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 ...
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- Pink Theme Weddings
- Is Orange & Fuchsia Too Loud for a Wedding?
- A Pale Pink & Champagne Springtime Wedding
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Hello Stacey,
I am getting married in July 2010 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. We are getting married outside a rustic looking cabin and having the reception inside. I am really not sure about colors, and saw all the great insight you had for others. My fiancee and I are very “classic” and kind of traditional. My “vision” I guess is for the wedding to look like a Ralph Lauren ad (without the models, haha). The colors I like are sage, light pewter, champagne, and black. Could you maybe make me a board or give me an opinion of what you think? Thanks so much
oh, here is a picture of part of the venue if this helps, though we are getting married there in the summer :)
katie,
that venue to jawdropping! do you have a ralph lauren ad that you stands out to you the most and i could use that for inspiration.
katie,
* check this out
oh yes, what are the key things that draw you to those ads that way i will know how to make the board. i cant wait to hear from you!!
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Hi Stacey,
Well what I love about Ralph Lauren is the timeless elegance that also seems easy and natural. Refined, but not stuffy. My vision is for class and grace to shine through without it seeming forced. That’s why I love the sage and champagne colors, with a bit of light pewter. Hopefully this helps!!??? I attached a picture of my fiancee and I on a harbor cruise in Newport. I like that we both look natural and happy.
Hi Stacey,
My wedding day is going to be in December in 2010. The reception is at a traditional chinese restaurant where gold and red are the main colors. I originally thought to use gold and orange as my wedding colors. I’m contemplating to add brown/chocolate too, but i’m not sure. What is your thought on these colors? Can you make some suggestions as to how to play down the asian colors.
I appreciate all your hel in advance
Winnie,
can i see a link or pic to your venue? thanks!!!
Is it o.k. to invite people to more than one Bridal Shower.
Dana,
i have seen it done, yes, but it is not recommended. This way the same guests wont need to buy multiple gifts. if you do invite them to more than one bridal shower, i would let them know their presence is their gift.
Our wedding is coming quickly (feels that way) June 28 on the lake or in a garden setting or a weeping willow tree park. I can’t decide!!! And my man has no ideas. Says “whatever you like hunny”. Very irritating. I am also struggling with colors because I like too many! I want something romantic, elegant yet simple and affordable, sophisticated, but not too dull or plain. Something that the guests will remember more than just “another wedding”. I can’t even find a wedding cake proffessional in the STATE! (Monthana) I feel so overwhelmed, not having anyone to help with the planning, and not able to hire a wedding planner. I don’t even know what all I actually need to have beautiful wedding…only the basics. I’ve been browsing wedding photos since May 08 when he proposed!!! And still can’t get things going. HELP! I have loaded 1 of the two dresses I am taken by (front & back) and one of my favorite choices for bridesmaid color/dress. The colors I have been most drawn to are Champage, Pear Pink, Candy Pink, Peridot, Lapis, Canary, Latte, Mocha, Truffle, Chocolate, Coin Gold, Copper, Ivory, Aubergine, Honeydew, Pink Blush, Apple, Berry, Wine, Crimson, Cabernet, Cognac, Sangria, Silver, Plum, Lilac, Victorian Lilac, Saffron, and Eggplant. Awful isn’t it. One other thing that makes it tough, is I am white, he is Black, and the wedding party is a mix of skin tones…pale with freckles, deep chocolate, olive tan, yellow tan and pasty white. So, it is very hard to find the right color to go with the skin without washing anybody out or making them look too dark. The only thing I am certain on is that I will have lillies through out the scene including on the cake and in my hair. Not certain the color yet though :-) Thanks for listening and offering suggestions!
Amanda,
not a problem!! you have many beautiful colors listed, i can see why it would be difficult to choose. i would narrow it down to 2 or 3 which is more pleasing to the eye. or you could take one of the colros listed above and have it lighter to darker shades of that color( monochromatic). are you going to have an outdoor tent or do you have a venue to hold the reception? for a different range of skintones, periwinkle, pink or burgundy wine and berry are top choices. the great thing here is you could have each girl in her shade of pink. the gradual colors would be stunning. you can always bring in some other color into the flowers, sash, or wrap. another tip is to look at pics of the location to see which colors bloom there. you will want to compliment the grounds. i would love to see the venue link or pics to see what would work best, in style, decor, colors. if it were me. i would pick a rich shade like brown and pair it with a color like lavender or pink. it is a simple combo that will be super elegant and actually can be less fuss cause the colors together make a statement just sitting side by side. and it is a plus for a garden setting. would love to help!!! have you looked at a wedding planner checklist? it will give items you need/dont need. i would also consider going to a local bookstore and purchasing a wedding planner/organizer. it can be a lifesaver!!! another area to look is a theme. is there anything sentimental to you both? colors, location, etc? fave colors? that could be another option for a color scheme. i love the idea of lilies. do you want those as the only flower( which is simple and easy) or pair them with roses or another flower? i love the single type flwoer in a single color to streamline with greenery and pull color in with the ribbons. it would be gorgeous with brown and pink. i noticed you have alot of vineyard colors chosen. that could be a theme also.
*wedding checklist
*sign up free or log in; click wedding photos brings you to color galleries
*detailed wedding items list
Hi Stacey,
I am getting married next year December (summer for us).
The venue I have chosen is a Victorian era room. From the walls down to floors the room is namely champagne and white with huge chandeliers. This is room is in the centre of a casino. So there is an elegant feel from the moment you drive through the gates. I chose this because I always wanted a victorian theme wedding with the lace and old furniture etc. I just cannot decide on a color that will compliment the room. I love champagne but dont want my bridesmaid to look as if they are part of the furniture. Cant decide on centrepieces either. I will attach a phoddy….
tania-lee, looking 4ward to helping out when i see the pic!! thanks !!!
Hi Stacey,
The site wont allow me send my pics, i also tried copying and pasting but it wont go. Is there an email addy i could send them to?
tania-lee,
have you tried saving them in your pictures and then hitting browse below? they should show up that way. if it doesnt let me know.
Hi Stace, tried that. Still no luck. If you can go on Google for Gold Reef City. It is called teh crown reef room or you could send me an email addy?
From the beginning my heart was always set on a Tiffany blue and Crystal themed wedding. We are considering getting a different venue and decorating it exactly how we would like to. Please coudl you send me some ideas? I think i would need to add another colour in there to spice it up. Wjat would you suggest? This is the site of the other venue.
http://www.jasminehills.synthasite.com.
Tania-Lee,
i love both venues, which one have you decided on? i got a look at the other one you couldnt post too. i am also loving the tiffany blue theme. i think it would be gorgeous in either place. as for a color to spice it up. have you thought about copper or brown? these two would work very well while keeping it a tiffany blue/crystal theme.
tania-lee,
here are some links…..
*tiffany blue
*wedding boards
*tiffany blue/brown
*more tiffanyblue
*real weddings
*tiffany blue/red
*tiffany blue/pink
*also check out aqua wedding boards, silmilar color with different results
*aqua and fuschia is amazing!
tania-lee,
4got these!
*wedding receptions
*wedding decor
*aqua
tania-lee,
i made a board for you to see.
These are amazing Stacey. Do you not think the colour is boring? I love it but I just cant find the right colour to make it pop. I’m considering the copper but colours like fuscia are definitely not for me.
For either setting what colour would you choose?
Tania-Lee,
i made 2 more boards based on the beautiful venue you provided. I am LOVING, the way the colorful centerpieces work with the one board against the blue linens. If you look closely it is very similar to your venue ( especially the carpeting). It pulls in a little bling without being over the top with a ornate reception area and without taking away from its structural beauty. I would add crystal teardrop accents coming from the centerpieces, adding brooches or rhinestone pins or wraps to the napkins.
*like the ones pictured here
( actually for the diy bride, these are really simple.)
*instructions here
for the other board, the reception is in white and tiffany blue. i tried to find tiffany blue/champagne sashes; no luck. i thought champagne would really make this beautiful. i love the crystal tree centerpiece you had, i think i would have a large crystal tree on the placecard table with the crystals showering the placecard arrangements. would be a showstopping piece. looking forward to your response. i apologize for taking so long i was studying your venue and comparing them side by side with some pics to make a board. i hope one or both helps!!
that 2nd board the cake is so stunning but my fiance already has his heart set on something else. The colourful centrepiece is really pretty but i prefer the other one with the crystal teardrop.Just need to try to find that book here as I think it will really be helpful.
Im going to send you more pics via email to get your opinion, Hope i am not being a nag…
Tania-Lee,
No, you are not being a nag at all. I am determined to help you with the look you want. I feel like i am not very helpful with your wedding vision.
Not at all, you are a great help and have really nice ideas. It’s fun having someone to chat to that actually understands what I’m looking for.
We are going to see another venue tomorrow. The initial one they have suddenly upped their menu prices by R150 each. Will let you know how it goes.
Hello,
My wedding date is set for November 12, 2011
I love every shade of deep violets, purples, etc. I found a wedding that I liked in a magazine. The bride selected shades of deep purple, deep greens and deep browns for the flowers and reception. I would like my bridesmaids to wear a deep purple colored dress. However, I do no know if they should wear a long or short dress. I just want them to look elegant on that day. Any suggestions on the color scheme and BM dresses? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts
michelle,
it mainly depends on their body shape and skintone. you might pick a date to gather up the bm and just try on different dresses. with your color scheme you could put them in different shades of purple to suit their skintone and have all matching bouquets. that is the great thing about a monochromatic color scheme. in using several shades of one color you can really have a choice of options. do you have a venue yet? so i could see how your color scheme would work in it? a cocktail dress can be just as elegant as a floor length. what will be your formality? is it semi formal or formal?
Dear Stacie,
Please help!!! My wedding is in September. The dress is classic white/ivory, with a Grace Kelly-style jacket, and a family veil with embroidery detail along the edge. The flowers I hoped to have are roses, liles-of-the-valley, stephanotis, maybe orange blooms, with my favourite colours of white, champagne, and very pale pink. Along with a wish for a 1940’s/1950’s vintage car, all signs point to a 1940’s 1950’s classic glamour-themed wedding. However, the venue we chose is a 17th-century Spanish mansion in Mallorca, with a bit of a rustic feel to it (note the black chandeliers!). It is beautiful, and we didn’t want a ritzy hotel reception, yet we are now completely stuck as to how to decorate. I was thinking of putting champagne-colours organza or taffeta sashes/bows on the white chairs, to go with candle light and the walls.. But will crystal chandeliers/candles/white+pink-rose centerpieces clash with black chunky existing candelabras? What about those wooden arches? Bridesmaid dresses’ colours? The wedding will be formal, and black-tie for the wedding party, with a Viennese waltz first dance… Is there a tasteful way to bring the two worlds together :(? Spanish/Mediterranean/17th century vs. 1950’s classic glamour? Any colour/theme/decor suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! P.S. Attaching a photo of the venue during someone else’s wedding.
mary,
WOW! what a venue. i was wondering is there any way i could get a link to the venue site itself? so i could look at other pics and kinda get a feel of the place? also a pic of your dress or one similar. i am gonna make a collage of pics and pull together a inspiration board. your wanting classic glamour and spanish; my first thought was keep the linens and covers neutral like you mentioned and then pull in some small/medium height black wrought iron candelabras with globes on tables with a blush pink rose tucked into the napkins. i am noticing the lighting which is more contemporary, it already has the feel of a 40ish room. the 1940’s were all about minimalist candle centerpieces( think supper clubs) , table lamp centerpieces, and single roses in a vase. but due to the formality of your wedding i need to study this site a little more. would you be interested in pulling a little more black into the theme? cause then you would have the black which is very spanish, and your venue is in spain right? black, blush, champagne, and white would be awesome!! cant wait to hear from you!
* here are some color boards with the color theme i suggested
*mood board
mary,
also black and pink were the rage then!!
Hello Stacey,
Thank you so much for your response! There are some more photos of the outside on this website http://www.eventoclick.com/eventos/espacios/unicos/cases-sa-font-seca.html , and I will attach some more I took myself. I do not have a photo of the dress yet, but modeling it to be a strapless version of this one http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/ja_en/justin-alexander-signature/9605.html , with a fuller skirt and jacket of this one http://www.justinalexanderbridal.com/ja_en/justin-alexander/8387.html# (I also like the hairstyle of this one). For the reception/first dance, I will take the jacket/veil off, and put on elbow-length white satin gloves.
In regards to colours, I also was thinking black candelabras, but my mother-in-law does not want too much black, so maybe this will be too much?.. I love very very very pale pink/creamy/champagne subtle colours to give freshness/youth, but never been the girly bright pink type
… I agree about the lamps along the walls (disliked them from minute 1) - do you think we should get rid of them and replace them with candelabras or different types of lamps?.. Also I prefer the table centerpieces to be small to medium height - a) so guests can converse and b) so we avoid the big vase falling over, as happened recently at two weddings I’ve been to!
Stacey, thank you so much for helping!!! Other details that might or might not be important - the countries with highest representation of guests will be Spain, Russia, France, and US (NYC)… The dinner will be evening, but the mass might be as early as 4pm (hopefully at 5:30)… Black tie for wedding party/formal for guests… Bridesmaids want to have 2-3 colours to choose from (
)… And my headache is to put it all together for a glamorous yet simply elegant wedding that is “fitting” of our families, but also is just a day for us to be happy and relax .. impossible 
?
A couple more photos… The low-sitting white and creamy pink flowers are beautiful, and the crystal chandeliers looked very nice at night, though not sure if they match our venue… On the other hand, it’s fashionable now to mix and match eras.. what do you think? I like the photo of the black candelabra with candles for church and potentially to do something similar at the venue?.. If the church has crystal-looking chandeliers and this black candelabras on the sides together, maybe it might look ok at the venue as well?…
A couple more photos… The low-sitting white and creamy pink flowers are beautiful, and the crystal chandeliers looked very nice at night, though not sure if they match our venue… On the other hand, it’s fashionable now to mix and match eras.. what do you think? I like the photo of the black candelabra with candles for church and potentially to do something similar at the venue?.. If the church has crystal-looking chandeliers and this black candelabras along the walls, maybe it might look ok at the venue as well?… I think I prefer late 1940’s and early 1950’s - when it was past the war minimalism, yet before the puffy hairstyles with bright pink and orange ribbons… Classic elegance is key :D.
mary,
i think i have something you might be interested in. the tablescape drips with supper club appeal and with the silver containers ( that are not bright polished silver) it pulls in old world to boot. it would go with your theme and venue like a charm!!! it is probably one of the most romantically beautiful tables i have ever seen. i made a mood board with the pics i hope you like it. let me know!!!
* tablescape
Oh Stacey, thank you so much! For some reason I did not see your reply until now, but I really like the board you put together!!! Perhaps the only thing I would change a bit now that I see it all together is that the colours might need to be even paler to go with the dress - what do you think? The wedding coordinator I was planning to work with has really let me down, did not sign the contract after months of going back and forth, and I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have your perspective - thank you so much for sharing your talent!!!
I really like the tone of the bridesmaid dress on your board - what other colours would you suggest that would go with “Black tie” and our 1950’s glamour theme? My bridesmaids want to wear all different colours
… Also, I was thinking of how to dress up the venue even further to match ballroom dancing, the dress/white gloves, and the black-tie-dressed wedding party… Would chandeliers or drapes be going too far with that ceiling? I am worried I am not doing enough to dress up the venue for “black tie” event… I’ve seen amazing “before-after” photos on Preston Bailey’s website, but so far undecided on exactly what to amp up in our case… Please share your wisdom :)?..
mary, i am so happy you like the board. i actually think that a pop of “muted” color would really accent the room. usually with a room with stone detail it is better to have a slight bit of color. although i just picked a rose colored dress for the board you could go with anything you wanted. i think the colors in the board would really pull the theme to life. if the bm’s wanted to wear different colors,( which i really love) since this would have been a normal thing in the 40’s and 50;s ( wear what they have depending on style of wedding) what colors were they leaning toward? would they be happy in a range of roses, mauves, etc. ? i understand them wanting to be unique, but each wearing a different style dress( mix and match like at davids bridal; separates) in the same color would work. i wouldnt add chandeliers, the venue is amazing on its own but i did see a pic of this venue with swags strategically placed on the arches. beautiful OR you could get fresh clipped greenery and have it round the bases of the existing lighting. it would look very old world, i am thinking that would look so spanish, cause of ivy/greenery up bases of table or standing candelabras, yet very traditional. Preston Bailey is very talented!! has he done one for this particular venue? i would love to see it!! i am a fan of his work. but due to the historical background and setting of this venue, i would personally let the venue shine!! with this type setting it speaks volumes without lots of decor. however, placing standing candleabras with the matching greenery up the bases might be an idea to consider. let me know if you need xtra help.
mary,
* check out the archway on josephs barmitzvah
hi
i am very stuck with wedding colours. i am getting married in an italian garden setting with a huge grand staircase that flows into the garden which overlooks a river. the recetion is held on the same grounds but inside a marquee which has black carpet. the groom has already picked his attire and will be wearing a kilt which is black and charcoal, however i have no idea what colours everything else should be. i orginally wanted the colours of lilac, champagne and black, please help
kaylee,
oh!! i love that color scheme! it sounds so beautiful!
* pics
with such a beautiful setting, you have picked a color that is elegant itself. i didnt know when your wedding date was set for?
* black and lavender
kaylee,
i had to come back and post these….
*real wedding
*wedding #2
*more ideas
i would actually stick to that theme. if you want, i would love to take a look at the venue pic or link just to double check!
thanks stacey the link for the venue is as follows. reception is in marquee and the ceremony is in the hidden gardens
http://www.cavershamhouse.com.au/wed/index.php
thanks again
kaylee,
beautiful venue and grounds. your in luck actually, with the black and white decor you can pretty much add any accent color you want. it is usually recommended that you look at the colors in in the garden in the season your marrying in. after carefully considering the venue and the color scheme. i have found a style i think works the best. it keeps a garden style vibe that will compliment the room and your fh kilt. i chose this because it has more whites in the flowers and touches of lavenders/purples. keep linens white, you can add black sashes but if the chairs look great why not axe the covers and sashes and have your bridal party in black. another great color is lavender and grey. you could choose bm dresses in a grey or silver that compliments their skintone. and then pull in purples, lavenders, whites, and accent with silver.
*idea 1
*I LOVE THIS!
*WOW! this makes me think of a european countryside
*pics
*lilac and grey
*lilac and black
*more pics
*here is a great example of purple white on black carpet
*your gonna love all these pics
* here is another color( as long as bm skintones can carry it off) like a silvery/lavender
*WOW
* i didnt know if you signed up free at theknot.com, once you do just click on wedding photos, it will direct you to color galleries; check out purple details. lots of pics/ideas here.
im getting married feb 2010, im really confused about the colors. i want purple, green, and white. do the colors have to match the season?
jessica,
no they do not have to match the season. you coudl actually have alot of fun with these colors due to the seasonal clearance stuff like icy branches at a craft store. purple silk linens, green silk napkins, vases full of white icy branches and purple floralytes in each vase to make the water look purple. if budget allows have purple and green pin lighting that changes at various points. or you could do an all white theme with icy branches or tall vases of water with floralytes and floating candles and have the changing colored lighting around the room. sky is the limit with this scheme. actually you could even go all out with a mardi gras theme. let me know what ya are leaning toward and i will pull together some ideas/pics.
Hi. I’m planning my wedding for next fall. I was wondering what kind of flowers or centerpieces and colors I should use. I was thinking black and white wedding but I’m not sure if black bridesmaid dresses would be too much black with black linens. I have no idea other than roses what kind of flowers to use. Thanks for your help.
http://www.bellanotteonmain.com/photo-gallery-da-vinci-room.htm
heaven,
actually there is enough contrast in the walls, etc. to have the bm dresses in black with a black and white scheme. i would consider gorgeous pink centerpieces, red would even be amazing. with your venue you can pretty much choose any centerpieces you want. other colors that look good with black and white are any of these individual colors: blue. green. yellow. white( you will need more flowers to stand out versus less colored flowers to make a statement) against the light colored walls. pink. ( orange would look to halloweenish). just about any thing you can think of will work. do you have a fave color? plus you can put removable colored sashes around the black dresses to give it a pop of color. mounds of blue or red would be my choice for this room.
I need help i was planning on having a fall wedding in oct or nov but my fiancee would like to get married in august. i would still like to have fall colors but not sure what colors to use and how to decorate.. if any one has any ideas or pictures it would be so much help:)
thanks
brandi,
that depends on your venue and location. you will want colors to compliment and decor to enchance what is there. it may be that your location may or may not call for alot of decor. also style of location and your wedding vision would play a key factor. rustic, modern, simple and sweet, etc. cant wait to hear form ya!!
in the meantime…
*fall wedding decor
*real weddings
*wedding boards
*wedding colors
*autumn weddings
*more real weddings
heh everyone, for anyone putting together a second wedding and wanting traditon yet a little something different, here is a board i threw togehter. i wanted it to look partyish. hope ya like it!
I love the black dress in this board. Who is it made by?
olivia,
it is from nordstrom $198 by adriana papell
* here is the link
I am gettin married in july in a gazebo overlooking the ocean and i can’t decide on what colors to use. I think i like jewel tones, but im not sure what will look compliment the ocean and the sunset. i attached some pictures of the setting so hopefully that will help.
djones,
first let me say stunning venue!! i mean stunning!
*idea 1
*idea 2
* idea 3 ( i have been waiting to use this, just jawdropping!)
*idea 4 ( watch this silde show to the yellow wedding, it is so perfect for this setting, it doesnt tcompete with the beauty of the views)
*idea5, second pic in slideshow
hi Stacey,
my wedding is coming up july-august 2010. i ve difficulty in choosing a wedding colour. my fiance’s best colour is green while mine is pink am thinking of icorporating a third colur which is gray cos ve always loved d combination of grey and pink. how will it be working with all 3 colours. considering d fat dat i wanyt him to put on a grey suit and also we intend using a garden which reflects the green colur too.
thanks
odi
hi stacey,
pls am yet to get ur response as regards d 3 colour combination ~~~ pink,grey and green.
i will like to know ur suggestion.
thanks
odi
odi,
hi! sorry i havent got to your response! actually the combo would be beautiful. what color were you wanting the bm to wear? what shade of green and pink do you like. what about lime, fuschia and grey. either way, pink and green bouquets would really look unbelievable against grey dresses. i would pick 2 of these colors as my main colors and keep the third as an accent. the way i would add the green would be in the greenery or any green flowers youmight want to add. once i know your shades i will pull together some ideas! cant wait to hear from you!!
odi,
here is a tablescape if you put light grey linens instead of white it would be even more beautiful.
*table
have the girls in a shade of pink or grey( if their skintone permits) tie bouquets with a grey silk ribbon, wider. another idea is to take the pic above, have white or light grey linens, use a deeper grey runner, have vibrant pink and green centerpieces like shown, then accent with grey napkins( same shade as tablecloth). would be very chic. grey and white tables then bringing in the colored centerpieces always make a statement! one more idea is is for you to carry the pink and green bouquet and have them carry a solid pink bouquet with grey ribbon, very light on the greenery, if any.
thanks for ur response,
am actually looking at the british racing green or hunter green for d green shade, light shade of pink and light gray. i hope it comes out fine.
d bouquet ll be a combination of d green and pink, while d groom suit will be grey, the bm could go for a pink dress and also a green dress. i intend having 6 bridesmaids and 3 per colours.no special colour for d maid of honour. my decor will reflect 3 colours.
pls i need ur advice
thanks
odi,
i made you a board, after juggling several shades of the color scheme, these are the colors that looked great against the setting. light grey would be very nice but i thought the charcoal really brought out the pinks and greens. i would add greyand white in favors and leave the white linens on the reception tables. with the silverware etc. it will pull the grey out even more. i hope this helps! i even thought all the bm would look good in pink, it would have a more flowing line, instead of the break in color, very pleasing to the eye. there will be alot of green in the foilage, so you could just use your color green there also. leaving your main color scheme pink and grey.
I’m planning a May wedding and I love the colors persimmon and truffle. My dress is white with lace. My FH feels these colors are too heavy. Is there a way to make these colors work better maybe a third color? I’m not sure. We have not found a venue but are looking at a place with neutral colors such as white walls and hardwood floors. I need some ideas.
Thanks
nita,
have you thought about doing creamy yellow florals with this, it would lighten it up and look fantastic!
nita,
* ideas
*wedding boards
*real weddings
*more pics
*this is GORGEOUS!
*real wedding
*chocolate weddings
*persimmon wedding
*xtra wedding boards
Hi there! I am crazy about colors, I have no idea. My wedding is next June and will be at a beautiful country club in eastern LI overlooking the LI Sound on one side and vistas with the golf course on the other. (Giorgio’s) I always liked blue, and would love my girls to be in blue, esp a navy or darker blue (more flattering) (one bridal salon salesperson informed me that royal is “so out”). I would like to put pinks with it, but I am afraid bright pinks will look too “80s prom party” as my brother put it (as the colors I used for the engagement party napkins were navy and berry). Should I go more subtle for a romantic sophisticated look? Thank you for your help!
jannine,
navy and blue are fab colors!! i am a huge fan of navy blue myself and your gorgeous venue!!
* links
*gorgeous!!
jannine,
here is a board i made on the romantic side…..
jannine, i just found this beauty of a board…
*pretty chicky board
thank you so much for your help, these are some beautiful ideas!
How about Pink, Chocolate and Ivory or silver. I agree about Navy, its just to dark and dreary, but to each his own.
What about cinnamon and berry? I’m trying for a fall theme and i’m not sure whether those would work well together or not.
casi,
i looked at those shades in bm dresses and saw there were so many “different” shades. some looked more brown, others more orange or rust. etc. i think the 2 shades would look super elegant and perfect for fall. would love to help!! look 4ward to hearing from you!!
Hi, I am getting married March 20, 2010 in Cambridge, MA. My dress is very antique looking and is ivory with gold. The venue, Harvard Faculty Club, is very tradtional with crimson walls in many areas and dark mahogany furniture. I would greatly appreciate help in picking colors. How many do I need to pick? I was thinking the colors of a peacock tail could be neat: sort of cobalt blue with a grassy green and gold accents. A final note, though it’s likely to snow that time of year in MA, it is the first day of Spring and I’m tempted to use colors that would play up the symbolism of Spring. Many thanks for your help!!
marisa,
hi, that place is stunning!! since it is very ornate you will want to keep centerpieces to a minimum. simple and streamlined will be best for the venue. i am leaning toward the spring colors for you. i am looking at the pics and white linens really liven up the room. i would use a monochromatic color scheme. pick one color and use light to dark shades of that color. why not add peacock feathers in low centerpieces of shades of peach? peach would be perfect for spring or a snow season and play off the venue colors perfectly without overpowering the gorgeous room!! you could have the bm in champagne to pull in the gold, you could opt to have the feathers in the peach roses ( small sprigs) or have a peacock feather tucked into the napkin ring on the place setting. then have a just a couple in the bouquets. that would pull in the peacock feather colors by using the actual feathers. i have a pci of the monochromatic peach centerpiece…
Hi Stacey,
I really like your idea of peach and using a monochomatic color scheme; I will still consider doing this as the pictures you posted are beautiful and I agree-it could work winter or spring. I have looked at quite a few ‘peacock themed’ weddings online today and I am in love with this idea. I really like using a cobalt color for the bridesmaids. I agree that I would need to keep it simple because the venue provides an ornate setting. What do you think?? Thanks so mcuh!
marisa,
i am loving the bm dresses in cobalt, such a great contrast for the monochromatic peach, and having a few peacock feathers mingling in the decor will pull the blue you wanted right into your venue without competing with the ornate room. i cant wait to see pics! post them after your wedding. if you need anymore help, please dont hesitate!
Hello!
I am having trouble with colors. I would really like to have the colors red and champagne with Burnt orange as an accent color. I don’t know what color to have the mothers and the bridesmaids wear though. Are these colors a good idea? I want to have a white dress. Will champagne work still?
alyssa,
a white dress will be fine. you could put the bm in champagne dresses( if it suits their skintone).
* beautiful inspiration
*ideas
*jawdropper
the mothers can wear a shade that compliments( her skintone) and the colors except the actual bm dress color. she may look fantastic in a shade of orange like rust etc. i would avoid a bright red for the mothers dress, but a deep or muted shade or even a burgundy or wine would compliment.
here is a real wedding where the bride wore white and linens were champagne…
*part 1
*part 2
hi i am getting married in August of 2011. i need help picking out my colors. i was thinking red, black, and a touch of gold. please give advised on what you think of my colors.
ayesha,
what is the wedding style you after? also what color is your venue? i want to make sure your color scheme will compliment. cant wait to hear from ya!