Real, Genuine, Actually Useful Advice on Picking Your Wedding Colors
Let’s talk about choosing wedding colors.
This is one item on the “to do” list that drives brides crazy. Even we tomboy brides who had no nine-year-old concept of the ultimate wedding — somehow, we instinctively know that nothing can be done until we choose. Those. Colors.
And the cake, wedding party attire, flowers — they’re all totally out of the question until we get it straight.
Let’s admit it, most of the advice on choosing wedding colors is awful. How many times can you read that red’s energizing and blue’s soothing without wanting to gouge out your eyes with a toothbrush? And didn’t simply picking your favorite colors lose some of its appeal around the time you stopped eating rubber cement?
Interestingly, there’s a trend afoot to pick the colors that make you look good. For example, if you’re an ash blonde, you’ll probably look fantastic against a backdrop of charcoal or navy blue, and not so great against canary yellow. But maybe you want to save that sort of Machiavellian planning for your first home instead.
Because when it comes to picking colors, you probably want one thing. You don’t necessarily want the colors you’ve loved since Bobby kissed Kimmy in the third grade, assigning Kimmy to your personal hit list forever.
And you probably don’t care about any 17th-century symbolism. You probably don’t need the colors you’d choose from Rorschach blots if Rorschach blots weren’t black. You simply want your colors to be hot. You know, like if Paris Hilton wandered into your reception, that’s what she’d say. Right?
Seeing’s Believing
To choose hot colors, most of us have to see them. Together. Fortunately, we live in an increasingly design-centric society that makes this dead simple — anyone can go to Target and pick up some sublimely designed stuff for under 30 bucks. Even better for we wired brides, we don’t even have to get out of our butt-cradling chairs.
Start from the top — think like a designer. Go to Pantone’s Trends section, and look over the color picks they’re predicting for this season and next.
For example, Pantone says 2007 shows a softening of the strong, bright colors that have dominated for seasons past, and what’s happening now is “surprising neutrals” with bright accents … really bright. Really high-energy. Tarragon and Cafe Creme for bases. Hollyhock Purple and Green Sheen (think Granny Smith apples on acid) as accents.
Tuck that in your brainpan, because now it’s time to go shopping for all these colors in action. Although what you’ll see in the catalogs are the ghosts of seasons past, it’s true. Because it takes time for colors to materialize into the flesh of draperies, slip covers and wall paint. That doesn’t matter — the colors you’ll find look fresh, and they’ll still look fresh for your wedding even if your big day’s in 2008.
Ready? Let’s go.
“In”-spiration
Highly designed cards and custom stationery are totally fun way to get a bird’s eye view of what’s hot. Designers have fun with cards. They give into whims. They’re not restricted by what people can stand on their couches. Get a quick color infusion by checking out stationary sites like the aptly-named Fabulous Stationery.
“Brown’s the New Black” — Even for 2007
You continue to hear that everywhere. Even in weddings — especially in weddings. Want instant confirmation? Let’s go shopping at the right kind of online home furnishings catalogs. Not the ones that are so out there, they’re selling you pink faux-fur cozies for your screwdrivers, and not the ones that are so generic that the only color scheme you can really pick out is red, white and blue.
You need to check out companies that are stylish but not freaky, like Pottery Barn and Chiasso. You’ll develop your own techniques, but I think the fastest way to see hot color combos in action is to look at the bedding. Comforters and duvets and quilts are huge canvases on which designers get bold, unlike curtains and couches which are usually safe, neutral and conservative. Let’s check out the brown and blue combo which is hot in any scene, most definitely including weddings.
See the similarities? Inhabit shows you a super-mod interpretation of the same scheme Domain has, only Domain is nostalgic and soft about it. Your wedding could lean one way or the other. You could doll up your cake with any one of these patterns. The colors would be similar, but the looks would be wildly different. You could steal those great op-art shapes from Inhabit and weave them into your invites, your plate chargers, your napkins.
Now let’s peek behind the door at some seasonal color swatches.
Pottery Barn shows a lot of bold reds paired with wheats and golds. Oh, and hey, there’s espresso and blue again.
Want something funkier? Let’s check out the fresh, fruity hues of West Elm. Hey! Brown and blue again! But you also see another hot color combo that isn’t quite as obvious: apple green and coral. (Or in West Elm’s playbook, “leek” and “copperplate.” Coral and apple are hot. And they’re hot in weddings, too.
Great. But Could You Just Spell it Out For Me?
Sure. Try this:
But I’m Having a Spring Wedding. What Now?
It’s simple: go for taupe. You want pastel version of the season’s full-strength brights.
Try taupe bridesmaid gowns with chartreuse or baby pink sashes for springtime sophistication. And consider adding some feminine, floral patterns.
Lift Up Those Wings, Little Sparrow
Okay, this could go on and on, but you get the point. So it’s time to set you free with some of our favorite spots to steal inspirations from.
When you’re done, come back here and report what color schemes stole your heart.
- Chiasso
- Pottery Barn
- Domain
- Room Service Home
- West Elm (to die for)
- Inhabit (ditto)
Pages: [8] 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 » Show All
Iam getting married july 2010 and I have no clue on colors i know i want black as a main color but for flowers and stuff i want something differant. NEED HELP :)
heather,
there are lots of great colors that go with black. could you tell me a bit about what type wedding you want and also a pic of your venue? so i can see what will work there. location/venue is one of the first factors in determining your colors.
Hi, I am having a wedding in June, and I was leaning towards the colors black, white and ivory for a more elegant tone. I do feel pressure to have some sort of color since it’s spring but I can’t decide on one. I would feel better about my decision to have just black, white and ivory if I could visualize it more, but I can’t find any examples or pictures (plus I need something to show my vendors). I saw the combination on a show and really liked it. Do you think that is too plain for a spring time wedding, and if so, do you have any other color suggestions (except for yellow because a family member just used that color in their wedding and I don’t want to look like a copy cat)
Thanks for your help!!
Jess,
*black and ivory wedding
*black and white
*wedding board
*black and ivory wedding board
*real wedding
* heh look at this! black white freshspring green and gold
i love the idea of just fresh green popping in the florals. i think that should add all the color for a spring wedding. what show was it from? i will see if i can find it.
Hi Stacey! LOVE your site! Has been very helpful so far. I’m getting married in May 2010 and am having a rough time picking colors. This is not my first marriage but is my fiance’s. My three daughters, ages 19, 15, and 9 will be in the wedding, and daughter #3 really wants to incorporate blue (”a sea blue”) into the theme. I’m not really picky about the colors, but just don’t want everyone to look like dyed Easter eggs. The wedding itself will be held in a chapel (picture included) that seems very neutral to me. Can suggest another color that would go well? Thinking of using silver as an accent as well, or is that just overkill. We have to choose which “rooms” to have our reception in (again, photos attached). Would one work better than the other? Thanks so much in advance!!
beth,
Hi would be very happy to help!! pics didnt attach, could you resend?
I’m getting married in early May but always liked aqua with red accents. Considering the season, is this a big no-no? Help! =)
stephanie,
actually aqua and red would be so much fun and cheery for a latespring/early summer wedding. it is absolutely a go!! smile
*aqua and red ideas
*wedding board
*real weddings
*aqua and red spring wedding
hello! i wanted to use blues and teals for my wedding, any advice on flowers? i also want to incorporate peacock feathers. my wedding will be in may 2010, i live in so cal and my ceremony will be held outside (reception inside)
Thanks!
melissa,
*check this out!
*google pics
*more great pics
*peacock theme
*centerpiece
*bouquets
*wedding bouquet
*more centerpieces
*real wedding
i really love the idea of purple flowers to offset the teal and blue.
THANKS!
Thank you so much Stacey, I love all these ideas but before I commit to teal, cream and silver would appreciate some thoughts on aqua-blue, pale yellow (David bridal’s maize), with green (shade unsure). Although it’s a December wedding weather will still be warm as we live in Florida and it will be a garden wedding. Reception is being held in old plantation house that has beautiful veranda with rocking chairs and just wondering 1. Do these colours even work well together? and 2. If so, would they work in the type of setting I have described or are these colours more appropriate for a beach wedding.
I am also attempting to attach pics of 2 invites that I really like the look and color of that I would really like to use as inspiration.
Thanks again,
Sharah
sharah,
hi!!
*i know it is teal but it looks aqua
*look at this!
*wedding board
*pics
*bouquet pic, wow!!!
* okay THIS just fell in my lap!! as if your colors were meant to be and it is at a plantation! it is stunning!! perfect icy colors for a december wedding
Thank you soooooo much I love these!
I am trying to pick out colors! I am going to have a outside wedding near a lake with lot’s of green trees. It is going to be 07/03/2010. Inside reception but i can decorate how I want. I want Pink but I am unsure what other colors. My Bridesmaid dresses are black. Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
Hi Stacey,
I just need a little help with my wedding motif. I want to have apple green and gold as my motif but Im having problem of what shades of gold that will fit the apple green color. I’m getting married on April 2010. Do you think these colors will looks gold on the reception. The wedding will held on the afternoon and the reception will be on the evening..\
Please I really need your advise. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks,
Babes
Babylene,
Hi, i love that!! i am a sucker for green and gold!! i would do a simple reception of gold and white and have apple green centerpieces and napkins. i would actually use a light gold. Even consider renting gold eating utensils or chargers. if you want to stick with “silver utensils that is ok” jut consider the chargers. do you know waht would be beautiful? have apple green linens topped with a light gold with gold embroidery design, have clear glass votives, real green apples floating in tall glass cylinders.
*green and gold wedding pics
*boards
*apple green wedding
Thanks for the help Stacey..More power on your site.
Hi there! I’m having my wedding next year March. My gown is white with maroon (ribbon at the waist which stretches down to the floor & is part of the train). I am thinking which colors to use as a color theme for my church decorations. Kindly help. Thanks!
alicia,
can you tell me the colors of the church? and waht type of wedding your after? since it is march, would you consider a bevy of spring colors.”spring bouquets” or are you wanting a clean streamlined look?
*idea #1
*beautiful pics
*oh i love this!
* this would work
*this is perfect!!
*another one
*real wedding
Hi Stacey,
My church is white interior & blue exterior. I actually wanted to use blue/white as my color theme, but my friends say it doesn’t match the color of my gown so the color combination would not look nice. They told me to use either red/white or lilac/white.
I would prefer a clean streamlined look.
Thanks for your advises. =)
alicia,
can i see pics of your dress and the church. it doesnt have to match. you can have a monochromatic blue scheme with different shades of blue. would be stunning. i look forward to your pics!!
Hi Stacey,
I do not have pics of my dress yet because my bridal shop don’t allow photo-taking, but we are going for our photoshoot this month, will try to take a pic or 2. As for pic of church, you want to see the exterior & interior?
alicia,
just the interior of the church. if you have a link to see a “similar” dress that would work too. ot just a color swatch. that way when i see your dress color against the church interior i will be able to give a good idea of how it will look!! thank you!! cant wait to hear from you!
alicia,
in the meantime here is some boards and pics that you might enjoy!
*blue and white weddings
*real weddings
*different shades of blue( isnt it nice)
*shades of blue wedding
*another blue board
*okay! this is a stunning monochromatic blue wedding!
Hi Stacey,
I managed to get the pics, but not sure whether the pic on my church is gd enuff. The pic of my church interior is actually taken on my fren’s wedding, hence the decorations. =)
alicia,
hi, after studying the colors of the venue, i came up with a shade of blue (teal) to compliment it. this color can be changed to a blue of your liking, however i would stick to blues other than navy, i saw it will give it a fourth of july feel. royal blue looked very nice. the cake in the pic is more of a red( couldnt find a burgundy cake) but if the all red cake isnt what you were hoping for then a white and blue cake topped with the green orchids that have burgundy centers. i did this to pull a cohesive look with the red runner along with the blue in the church. for the main flowers in the church i was thinking of two alter arrangements at the front with mostly white flowers, white roses, white hydrangea, and white orchids with the burgundy centers also green orchids with burgundy can be added but just a touch. i think a more white palette would work well in this venue. another thing you can do is add a aisle runner to cover some of the red if you prefer. i couldnt tell how wide the aisile was by the pic but you can get a runner to custom fit. for aisle decor i thought minimal was best. tall cylinders with floating candles ( maybe add a floating orchid) this will give more of a stream line vibe. the reception was a toss up between 2 pics. if you wnat white linens, then using a blue runner would look fab. also think about using floating orchids for centerpieces here too. i thought adding a touch of red was perfect. the green orchids should have enough in the center for this look too. i hope you like it! if not let me know and i we will go from there!!
i also listed the other reception pic. i loved the floating orchids, this arrangement would look great on top of the teal linens too!!
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for ur reply. I’m wondering whether are there a lot of blue flowers available in the market. Do you have any photos of blue flowers for me to see? Because I would like to show it to my florist so that she can make the flower arrangements according to the pics. Thanks!
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for your links! Terrific!!
Yes, i like all those blue flowers a lot! 
Like most brides to be I am already in a panic about colors. It will be a garden setting the first week of December. My fiancee and I really like teal but are confused about any other colours. Any advice on matching classy colours for an intimate affair would be greatly appreciated.
sharah,
you could actually go with a teal and white or cream and add silver to the mix. keep it super simple and elegant. perfect for the intimate affair. i would use simple white linens, have teal napkins, silver chargers, white plates, glassware. you can pick up your own silver chargers at walmart for a couple bucks a piece. with holidays coming you could get the shimmery silver ones. for centerpieces keep that simple. white roses mixed with berry stems. add votives in teal in simple clear glass. the look would be timeless and beautiful without a lot of fuss. teal makes a room look fresh, while ivory or cream makes it warmer. you can also pair this with black or brown for sophistication.
not exactly teal but a beautiful table setting that could accomodate your colors……
*wedding table setting
*teal wedding table decor
*perfect example
*jennie’s wedding the knot table setting with green
* more teal and green brides.com
okay i admit this has spring summer or winter written all over it. i have been waiting to use this and now i can!! yeah!
*elegant affair
*teal wedding boards
another great classy option is just using teal and gold with white. this is super elegant. the key is to look around in the garden what colors are blooming there? i wouldnt go out of the range of those colors. unless you use white( which i highly recommend) because it wont compete with the surroundings and it will blend in effortlessly. you wont have to wonder if it will clash. i persaonally would go with teal, white, and either silver or gold. use lush white flowers. you can warm it up with brown or crisp with black. champagne or copper is another idea. i wasnt sure where you lived ( climate etc.) warm, cold? just so you can see a version of how it can look…
*navy and copper
Hello all,
I’m getting married October 2009. Our colors are green, black and white. Green because we both like the color and the bridesmaids (our little sisters, five girls ranging from 16-7) will look awesome in it. Black and white because those are the colors of piano keys. The pictures are the rough sketches of my dress and the maid-of-honor’s dress (the bridesmaids have basically the same one, but with a white sash).
I was wondering about two things:
1) what should Isuggest our mothers wear? They both have brown hair, light skin, and are both only about 44 years old.
2) does any one have suggestions on flowers? I’m hopeless at them.
We’re rather eclectic, bohemian-type, non-formal, people. I’m a tomboy except for the fact that dress-design has been my hobby since I was a little girl. Any suggestions?
PS-Sorry for saying so much.
ashley irene,
usually the mothers pick fromthe color scheme. they could wear a nice shade of green or a color complimenting green that looks great on their skintones.
your flowers should be loose unstructured. i am also thinking succulents. your flowers should be all green and white. it would look best in this scheme. think anything that can be picked from a garden or field.
*boho style
*beautiful wedding
*second site for beautiful wedding
also greenery for centerpieces is excellent!! think fern with candles.
*great website ( make sure you check out the real weddings!!)
*black green white wedding board
*black greenwhitecasual wedding
I am getting married in late October and am questioning my colors. My dress is ivory and champagne. I just bought decorations tonight that are plum and lighter purple with some greens and creams. Do these colors flow? DO I need to add any more colors in the mix? Help !!
jamie, loving it. i wouldnt add anymore colors. what you ahve is nice. adding more colors might make it look too busy. i like the fact that you are keeping the floral stand in more softer with the bouquets bolder. great work!!
Thanks so much for your help!! Love to hear others opinions on this.
Hello! I am getting married in April next year outdoors. It well be semi casual. I always wanted yellow and white but I recently added chocoalte brown and changed the white to champagne. So Chocolate brown and champagne with accentls of yello. Do you think this is too dark or too formal? Should I make the yellow a bigger part of the mix?
katy,
love the color scheme!! i would have the girls in champagne cause the deep but soft yellow bouquets will pop against that color beautifully!! have the guys in brown with brown vests. i would add white to this. if you want it to be a tad fun then why not have white linens with white napkins and yellow napkin rings. use brown containers with yellow flowers only. then carryu the chamapgne into your favor boxes or bags. i would add a little more yellow cause brown and champagne will be kinda formal.
Hi everybody!
I’m getting married on December 2009 and I cannot decide which color to choose. I really need your help. Please…
I have an idea of mixing claret with gold and green, do you think it will look good? please give me some suggestions.
My secong option is Lavender with gold and green but I think it will not fit the season. help me decide….
thank you!
Gwynette
Hey Guys! I really need some help. I am getting married Aug. 6th and I’m kinda under the gun to decide my wedding colors. I have looked everywhere for something that fits me. I thought about doing Light pink, hot pink, and dark chocolate brown, but it just seems so cliche. I also thought about doing Pink and purple, but I can’t find any vision boards that I like with those colors. Do you guys have any ideas for me? How can I make the pink and purple work or how can I make the pink and brown a little more unique?
Thanks so much!!!
ashley,
tell me a little of what you envision or like. something about your personalities. then we can find colors and ideas that would suit so well!!
hi
thank God i found u cuz am in a dilemna what colour to use for my wedding.i was actually thinking of CREAM,BROWN N GOLD.what do u also think?i actually chose that because brown n gold look good on me n i think cream would be a good match.if not what do u think pls help me out am african n chocolate in complexion.please help me out.
vida,
your color scheme is all things easy to put together, elegant, etc. i love this!! i think adding green florals to the mix would be outstanding!! it just makes everything pop! keep the cream and green in flowers, brown linen and cream napkins, with green and cream florals, add curly willow for a stunning touch to your florals. have bm in brown carrying cream bouquets with brown ribbon and you carry all green ( think hydrangeas or orchids) with flowing ribbon. have touches of gold here and there like plate chargers, favor boxes, white and gold cake, jewelry.
*Inspiration Board # 63: Chocolate Brown
*brown & green wedding colors
*jessica & steve, monarch beach CA
( to me this is one of the most beautiful weddings!! youcan also study it without the green to see what a brown gold and cream wedding looks like) i think the green blended in will flatter skintones and the centerpieces with branches( i think that is curly willow) is amazing.
Hi all,
I am getting married August 8, 2009 at a bed and breakfast inn. I am searching for colors for the wedding and a bridal bouquet that will honor my fiance’s late mother. Her favorite flowers were red roses and yellow daises. I also wanted to incorporate my favor flower, calla lilly into the bouquet. I need your guys help! What would be awesome colors for a wedding that would match up with the bouquet that I want.
sheree,
BREATHTAKING! 
: 
i dont know if you will like the color but grey is superb with these colors. so is black or brown. calla lilies would be real simple to add to the bouquet. what color were you leaning to here? i think keeping those in yellow or red would make the bouquet super lush. i have a pic i’ve used before. it has your colors and is well…in a word…..
*REAL WEDDING
the bm dresses look more pale sage or peridot but in another angle they appear grey. i just love this combo. you can have the girls in classy grey ( have them try on the shdes of grey to see which one enchances skintone) guys in charcoal or medium grey. i love the fact bm carry the yellow bouquets with the brides having the red mixed in. it will make your bouquet look sentimental. i wouldnt add the red thruout the decor; cause if you do it wont stand out and look like it has a significant meaning.
Hi all,
Anyone know where I can find coral, aqua, orange and periwinkle silk or satin mini calla lilies.
tami,
try save-on-crafts.com
Hey Guys! I need some help! I am getting married Aug 6th. I would really like to do Fall-ish colors. I have thought about the following schemes, but I don’t know if they are too much. Do I have too many dark colors for a summer wedding?? or should I stick with only two main colors?
Deep Red, Dark Purple, and light peach
Dark Brown, deep red, and light peach
OR
Deep Red and light blue
Which combination or other colors would you add/ substitute with these? Thanks Guys!
Ashley,
All of your color combinations sound lovely. If you’re concerned about the colors looking “right” for the season (since August is still tecnically summer), I would not go with the dark brown and deep red. Those two colors together really evoke autumn (in my opinion). The other two color schemes I think would look great in August. But most of all go with whatever color scheme you like the most and don’t worry about the season.
ashlee,
i actually love the dark brown, red, and light peach. august is the first month of fall or late summer early fall. so what you have is perfect!! inspiration can be found by google imaging early fall wedding board then late summer wedding board.(also google search these same ones) there are some dreamy pics!! go for it!! for more inspiration google image fall weddings then fall wedding board also fall wedding. good luck!!
*Favorite Board: Red and Peach
ashlee, oh yeah! i wouldnt add alot of fall leaves and complete fall decor unless you are going with a full blown fall theme. depends really on where you get married. if you live where the maples turn during that time then yes, but you can check out what comes out at local farmers markets and pay attention to the trees. if you see that fall produce is available then yes add it! if you see tinges of fall in the leaves( just turning) then stick to waht mother nature is doing. there is a way even when the leaves are not turning completely and that is rustic elegance. it will look like it was “meant to be that way” dont let what i am saying scare or confuse you. its all about white christmas lights and branches, added greenery, raffia and to make it elegant use roses only in your shades. a foliage arch to marry under made of greenery and fall leaves barely turning. bridal party in brown. add sparkle with silver which will make it chic. asile decor with long vines and leaves tied with raffia or elegant ribbons for more oomph add cylinders of candles down the aisle with the pew markers. think brown linens with peach and red roses or urns of fresh foilage spilling over edges. add candlelight. tuck a single rose in each place setting napkin accompanied by your fave edible candy in simple silver metal favor baskets.
Ok I really need help i want to use the colors plum and olivine for my wedding!! my girls already have their dresses and they are alternating colors but im having a hard time trying to figure out what kind of flowers go well with these colors for the bridal party im so confused and don’t know what to do !! Do you think the wedding colors are too much ??