Choosing Your Wedding Colors: A Guide for Designing Brides
- Sussing Out Your Style
- Destination: Home, Sweet Home
- Your Secret Romantic Style
- The Gown's the Guide
- Adjust for Geography, Venue and Season
- Essential Color-Choosing Tools
- Color Schemer
- Sherwin-Williams Color Generator
- Big Huge Labs Palette Generator
- Make a Mood Board
- Making the Most of Your Choices
- And They Lived Happily Ever After ...
- Chime In!
- Comments (3096)
And even if you're getting the cake from Ron Ben-Israel, he's not going to ask you whether your wedding theme draws elements from 14th century Venetian court dress ... he'll ask you about your colors.
A mere generation ago, planning the wedding was a lot easier. It expressed your social class, and your parents' tastes. Even if they had particular ideas, the market couldn't offer much in terms of individual design. But these days, your wedding expresses your personal style in a way it never has before. Translation? The pressure's on!
Sussing Out Your Style
Some brides can solve the color question without thinking too much about style. They might have a life-long love for purple. Or, their venue might have strong hues they need to coordinate with. Or, when they picture their wedding, they already see their bridesmaids awash in certain colors. Easiest of all: sometimes they already have a theme in mind.For others, it's not that simple. Still, you can quickly pin down the styles that get your heart beating almost as fast as your fiancé does. Does Martha Stewart's relaxed, preppy look command your undying devotion? Do you pray you can someday actually subscribe to H&M magazine? Did Vera Wang's modern, moody Bolshevik collections incite heavy breathing? This gives you some major clues.
Destination: Home, Sweet Home
Still, even if you don't consider yourself a fashionista or a Martha devotee, all's not lost. Instead, let's turn our eyes back to home and hearth.Many brides aren't just looking forward to a wedding, they're also buzzing with anticipation over the dream house they plan to share with their beloved. And in the process of hunting down this love nest, most spent lots time mulling over their personal style. What did you picture in your mind's eye as the right setting for your new life together? A rangy colonial with a gabled roof? A warm, log-sided farmhouse with a wood stove in the kitchen? Or did you dream of finding a downtown loft bursting with recessed lighting and monochromatics, and flip through the new IKEA catalog to pick out your cabinets?
Or consider: do you dream of filling your home with antiques you can pass down to your children? Look to seasonal-inspired color schemes and ballrooms. Plan to drape your bedroom ceiling in yards of mosquito netting? A fairytale wedding drenched in candelabras, gold braid and gauzy swags might fit the bill. Collect exotic objects from all over the planet? Try an art museum for your setting, and a sophisticated or daring palette.
And if you're one of those eclectic types who pairs Amish rocking chairs with aboriginal artifacts, use this old designer trick: think of the last bit of art or furniture you bought to spruce up your house. That tells you what's on your mind lately.
Your Secret Romantic Style
So, you know your domestic style is Eclectic Contemporary. Congratulations: that means you're holding a black-and-white wedding with chartreuse accents and ostrich feathers in a huge SoHo loft, right?Hold it: not so fast. Why? Because many brides have a special romantic style that exists in a universe by itself. You might be thrilled picking out Art Deco style spaceships for your pendant lighting. And yet, when it comes your wedding, you might picture something a lot more traditional.
So even if you're the most fashion-forward girl on the block, take a moment to consider whether your wedding vision doesn't actually go back in time by few hundred years. You might secretly harbor a special place in your heart for New England autumns, Victorian elegance, English cottage style, or even timeless fairy tales. And if that's true, rest assured you've got plenty of company.
The Gown's the Guide
But how do you tell if this stylistic gotcha's operating in your case? Here's the secret: go get your dress.For many brides, The Dress is a journey that starts with many preconceptions, but ends in the unexpected. Finding the dress is usually a case of recognizing it once you've tried it on, not knowing ahead of time what you'll wear.
And once you've found it, the dress will offer some big clues about your Romantic style. Captured by a demure ivory gown covered in Alençon lace, with a button-back closure? Start your search with pastels and neutrals that suit a 1930's vintage or feminine garden wedding. Fell hard for a sleek, diamond white v-neck that's all about the lines? Investigate the crisper, more playful palettes we see today, such as black and white, aqua, bright pinks, lime green and corals.
Adjust for Geography, Venue and Season
Now that you've unearthed your personal style, it's time to look outward. If your style's traditional, for example, start with a hotel ballroom. If you want a strong seasonal feel for fall, try a rustic barn. Cultivated gardens go well with traditional, Martha-esque tints. Tents weddings are a blank slate: you can make them as classic or brazenly modern as your heart desires.Geography, too, plays a role in your colors. Tropical affairs in the blinding sun are often showcases for the brightest hues of all: coral and orchid, for example, or aqua and orange. Evening white-tie affairs in New York City? Not so much.
Many brides are in the middle, and want to weave in at least a seasonal hint. Fortunately for them, most seasons have palettes both traditional and modern. For example, a classic summer wedding might feature cornflower blue or sage, where a modern one draws on fuchsia and lime green, or orange, pink and black.
Even flowers help set the style. For example, a profusion of pinks in a bouquet of roses and peonies says English cottage. Mini-sunflowers and chrysanthemums says New England country. On the other hand, the color blocking in a hand-tied bouquet of purple callas is strongly modern.
Essential Color-Choosing Tools
Now you've got a style in mind, let's get to the art of actually picking colors. Here are a few can't-miss tools.Color Schemer
You'll need to create a free account, but this wonderful site has user-created palettes aplenty that you can search by keyword. Once you've registered, hit the "search schemes" button and enter words that fit your vision, like "fall,""garden," "sunset," "winter." Or free-associate with adjectives like "nautical," "peaceful," "modern," "preppy" or even "trendy." We promise, you'll be hooked.Sherwin-Williams Color Generator
Hit their site, and choose "FIND COLOR." Click on any color that draws you, and you'll automatically pull up two accent colors that complement it. Cool.Big Huge Labs Palette Generator
Have a photo on your hard drive that seems to capture your wedding's heart and soul? Upload it to a palette generator, which will kick out most of the main hues involved. Unless you're on the beach, use one of the more neutral, calming colors as a primary (e.g., use it for bridesmaids or table linens), and the more nervous, high-energy colors as accents (use these in table napkins, chair sashes, ribbons, and some of your flowers.)Make a Mood Board
Once you've narrowed down some favorites, start grabbing photos (for your own personal use, of course). Make a special folder on your hard drive, and save photos that seem to fit the colors, setting and season you're going for. If you've got any photo editing software, start putting them together in one big image. This will tell you more than thousands of words how your look will play out.
Making the Most of Your Choices
Now that you've got your colors, how can you really make them shine? A problem that plagues some brides is an oversized fear of chaos. Although it's simple, most weddings aren't at their best when the groomsmen's vests and ties exactly match the bridesmaids' gowns, which in turn match the bride's sash.So, choose your colors wisely and stick with them, but strive for designing more than matching. Brown and ivory are neutrals when chosen thoughtfully, so use their many shades for a sophisticated, monochromatic look. If the bridesmaids wear mocha or persimmon, the men will look great in chocolate brown. And even if the flowers call for a palette of orange and yellow, let a little green or cream sneak in for dimension. Check for too much of a good thing: when the entire wedding party wears matching brown or black, the effect can be overpowering.
And They Lived Happily Ever After ...
When all's said and done, you're sure to have a great feeling about your colors, and how they fit your personal style. Even if the scheme you hit on isn't "I've loved that all my life!", it might be "I never would have thought of that, but I love these together!"Picking your colors is a journey, just like finding the dress, or knocking all those planning items off your checklist. But hitting on the right colors, theme and setting for the ultimate expression of your own Romantic style? That can be the pleasure of a lifetime.
Okay, this isn’t exactly burgundy but it might be interesting to consider. I have seen some appealing palettes that use the very dark plum you find in “black” mini-callas, combined with red. Personally, I love it! For those who find it too dark, you can also combine these two with a very crisp, bright white. In bouquets, for example … you’ll sometimes see lots of white callas or roses combined with striking areas of ‘black’ callas and red roses. The look is very modern.
I think the darker plum makes a gorgeous twist on chocolate brown, very refreshing and different … if not quite as easy to find.
HI, I am thinking of having a burgundy and Ivory wedding and reception but I am thinking I may need a accent color…anyone have any ideas?
thanks
Hello my wedding is coming up march 2008. I have orange and chocolate brown in mind as my colours. i need a third one or what do you think. waiting for your response.
hi rachel. i think burgundy and chocolate are lovely colours but a bit too dark to combine. any of the two colours with one or two bright, dazzling colours will give a much more romantic appeal.
Leia, you have tons of lovely ideas. White is all season and is a great colour to use most times in the year. You could combine with gold and/or wine accents, given that you plan to incorporate different eras into your theme. This should also suit a rustic garden type wedding. Whatever you decide, do make sure to upload some pics, i’d love to see how it all turns out. Hey, its ok to be a little confused at this time, it will pass.
heh everybody. huge dilemma;unusual circumstances. We are getting married sometime next year haven’t had a definite date set. we know we want a ROMANTIC simple informal garden wedding. i plan on wearing a mid length dress. him in long sleeve shirt untucked look (like in the something new movie) and khakis. i plan on incorporating different things from different eras that we like without going over the top. we are hooked on thomas kinkade look, lord of the rings elements etc. so candles and garden wrought iron would handle that. the dresses will be flowy but simple and updated to go back then but for today too. i know it sounds complicated.
doesnt this sound more like a english or irish countryside garden wedding? if that what it is i need ideas for our backyard . but since there is no date i need a simple romantic color scheme with no more than 2 or 3 shades that will work IN ANY SEASON. i like simple elegance best. i am not really a pink person but some shades are beautiful!! even if its a cottage christmas theme which looks gardeney.i love greenery and i love white. and i love lushness. i love strewn white rose petals and white roses. but i want a wedding that is about the love instead of the show. but i want to wow my close family and friends. plus i want a wedding that looks and can be pulled together in a short time. please help a confused person!! thank you
Hiya, my husband and i are planning on renewing our wedding vows again, we got married iin a registar office this time at church and all the trimmings, my husband loves the chocolate brown thats out and i love the burgundy wine colour, do they match together or not?? i will be wearing a big ivory dress, maybe that seperates the two? help me i am very stuck now Many thanks
Hi Felicia, here’s another option I was sort of working on but haven’t finished playing with: green and red. I know it sounds funky, but it looks much better in real life …
absolutely perfect for a deep-summer day. Take a look at the pic and see what you think!
hi felicia, possible combos are red/gold and red/beige.
Hey I am getting marry in July of 2008 and I am having a hard time picking my colors. Well actually I pick the color red, but I cant think of any others colors to match with it besides white. can any one please give some suggestions.
By the way, I think the Pink and Champange is beautiful:?
Beautiful pictures, Roli! Thank you so much! (OMG, you two are so cute too.)
Staci, another vote for green & gold here. St. Patrick’s day will be fresh in people’s minds then and even if you don’t have an irish theme, that sapphire green is reminiscent of it. Gold’s good for warming up the coolness of the green. And for non-metallics that aren’t purple or pink, I agree that a lighter orange could fit the bill nicely.
Hi. We are planning on getting married September 2008. My wedding dress is ivory. I am planning on my main color being clover green. I am not sure what to put with it. I have been thinking about a shade of orange. It’s not quite fall, but it’s late summer. Any ideas?
hi blake, just sending two more pics showing the cake, its mostly cream, with lime green, lavender and pink accents…
hi blake, here are some pics, i hope y’all can see the colour combo.
hi staci, green is my favourite colour too, i love all shades. what do you think of green and gold or green and tangerine, if you decide to go with green and brown, please add a touch of gold.
Hi. I posted on here before, but we’ve moved the date back from January to March 20. So, I’m wondering what to do for colors because it’s not quite the end of winter or the start of spring…???
My favorite color is green (no lime green) and I’d like to incorporate that into it somehow, especially since the main gem in my ring is a green sapphire. But, I’m not sure how to do it. I thought of chocolate, green, and silver?? Is that weird or too much? Or just green and silver? I honestly just have no idea.
P.S. My fiance doesn’t want purple and I am not a huge fan of pink.
Hi Roli, your wedding sounds gorgeous! Any chance you could post a pic or two showing your colors?
Meisha, what a chic color scheme! This is a hot one, with a slight beach feel. The red in the coral and the blue overtones in the celadon give these colors a lot of pizazz.
But, as you can see, they’re also extremely harmonious together … so harmonious that you have lots of room to play around. Don’t be afraid to introduce some hints of apricots, pinks or yellows in things like florals. As you can see, your basic scheme meshes so well, there’s little danger of it looking even slightly uncoordinated. It’ll be gorgeous!
another question, i am getting married july, 2008. my colors are coral, celedon(kiwi) and ivory. my dress is ivory and so is the flowergirls, and the bm’s are coral and the mohs are celedon. i think we are still using a hint of apricot. do all these colors go together? what if the groom and the groomsmen all wear ivory suits? of course the guys will have colored ties that match the bm’s dress color. and what if the fob and fog wear black tux. will all these colors clash?
hi sharon. yellow does look nice with blue, depending on the shades of blue and yellow. other colours to consider are purple, green, cocoa and possibly burgundy. id go with purple or green.
I got married in August 2007. I used Pale Pink, Mint Green and Lavender in pastel shades. I was a little scared about this combo, it did come out beautifully. My bridesmaids had pink dresses and silver accessories. My bouquet was all pink roses. The groomsmen had black suits, ties in pink and buttonaires were pink roses too. Each bridesmaid had a single long stem pink rose. The hall and tables were decorated with loads of flowers and drapes in all three colours. If you are still searching for your colours, here is a tried and tested.
hi im planning to get married next year and my color motif would be yellow. I would like to ask other color combination will fit to yellow i preferred blue is it nice??? kindly reply thanks
getting married the last weekend in february. purple is my favorite color but i’m thinking of lilac since the wedding will be mid-morning. i thought purple maybe too dramatic for that time of the day! either way, i need help!! i don’t know what colors will accent my color choices! i have no sense of putting colors together! don’t’ know what i’m going to do for the church and reception decor!:((
I am getting married April 08. I want my colors to be blue and chocolate. I think I may have found the bridesmaids dresses through Ann Taylor – simple 1 solid light blue piece w/brown sach. Does that sound funny? Also I have no idea about how to incorporate these colors into the wedding – flowers, tablecloths, center pieces? Help!!!
Jen
Hi Staci, welcome.
My thoughts … first of all, I think the ‘red family’ paired with the ‘white family’ is one of the most elegant color schemes you can use. To me, it looks very, very regal … almost too regal to use in a fall harvest-type wedding where you sometimes see it. For me, these colors really are most at home in a mid-winter wedding between Dec and Feb, which of course fits your date perfectly. Using ivory instead of white is always an elegant move that puts that little ‘twist’ into the look. I love it! Pic attached …
As for the crystal bouquet, I agree that gold would look perfect against all the subtle gold tones in ivory. As to whether you can wear mixed metals? I don’t think there’s a cut and dried rule that will tell you. The only way to know for sure is to put the actual elements side-by-side (or at least photos of them) and see how they come together. If you play it too safe about mixing metals ahead of time, you could miss a look that works beautifully and allows you to wear the silver you’re more comfortable with while still carrying a gold bouquet.
So, I’m getting married January 11, and I’m thinking of the colors wine/garnet and a cream color… I’m wondering whether this would look ok? Also, I’d like to do a crystal bouquet, and I’m not sure whether to do gold stems with it or silver. I think that if I had gold stems I’d have to wear gold jewelry, which looks really bad on me. Would it look bad using the silver?
I am getting married on May 17 2008. My first set of colors were Wine and Cream but I think that it may be too dark for that month and I would have to special order lots of things if i stick with that color. I figured that I could keep the cream color and use maybe a Peridot color(which is my birthstone anyway) but now after so many months of looking at the wine colors I dunno where to start anymore and time is winding down. Should I use it as a accent color? I’m trying to do all of this without the help of a bridal consultant.
hey there, i am getting married 7/29/08 and my colors are coral and celedon (light green) and i think the 3rd accent color is going to be apricot(a suggestion by a bridal consultant) for the flowergirls, are these good color combinations. if they are not can you suggest maybe a third color because the coral and celedon are the main colors. i also need some suggestions for the bouquets and flowers. my dress is going to be ivory.
Shamalon, there are some other winter/aqua / “Pool” color brides over here … see if you don’t get some great ideas.
The aqua blue wedding
Hi Jessica! I hope you don’t mind, I combined your beautiful dress with some photos, tell me what you think.
Pink and champagne are sweet together … classic and feminine. No question that champagne sashes and pale pink sashes will work together. They are so complementary, they almost seem to be in the same color family. And there’s a lot of movement these days toward varying the table and chair treatments a little more than we usually do … we can use more color than we think, so I think your idea is great.
To me, your dress has an incredibly sweet, vintage feel (as you say). I see this going with very cottage garden, English-style flowers. Especially peonies. Then, roses and rununculous in soft pastels. Ivory hydrangeas … very cottage. These fluttery types of flowers will look just amazing against your dress.
As you can see a little pale green crept into this board, with the cake. I let it stay there because it seemed to bring out a bit of a third dimension. I could really tell the difference when I took it out. Other things here that I think work well with your theme is the very classic look of the cake design and the silver cake stand, and the faceted crystal on the tables.
Obviously this is just one of many looks you could go for. But your colors are beautiful and timeless … you can’t go wrong.
Oh, I almost forgot: these colors could easily have a bit of French feel too, so you might get some ideas here:
a Paris Theme Wedding
Reviving Versailles (Some Antoinette Magic)
Hi guys! I am getting married June 28, 2008. My colors are champagne and pale pink. The brides maids have champagne dresses with an ivory sash tied right under the bust and my two little sisters are going to be jr bridesmaids and for a touch of color are going to wear pale pink dresses. My dress is ivory with champagne beads and has a very antique look t it. I can not decide what flowers to use for the reception and what color sashes to use for the chairs! The lines are going to be ivory with ivory seat covers. I was thinking maybe one table with all pale pink sashes and the next with all champagne sashes so on and so on. Still is that a good idea? And waht flowers should I use? Has anyone ever done these colors before and if so could send me pics? I’d be so thankful! Thanks