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 december 2009. The colors i chose are sea blue gold and white. what do you think about these color combination.
naa,
sea blue is beautiful and paired with gold and white will make it even more gorgeous!! i didnt know your wedding style so i just threw together a old world ballroom style board to show how beautiful these colors are together.
linda,
that sounds beautiful i love it!! another color you could think about for the guys is khaki or black. those color look so good with aqua.
*example
*wedding pic
i made you a board i found a pic that has grey linens ixed with aqua and i thought wow!! fuschia and white florals would really pop here!
here is a closer look of the table to see if you like it…
*pretty chicky
I am getting married June 2010 and need help picking out colors. I really like pink, but need color(s) to go with it. I’m getting married in the small country church I grew up in, and the only problem is the carpet is red. Help, please!
kelsey,
*pink orange green is very nice and would compliment the carpet.
*this is pretty
*this is so sweetandpretty
*nice
*country garden bouquet, mostly white with a touch of pink in center
*this is unusual but pretty
*okay i think this is beautiuful i may take out the grapevine though, it is different and that is why i think it is stunning. ( this woul keep in the pink mainly and yet it would go with red carpet perfectly!!) it has that whimsical elegance to it. i just love the dragonflies!!
*good gosh this is gorgeous!! i love the yellow and chartreuse and pink roses nestled among white orchids. i chose to show you this cause it has red carpet. can be pared down for a country church and orchids can be swapped, if you choose, for lush white hydrangeas. it looks like the entire bridal party is in black which is PERFECT. cause black will set off these colors and a little black dress if a bm’s dream cause it is a staple in the closet. ( this last post is my pick hands down! add lots of greenery and it looks more countryside garden) this would be easy to do. it is all basic and failproof. you could also choose to do pink and amber roses set against black dresses. gorgeous!!
I am getting married March 2010. I already have my dress and whenever I look at it-it screams ROMANTIC. I don’t have a clue what kind of color scheme to do, but I know I don’t want the “traditional” romantic with roses. I am a unique girl with a sense of fashion and I want something different for my wedding.
Can you help me with some color scheme ideas?!
connie,
do you have a venue yet? if so what are the colors? also can i see a pic of your dress. all of this will give me a better feel of which way to go. what are some of the colors you lean to?
*loft weddings have that unique modern romantic look
*brides.com
*feteny.com
*latest wedding
*ariellachezar
*lots of gorgeous weddings!! my fave is lindsey’s
Here is a link to the designer’s website for my dress,
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?keywordText=Madison+Marie&keywordType=any&page=0&pageSize=15&style=A3337
connie, that dress is so gorgeous!!! did you have a pic of your venue yet? this will help so much with the colors.
* do you like something like this? it would be fantastic with your dress design.
*inspiration ideas, scour through these to see if a style or color pops out
*look at the wedding themes they offer and beautiful beginnings to see if you like these
i would sign up free at theknot.com then click wedding photo link and look at all the color galleries. amazing!
stacey ,
hi , im getting married on march 2010 also.
though, i have blue and lilac as option for my color? do u think its the best color during summer? im here in the philippines.and its summer on march.
and my wedding ceremony will start in 11 am. do u think its ok for morning ceremony?
then 1-5pm reception. i chose a hotel for venue.what is the perfect theme for this? thanks
angel,
i think blue and lilac is beautiful. i am loving that venue!! yes, those colors are great for a morning ceremony. the theme depends on what you and your fh love, it can come from a hobby, a destination, it can be a classic theme, romatic theme, even as simple as a color theme.
* lilac white and silver is beautiful too
*THIS is gorgeous! i am loving the monochromatic color scheme( they used different shades of one color) mostly i am loving how the florals bounce off the off the periwinkle blue dresses and table linens. i would personally pick this it would be amazing in your venue!!
your venue looks like it would be overlooking gardens. you could have a garden theme wedding?!?
let me know what you think, i am truly hoping you love the last link too.
thanks stacey..ive been waiting for ur reply since my inquiry.thanks alot.its nice to know that i have sum1 to talk to and ask sum1 if i have doubts. i like ur link.
ill show these links to my fh.thanks.ill let u know.promise. :)
why not look into doing pink with ivory? or if your looking for three colors maybe like pink with ivory and lavendar or a sage green? or google wedding color schemes and it gives you colors put together already
i’m getting married in march 2010 and i need a secondary color. i have choose a short black dress for my bridesmaids. i need another color to go with it…any suggestions??
saundra,
could you tell me how you want your wedding to look? style? venue colors?
hello, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me out on my wedding colors. I am getting married july 17th 2010 outside in the evening. We are going to have the wedding at our country club and it is very breath taking, old victorianish buliding. We had dark blue, teal, and champange picked out as our colors but are having a hard time finding things to go with the wedding, so we thought about doing red,yellow, and orange. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. and if you could give me some pics. thank you so much.
Hi Stacey,
I’m having a summer wedding next year. My chosen colours so far are Gold, Ivory and Brown. I feel I need another colour to make these colours pop.
Could you suggest the perfect colour to go with these?
Many Thanks
Angie
angie,
the first color that popped in my head was a soft coral or simple shade of pink like salmon.
*wedding boards
*isnt it gorgeous!!
*more boards
*real wedding
Thanks Stacey,
A friend of mine suggested aqua to go with the brown but I’m not to sure if I’m too keen on this colour.
What do you think?
angie,
aqua and brown is gorgeous together!!
*examples
let me know if ya like tha tcolor scheme. could you tell me some colors that you favor more? and i can begin searching for those color schemes. the colors you picked out could look wonderful with an array of colors. thanks!!
have you considered a fresh spring green?
*ideas
*wedding board
*project wedding
Thanks Stacey, I think I prefer the greens to the aqua. I definitely want to keep it gold, ivory and brown and as previously mentioned want to add another colour in to make it pop.
My favourite colour is cobalt blue but somehow I think it might be difficult mixing it into my colour scheme?
Also, Stacey please could you advise on what colours I can get my bridesmaid dresses in?
Does the Mai of Honour where something completely different to the bridesmaids
I am lost :)
Thanks a lot
Angie
angie,
are you wanting to just add cobalt blue to the color scheme you have? or a shade of green? i would pick one or the other or just keep the green in the greenery instead of adding it as another color-if you plan to use cobalt blue.
*here is the cobalt and brown, with ivory, keep gold to metal accents, like napkin rings etc.
*wedding board
angie,
i made you a wedding board. for the reception pic, since it doesnt show all of it. i was thinking more of a champagne or light gold linen with the chocolate topper. florals in ivory and cobalt blue wine glasses. keep ivory or white plates for simpler or place on cobalt chargers. all of this is not that expensive to rent. i hope you like the board!!
angie,
oops! here is the board. oh yeah instead of renting stemware, you could always pull in an alternative way to get the blue on the table while keeping everything else, ivory or white and simple. by using cobalt blue vases, i have found these at walmart, dollar stores, etc. also try saveoncrafts.com you should be able to get them there for very reasonable!!
Thanks so much Stacey, you really are talented are these things.
I think I do prefer the greens as opposed to the tiffany blue and the cobalt blue - so colour scheme will be Gold, Ivory, Brown and Green.
What colour do you think I can dress my bridesmaids in?
I also have a Maid of Honour, what would be the best colour be for her to wear so that she isn’t the same as my 2 other bridesmaids?
And finally, what colours can the best men and the groom wear - the theme of the wedding is classical?
I am looking for that WOW factor!
Thanks again
Angie
I need help! I am planning a June wedding and our colors are black, white and pool. I want to have lime green as an accent color. However, I want to add another color that helps make everything pop. I was thinking a shade of either purple or pink. Does that sound ok? Also, what type of flowers would be good? I am not a huge fan of gerber daisies or roses. The ceremony is in a really old traditional church and the reception is outdoors. Anyone have any suggestions??
susanne,
*wedding boards
*you could do waht appears to be black chairs and black containers, this is gorgeous!! looks celeb worthy but could actually be done inexpensive! ( here you have lilies and orchids). most times pink is paired with this but wow! i LOVE the purple! even down to the way they used the green( in the greenery) without having to add the color to the color scheme. this has a modern yet traditional sense to it if you look closely. let me know what ya think. oh yeah!! black white and pool will pop, blue against black. you wouldnt need an xtra color,
susanne,
forgot to mention i would stick with a 3 color scheme so it will flow and please the eye better. 4 max. with the green in the greenery. then you could use purple with white flowers.
Hello all i’m getting married June 2010 and my colors are orange and yellow but I need an accent color. I’ve been thinking some sort of blue or gold can someone help me out pleaaaaaaaaase my head is starting to hurt.
monique,
*here is the blue orange and yellow
*yellow orange gold
*like this
*very sweet
*soft and pretty
*another wedding
*yellow and gold
one of the MOST beautiful pairings with this is grey…
*weddin gboards
*more pics
this is a super simple color scheme. guys and gals in grey( if skintone doesnt look washed out) orange and yellow bouquets. instant chic!!
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!