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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So i just got engaged and we are getting married in May 2010. Him and I are trying to compromise on colors. He just wants black and white. But I wanted to add a little bit of color. I didn’t want anything too girly. So I was thinking hot Pink, red, black and white. What do you think about that? Please someone help and give me some advice. Thanks!!
larissa, love those colors. google image hot pink and black wedding board you can slo try pink and black wedding board. gorgeous pics and lots of em’!
ok. I am not good at this at all. My second marriage but first real wedding with my fiance insistant on a semi-big deal. Origionally the date was september 2009 and burt orange, clover green, and silvers were my colors but we have moved it to november 2009. He loves the patriots, and i didnt really want to use the colors i had with september in mind…so deep red with royal blue (id prefer more navy) with the grooms cake a patriot theme. any ideas or suggestion? i could use any help anyone can offer
Amanda,
I really like the patriot cake topper. I think it is real cute, but your spelling was, well it was just a little off. Did you finish school? And by the way, why did you not have a REAL first wedding??? Your colors sound OK I guess but do you think you and your wedding party will look like an American Flag? Maybe you could wear a red dress, the men could wear navy tux’s, and the gals white. Don’t you think that would be cute. By the way, who will you be using as a wedding coordinator? Anyway, I bet you have a GREAT step-mother!!!!
“hatin” on my spelling; are you? Well, the cake topper is beyond “real cute.” It’s “really cute” even. My first wedding wasn’t a “REAL” wedding because I was 18 and about seven months pregnant. (AND the preacher turned out to be a crook….so was it even legal?) I don’t plan on making it Fourth of Julyish (yeah. . . a new word). My step mother is great!!! Do you know her? She is my wedding coordinator/ photographer/make up artist/ hairstylist/ flourist/mother of the bride/ caterer/ babysitter. She is really handy and gave me a wonderful deal!! Contact me if anyone needs her services! (joking)
please help me decide, my girls are wearing navy also considered to be marine at davids bridal, the colors are navy, silver, peri winkle blue, the groomsmen tux are soft grey with some silver and white shirts, are grey tux ok or should we go with black
bre,
just looked at the dress color and a grey tux. great job!! i love the way it looks and pairing it will be outstanding!!
Well I think im changing my mind on color for my bridesmaid dresses I really like the purple theme and being able to incorporate the hyrangeas and lavenders. I like the blue purple feel. However which color do I pick from the davids bridal site that would work? My bridemaids are different height/wieght and I dont want to offend anyone. Im getting confused!
angie,
if you wnat to go with the blue purple, that would be super!! i do love the idea your going with. its really hard for me to say what will look best on the girls, i would take them to the shop and let them try on colors. you really wont know til you see how it looks in person and with their skintone. if it overwhelms, etc. when you see how they react as well as yourself you can begin the color elimination process. another shade of blue or purple could work. one color that you could try is a simple light blue, it matches the season your marrying in and it is PERFECT for a western wedding, easy to work everything around, blending so great! it can be your something blue too, by tying your flowers with a light blue ribbon.
as far as dress colors i fell in love with the juniper, victorian lilac, i assumed pool or capri is the light blue?!? would you consider brown or black dresses? that would soooo good with these flowers along with the guys in black cowboy hats. your girls would love you for getting a wear again dress in basic black.
here are my pics again i dont think they took.
ok- i am getting married may 1st 2010 and I have chosen the color marine off the davids bridal site for bridesmaid dresses. However my weding is outside and reception in. Western type theme. Thinking pails as centerpieces no clue on flowers. I am a rose, lavender love those flowers also hyrandgeas. My men will be wearing black tux cowboy hats. Help will this work- will the dark color of the dresses show in pictures?
angie,
this color is really pretty. yes it will show in pics. dont worry about picking any particular flower. think fresh picked from a garden and with that anything goes. for this type wedding none other will do then creamy pale yellow roses mixed with a stem or 2 of hydrangea; add some lavender mixed in with a few daisies. just think hmmmm… if i was in a garden i would pick a little of this and that to form my bouquet. your on the right track with the pails. use what youlove!! this is from a fave movie; the girls are in a similar color.
So I am getting married in June, and I have chosen the colors buttercup yellow with coral accents. I have a wonderful florist, but I am wanting to decorate the sanctuary in brighter colors. The only problem is that the carpet is dark navy. I am planning on setting up columns with greenery to cover up the back, but is is possible to do anything about the carpet?
karen,
yes you can have a wedding runner up the aisle. that will disguise it some. i will say yellow and coral will go beautifully in the venue. they both compliment blue. you can do the sanctuary in more yellow or more coral if you wish. why not add a bit of blue to the scheme very faint touches of course. like wrap your bouquet in a light elegant blue. another thing you can do is add a pale blue sash toyour dress or the girls dresses. if ya want you could add great little grape hyacinths to your bouquet. what color are your bm wearing and can i see a pic or a link to the venue? i posted a pic of a bouquet. see how beautiful? it will be stunning to add pops of blue. aqua is usually right at home with this color scheme. if i know more details i can better help. you florist should be able to add small touches even if it is in bouquet jewelry. like a blue rhinestone intital or butterfly. it will stand for your something blue as well. dont feel you must put blue in everything. just a few strategic places.
I am getting married in Nov 2009… the color i picked presenting a very difficult task… nothing to match it… the color is called Oasis… the bridemaids dresses are from davids bridal.. im having a hard time with everything from center pieces to invitations..help!?!
molly,
first can you tell me what the formality is? what colors do you like/dislike? your venue?
i looked at the beautiful color and was wondering which direction you wanted to take it? my first thought was all champagne color scheme with pops of oasis. you could think of adding a fresh green ( think light orchid green) with the champagnes and creamy white and i would use orchids with the fuschia in the center. this would be gorgeous!!
Hi,
I’m thinking about the theme for the wedding and so lost with everything, the colors etc…well, I’ve seen so many options on this website but haven’t decided yet as I was wondering if the menu has to complement the theme?? Can someone shed some light?
Thanks
michelle,
the menu complimenting the theme is optional. you will want a complimentary menu tothe time of day though. if you can give me more details i will do all i can to help! the venue will be key in determining colors as will your ideal vision/setting. what type of mood are you wanting? when is your date? formality? especially look at the colors youlike and dislike. cause you may have to go lighter or darker; maybe add with another color still fitting and complimenting your venue. i have mentioned to other brides that determining the type of wedding you want begins with sitting down with your fh and blending ideas. he may have a color that means alot to him to incorporate. also look at your home decor and in your closet. there you can see what you are most drawn too.
Hi, I am having my wedding May 2010. I thought I had pinked the wedding colors which are pink (hot pink) bridesmaid dresses and gray
tux. The only thing is that the reception hall is crimson red. I need ideas please!!
sha,
it will still go. what i would do is add a little red to the bouquets and centerpieces. nothing else needs to be done. dont worry about going all out with red as a third color. since it is a may wedding….think: red faux berries those will look super chic and perfect for a late spring/early summer celebration. btw. red looks stunning with grey! another thing you can do is deepen some of the flowers like in pic i posted, more or less do shades of the pink from hot pink to reddish pink this will be super gorgeous and totally blendable!! ( this is the way i would do the decor the pic with the short grey dress; see how some flowers look reddish?)
another idea is go all pale pink in the flowers except for the cake and have it with the shades of pink/red-pink. accent with the girls bouquets.
thank you so much
Is there another color that would look better with the crimson red being accent colors.
Hello. if my dress of fianc2ee is strapless, can the Bridesmaid also use one strapless?? and if they are 4 bridesmaid and 1 is small, it can even use a dress to the knee if the wedding at night?
Please..help.
el, of course it can be strapless!!
yes knee length dresses are actually perfect! and the bm can spend the $$$ on something they can wear again.
thanks a lot!!
My boyfriend and I are always saying that we love each other to the moon and back so we automatically thought it would be cool to include that into our wedding. Is there anyway to do Moon, and Stars classy and stylish? I am a little afraid that this theme has been done to death.
april, oh absolutely!! it will be a night to remember! the best and easiest color scheme i would use would be navy blue and white and the palest of yellows. have bridal party (guys and girls in classic navy) for a stand out decor against a night wedding. flowers need to be light. thats why i pickedwhite and pale yellow. it will be super stylish using this.
for gorgeous tables have simple pale blue linens then add a shimmery white overlay, have accents of the navy blue in napkins, programs, and/or favors. for centerpieces i thought it would look so neat to have those tall glass vases fill with water at bottom of base you could have metal or crystal moon and stars (like 3 depending on size, be sure to use metal or crystal shapes for the weight) hook from bottom of florals and let hang in water they will float. make sure the items you purchase will not rise but hang gracefully in the water. i think that would be pretty hanging from the flowers. of course you will have the greenery and florals draping over sides so keep it balanced.
google image celestial wedding cake; i google imaged celestial wedding bouquet and saw bouquet jewels. i thought they would add the perfect touch! glittery tulle and gossamer with white christmas lights can be your best friend when it comes to decorating. me, personally, instead of going with the silver stars etc. i would use crystal looking decor(google image crystal looking stars).
also google search celestial theme wedding then google search star theme wedding. i was thinking it would be soooo beautiful if you could attach stars on ribbon or fishing line. ( again make sure the weight will hold them down) and suspend them in mid air over every table in the room( if venue allowed) then over the dance floor have more stars and the moon. this would be dreamy!! okay i also google images starry night wedding and up came tons of pics!! perfect for decor ideas!
*Celestial Style for Starry-Eyed Couples
*Celestial Wedding: Another World Theme
great and fun idea!!
april,
forgot this pic.
getting married in october 09 - thinking chocolatey brown, olive green and rusty orange? thoughts?
will have the bridesmaids in the green, men in brown pants, cream coloured shirts (very casual wedding!).
any input would be appreciated!
jaye, i think this would look real nice.
*Fun Outdoor Casual Wedding ( this is such a great board, you can adjust your colors to yours and i would keep everything just as casual simple white linens( or no linens if you have great tables) with simple orange centerpieces. if you keep your flowers down to 1 type in 1 color you can add fillers like leaves or other fall foilage including greenery and/or fruit and make it look amazing! collect all you can at a flower market or flower stand.
*Keep it simple sister…. ( an example of white linens and a bold floral color)
*Real Weddings ( great site;check out all th eweddings for tips etc)
*Inspiration Board # 90: Burnt Orange, Green & Chocolate Brown
ok i am not engaged yet but someone spilled the beans and i know a proposal is coming in the next couple of weeks…i have always dreamed of an outside wedding and dont want a long engagement…i was thinking of an august wedding with colors of pink and black…and if i dont have enough time to plan for august i will settle for october…can i still do pink and black for october or would that be too out of season, and i am scared i wont be able to have it outside incase it is cold…can someone help me with some ideas…thanks
allie,
pink and black would be perfect, for ideas google image pink and black wedding board. also google search black and pink wedding board.
Hello, I am planning a wedding for October of the 2009, I want to know if the colors cream with brown chocolate combine for that date, and may i use lila calla for my bouquet? and what can i ese for the bridesmaid bouquets?
her dresse will be cream with brown chocolate loop. it`s ok?
thanks a lot.
El,
perfect colors! calla lilies would be an excellent choice! for the bridesmaids you could do a mix of callas and roses or have them carry callas in a pale blush or pale yellow or the champagne(the color of candlelight) , to go against the brown dresses. you could give them a colored bouquet without even incorporating it into the other decor and it will look fantastic. it is sooo popular to use one type flower in many colors or one type flower in one color for everything. all you have to do then is change the ribbon color the size on theirs vs. yours. make your stand out with a family heirloom attached or a beautiful brooch. or maybe have the stems on theirs longer than yours that way it is still different.
*Brown and Cream Wedding
google image brown and cream wedding
*photogallerytheknot (check out brown wedding details and flower choices and calla lilies etc)
* Inspiration Board 115: Chocolate Brown, Ivory
Our wedding is planned for April of 2010, I’ve been checking into color options usually used in wedding around that time of year and I’m seeing a lot of the same colors mentioned on all sites, but our colors are usually mentioned for summer weddings and not spring. We have already decided on orange and white as two of the colors, but my mother says we should pick a third that is kind of “in the middle”, whatever she means by that I have no idea. Now, I really don’t want pink flowers or accents in the wedding because I am not really a pink person and most options I’m finding has pink with the orange. I need help finding a possible third color and I also need someone to tell me that I am not crazy for wanting an orange wedding in April, because I think my mother thinks I am!
ellen, of course orange in april is a beautiful choice!! no you dont need a third color, unless you want one. orange and white is a fab choice just add the green in greenery and you have a wonderful springtime wedding. what i would do though, is use several shades of orange from apricot to peach to deeper orange. the results will be smashing!! but if you do want another color think yellow. i hope you find some wonderful ideas!!
google image orange and white wedding ( there are so many choices and ideas here!!) also try orange and white wedding board.
*Board #266: Rhymes with Orange
*Real weddings: orange
*Keep it simple sister….
ellen, forgot your pics.
Hey All,
My fiance and I are getting married on June 5, 2010 and our fav color is red. He has his mind set on this red and our reception hall has wine walls with black chair covers and white cloth linen top. I don’t wanna look too out of season but i want his input cherished. What are the best colors to place together for our wedding. Its really wrecking my brain. Help please
cassie,
the only thing you need to do here is add burgundy to your palette. i have a pic here that has lilac in it. but you can still see the burgundy and the deep red. yours would be monochromatic variations of the same shade one is just deeper than the other. it will be gorgeous!!
*gray and burgundy
hi, i’m trying to plan a wedding for next year and right now i am looking at different colors and i was wondering if i do a beach blue and silver at the end of Aug. is that ok for that time of year or not?
rachel,
yes, blue and silver will be just fine!! since it is late summer. gogole image blue and silver wedding board. also go to theknot.com click wedding photos it will bring you to color galleries. check them out!!
I am planning a 35th wedding anniversary and am wondering if you can help me w/ ideas for centerpieces, favors, etc.. .Can you recommend websites where I can see pictures? The color is Jade.
Thank you,
Erika
erika,
you will have to use green instead of jade cause there aren’t as many results for jade. just google image green wedding board, then green wedding table also go to theknot.com under wedding photos it will bring you to color details gallery.
also google image green with other colors ( example black white green wedding board) and look at other colors with it. i personally love the black white and green. you may have to adjust the color a bit to if you wnat to look at specific color boards( like emerald green wedding board) so up todate yet timeless!! can you tell me a little about the couples fave flowers etc.
heh i just looked at the emerald green wedding board for sure look at this, cause it tends to have a more jade green in some of them. and the color schemes you type in also google search them as there are more results there too.
hey girls! i was planning on having red and white as the colours of our wedding, but he thinks black on black looks really good. do u think it will look good black on black for the men, red boutineres, black dresses for the bm’s and red sashes and ivory or white for me and the flower girls? red bouquets for all of us? or is that too much black?! lol. HELP ME!
leanna,
traditional black suits or tuxes with black vest and ties look REALLY good! have the white shirt though. dont have a black one. i like the solid red bouquets ( with black ribbon)for the bm while you carry a white bouquet with black or red ribbon. you can wear a red sash, if it were me, i would stick with a classic look like the guys are. red bout. for them!! yes!! and flower girls black sashes on white dress. carrying a beautiful white or black basket of red petals.
google image black white red wedding then black and red wedding board. enjoy the pics!!
*Suggestions for black & white with red accents?
heather,hi, here are a couple links with different ideas. go to theknot.com sign up for free if you haven’t. click wedding photos link and it will bring you tocolor galleries. take a look at all the colors!! really amazing stuff! what is your fave color? what colors are mostly in your clothes? and last what colors are your venue? this will help you narrow down some ideas. another thing is to google image lilac and grey wedding board( this search yield some of the most beautiful pics!!) youmight like that color scheme. plus go to jimhjelm.com look under bridesmaids, see if anything pops there. i posted a couple bouquets why not set them against a navy blue dress? would be sooo pretty. and still romantic. have guys in navy as well. or use the bridal party in grey with one of these bouquets. tie in some blue by using those great colored stones and set in bottom of glass vases filled with water and flowers. i saw a wedding on tv that had a similar effect. it was the only blue in the wedding it looked like a celebrity wedding with that small touch of blue!!
*Fuchsia, Gray, Yellow
*Blue And Purple
hi…my cousin just had a february wedding and his bride chose colors of dark purple and silver…it was beautiful, just thought that might help