The Meanings of Colors in Weddings
When brides are struggling to pick colors at the beginning of the planning process, one thing they wonder is, what do the colors "mean?" What vibe do they give off? What traditions and sensibilities are they grouped with?I'm going to try to answer that. Given, some colors stay pretty stable from year to year, while others shift along with the bigger fashion upheavals. And despite their close ties to the catwalk, some hues have a meaning and feeling all their own when it comes to weddings.
Diamond-White. When brides around the world think "Western wedding," they picture this. Ever since Queen Victoria, bright diamond-white has enjoyed strong associations with purity and the privileged, but these days, white may have (a lot) more to do with modernity. This is the same breeze that brings us minimalist Calla bouquets and lace-free-zone Vera gowns.
Ivory. Ivory is elegant, old-world and soft-spoken. Ivory speaks of hand-polished silver and ironed linen. Or in Economist-speak, ivory is New York's Brooke Astor to Leona Helmsley's scarlet.
Champagne. Refined and traditional, rich and conservative. A gentle look with a slightly vintage feel.
Lavender. Soft, dainty and ladylike, this color often appears in weddings that hark to the past, with traditional-looking cakes and florals.
Pale Pink: The lighter shades of pink speak to happiness, playfulness, and a sense of fun, not to mention a special fondness for love's super-sweet early years.
Hot Pink. Energized, "girl power" hue with an almost-punk edge. Think Gwen Stefani, and as possible accents, black, brown or vibrant green.
Red: Passionate, dramatic, and dripping with desire, this romantic hue hints at deep lows, higher highs, and a triumphant peak (which of course coincides with the wedding). Often paired with crisp white and black in gorgeous toiles or other classic patterns, and sure to show up in tandem with tons of rose petals. What else? 1) It's no coincidence that Longoria-Parker's red wedding took place in Paris. 2) You're a chocolates and champagne kind of gal. 3) When the wedding's over, he'd best not forget your anniversary.
Coral: In weddings, this color often has an indie vibe. It might have a Latino, East Indian or Caribbean feel, or just a strong designer foundation. You see it show up in fresh pairings like coral and rust or coral and teal, or more conventionally, with chocolate brown, pink or yellow.
Going to a coral wedding? Don't be surprised to see a bit of mendhi on the bride's hands, paisley patterns, custom stationery courtesy of a hotshot graphic designer, luscious linens with lots of shimmer and tassels, or cinnamon-chocolate truffles. Oh, and don't forget to bring me.
Yellow: Optimism, cheerfulness, a strong appreciation for friendship. Yellow is 100% angst-free. It's also Martha Stewart's signature color, so yellow often goes hand-in-hand with that clean, grounded New England look, with lots of buttery porcelain and handmade papers.
Gold: Lavishness, luxury, warmth, tradition. As platinum continues to make inroads in the jewelry world, "yellow gold" is more of a statement than ever. Think Louis XIV, "The Sun King," warm Italian weddings, and unstinting shows of abundance.
Aqua: Fun-loving, fresh and vibrant. A favorite of beach brides, especially tropical ones, and an anchor for poolside weddings. But aqua shows up in plenty of other places, too. It's a favorite paired with chocolate brown for brides who want a fun and modern palette, and aqua and pink aren't uncommon.
Royal Blue: Grand, traditional, and casting an eye toward an idealized past. Evokes ballrooms, Cinderella stories and happily-ever-after. Often combined with a paler blue, yellow or gold.
Navy: This ultra-classic color signals a preppy wedding. Often paired with mint green or dusty orange, and loads of crisp white, this color puts tradition first, and adds a certain masculine gravitas to the palette.
Purple: Purple has strong, historical associations with royalty, especially in sacred contexts (think: Lent's purple to mark the royal approach). But thanks to lots of shakeups in the fashion world, purple's taken on a whole new life, and become challenging and mysterious, glamorous and grown-up, and ever-so-slightly Euro star, especially when paired with other complex hues like charcoal or even black. Rock this latter look with feathers, brooding florals, and few Goth-Edwardian touches.
Silver: Restrained wealth and glamour, sophistication. Silver says, "I can afford it, but prefer not to flaunt it."
Gray: Modern, understated, retro-informed and sleek. Lately, gray has deposed champagne as one of the hottest neutrals in weddings. Bridesmaids in gray with deco-rhinestone buckled sashes look up-to-the-minute ... and stunning. Pair with wheat or heather for the ultimate urban, slightly Swedish palette.
Chocolate Brown: So everywhere, it's hard to pin down, but chocolate brown is the cornerstone to most of today's modern palettes: brown with pink or aqua, or increasingly, coral, mint green or purple.
Green: In weddings, green reveals a modern sensibility, and often comes with inventive, non-traditional florals (think green button mums or wheatgrass). Thanks to the increasing volume of eco-talk, green's also a prominent hue at environmentally-conscious weddings. Lime green + hot pink says "pop princess." Olive or bright green combined with black & white looks downright regal, in that new-millenium way.
Black: Sophisticated, mysterious, assertive or even nostalgic, black shows up when couples have strong opinions about design. Black might lend a clean, graphic look to the wedding, or show up in evocative, Victorianesque forms, such as black Callas and rooster-feather collars.
Legions of black-draped bridesmaids continue to make a showing from summer to winter, with more attention to detail than in seasons past (contrasting sashes, more elaborate hemlines, or bouquets designed to pop against a black background).
I am planning a June 2nd wedding and I am unsure of what type and color of flowers to use. My dress is white, my groom will be in his military dress blues, our bridesmaids will be in knee length black dresses and our groomsmen will be wearing black dress pants and a champagne colored shirt (not tuxes). What kind and color of flower would compliment all this well?
Chelsea,
I think a shade of red would be nice or you can stick with an array of white blooms. It also depends on your venue colors. Could you post a venue link or pic so I can see what would work best? Another color would be a simple romantic shade of pink. it compliments all attire colors. Do you have a fave color? If so it might be the perfect floral compliment.
Hi :) am getting married december next year i would like to have the colors purple and silver but am not sure how that would look or what shades i should use.. thanx in advance :)
Purple & Silver are a Beautiful Combo! For a Winter Wedding, you should go for a Deep Purple or Royal Purple with a Platinum. It will stand out & you can use as little or as much of each color as you want for Different Looks, Themes or Directions for the Wedding. You can use any of the Jewel Tones to accent or if u prefer to stay in the same Color Family, u can always use Small Touches of Lavender or Orchid or Light Silver or Grey to accent. If u need other Ideas or need pictures for inspiration, Id love to help! LMWedding2011@Yahoo.com.
Sandy,
Could I see your venue pic or link, so I can see what would work best? Thanks!!
Sandy,
Just found this and thought I would share…
Hi there just wanted to ask if Royal blue(don’t know yet what color to combine with) does this works fine in a Garden Wedding on December? I’m thinking of a not-so-formal dress for the bride’s maids in printed Royal blue fabric(same w/ the attached but in diff. cut)… you think this is a good idea? Btw, I have chosen to have somewhat like a Vintage Themed wedding. need ur help on this pls. Thanks!
Cey,
I think royal blue is a beautiful color to use. You could easily use blue mason jars like in this wedding….
Or peacock feathers …
Change the teal to raoyal blue then pull in the purple etc. for a beautiful wedding.
Cey,
WOW! the rest of the peacock feather wedding is amazing….
* maui wedding
* cobalt wedding
* sapphire blue wedding
* la valencia wedding
Cey,
This is amazing….
* cobalt with a country twist
* electric blue farm wedding
Dear Stacey,
Appreciate your kind help & prompt response on my queries. Thanks as well for sending me the links which gave me an idea on how to mix match the color which I have chosen as our motiff. I think I will go for the Peacock feathers as embellishment. Thanks again! God bless & More power!
I am getting married Sept 23, 2011 at a Vineyard with a panoramic lake view (Karma Vineyards, Lake Chelan, WA). My dress is ivory, but a darker ivory, leaning towards a light champagne. I am having a horrible time picking out colors….I was originally thinking ivory & champagne, but now I think that may be too muted. Please help
Lisa,
I think you are right to want a pop of color, yet keep it in the theme of the setting.
WOW! This would be perfection.
Loads of pics, I love the idea of champagne and burgundy red….
Lisa,
Still use your champagne color and add these tones or muted tones like burgundy and peach, etc. can also use with grapes in the centerpieces. I would look to the surrounding blooms to see which shades are there and use my centerpieces with those shades.
Perfection! With more whites and ivory and a touch of gorgeous burgundy….
* and see this
* Loads of vineyard weddings…
Hi Stacey! With the lake in the backdrop, I was thinking of using a slate blue or charcoal/pewter along with the champagne and ivory. What do you think? I am really bad at this stuff so I want to make sure I am not really off base on this
Lisa,
I think it would be stunning…..
* take a look at this
* you might like this too
Lisa,
* You could adjust your colors to fit this one….
* wine country wedding
* Some decor inspiration for you….
Lisa,
I just found this, in your colors. total wow!…
* Lauren / Caleb
* charleston weddings mag ( watch slideshow)
* sapphire blue
Lisa,
* slate blue
I found a couple pics plus a board I previously made. Might have some ideas.
* see this
Try to contact ur venue & see if they can show you pics from the time of year for where your wedding will take place. As the seasons changes, the scenery colors may change as well. I think u could easily use the Champagne & Bring in maybe the Aqua color of the water or another subtle color from the backdrop. Avoid Main Colors like Green, because it wont stand out.
I am struggling with choosing the color/ colors! I want something different… I thought of having my BM’s in 4 different colors, is that too much? I like red, royal blue, purple, and maybe blk or green? They would all carry yellow bouquets… Or blk/ white with an acent color?? Any ideas would be great!
Crysta,
Can I get a venue link or pic? It will help with a complimentary color scheme. Thanks!!
Maybe a purple or raspberry shade (purple/fuschia)?
Did you get the picture to the venue?
Crysta,
Black and white with fuschia would be stunning. I would love to see the venue first to determine what colors will compliment. Thanks!!
I’m getting married vry soon..we still have’nt chosen the colours..I want my dress is Ivory and groom to wear a tux..I’m thinking of using green, but im having difficulty choosing the shade..Should it be apple, lime or olive..??
Shafy,
Any of those shades would be beautiful. It depends on the venue. If you could post a link I could see what would work best. What color will he be in cause black and green is amazing.
Thank you stacey.. Below is a link to the venue.. http://www.nasandhurapalace.com/Banquet#2-tab
Shafy,
youa re actually in luck that any shade of green would work. My suggestion would be like this….
using apple green.
Using more black and white with a touch of green in the reception venue, due to the red carpet. You can use either black or white linens in this setting. Keep the apple to touches maybe in the centerpieces and the cake or the program/menu font or clipart.
Like the solid linens here…
Dear Stacey,
Thank you for your links. Apple green and black with damask linen looks very modern and classy..
I’ve had a chat with my mom n maid of honor..they suggest to use green damask on the invitation and tie the seat cover with the same..do you think it is too much of green? should I use black instead..bride maids are all going to wear black with green designs..havent finalized that yet.
I have also chosen the cake design, here is the link to the design..
Shafy,
I think the green in the chairs might be a bit much for the venue. I would use black.
i looking for a gray-yellow-red wedding..can these colors possible work together?
Yeen,
Yes they can. No matter if you put the girls in grey, red, or yellow and the guys in grey it will look great.
What do you think about Royal Blue and Egg Shell White for an October wedding. Do you think this is a good choice?
Mavis,
Beautiful color scheme. I couldn’t find eggshell white so I just posted royal blue and white.
I took a look at the link you sent me. This will help me to decide on the colors and most of all give me a vivid idea of how the colors will look together.
Thanks for your help.
Hi,
I am getting married summer of 2012. I can’t seem to stick to one colour combo. First I thought blue and white, then red and black, then red,white and aqua and lately orange and red. Please advice or get me ideas.
Thanks.
Elfy,
I wuld be happy to help!! Do you have a link or pic to your venue? it helps with choosing colors, that will compliment. Also what are some colors you lean toward and will you have a certain theme or motif?
Hi,
I can’t seem to find the link for the venue. However, the walls are ivory and the doors are light brown.
As for the motifs, I keep changing my mind. Once I wanted tiffany blue and then apple. However, I find those quite common. I look great in red but since I won’t be wearing a red dress, I want something my bms would look nice in and would look lovely. I think I want a unique colour scheme maybe orange and aqua.
Elfy,
What color is the reception and ceremony carpeting or flooring. I may be able to see what would work there. Orange and aqua is stunning. What about using aqua and deep red? It looks very nice.
* aqua and red weddings
* aqua & orange weddings
Thanks so much for your suggestions and great feedback. I loved the aqua and deep red. The aria and orange is also beautiful. So we have a tie.The reception floor is white marble tiling. I was thinking of using lilies instead of roses. What do you say?
Elfy,
Oh hands down the aqua and deep red would look stunning with the floors.It will give the setting impact. White lilies would be very beautiful. Look at this, from what you describe this would be spot on. The only difference might be more red in the centerpieces( if you wish).
* check this out
* Or another option…
Wow! Amazing link, Thanks. Aria and strawberry red it is then. Thanks a lot.
I am interested in a Spring Wedding using Black, cornflower, and guava. Can you show me what this color combination would like like? Also are all three colors too bold together?
Charla,
Could you tell me what color you were wanting your bm’s in? I think have a classy black and white affair throwing in blue and pink bouquets would look beautiful.
I wasn’t able to find that exact color scheme but this is beautiful.
Charla,
A board I made previously, that might help…
this is neither of ours first wedding and I am going with light pinks, fucia, cream and black as my accent color. I would love to wear a black dress (casual wedding) to go with my black wedding band and would love to have fucia flowers. would this be ok?
Sharon,
Absolutely!! I would choose a dress with more of a elegance or cocktail style to it. Pair a great pair of fuschia heels with it. I think it sounds amazing. You coudl even have a black dress with a fuschia sash.
* black, pink and fuchsia wedding
* black, white and hot pink weddings
Ok! I’ve changed my colors for the last time…I hope :o) My FH admitted he wasn’t crazy about the choc & mint sooooooo they are chocolate, champagne, and a touch of orange. Any ideas??? The date is still the same (9/10/11) Thanks a mil!!
Mrsdwhite2011,
Beautiful combo.
Some pics…
Some previous boards I made may help with some ideas.
Mrswhite2011,
More boards….
hi! i saw some pics of wedding online that were fuschia and lime green with a bit of black and white that was absolutely beautiful. i was thinking that would make a nice tropical themed wedding in the spring time, however i am not sure if that is tacky for a church wedding. also the church im getting married in has eggshell colored walls, red carpet, and blue pews so im not sure the fuschia and lime green will go. I guess what im asking is if this will work, and if not what you would recommend, i want something different and fun but not way over the top. Thanks in advance, Vanessa
Vanessa,
What you could do is go straight black and white in the church then pull in more of the colors in reception or
Do something like this with fuschia and accent of purple/red and it will work very well…
* Chelsea & Jonathan
I am thinking the the blue in your church is not a vibrant blue. It is more of a subtle blue?!? Or a blue-grey shade. If it is a vibrant blue, then post the church interior or church link, so I could see if your color scheme will work. I personally think your safe.
http://www.landarkbaptistcarlsbad.com is our church website, it has a pretty decent picture just from the left of the altar itsef. there is a bunch of people in the picture, let me know if another picture would be better. also i was told i could buy a runner to cover the carpet?
Vanessa,
It is gonna work. I compared some pics next to the venue pic. Another color that would work is navy, fuschia, green, white. It gives the same classic look as black yet a tad softer.
If you do fuschia, purple, green with the black it will work out pretty well for your venue.
* see this and also this
* Adding a touch of blue….
* This would seriously work! And check this out too.
just so you know i think you are awesome!!! thanks a bunch :)
Vanessa,
Thank you!! Wishing you the best in your wedding and marriage!
My colors are chocolate brown, deep dark red, and cream. Do these colors work together. I’m looking for a romantic and elegant feel.
Holly,
This is the perfect color scheme for romantic elegance.
* see this
Posted is a previous board I did with these colors….
Thank you so much! That really helped to get the ideas flowing
Hi! What do you think of canary yellow-chocolate brown-aqua as motif? Thanks!
Rose,
Nice. Some examples:
* real wedding
* tiffany blue ideas
One of my faves…
* heavenly blue
Rose,
I have been spending a while looking for this combo and it is difficult to find. So I decided to revamp an old board with just the right pics to show how well it works.
I hope you like it.
thanks Stacey for your reply. how about canary yellow and chocolate brown? will it be a good combination? our wedding is at 4PM then reception will start at 6PM
Rose,
Perfect combo!! Just have loads of candlelight/lighting.
* look at this and also this
i would like to ask what can you suggest for a color combination for aqua blue? tnx..
Christine,
There are so many complimentary colors to aqua. First I would begin with the venue and your fave colors then narrow it down to go with the aqua. If you can let me know your preferred colors and a venue link that would be great!! Thanks!!
Hi I’m getting married may 2012 at disneyland out door at a gazebo with lots of green around. My fiance choose lavendar as one of the colors so I really need help to pick great colors to go with it. I was thinking of maybe silver or yellow (pastels) Please help me with this. Thank you
Karen,
Look at this…it actually has varying shades of purple. Which would work well.
* chloe and ben
* hotel del coronado
* allison and joseph
Karen,
* see this
Karen,
* purple
Here are a couple more. I think going with lavender and varying shades would look amazing.
have always loved this…
* lilac and gray
Thank you, I think I may drop the silver with the lavendar, I love the pictures you sent with lavendar and ivory, My dress will ivory as well.
Thank you
I would like to know if chocolate, light blue and orange are a good wedding combo.
Ela,
* see “backyard bliss”
* and aqua blue and orange
* take a look at this
Truly gorgoeus…
* and one more for you
Thanx Stacey.
my sister’s wedding is in 4 weeks and she chose lemon green, gold and white which she’s not too sure of..what do you have to say to help?? thank you
Akosua,
It will look beautiful.
* see this
* see this too ( this video shows the details of the posted wedding pic)
Hi, I’m getting married in 8wks time, i’ve gone for a black + white theme mainly, bridesmaids and groomsmen in black. I’m just unsure of tie colour,either black, ivory like my dress or bring in another colour silver? Flowers are to be finalised but having ivory, white and green. How does this seem
Clare,
Great color scheme. I would keep it simple. If you add to many colors it will take away from your black and white theme. Which, with flower colors, I would actually consider just white and ivory. It will enchamce the actual theme. Adding greenery as my only green( unless you wanted a accent color of green) For the guys keep it simple also, traditional black and white is the way to go. Don;t worry about matching your ivory dress is to bring in both white and ivory, but is not necessary.
* look at this
Thanks for your quick response,
so you recommend no greenery in flowers at all? I’m actually going to florist tomorrow. I do agree with not bringing in another colour, best keeping it simple. Ivory tie on white shirts will be ok then if not black? 
Many Thanks
Clare
Clare,
It actually depends on the look your after. If you want green as a bigger accent then adding it in larger doses would be beautiful. Adding greenery would be beautiful either way. I recommend the greenery-it gives it a more romantic look. If you are going more modern, skip the greenery for a more streamlined look. If your going with more of a strict black/white color scheme then tell your florist and they will make some great suggestions. For the ties, sticking with ivory for the groom and black ties for the gm, looks very nice. It sets them apart too.
Thankyou for your advice, much appreciated
Hi, I am getting married in either November this year or May next year (depending on availability of venue).
I like the colours of pale/lime green and cream — would an accent of silver or antique gold do? Which combo is best for winter and spring weddings?
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Anne
Anne S.,
Could I get a look at the venue,do you have a link or pic? I love green and cream, it goes with almost everything, anytime/season of year. No matter if you use gold or silver it will work for either season. Perfect!! It is a matter of choice but I do think silver looks amazing.
Hi Stacey,
The venue is at this link: http://www.brockhouserestaurant.com/gallery/second-floor-west-lawn
I look forward to your suggestions
Anne
Anne S.,
* see this
* and this ( great design inspiration on this one)
* green inspiration
Gorgeous!….
* also look at this
Anne,
Love this!!
Is brown, pink, blue, and ivory a good combo? My favorite color is blue, but I really like the cherry blossom decor.
Mel,
Actually yes. What I would do is have brown an divory as my main colors. Then pull in blue and pink florals to really pop. Or have the guys in brown with blue vests/ties, girls in blue and carrying blue and pink florals. Then in the reception hall have either brown or ivory linens with brown overlays and cherry blossom branches and smaller vases of pink and blue florals.
is purple and black a good choices and could you work in a little silver for example silver candles?
Elri,
Purple and black are great, silver is the perfect accent.
This is close with black, purple, silver….. beautiful isn’t it?
* fall tablescapes
* french wedding table inspiration
I’m getting married in 9/10/11. We’re going with Mint green, choc & and touch of orange for color. Any ideas on wedding favor ideas and centerpieces? I need a theme BESIDES fall leaves…
Mrskdwhite2011,
* chocolate brown green and orange wedding
* joanna / brandon wedding
Something along the lines of the above weddings would work well. You could make the centerpieces lower, if you like. Instead of tradtional favors I love the idea of a candy buffet. It brings to mind fall and upcoming halloween except everybody young and old, gets to fill a bag full of treats.
hi, i just want to know if red and gold is a good combination, any idea that can be combined in red? tnx :)
Mariz,
Red and gold is a beautiful combo!! When is your wedding date and what does your venue look like? Do you have a link? thanks!!
may 29 2011 garden wedding at grotto vista resort,
Mariz,
Red and gold alone will work well in this venue.I would add a shade of pink with greenery…
* pink red and gold tabletop
Since it is a resort, the pink would compliment very well. Another shade would be fuschia. Let me know if you like this. I even think the tablescape style would be beautiful in the venue.
hi..lm getting married this november 2011..l was amaze the royal blue color in which my choice of my motiff color with a combination of yellow. l would like to ask if yello is the color of the gowns of the entourage, it really fit of the royal blue in the church and in the reception?
the reception is the area…out side is garden look with a pool and we first decide if we will choose the hall for the venue? do you think that is nice?
please help me..? thanks..
faith
Maria,
Royal blue and yellow is a wonderful combo. I personally prefer lighter yellow with the bolder color so it is more softer. usually a good rule of thumb is when using a bolder color, pair it with a softer color. It flows well. The color scheme complimentng the venue, will depend on the venue. If it is in the garden then yes. If you use a hall, could you post a venue link so I can be absolute? For some pics and ideas google image royal blue and yellow real weddings also try blue and yellow wedding for more ideas.
Hi,please help im getting married dec 2011 im not sure about my colours yet i was thinking about lime green and silver or white and light brown im confused please help
Rene,
Those are fantastic colors for a Dec. wedding. Before I give some ideas, could I get a look at your venue to see what color scheme would work best? Another combo to sonsider is lime, black,white. Perfect color scheme!!
Like this beauty…
* jessica / steve
Good morning
I dont have pictures for the venue, but the colour for the hall is cream, i think im gonna use lime green white and silver.
Rene,
Lime, white, silver are perfect.
Check this out…
* megan niall
hi, i just want to know if gold and yellow is a good combination? actually my favorite color is purple color but some says theres a bad image for the future… can u please help me? thanks
Chics,
It is only considered a bad image in Thailand according to their superstition, meaning the color is the symbol of the mourning widow.
Purple shows nobility, royalty, luxury, authority, creativity, inspiration, and spirituality. It is a mysterious and intriguing color. The darker shades of purple represent sensuality, while the lighter shades of purple represent romance and delicate.
Yellow and Gold are very similar in color, that can blend together in pics. Usually a lot of white with it, gives it a better contrast. If you have a link to your venue I could take see what would work best, also go with what you love on your wedding day!
how about gold and white?
Chics,
Gold and white would be very beautful.
* gold and white
* more gold and white
now our favorite color is red so i was thnking red and chocolate or red and champagne with the guys wearing chocolate tux…….. any ideas please
Maria,
Red and chocolate is perfect!!
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&sa=X&ei=wVt-TYjRJsWztweU9IzPBQ&ved=0CDQQvwUoAQ&q=red+and+chocolate+brown+wedding&spell=1&biw=1419&bih=704
I’m a bride to be that was born and raised in the island and always wanted a beach theme wedding. The only problem is, the wedding is in October. I was thinking of doing Aqua, ivory and gold for my colors. Is this a good combination?
CindyT,
Beautiful combo actually. For beach weddings though, you don’t have to worry about the normal color issues like with traditional venues/seasons. Beach formal is also different from regular formal. Khaki and grey is considered upscale or casual depending on how you use it.
* this is beautiful
* nice
* very nice
CindyT,
* wanted to show you this
Thats an awesome idea! I like your color choices. That time of the year it would be like taking everyone on a trip to the islands!