Month by Month: Wedding Themes and Colors for Every Season
Here we try to do just that. Granted, these are just suggestions ... and they don't take into account destination weddings, or seasons outside of North America, for that matter. Not to mention: a grandly-decorated venue is a blank slate you can transform into anything, any time of year. And some of these themes and colors are really fine for year-round use, though we didn't want to repeat them over and over (Black & White or Fifth Avenue Aqua being two examples).
But all disclaimers aside: if you want some great color combination or theme inspirations for January, June, or anything in between, read on!
March, April
If your climate cooperates, this is a wonderful time to celebrate spring's earliest bursts of color, flowers and delicate life forms: Lilies of Valley and Shasta daisies, daffodils and tulips, butterflies and dragonflies. Brides are instinctively drawn to pastels like lavender or yellow, whimsical and romantic pairings like red and pink, or combos with a modern bent like pink and lime green. A monochromatic look using all shades of pink is also totally spring (and stunning).Some popular themes for spring? Cherry Blossom, Butterfly, and Irish or St. Patricks, to name a few.
Also, popular spring color combinations that double as themes include Aqua Blue (Fifth Avenue Style), and Pink & Green.
May, June, July
Summer brides sometimes complain that they can't find any summer themes, besides the usual beach or garden. Not to worry though: there's more here than you might expect. Summer also offers some of the most brightest, most energized palettes for brides who aren't afraid to play it modern. Contemporary picks include orange and fuchsia, green and hot pink, black against any kind of eye-popping-color, and chocolate brown and pink (or aqua).Favorite themes for summer are numerous, but here are just a few: Garden, Daisy, Enchanted Forest and Victorian Garden, Beach, Starfish, Hawaiian Luau, Preppy/Nautical and Poolside. Don't forget Patriotic or Baseball, Fairytale or Asian Garden, Polka Dot or 50's Retro, and South of the Border, Rustic Country or Western.
Color Themes for the warm summer season include all kinds of Green, Cornflower Blue, Orange & Fuchsia, Black & White Toile with summery accents like yellow or pink, Aqua Blue (beach style), and the lighter purples, like orchid or Aubergine.
August, September, October
The colors alone bring this season near to the hearts of many brides who can't imagine tying the knot any other time of year. From russet to pumpkin orange and cinnamon to vanilla, the scents and famers' market decor of an outdoor Autumn wedding makes a setting like none other (not to mention the awesome photos!). Another plus: the grapes are ripe, and it's time to celebrate a brand-new season of wine.Popular colors for this time of year include latte, mocha and chocolate brown, rust orange and burgundy, hunter green and gold. Nature-minded themes are all the rage right now, including New England Harvest, Harvest Modern and Halloween, "Perfect Pear" and Apple, Tuscan and Wine Theme, Herbal and Rustic Country. Chocolate Brown also amounts to a theme ... one that suits the season to a 'T'.
November
November's long been a sticking point for brides who want to stay close to nature, but aren't huge fans of the bright, brassy colors of autumn. We've try to address this dilemma with our new "Fields of Gold" page, which pays homage to the natural world and November's subtler palette of creams and golds. For more urban, indoor and delectably chic approach, seize on this time of year for a 1930's Retro / Art Deco Theme, with its November-friendly palette of gold, ivory, sepia and black, and its oh-so-apt nostalgic feel.
December, January, February
Friends and family are stuck inside, desperately hoping for a romantic diversion. Which is why this time of year's about making big, elegant gestures: going back in time, playing with lighting levels, indulging in romantic fabrics and heavy molding ... in short, transforming an ordinary interior into a portal to another world. Favorite colors for this time of year include ice blue, silver and white, gold, red and green, metallics paired with black, ivory on white and vice versa, and all the shimmery jewel tones.Top themes that fit the season include those with a pale palette and opulent look, such as Calla, Parisian or Versailles, or those with a holiday feel, such as Christmas, Victorian Christmas, Winter Wonderland, or Diamond or Crystal Theme. Of course, Valentine's Day is a natural for those marrying in February, but the bold red and white palette works just as well for any other deep-winter setting. Finally, maybe it's the Oscars, or just a need to cut loose after too many dark afternoons, but there's no better time of year to hold an Old Hollywood or even Vegas theme wedding.
As for color themes that suit this time of year? All-White, Regal Red, Black & White, and Royal Purple.
What'd We Miss?
We know this list is hardly exhaustive... there are plenty more themes and color schemes tailor-made for autumn or spring. Why not share some of your favorites below?
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Hi, I need some help. I’ve choosen September of this year (2010) for the wedding date. Im thinking maybe sage green coral like orange and chocolate brown for the colors. What do you think? What would you suggest….. for dresses, teble linens, flowers… etc.??? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so so much!
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BreAnna,
* stunning combo!
* this would be perfect!!
So, My soon to be hubby and I have known eachother for three years together for two, finally asked me to marry him, June 11, 2009. Well I ended up getting deployed to Iraq a few months later, So that is the situation. We set the dated for November 13, 2010, Ill be back home in Aug. Ive always wanted an October wedding but needed the time so we went for Nov. We have the church, the reception place, caterer, but I cant figure out the colors. I want to go with a Fall them but with it being in Nov, will it still work? Also the colors I think I want is a deep purple, and rustic/copper brown… I thnk… Will those colors work for fall. Ive been looking online for a while about brown and puple and cant really find anthing for those two to go together! Hes doing most of the planning, we email back and forth Ideas, and pics of things we like. We cant really find boquets that are purple and brown either… Have any websites in mind? I could use the help….
Hi Cynthia,
No need to worry I’m here lol.
First off, don’t worry the biggest part of any wedding is the venue and catering which you already have. Job well done.
Now, lets talk colors and flowers. Deep purple and copper, absolutely beautiful especially for fall. However you don’t want your bouquets to be purple and coppper it will be overwhelming, especially in your photos. With that said we need an accent color, which I recommend sage green. I attached a photo for you as well. Sage green with a few purple roses will be stunning! Another suggestion would be to get copper baby-breaths to put in to bouquets as well. For the women wearing purple use more sage and less purple. For those in copper make sure the arrangement of purple and sage flowers are pretty balanced. For your bouquet, I would suggest white roses and maybe a few cream roses as well. If you want to add a different spice to it, lightly use a copper metallic spray to give them a bronzey glow.
Any questions feel free to contact me directly.
jsmith.careers@gmail.com
Best wishes, and beauuuuutiful colors!!!
Jason
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Hi Jason:
I hope that I am posting correctly…I am getting married in Fla the end of Feb 2011. I would like the BM to wear black dresses…mine is ivory…what accent colors should I use and what colors should the tables and chair covers and bow be…thank you
Barbara
.Hi:
I hope that I am posting correctly…I am getting married in Fla the end of Feb 2011. I would like the BM to wear black dresses…mine is ivory…what accent colors should I use and what colors should the tables and chair covers and bow be…thank you
Okay so i posted a few days ago, and i feel like i still need help. we are planning on having the wedding in the fall. and the groomsman are wearing the Marine uniform (long tan shirt and blue plants) and two other guys are wearing their airforce uniform which is blue as well. my thing is..now i feel like i have to have blue to match..but blue just doesnt seem fall to me at all. i am sooo lost on what colors we should do…because i was wanting like orange and yellow (no brown) but maybe like a dark burgundy red..but i just dont know. HELP! :)
For a september wedding, we were thinking:
Lilac, Silver and ivory?
Hey Stacie,
Congrats on your September wedding, what I beautiful and new popular month to choose. This is my area of expertise! The first thing I want to ask is what time is your wedding?
If you are having a morning/afternoon wedding the lilac is great along with the silver and ivory.
If its an evening wedding I would change the lilac to a plum, a nice royal purple and also try to fuse in some black. Maybe let two or three of your girls wear black and the others in purple.
Feel free to send me an email direct with any questions. Im available around the clock.
Best Wishes!
Jason
Jason
please help me.
We are getting married in October 2011 (I know it is far away). colors are sage green, chocolate brown and gold. Nature will be our theme. I need ideas for centerpieces and table card place markers. I had thought of those 3 wheeled wagons with flowers for the centerpiece and naming each table after a tree ie: oak, elm. table card place markers? any other ideas - you seem to be the expert
thanks
Thanks so much. I love your colors, it’s going to be so beautiful. Considering your theme is nature and it’s in October I believe- here is what I thought far as your center pieces and place cards.
For the centerpiece I thought about a clear tall vase with brown branches. Fill the vase up acorns. And on the table scatter leaves to signify the change of season.
They have leave place card holders which will be a great touch.
Naming the tables is amazing. Maybe even place some fun facts about the trees on the table as well.
Feel free to ask any more questions
best wishes!
Jason
Jason
you are amazing.
can I ask you more questions if needed?
can I get your direct email address?
let me know
thank you so much for your input
love the ideas
Hey Catnip!
Glad you found my ideas helpful. And of course, Id be happy to help with your plans etc or answer any questions.
Here is my direct email, I check them every 30mins lol.
jsmith.careers@gmail.com
Look forward to hearing from you.
Jason
hi
my wedding is coming up july 3rd 2010. i have chosen 3 colour combo-mint green,pink and black. is it a nice combination? if it is, how and where can i incorporate all 3 colours? which should be the main and accent colours? thanks
Claudia,
* here are some pics.
* real weddings
Claudia,
Actually you could go in any direction since the each color paired with black looks amazing. You could go with the base of black/white adding pink and green florals. I love the black and pink as themain colors with the pink and green florals added. Have the guys in black and girls in either black or pink. If I could get a look at your location I could see which color needs tobe the main color.
Hey Claudia,
First Congrats!
The time of your wedding is the first thing I will ask. Colors must coordinate with your month and time of wedding. I would say choose between the mint green and pink to go with the black. Get back to me with that info, and we can talk further.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Jason
HI
stacey & jason, thanks for your contribution. My wedding is on the 3rd of july 2010( my birthday). And it’s gonna be a morning/noon affair. It’s going to be an indoor event since it’s a raining season in my country-nigeria.
I will like more suggestions on the bridal party attire, reception hall decoration ideas.
I like the choice of black and pink as the main colour and mint green as an accent.
Thank you very much for your assistance
Claudia,
I would have the girls try on each of these 3 shades and see which flatters their skintone. Pink is a general color that works very well on all skintones. Do you have a venue pic? I could see what needs to be done. I love the idea of using black and white damasks overlaying pink to keep it fresh then pulling in vases of green apples and filling with pink and green florals.
pls is red and clover green good wedding colour combinations?
xty, yes it is very nice, when is your wedding date?
* red and green
We are planning to have a wedding this November.
Colors I have been looking at are orange and a dark purple.
But the groomsman are wearing the Marine uniform (long tan shirt and blue plants)..so those colors wouldnt go at all..and now I just feel lost in colors….
Kate,
Instead of a dark purple and orange why not have a blue and orange color scheme. It looks amazing together!
* like here
* gorgeous!
* here they have combined all three colors
ahh i LOVE it! thank you so muchh!! now could would silver be a good color to go with those as well? or something else that is more…fall.????
Kate,
I think that a simple silver like in metal accents would be good. To much will make it look less fallish but a pewter or a greyish silver would work, just keep silverware etc. plain silver.
Hey Kate.
You should do Chocolate and Turquiose.
That would be so beautiful for November.
Feel free to contact me.
Best wishes
Jason
Would the turquiose clash with the blue that the groomsman will be wearing though?
and what color of flowers would i do?
oh also..im afraid to do a brown color..because the best man and his wife just had their wedding..and their main color was brown..so my fiance was trying to stay away from similar things to their wedding..so i have no idea what to do..
Hey Kate,
please forgive me I totally looked over the men in marine uniforms. A crimson red or cranberry and champagne. It will look beautiful. Let me know how u feel about those colors and we can talk flowers etc.
I was thinking about a dark red, like the crimson or cranberry red. But I wanted to tie orange and yellow in some way. I wanted pumpkins too. Like for the name cards I wanted to get the little itty bitty pumpkins and have a card attached to their stem. and they would be placed on a table for people to take to their assigned seating table.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Kate,
I am so happy you liked the links!
* look at this
* this event designer/planner is amazing!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Kate,
* more pics!!
hi my sister is getting married in july 2010 and she has some colors in mind
they are red-white-silver ,eggplant-and ivory, (her wedding dress is ivory by the way) her fav color is red cause it means love passion fur her and her hubby..shes already married but there getting married by church so any suggustion would help. 
do you think these color are good for a july wedding?
sonia,
red and eggplant would be gorgeous together!
* bouquet
Hey Sonia!
No need to worry. Red is a little strong for July however the silver and ivory balances it out well.
Excellent job!
Jason
I am having a November wedding and my colors are chocolate and coral with gold as an accent but I am thinking about pushing the wedding back a few months maybe to late Winter (Feb) or early Spring (March) and I really want those to be my colors. Can this be pulled off tastefully?
Ashley,
Yes, you have picked a very beautiful color scheme.
* wedding board
* pretty
* gorgeous pics
Thanks for the links. What colors would you suggest I do the linens and chair covers in?
Hey Ashley,
Yes! These colors can still work. But try to have your wedding in the evening with these colors.
GREAT taste Ash!
Jason
Thanks for your input Jason. We are going to go with March or April of next year. Do you have any suggestions or links for what color linens and chair covers should be used?
Hi Ashley,
I was telling my wife how amazing your wedding sounds and will be. Okay so…lets talk linens. Chocolate and coral is beautiful but can be overwhelming in color for linens so we are going to break it up to make it work.
Do your linens and chair covers in white. This will keep your reception fresh with that spring feel. Consider doing chocolate satin bows on your chairs (as in the photo I attached). Your napkins can be chocolate as well. On the table place your wedding favors there. Try to ribbon them or bag them in gold to accent the table. And consider your centerpiece to be a coral colored floral arrangement. This will be elegant and photograph beautifully!
Any questions on favors etc, feel free to contact me.
recently in this site i saw a bridesmaid bouquet of flowers:
chocolate brown
champagne
and another color
it was so beautiful but or course i forget to bookmark it
can anyone help me
My wedding is March 27, 2010, we are on a tight budget and have choosen Ivory, Champagne and black for a 6pm wedding will these colors be okay? Bridesmaids are in black, flower girl in ivory, reception decor wil be ivory with a touch of champagne and black.
Danielle,
Absolutely! This is a perfect color scheme for a evening affair! Very classy!
getting married in October 2011. Bridesmaid dress color is sage
need ideas to offset this color for reception
help
catnip,
Hi, Any shade of orange really with sage. Or yellow.
* ideas
* more ideas
* purple is not half bad either!
I am planning a wedding in May of 2011. The ceremony will be outdoors at a resort hotel. I really like black and white with green accents. Would black bridesmaid dresses w/ green and white flowers be too dark for May?
mariam,
Not at all! gorgeous combo and very classy!
* pics
Hi
I should be getting married on July 2011 and I need a unique and striking theme for my wedding, it will be in a church in the morning and at a hotel for the reception. I am an asian christian but from pakistan and am not sure what theme.
If you can suggest some ideas Stacey!
Thank you x
K,
Are you wanting to go with a asian theme? What are your colors and your personal style or interests. For example only: Some brides love butterflies and make that a theme. Picking a era wedding is a huge theme. Certain movies? What about your fh? You could even let your colors be your theme. Or youdont even have to choose a theme and just incorporate what you love. like more sentimental style wedding.
recently engaged and the wedding is 1/15/2011. really stuck on this color thing and everyone says that this is one of the most important parts. i wanted to go with chocolate theme it is a church ceremony, i want the ladies to were chocolate the groomsmen in black tux and chocolate vest and ties, my dress is ivory trimmed in chocolate, but i am unsure of what my fiance should wear, please help
ni,
I would have the groom wear black with ivory. I would keep the tuxes all the same color for a more complimenting flow and just have the vests and ties different. Some brides prefer to have all gm and groom in same tux, vest, tie. Bringing in the color boutonnieres to make it different.
Your Fiance should wear a black tux with a ivory or cream vest to match your dress, or a plain black satin vest. His flower should be cream. Trust me on this! Your wedding sounds amazing it will be a hit. This year I will be married 5 years. I planned my entire wedding including bridesmaid dresses lol. Any questions shoot me an email jsmith.careers@gmail.com good luck Jason
Please see my comments below- it’s towards your statement
hi,
am getting married october 2nd 2010 in nigeria. I intend using chocolate brown as my main colour and burnt orange and eggplant as accent colours. Is the combination ok? and how can i play with this colours in my cake,wedding party,decoration,center pieces,table and seat covers e.t.c am using an indoor hall which is cream in colour, with no decorations.
Odi,
* This would work.
* eggplant wedings
* table
thank u very much. so i can still work with all three colours combined. i hope d combination wont be a harsh one chocolate brown, egg plant and burnt orange. thanks
thank u for these wonderful ideas. Im a small town gal living in the city. I am a fine dining chef so i am acustom to high end affairs, i would also like to incorportate my career into the “theme” or favors. BUT my town/background hasnt come with the ages yet. (we just got a chili’s) And since my parents know everyone the guest list is huge 500. The reception is nice updated, its a college ballroom. The budget doesnt allow for me to have fancy food. I would like meaningful thoughtful favors and chic centerpieces. We are getting married June 5, 2010 and time is a ticking. My colors are lilac, silver, and purple for accent. Thats as far as i have come. Someone please help this tomboy fairytale come true!
adriana, favors for a fine dining chef should be this fabulous edible favor with recipe. I see a chef’s wedding as being romantic but streamlined, kind of modern without being excessively modern. Let me know if any of these help. The food would be the thing that would be well picked out. make your wedding look like reception style streamlined romantic. That is a better explanation. Groups of candles in square vases etc. That is why I picked these styles, yet they would fit in a ballroom very well. Can I get a link or pic of the ballroom?
* you might like this
* this is nice
* beautiful
* this would be fab!
Hi,
We are getting married in June or July 2010. We’re having a rather informal outdoor wedding. (Mostly a field). I want to use teal & royal purple, but most of the color things I’ve seen don’t put these colors together. Do they work? My dress is sort of a cream color, just off white.
Krys,
* this is not exactly teal but very nice
* table setting
* this could be done with or without peacock feathers
Krys,
* real wedding
* real wedding
* teal
* Not teal but look similar to this
Stacey,
Thank you. I feel a lot better now. I may have to give some thought to the peacock feathers, they add an interesting touch.
Hi, I love the way you have responsed to people’s queries & hence thought to write to you.
I will be getting married in Jan 2011 & would really appreciate all the help I can get.
The Venue is in India, Goa. It shall be an outdoor wedding. Either by the pool or garden side.
I was thinking of gold & wine red colours but am at loss…Please let me know if you have any theme colours in mind & how to go about it.
Thanks alot.
Seema,
Can I get a pic/link of your venue? Also are youwanting a Indian wedding or going a different route?
Dear Stacey,
We will be having a church wedding, followed by a reception.
I dont have any pictures of the venue yet, as we’r not living in Goa.I shall try and get it in the next couple of days.