on the formality of your wedding. i think classic short dressed with strappy heels would be great! they could really wear this again. the venue will matter with your color scheme. black and white is a safe choice cause it can go with alot but your venue will vary. you will want it to compliment.
I am planning my wedding for Aug 2010 and I have no idea what color scheme to go with. My fiancé is in the army and would like to wear his dress blues (no one else in the wedding party is military). Should I go with blue to compliment his uniform? How do I make it all look cohesive? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Congratulations, Becca!
I read your post and I think that since dress blues are so classy (and classic) looking, you might consider the blue in his uniform and an eggplant color would play well off of it.
Since he will be wearing his dress blues, I’m assuming that this is going to be a very formal wedding, right? Darker hues tend to compliment a formal occassion more than the lighter ones. If you feel as though you should go with blue, it should be a royal blue to keep it cohesive with his uniform. (Is your wedding during the day or at night?)
(Another idea, since his uniform is black, white, and blue, you may want to use that as your color scheme and open up the potential for what colors you should do things, such as royal blue linens with white glassware and black centerpieces..maybe vases with blue and white flowers….just an idea).
We are planning for an evening event, formal but not (if that makes any sense
) Looking for a classic feel and warm colors, I just didn’t know if I should stick with blue. Thanks so much for your input! It definetly gives me a great starting place!
i am getting married in January and i can’t seem to pick a color scheme. My fiance is set on wearing a yellow vest and tie with his tuxand I want him to have what he wants but my bridesmaids refuse to wear yellow. Most of them are blonde and I totally agree with them. I want my wedding to be classic and pretty but I can’t find any other colors that can tie in the yellow. i’m afraid having yellow alone with the black tuxes will look like a bumblebee theme and my bridesmaids won’t be happy. Please give me some suggestions!
I am getting married and I want to use fuschia pink and lime as my colour theme. 2 of the bridesmaid dresses will be lime and i will be fuschia pink and the maid of honor dress will be fuschia pink with lime. what color pants should the men wear and is it okay for them to wear fuschia pink and lime vests with striped ties to match.
Hi. I am in need of some serious help choosing my colors!! We are getting married in a Japanese tea garden in late May. The setting is pretty with a koi pond, tea house, and bamoo. The reception will be in a large hall with wood floors. Any suggestions? I am hoping to find colors that will help me carry the beautiful setting of the tea garden back to the reception. I was planning on cherry blossoms being in bloom, but that happens in March
Here is the link to the garden:
http://www.mgzoo.com/rental-facilities/japanese-garden.htm
Here is the link to the reception:
http://www.themerlot.info/
Thanks!
HELP!
I have always loved fall colors, like deep red and burnt orange and I really wanted to use those for my wedding… Which is no longer going to be in Fall. If I am having a wedding in January can I still use those colors? Is there a way to make it work?
rachel,
this can for surely work!! very striking! i made you a board and i also have another pic of the actual bouquet style that i thought would pull in more orange. i wouldnt pair brown with this scheme cause it may make it look more fall.
I love it! This is perfect. I really like the bouquet. Ok I am officially excited about this color scheme. Thank you!
rachel, you are so welcome have a wonderful wedding!!
Hi Stacey,
I’m getting married in July 2010. I love the blue and green color combination (like aqua and lime.. or somewhere in that family) but I also really want to use fuchia orchids and I am not sure if these 3 colors go together well. Is that too much color or too many bright colors? And, if I use these colors I can’t decide what color bridesmaid dresses should be or how to put them all together in table decortions. I want my wedding and reception to be elegant but fun at the same time. The wedding is in a beautiful small catholic church (that looks like a mini cathedral) and the interior is mostly sky blue. The reception is in a nice hall with hardwood floors, white walls, and lots of windows (no color scheme already present). I do not have pictures of either venue at this time. Can’t wait to have some input and suggestions! Thank you!
meghan,
you have a great color scheme. i got a few links i am putting together to send you. what type wedding style will it be?
*wedding boards
meghan, instead of links i made a board. the chairs dont have to be gold but the seat covers are nice with the matchng linen, i would make sure i put a white overlay on top of the aqua linen though. i think the fuschia orchids look best. keep the plates white and simple. do like in board and have green orchids scattered among the groupings of cylinder vases. tie a green orchid to napkin. i worked a lot of different things but i thought that a green and white floral ( with the white orchids having the fuschia centers and then carry the full fuschia orchid onto the table looked best). let me know if you like it. for your ceremony have simple white and green palette in the church. with the sky blue walls and the aqua dresses that will be enough ‘blue” there. the green/white bouquets with the orchids bring in a touch of the fuschia there too. makes a great balance. let me know if you like it!! for your favors you canadd a splash of color there too, you can pick any color you want for those. guys in black wearing green orchids for gm. (groom should wear a white with fuschia center). flowergirl can wear a white dress with white sash. put a fuschia orchid flower in her hair.
meghan, oops here is your board.
Hi Stacey, Sorry it took me so long to get back to you but thank you so much for the board and comments. It is greatly appreciated! You have convinced me that the colors can work together and I am going to go for it. I just wasn’t sure b/c it seemed an unlikely color combo. I am going to go with mostly aqua (or a slightly darker blue) and green and just add touches of fucia. Thanks again! You are very helpful to a lot of people it seems!
Meghan,
you are very welcome! i wish you all the best!
Does anyone know where the bridesmaid dresses in the “a modern take on summer or fall” board can be found? I love the colors and I love the style!
hey i am wantaing to do a wedding im septemner and my colors are goin to be purple and green…what shades should i use so it kinda goes with fall……help never planned a wedding b4 my first one was a courthouse wedding
natasha,
it really depends on your venue. you can range from deep purple paired with emerald, eggplant and sage or olive, some brides even do a light dark mix of shades paired with green for the greenery. can i see your venue to find the best shades?
Im getting married March 2009 and im wanting to do a Blue and Green color scheme but i just can not figure out what shades to use I need help
Tosha,
can you tell me what your venue looks like and the ideal setting your trying to create?
Hello:
Plans for wedding is early 2010. My favorite color is blue, and grooms favorite color is green. I would like to incorporate pink and silver also.
To cut cost, centerpieces for reception would be a single flower in a vase, with white tablecloths. What suggestions can I get for cceromony and reception decorations using — blue, green, pink and silver?
Also looking for inexpensive round white tablecloths.
kat, first what color is your venue? and also what color are the bm dresses? also what shades of colors are you wanting? cant wait to help!!
Hello Stacey:
Some of my planning began with a small church wedding: Without bm, but to have a maid or matron of honor. Wedding bells theme. White bridal bouquet. A single flower in vase for centerpiece same kind of flower like bouquet (fuschia or pink variegated color that has white or same kind of flower in pink or fuschis). White tablecloths. M&M favors. White cake decorated just a little. White chair covers with blue or green sashes (basisally, I would like to incorporate blue and green with a little pink and silver for ceremony and/or reception).
I believe it is best to have a church with a reception hall for the reception. I am still trying to locate one.
I have been looking at some reception halls, and banquet facilities, most are very expensive and they provide catering. I would like to provide my own food from a local restuarant which is much cheaper.
Thanks for helping.
Hello:
Any suggestions in helping with my colors (Blue, Green, Pink, and Silver).
Thanks
Hello Stacey:
Any suggestions with helping with my colors (Blue, Green, Pink, and Silver).
Thanks
Kat,
my apologies!!
*wedding board
*real wedding
*the knot
just add a wedding bells motif onto invites etc. i made you this board. after playing around with the colors of bouquets etc. i thought this really made it look more flowing. i thought paper lanterns would be beautiful in the venue OR hang nice wedding bells among the paper lanterns. i hope you like it! i didnt know what color the attire would be so i just put together what i thought would work. let me know waht ya think!!
Hello!!
First off from what i have read, you know your stuff! I am getting married in September 2010, we are having an elegant but casual wedding. I love bright green and dark purple, but what do i use as an accent color? We are also trying to stay on a tight budget, what kind of flowers can i get in these colors in September??
Thank you so much!!!
Tandi,
i wouldnt use an accent color other than the metallic silver or gold( i recommend silver). this color pairing is enough on its own. if you are wanting another color then i would suggest a 2 shades of purple ( light and a medium or darker) and green. it is best to check with a florist in your area to find out what is in season, cause it will vary place to place. you could look into carnations, gerbera daisies, dahlias( late summer early fall). another option is have your bouquets in the purple and have simple centerpieces of glass vases with greenery or floating candles in purple or green. also your favors could do double duty. place nice boxes with ribbon on tiered plates. floating limes are another option. but check on the prices of roses. you can get them in bulk ( if you stick to a single color/single type flower) it will make it alot cheaper and easier. try fiftyflowers.com
*purple and green wedding
*wedding board
tandi,
*centerpiece
*consider purple and green grape centerpieces( i would use faux from a craft store) and vases or bowls from a dollar tree or dollar store even a flea market.
*grapes wedding
*grape theme