Month by Month: Wedding Themes and Colors for Every Season

Still at the start of your wedding planning process? Ever wish you had a guide to help narrow down the themes and colors that really suit the time of year you're holding your wedding?

Here we try to do just that. Keep in mind: a grandly-decorated venue is a blank slate you can transform into anything, any time. And some of these themes and colors are great for year-round use, though we didn't want to repeat them over and over (like Black & White or Fifth Avenue Aqua).

But if you're here for 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.

Summer

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'.

Fall

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.

November

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 make good options.

Holiday

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?

Tips & Cautions

  • Picking your colors and even a theme is twice as easy once you've found your venue.

1,352 Responses to Month by Month: Wedding Themes and Colors for Every Season  Add a New Comment »

  1. swelen

    Hi Stacey,

    Found your site very helpful for all the brides-to-be. And count me in to those seeking for your stylish advises. The wedding would be on Sept.1,2012, we are actually looking at the enchanted forest theme, colors would be purple and green (we just dont know what shades exactly) coz we’ve read on some sites commenting of purple and green wedding are like “barney & friends”, another consideration is that purple=funeral here in philippines. So now we dont know what colors to use to pull off that enchanted forest theme that we really like. And usually September’s the month we’re having really strong typhoon so we cant have an outdoor reception, we’ve found a close pavilion instead, for reception. Now we’re worried about how the reception could have the feel of an enchanted forest :(
    me & my husband-to-be love greenery so much, and me likes purple too…please please, I need your help on this.. Thank you so much in advance!

    • stacey

      swelen,
      I would actually tweak the purple to a fuchsia. This way you get to have a purplish shade and it wont be mean funeral. Check out what I mean…

      After looking at the above wedding and your venue, I knew this would be perfect. Make sure to check out the other pics that go with this one. They have lanterns for centerpieces, don’t ya love it! Have the bm’s in either a shade of green or fuchsia. I love greenery myself and I ran across this one that is just green and white but I don’t think it will be as stunning as the above wedding look…. Here

      This is pretty…

  2. Adele

    Hi, we are getting married this year 11 Aug in a bush/nature reserve and really need help with colours and a theme.
    We both love blue but not sure this going to work in the wildlife??

    Any ideas and tips?

    Regards
    Adele

    • stacey

      Adele,
      Do you have a link to the venue site? Blue can work in many settings. It is versatile. The key is finding the right shade of blue. navy is a wonderful choice for a nature wedding, you can easily pair it with brown or copper. Another option is pairing it with green.

  3. Kris

    I have just pick my venue and it perfect just what I wanted i think now I am stuck on theme and colors I am wanting a vintage / rustic look I will be getting married outside in sept. http://www.enterprisemillevents.com/common/ImageGallery_jquery.asp?PAGE=384 please help

  4. Tory Davis

    Stacey,

    Please help me! I’ve been engaged for awhile now and I have my venue picked it is the palmetto riverside bed and breakfast in palmetto Florida. We are getting married on December 1, 2012. I need help picking colors for the wedding such as flowers and bridesmaid dresses. The venue is very Victorian vintage style, it is absolutely gorgeous there and I need some help!

    Thank you so much!

    • stacey

      Tory,
      Beautiful venue. Will this be an outdoor or indoor wedding? If indoors, I saw one pic of the reception area but had a difficult time with the color of walls and floor. It looked to be mainly green and neutral like tan or shade of yellow. But wasn’t for sure. Also what are some colors you lean too? I can narrow colors that will best suit the setting, with keeping your fave colors.

  5. xanne

    hi stacey, i am having a garden wedding this coming december. i am thinking of having shades of light pink (old rose, salmon pink, and pastel pink), white, and a touch of royal blue as my color motif. Is this combination ok? thanks?

  6. patsy

    hi stacey!
    i really like your site! very informative!
    im getting married this coming august ang would like to ask your help regarding themes and motifs for the wedding. it is a garden wedding, and we will be doing the reception at night. can you suggest great colors for my entourage? tnx!!

    patsy

    • staceyleah

      Patsy,
      Since lighter colors show up best at night, what about a fave place you love or want to vacation as a theme? What about having elements of your honeymoon as a theme? Do you have any fave colors, to help narrow down the search. What about pink and green? You could easily do enchanted wedding theme.

      Are there any places, colors, flowers, etc. you both love? A theme is used to show the personality of the couple and a chance to share it with the guests. Look around your home, your closets, it can be a great place to begin because it is all about the owner.

  7. Rose

    hi Stacey,

    I need your help, my special day is on December 26, 2012. We still haven’t decide what motif we want. I want something unique. My fiance loved wild animals that’s why I’m thinking something that we could relate to this but I don’t what color that will match to another color. I’m not even sure if this could be good theme for a wedding. I am also thinking about rose, since this is my name… (LOL) Please help me… Thank you in advance

    • staceyleah

      Rose,
      Could I see a link or pic to your venue? Plus could you tell me the colors you both like, any faves? If the setting will work, what about zebra print? it is a hot ticket in weddings. Google image safari theme weddings for loads of pics and ideas.

      • Rose

        these are the sample picture from our venue. we both want color blue and silver or black or silver. Aside from zebra, what else can we use?

        • staceyleah

          Rose,
          The pics uploaded were small, is there any way I could get the name or link of the venue? Then I could try to find larger pics. It looks to be a stunning setting! If you do not like zebra, you could always have natural things like greenery, branches, etc. With the color schemes you have chosen, you could easily pick something you both have in common for a theme and have it on invites, etc. What are some of the things you both like and maybe I can find a theme that will work. it could be a place, era, colors, anything.

  8. Stacy K

    Hi Stacey,

    I recently got engaged and am having difficulty finding a venue. I want something that is outdoors and that has a nice flow that will keep my guests together. I am a graduate student and as a result, I have very little time off that allows me to get married. My fiance and I are thinking of getting married in August of 2013 when I graduate. We are open to having a destination wedding (we live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida). Do you have any suggestions on cities / locations that are great places to get married outdoors in August?

    • stacey

      Stacy,
      I would first begin my search in Florida, at places you love. What about the beach? Sometimes the visitors center has literature on venues and the chamber of commerce has venue listings. If you plan a beach wedding, look into a permit contact your local mayors office and they can steer you in the right direction. If you are looking outside the state, Bahamas is a wonderful place to begin, also a cruise wedding would be nice. They have staff on hand that can handle minimum or the entire wedding details with no hassle. Sandals Resorts are amazing. Look into your local resorts, something all inclusive. The costs may be higher but you will have all the amenities. I am from Louisiana and August hits us pretty hard with heat, I am sure it is the same there. Location really depends on what you both want as a couple and how far you wish to travel. I would sit down with my fiance and narrow down what you are both looking for in your idea wedding, this will help eliminate a larger list. Try the Florida website, it also has weddings section with a list of venues. Please let me know what you have found and if I can help further.

  9. Theodora

    hey, i need your help

    • stacey

      Theodora,
      Just let me know the details, date, and the venue link. Also what theme and colors you lean to. Thanks!

      • Theodora

        I have chosen apple green and purple colors, it’s on 7th July,2012.
        About the place, i have booked a garden, about 50 meters.
        But, my maids,i need shoes color to wear?is it purple or green? because the dress,i proposed apple green in color.
        Regards,
        Theo

        • stacey

          Theodora,
          With the bridesmaids it is best to put them in a color that suits their skintone. Google image purple and green weddings for loads of pics. Purple dresses with green bouquets “pop”, looks amazing.
          Color Source

          Source 2

          Silver heels would be ideal for either dress color. For a a garden wedding you have chosen a very nice color scheme and will compliment very well. Use lots of lush greenery and candles, will look magical.

        • Theodora

          Thanks alot for your help, i will go for silver, hope it will work.

          i will send the picture for the bride maids dresses.
          Thanks

  10. Cha

    hi again stacey! how about pastel color combination of blue and purple?would that be nice too?

    thanks

  11. xanne

    Hi Stacey! :)

    We’ve already found a place! and have booked it already. We’re getting married on Dec 12 next year. We haven’t decided on a motif yet.. Can you help me decide for a motif, and design the place as well? The garden has a gazebo, though it is bare (no plants covering the gazebo, i hope you could see it from the picture).. The place is also small..

    im thinking between the shades of pink, but i am also considering of deviating from it because i don’t want to look my wedding like a debut :p hehe..

    i have attached a picture of the place for your reference. :) thanks much :P

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Xanne,
      That is quite beautiful. You coudl go many ways with this venue. I was thinking a shade of pink would really compliment. But instead going in a more eco look like this perfect wedding. This is the one I was thinking of and found it right off the bat.
      This is exactly what I would do...

      The tuscan look is what I would use for your venue because it has that “style” on the grounds. More natural look.

      Here is a great look too, it is subtle pinks…

      WOW!

      Pretty

      Let me know if you like these. I think the very first one is the one I would choose. Hands down. :D

  12. Cha

    hi! please help me in deciding what type of purple to use on my wedding. And what color to compliment.
    thanks a lot!

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Cha,
      There are many beautiful colors to pair with purple. You can even keep it simple and elegant with ivory or white. Some brides choose monochromatic color schemes using light to dark shades of one color. It looks nice. Black and white looks great with purple too. Do you have any other colors your drawn too? Your venue is the first place to look for your color scheme. Do you have a link so I can see what would work best with purple and the venue? Thanks!

  13. xanne

    hi Stacey,

    I am getting married on December 12 next year. we have found a place already, but havent booked it yet. Because i do not know how to arrange and set it up.

    i attached a picture of the venue.

    i wanted to have a garden wedding, but the place has lots of gravel and it gives me difficulty in figuring out what colors can possibly go well with it and how i can set it up that would make the place look nice and magical and whimsical :p. can you help me? thank you very much! :)

    • xanne

      i am thinking between white and/or shades of red (red, pink, light pink.. :D) as my motif.. but with my venue, which is more of greens and gravels, i dont know if this motif would be fine..

      • Stacey@FavorIdeas

        Xanne,
        Enchanted forest is the way I would go. It would suit this setting perfectly and be charming and magical all in one. There are to many to list so google image enchanted forest wedding and see if you like those ideas. Pretty

        This would be perfection-loads of greenery with pink, red,white add some enchanting items like birdcages filled with flowers, hanging lanterns, ribbons,or white lights in trees. Have whimsical garden invites, river rocks in bottom of glass vases with your flowers or mismatched pitchers. I am smiling now at the thought of it. Would be perfect!! This venue plus this theme would be magical because it works with the natural setting and not against it. Pulling in that woodsy/garden feel. My top pick

  14. Remle

    Hi

    I’m getting married in March 2012 & have so many ideas I can’t decide. Help please. I don’t have any pictures of our venues but the church is done in green in varying tones & the reception hall has white walls & floors so it’s pretty much a blank slate. The reception hall is providing tables, but they are rectangular and that has thrown me off a bit. I’m a professional photographer & love details, but we are trying to spend less then $1,000 (not including venues). My fiancé and I love blue & my dress is ivory, so I was thinking navy blue & ivory maybe with accents in black, white & silver or maybe deep purple instead of blue or then again maybe even something to go with the greens in the church. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. You ideas are just absolutely stunning.

  15. Jenna

    Hi Stacey-
    I’m a big fan of deep rusts and darker neutrals (“fall” wedding colors), so I am having the worst time picking the colors for my May 2012 wedding. The venue has a ton of natural beauty (variety of flowers throughout, mountains in the background, etc.), so I don’t want to over-do it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated… Thank you!

  16. Ashley

    We are having a May 2012 wedding, our ceremony will be outside at the local zoo and our reception will be at a banquet hall at the same zoo. I want to have a deep purple (plum) as my main color but not sure what other color to match it with. i want something exciting or something that’ll make the plum pop.

  17. cathy

    hi stacey
    i’m getting married on february 2012.i want olive green as my motif,do u think it will work if i match it to color blue?thank u and more power

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Cathy,
      Olive and blue work well together. Could I see your venue pic or link to be absolute on the complimenting colors. Thanks!!

  18. lisa

    hello,
    my daughter is getting married in less than 5 weeks! here are the colors that have been purchased and Im scrambling to pull it all together ,also a destination wedding. Bride in Ivory, Groom in black short sleeve shirt with Ivory tie and black pants,Maid of honor in black dress. Groomsman in black short sleeve shirt with khaki shorts. Ring bearer,ivory qauyabera short set and flowergirl in ivory dress. Okay! Grape Purple is her add in color. Gerbera daisies in purple and ivory combined. Im feeling like I really need help with this :?

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Lisa,
      I would keep it simple. If you are using real gerbera daisies, remember to wire inside the stem so the heads won’t wilt.
      For instructions just google search: wire gerbera bouquets.
      Look at this….

      Or ask her about ivory gerberas like on this page….
      (I highly recommend ivory gerberas with black ribbon for the bridesmaids then mostly purple and 2 or 3 ivory gerberas bouquet for the bride, wrapped with ivory ribbon)The contrast will be greater and the purple won’t fade against the black dresses in pics, if the wedding is in evening or night.

      Check this out …

      Here is a wedding to use as your guide…

      more

      ( simplify or add where needed)
      Keep centerpieces super simple…floating gerberas with floating candles look great together!! For more ideas on this google image floating gerbera daisy centerpieces and check out dollar tree stores for containers at a buck each!!

  19. Danielle

    I was wondering if you had any suggestions for what colors to use. My wedding is May, 2012. I want a subtle camouflage wedding. Which colors will still be semi-elegant, yet go well with the camo pattern?

  20. Angel

    I’m getting married on July 2012. I have already chosen purple as my motif, until my friend told me that color is for funeral. (customary here in the Philippines) Any suggestion for color instead of purple? By the way its a garden wedding.

  21. Abby

    Hello Stacey
    i am getting married on 3 March 2012. I like white and lilic for my color & can i mix it with another color? as for my tables and chair covers with centerpieces. Pls help i do not have a clue :?

  22. Chery

    Hi!Im getting married on May and i cant decide which color is the best igarden wedding.Im thinking golden yellow but i dont know which color to combine especially flowers and table setting.Pls help me to make my day wonderful.thanks! :D

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Chery,
      Yellow is wonderful for a garden wedding. Could I get a link or pic to your venue so I can see what works best? Thanks!!

  23. theresa

    i am having my reception at the parish hall. Huge and elaborate hall. Fully catered 8 course Italian feast. Cocktail hour to include ballinis, mimosas, antipasta, etc. DJ with accent lighting throughout hall. Doves are being released after ceremony. Total Italian traditions.
    My colors are: berry (dark red), brown and gold.
    I am confused on the color of the tablecloth: brown or white? for the chair covers, brown with a red bow? brown napkins? Please help :)

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Theresa,
      You said it is a elaborate hall, could you describe the coloring or post a pic? Knowing how the interior looks will determine the best color for the tables so it wont compete with the hall’s detailing.
      Look at this….
      ( gold linens with red centerpieces, brown chair covers( if the chairs are fab, you could axe the covers)brown napkins, great bronze candleholders. This look should actually work because it is so classic and elegant. If you do love it then consider using chocolate chair covers, I would choose the more streamlined ones without the sash or the ones that knot in the back.

      • Theresa

        what i mean by elaborate is – the hall is large, off white tile floors, white walls, but we are having up lighting – red will be the color. so we are really working with a neutral room. do you still think the gold tablecloths will work?

        • Stacey@FavorIdeas

          Theresa,
          Do you have a pic of the hall so I could see if it will work? I am thinking yes it might be the best choice pulling in amazing red centerpieces and accents of brown. Thank you and look forward to the link or pic. ;)

        • theresa

          this was a informal dinner in these pictures. all extra chairs, trash cans, etc would not be visible. as with the stage the screen will be up and this is where the DJ will be. the wooden floor is the dance floor and in front of this dance floor will be the kings table. (bridal party) on each side will be guests tables. let me know your thought on the table linen colors – as mentioned before colors: dark red, chocolate brown and gold. thank you so much ;)

        • Stacey@FavorIdeas

          Theresa,
          I see what you mean. Your venue has a bit of “villa” in it. I suggest using brown linens with lush red centerpieces. Pull the gold in with the favors, plate chargers, border around programs or menus.
          Here is a deep red linen…

          You might like this, you could easily use a luxurious chocolate linen with sheer gold overlay…

          See this …

  24. Theresa

    Hi
    my wedding is October 15th a formal Catholic wedding. my colors are brown, deep red and gold. for the reception: what color linens should I use for the table and chair covers/bows? do I start with white or go with color? help!

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Theresa,
      Could I see your reception venue, to see what would work best?

      • Theresa

        Hi Stacey
        I am having my reception at the parish hall. fully catered 8 course italian dinner with cocktail hour to include ballinis, mimosas, antipasti etc. Doves being released after ceremony. total italian traditions. my colors are: berry (dark red), chocolate brown and gold. I am confused on the color of table linens I should use. chocolate brown or white? for the chair covers: brown with red bow? brown napkins. Please help. the wedding is only a little over one month long

  25. Lizzie

    Hiya Stacey,
    Have just booked the attached venues: beauitful old church for the service followed by the old halls for the reception. We’re getting married in October next year and so I was thinking maybe of a gold kind of theme – but wondering if you have any nice examples of how to make it pretty – or alternative colours that would suit these rooms as not exactly sure gold will suit some of my very fair-skinned bridesmaids!
    I really really don’t like orange/brown – but any other ideas would be fantastic. The guests will be in the drinks reception room first followed by dinner in the other room. then back to the drink reception room for the band/evening etc!

    Thanks very much – very excited to see your advice!!

    xxx

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Lizzie,

      Your in luck! Your venue is pretty neutral so you can choose colors freely. It is dimly lit, so lighter colors will work best, unless you wanted to think about reds or pinks. Blues and purples tend to fade in dimly lit rooms.

      See how white looks….

      If you use a main champagne or gold and white or cream wedding, then you can have the girls in a color best suited for their skintone.

  26. Veronica

    Hi need help with center piece fro my wedding in January. our color theme is royal blue and white. please help

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Veronica, Some pics and ideas…

      * royal blue centerpiece

      * cobalt blue wedding

      * This could easily be done with the low centerpieces and the goblets with darker tinted water( using food dye)

      * sapphire blue inspiration

      • Stacey@FavorIdeas

        Veronica,
        You could do this using deeper blue and white florals like hydrangea. Or you could use the deeper colored water in vases and have white floral. beautiful isnt it?

        The small vases grouped together give the lush look of more floral if your on a tight budget or just want that Lots of flower look. Another look you could do is nonfloral using an array of floating white candles in tinted water or clear water. You can also group white votives and pillar candles together for a magaical look on royal blue linens. Or white candles on white linens( use sequin or shimmery white) and white napkins with a beaded royal blue napkin ring. Something a lil more wintry? Use white branches in containers and add white votives.( google image winter wonderland wedding) for ideas.

        This is nice( again deeper tinted water)

        • Stacey@FavorIdeas

          Veronica,
          have a pic if your looking for a simpler approach. Just use white or white/blue flowers around hurricane vase.

  27. Star

    Hello, im getting married janurary 2012, and i am really confused about the colors my fiance color is red and i love black but i wanted a champagne color in my wedding i like so many colors tho cus i really want to be different i also like purple. can you help me?


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