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 planning an early Septmeber outdoor wedding in South FL (on the water, but not a beach wedding). I really love purple, but I would like for my wedding to have a light airy floridian vibe. I also love reds and oranges. I am kind of envisioning the colors of the sunset/sunrise, but I want to make sure I have purple. Do you have any advice or pics you can share?
Kristyn,
* look at this gorgeous wedding. it has purple orchids in the decor, you could pull the purple out more by having hte bm in a shade of purple
* this is nice
* you love purple check this out.
* click on the pics for color, this is beautiful
* look at this!
Kristyn,
* thought you might fall in love with this
This is one of the most beautiful tablescapes I have ever seen.
* along with this one, just add a touch more purple, it will work very well
Thanks Stacey!! I really love the first one and the beautiful ocean side table setting. If I did something similar to the first one and used purple dresses, what shade of purple dresses would you suggest.
Kristyn
ok, so Im having alot of problems with picking colors.. I like red and pink colors with is pretty girlie and my fiance isnt really into all the red and pink… he likes navy blue and he also like greens too.. i like the navy but i don’t want it to be all dark.. i like bight colors and so im stuck right now..lol.. PLEASE HELP!!
ohhh and i forgot to add, we would like to do a star theme so if anyone has any ideas that would be GREAT!! thank you
Kimmi,
I really like the idea if using the base color as navy, for the bridesmaids, etc. it is a great classic color, when you put any of the other colors against just pops! For a star theme, navy is the best choice for this.
* LOVE the navy/pink
* navy and green
* navy and hot pink
OMG! i’m confused now on what color to choose.. i was decided to go for chocolate brown and pink cherry blossom since my wedding will be on March. But now, after seeing other colors and other combination, i’m so confused…
help!
here’s the church and the reception. Photo 2 and 8 of this link. BTW, it will be a dinner …
would appreciate if you can help me.
Maria,
With this type setting, you will want to keep it simple. The church and outdoors are ornate meaning you won’t need as much. You are going in the right direction with the pinks even red. For the outside the flowers that are blooming, you will want to pick colors that coexist with your surroundings.
You mentioned pink and brown. I think that will go beautifully. Are there any other colors that are catching your eye? Also are you wanting traditonal? old world? more modern with touches of old world?
Thank you. Actually i really wanted to make it simple, for the church i have no problem, but for the reception, i’m having a hard time. I was thinking of brown and orange too, it’s an earthly color and i think it will go well with the surrounding since it’s a garden. Then i would like to put more lights around the area.
Yes, i would like it more modern with a touch of old world since the church and reception depicts it. But, on to what extent, i have no idea. Or, shall i just drop the idea of old world??
or should i go for burnt orange and cranberry red since March is a summer time? Or should i stick with burnt orange and chocolate brown since it depicts 1970s which will actually go with the reception. What do you think?
Maria,
Are you wanting a 70’s theme? I may have misunderstood. You mentioned March. I wouldn’t chose orange and cranberry. The flower colors that bloom in march will be the key to your colors scheme. Have you thought about a asimple green and white palette? it would work soooo well. Contemporary in a old world setting actually gives very good contrast, as long as it is simple. I love old world but I would choose more contemporary. i think lots of crisp white would be amazing. Yellow would be very beautiful!
* this is more old world but look when the bride is walking in, those colors would be fantastic!
Maria,
Usually your first thought about colors is the right one, as far as what you love.
* I just used this but look at the colors. this would be stunning with brown
* okay I might have found you something. Look at the simple elegance of this. No fuss, modern, yet would fit in with your venue.
maria,
* here is the recessional of ali’s wedding. it all just gives off romance
* youmight like this, be sure to check out the rest at end of page
thanks stacey for all the help. sorry if i made you confused as well…
i think i will go for green and white.. since i only wanted to have simple yet elegant wedding. Do you think, green, gold and white will go alright?
Maria,
Green, gold, white is very, very nice.
* pics
* more pics
* loads of pics
Hello…I’m getting married in august 2011. I’ve started way in advanced because I’m planning it on my own, for the most part. I’m having trouble picking out wedding colors..we originally picked tangerine and oasis. But I’m having trouble finding those colors in stores for different things. All I’m finding in stores is orange and teal. I didn’t know if like a burgundy w/ yellow..or.. a green with a peach color would be easier. Help please.
Thanks
Tamika,
First let’s start with your venue, what color layout is it? Do you have a pic or link? Second, how would you describe the wedding look you want? Is it romantic, modern, country, etc.? Have you considered aqua? airing pale or darker peach with it?
Another color is royal blue.
* pics
* aqua
* these are great!
* look at cake colors
Hi!! My brother is getting married March 19, 2011. They are having trouble picking out colors for a march wedding. They’re going for a more elegant look since thats the vibe that you get from their venue. I was thinking something with a wine color with pinks, or totally opposite the color green with purples. Not sure how it would all look together. Any ideas? Thank You!!
http://www.newarkclub.com/weddings_gallery.html
Kim,
Since the room is dark. I would go for lighter shades. Pairing pink with the bm in wine will be beautiful. I would just use the lighter pinks to decorate the hall in so it will show up. Darker colors tend to fade into dark venues.
Hello.. my wedding is not til august 2011 but starting to plan already. HAve picked dark espresso brown & canary yellow & white (obviously) Just wondering if I should pick a 4th color?? Any suggestions? Thought maybe purple like lilac. We have having an outside ceremony facing the view of the water.
Thanks
Jen,
Lilac would be beautiful as an accent with the yellow and brown, white. Brown and yellow would look very fresh and streamlined.
* pics
Hi there, I am 7 months out from my wedding..its in late august..and i just decided to change my color scheme..what can i say i change my mind on things like this. But i saw a beautiful bouquet in bridalguide mar/apr 2010 (pg.74) and my colors were already deep and muted purples. But I’ve changed the accent colors. I LOVE the idea of a victorian/gothic color scheme. The bouquet is made up of black calla lillies and white anemones, w/ white spray roses, ily grass, and fiddlehead ferns (by flowersoftheworld.com) Basically, deep purples, black,off white. My dress is Ivory, my bridesmaid are wearing Lapis and eggplant, w/ the groomsman wearing lapis vest/ties. ANY idea and pictures would be great!!!
candice,
* pics
* pics and boards
* this candlelight decor is over the top gorgeous! it could fit in your theme
Candice,
* some of this decor might help
* real wedding ideas
i love ALL of your ideas/links you are right, the candlelight decor is out of this world, it portrays the exact feeling that I want at the beginning of the wedding/reception. thank you so much for all of the inspiration!!
OK SO I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURPLE/GREEN/WHITE BRIGHT COLORS. WELL I NEED HELP
WITH FLOWERS/CAKE/BRIDES MAIDS DRESSES.
ON THE DESSES I WAS THINKING OF PURPLE WITH A WHITE BAND AROUND THE WAIST WITH SOMETHING GREEN ON IT LIKE A BOW MAYBE HAVE THEM HOLDING GREEN FLOWERS. 
ON THE FLOWERS I WAS THINKING ROSES OR SOMETHING TOGETHER SPRAYED THE COLORS LIKE DAISY’S. 
SOMETHING HIGH UP ON THE LIST OF FLOWERS 
THINKIN OF A HOMEMADE CAKE
THINKING A RESONABLE PRICE
Ashley, hope these help!
* purple and green pics
* more pics
* purple and lime
Hi Stacey
Our venue has changed since I last emailed you but the date has remained (Dec 5th Florida, country club reception, outside gazebo ceremony). With all things considered we have now confirmed our color as minty green/ivory. Any ideas would be appreciated and also would you suggest a third accent color, or might that get a bit confusing.
Thanks again,
Sharah
Sharah,
* here are some pics, I love the brown
I am getting married in May 2010. We are having the wedding in our Church which has red carpeting and red fabric in the pues. I am having trouble on deciding what colors I should use that would match the red color. Any suggestions???
Thanks, Kate
try dark fuchsia/light fuchsia example on google purple & lime wedding pg 3
hello. so i can’t seem to choose a color scheme. the party is in november so i already considered the browns reds etc. but my favorite color is teal/turquoise. it looks like the venue is open to any color so my mind is all over the place. do you have any suggestions or preferences on colors that compliment each other? i am open to any ideas or colors. thank you.
Lauren,
What about teal or turquoise and brown?
* this is beautiful
* more teal
* turquoise
Stacey,
It seems you have the solution for everyone, so I thought you might be able to help me too! I originally wanted to go with pool/chocolate brown for colors, but its so trendy now that I decided to consider something else. I then moved on to sangria/champagne, but now Im having doubts about that as well. Our reception is at a country club overlooking a golf course on Sept 4, 2010. I want something very elegant. Any ideas? Thanks!
Sarah,
If I could see your reception location pic or link, I could see which colors would go and I could get a look at the style of the room as well. Talk to you soon.
Any ideas or pictures for a wedding with the colors Aqua , Black and white?
Tina,
*here are some pics
Hi my name is Crystal im actually on this website to help my sister she is planning on getting married on June 2010 she is having trouble finding her wedding colors. She is a very simple person wants a small but elegant wedding any ideas on colors that would look right?
Crystal,
It depends on the look she is after. What are the venue colors? Is she wanting a theme?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Crystal,
a great place to begin is to look in her closet or home and notice the colors or style she is drawn to and that would narrow down the colors. usually a bride knows the colors she leans to by what she buys/wears. pastels, jewel tones, nuetrals, does she like soft or bold looks?
Thank you…I talked to her more in detail her soon to be husband is joining the Marines she is planning on him wearing his uniform for the wedding…So maybe something with those colors…She also likes the idea of maroon and gold( there school colors) What do you think?
I need help !! I’m not sure what’
s the best color for weddings?
Priscilla,
Can I get a few more details about the wedding vision you have and maybe the venue link or pic?
Hello, I have been surfing forever to get some ideas for summer wedding colors. It’s on the outdoor near the lake or shall I say type of yacht club hotel. My fiance and I love yacht type. The wedding is on July 10th, 2010. My struggling is I love brown and everyone tells me brown is for Autumn season. All my bridesmaid and groommen loves black so perhaps, blk with white and champagne for pearls theme wedding?
I haven’t even start picked out the bridesmaids dress or cake or lastly, invitation as well. I want all match. Please help me, I seem cannot visualize it!!!
Bethany,
brown is a great color. what about black white and green?
* ideas
* this is awesome!.
* outdoor wedding
* yacht club lake weddings
* real weddings
* real wedding article
* black white green
* more black and green
* love this
* here is a personal fave of mine in black and green
* this is beautiful
* another fave
* you will like looking at these
* and these
Hi,
I am getting married in June and have had an absolutely terrible time picking my colors. I am having an outdoor ceremony and the reception is in a amazing old barn. I am going for a vintage/rustic wedding that is still elegant. We are thinking of either brown or simple white table clothes with burlap overlays(yes I know sounds very country but Ive seen it done with other weddings and it really elegant and pretty). I haven’t picked my flowers yet so that is no help. We will have our flower centerpieces and then just romantic tea light candles all over the tables. All the chairs are wooden white chairs. SO as of now I have white, tan, brown….and I need an accent color? I love turquoise, yellow, tangerine, apple green? However I dont know what to pick to go with white, tan, and be elegant and not boring. Any help???
Drew,
* ideas
* rustic weddings
* elegant barn wedding
* barn real wedding
* these are gorgeous
*real wedding
* love this wedding, so romantic and rustic!
Drew,
Here is the rest of the wedding i posted…
* here
I truly love this!
hello…i’m getting married on April 18, please advice me what are the best color combinations for the entourage, flowers and for the place decorations. We’re having the ceremony and reception at the same place. Attached is the venue…please help me. thanks so much…God bless!
nyl,
love the venue!! it looks like a villa. can i get an idea of the vision you see? i could see something tuscan or spanish in this room. those rust/terra cotta linens really set it off. you could do a mix of grapes, candlelight, and vanilla white roses. but the first thing that popped in my mind was the linens as shown, lots of vanilla white roses in tall containers and lots of candlelight in glass votives dripping with vanilla white rose petals. it would scream romantic elegance. but i didnt know if you preferred color or subtle. looking forward to your reply!!
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.