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)
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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 ??
hello to everyone. my husband and i are planning to have our 10th year church wedding anniversary on may 30, 2009 for d first time. we just had our civil wedding before. i chose red motif because i believe it will give us luck but i also want green (lucky color for 2009) and white. is it possible to combine all of these colors. please help.
marnelli, red and green is so popular anytime of the year! just google image red and green wedding! so gorgeous! something like this!! i love the fresh orange in it! otherwise it can look holidayish if not careful!! i love it!!
thank you very much, how about if we stick to green? please give me an advice on how should we celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary on may 30, 2009. is it ok to have a pure white motif on our wedding day coz i also want that. that’s my first choice. please help…. thanks!
Hi everyone! I need some advice. I’m getting married August 8, 2009. The original color scheme was red, black, and white but now we’re having second thoughts. Option A is an indoor ceremony and reception and Option B is an outdoor ceremony and dancing, and inside dining. Blue is probably not an option, and I’d love to avoid pink. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Congratulations to all the future brides!
mel, have you decided whether its in or outdoors? is so, i would love to see the venue that way i can find some colors. green is a failproof color scheme. you can add it with anything. another is simple brown and cream. add green bouquets and it would be gorgeous. what are some of your fave colors and your fh? maybe we can find something there. i see that you like bold colors with the red and black. what are some other colors your considering? let me know, would love to help!!
Okay im getting married August 8 2009! and they say that its in the middle not exactly summer and not fall? i always thought summer….but what kind of colors would go with this time??? i have thought all the way through with apple red and one point and then changed to browns and lavender and i have went through all of them….so i need ideas!
lacey, you can go either way really. waht are your fave colors? in fashion? usually the colors your drawn to are the ones in your closet or home. also what type of wedding do you see? is your vison formal, informal? outdoors, do you want a theme? let me know and i will help you with your dream wedding!! i look forward to your reply!!
HELP! I am getting married in November 2009 and I don’t have any ideas for wedding colors. I know I want my flowers to either be red roses or fuschia somethings. I want something bright and different. Any ideas??
hi vivi!! why not go with both red and fuschia?
* Board #212: Marigold and Fuchsia
( red is mixed in to!!)
* Little Black Dress Five Ways, III
* Hot Pink Wedding Color Palette
* Unique Weddings Week, II
* Hot Pink and Red Wedding Inspiration - This combination sizzles!
this will be sure to be bright, different and down right beautiful!!
please help me combine another colour to lime.my wedding is september 2009.i also have gold in mind.pls help.
comfort, hi!! i love the color gold and green!! its a great scheme. consider flowers (example orchids) that have a tinge of color to them for an unexpected pop of xtra color. i think i posted pics for ya before, i am sorry if they didnt show!!
* Miya & Jeremy } Sunny Wedding in Seattle
* Thara & Joel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
* Real Wedding: Kris Graham Photography
* Glam Up Your Table for a Party
my suggestion… gold and white reception with lime green centerpieces, lime and white cake. bridal party in green and groomsmen in matching green vests and ties. i would also use alot of white flowers mixed in, like in cake pic.love it!! they said the dress was lime green, not sure had to post it was pretty!!
Help! My wedding is going to be on August 8, 2009 and I am having a little difficulty picking choosing a color. Periwinkle is one of my colors but I am deciding whether to go with rose petal, apple red or watermelon. Please, I need some feedback!!
Hi Natasha! My wedding is also August 8, 2009!!! It’s interesting you are asking about colors….not sure about those combinations. I guess I’d have never thought to put any of them with periwinkle. I was wondering what you guys thought for dark purple for my august wedding? I am also considering parasols for something different. The ceremony will be outdoors, likely at a golf course with mature trees. Do the parasols fit along sort of a garden theme? Let me know your thoughts.
penelope, parasols are the way to go for a garden theme!! and dark purple is too!! you could think about having a monochroamtic purple theme,different shades of purple from light to dark for contrast. that way you can take the stress off of having to match everything.
for flowers hydrangea stands out. dark purple hydrangeas set against, for instance, lavender dresses. wow!! and using these flowers (which are large it doesnt take many) you can carry white hydrangea with a shade of purple ribbon trailing down. plus it will give some lighter shade in there for a more garden feel. for lushness add lots of greenery and dont 4get the white in the flowers and linens. think of adding berries in the mix, this will add even more garden feel. (think about faux cause berries can stain) you can add those to fresh flowers and noone will know the difference!
like natasha, go to theknot.com for purple weddings. click under wedding photos and it will take you from there!! google image bridesmaid with parasols ( lots of pics) love it!! also google image purple wedding.
* Flickr: Purple Violet Lavender Wedding Inspiration Board
* Brides: A Purple Party — Vibrant violets dazzle at an alfresco affair
* Kayla & David in Silverado, CA
* Cathy & Rick in Kansas City, MO
* Katie & Andy in St. Paul, MN ( this is so nice!)
* Nari + Wyatt
* Purple Color Wedding Theme
natasha, hi i thought white linens would look wonderful but what about periwinkle(google image periwinkle wedding). i am assuming bm will be in periwinkle. why pick just one color unless you wanted a 2 color scheme. i would choose 1 flower in 2 colors red and watermelon, set agaisnt the periwinkle what a stunner! the great thing about this scheme, is you can use just solid pops of red here and there like a red and white cake, a solid red bouquet 4 you.. everything doesnt have to be all watermelon and red. you also have shades of a lighter pink(in bouquet by cakeand in cake)in there which could be rose petal. hope this helps!! i think its amazing! you get the best of both worlds!!
I need help! I’m getting married in July 2009 and I am SO stumped for a color scheme. I really like sherbet inspired shades but I just don’t know how to narrow things down.
Ideas: Champagne and mint green
Pink and light orange
Mint green and pink
Champagne with pink and orange
PLEASE any suggestions would be outstanding or pictures of any of these color combinations. Thank you so much!
kelley, dont worry about choosing!! have a simple champagne and green color scheme and add all other colors into flowers. this will keep it simple!! have a sherbet punch the accent ribbons for favors and paper (programs etc) should be mint green. let the flowers pop against it! also for the bridesmaids have same floral bouquets set against different colors (that they love) or put them in a simple green(try champagne and mint green, dont suit alot of skintones) or pink with colored sashes. pink will most likely suit your girls skintones! pick a light pink.one in sherbet orange, the other in mint green sash, and so on. have guys boutonnieres only matching each girls sash. i think to much tie and vest color will overdo it. put guys in simple beige suits, white shirts. seeting color on chamapgne linens would be beautiful. almost 4got, if putting girls in champagne wow the flowers will pop against this, just like the linens. now for a an unexpected twist, have a aqua blue and white cake, the colors surrounding this would be unreal!!
* Lime & Strawberry Wedding
* Green & Champagne Wedding
* Pink & Green Shower (Baby or Bridal)
* Spring Fling!
* A Preppy Pink and Green Wedding ( i love how they used the pink green etc. in the paper lanterns.and kept all else simple 2 color scheme)
* Color palette for Spring & Summer weddings
bouquet pic…….
* Real Simple: Wedding Flowers: How to Create Beautiful Bouquets from Supermarket Flowers
google image pink green orange wedding for loads of pics!! also pink and orange wedding
kelley, my pics didnt post, here they are.
What colors should I use to accent this color (Alfred Angelo dress)?
This is the color (but not style) of my bridesmaids dresses. I was thinking of pairing with bright greens, plums or maybe a pale yellow. It is a spring wedding. May 2. What do you think? Any pics?
heather,
i looked at everything and i think you should do the blue with green and yellow. pale yellow flowers surrounded by greenery against the blue. and do white linens blue napkins, centerpieces of yellow flowers with greenery. add the green by the greenery, a mixture of yellow and blue ribbon around napkins or programs, favors. i wouldnt do the plum though beautiful i would stick with the yellow more springtime. for this color. decorate everything mainly with the yellow flowers and greenery, arch etc. keep it soft like in pic i posted. love this blue by the way!!
* Board #43: Waterfront Wedding
keep the yellow soft.
Also Heather —
Sunshine Wedding Theme by Chicgirl
good luck!!!
Im getting married next fall and am starting to think colors and this one simple ask is already stressing me! Ideas anyone? My Fiance & I both love dark colors but it seems like wedding should be bright & pleasant..right? help!
hi anna, don’t worry you can have the dark colors you and your fiance love!! do you have colors that you lean to most? i am leaning toward the plum and brown! i just love this combo!! for more pics, google image purple wedding baord and purple and red wedding board (also can google search these without word board) i think this is a very fitting color!! especially for fall!! if you want more rustic, just add that in favors and branches in decor. if you dont like dark plum then go for an deep red wedding!! google image that too. dark colors fill my closet i love them!! i hope this helps! if it don’t let me know and i will serach more! oh yeah, you can make this color fit in your venue. what color is it by the way? the brown will go with everything. if it is say burgundy, this plum will work, can add a few burgundy flowers in the mix, to make it more tied in if you prefer. whatever the venue colors are you can always add that colro to plum and make it work, that is the great thing about plum its sooo neutral.
* Feeling Purple
* Royal Purple (this is my fave because it could fit in fall so easy, the fruit centerpieces)
* Stylish fall bride (omg!!, stunning!!)
* Brown & plum color palette
this wedding color scheme will be sooo pleasant it will get oohs and aahs, and be everything a wedding should be!!
I am getting married May 16th 2009 we are having an outside wedding at our home, and i can’t find what colors or flowers i should use. does any one have any ideas. for an outside wedding
Hi Danielle!
OK get ready
* White & Lime Green Weddings ( i love this alot)
* THE ELEGANCE(!?!?) OF BALLOONS
* Your Spring Wedding - Spring Color Inspiration Board ( and this!! wow)
* Southern Summer Picnic Inspiration Board (could work for spring too)
* Jessica & Danny’s Garden Wedding Inspiration Board
* Springtime Party ( this is just fab!)
* Spring Wedding: Green & White ( some of the elements here could go with the one up top)
* Pretty In Purple
* Lavender Weddings: Ideas & Inspirations ( omg!) this is sooo pretty. with this color it would make impact very simply!
* Backyard Wedding ( this is my over all fave! plus did you know that periwinkle looks great on most every skintone?!?) i would choose this color palette and decor, all of it right down to the last detail. its already written out 4 you!! hope you love it too. its got great contrasting colors!!
these are just for an idea. what are your fave colors? start with that. tulips and daisies, wisteria, are a great spring flower.
google image simple outdoor wedding and also periwinkle wedding also google image lilac bridesmaids, then lavender, purple and so on. for ideas. let me know what ya think!!
ok I getting married in May 2009 and I chose a pink and green wedding ! I still havent picked out the guys suits yet! i was leaning towards tan and my fiance was thinking maybe light gray! What do you think.. would it work?
oh wanted to add one more thing.. the girls are wearing jim hjelm dress and the color is spice! thanks!!
Cheryl, see this:
* gray wedding details
oops posted to soon!! more pics below! i love the grey make sure its on the darker side. the tan looks great too. just depends on what look your going for. yeah i love the grey. i also love the background of flowers for the dress pic too. gorgeous!! tip…. see which looks best on the guys. have them try on both colors. you will want to see how their skintone looks in it too!! you will want them to look great also!! smile! i still think the grey.
