Fit for a Queen: The Purple Theme

Purple has always had its passionate admirers, not least among brides.

But we're likely to see even more of it — especially as fall layouts and design collections induce the rest of us to bow down to its many charms.

Of course, it's difficult to use a single word like 'purple' to describe such a broad range of colors. Much more so than with colors like pink or yellow, purple comes in dramatically different hues ... and moods.


On the dark and sophisticated end, there's royal purple, suitable for low-lit ballrooms and floor-length gowns.

winter 2 Royal Purple's ideal for formal events.


Then, bringing a completely different feel to the table: orchid. Feminine yet not untraditional, this suggests flirty frocks on bridesmaids under a tropical sun, or a garden affair that slowly unrolls over an enchanted afternoon.

Purple Orchid
Purple's at its flirtiest in its Orchid or Heliotrope hues.


Purple's lighter shades that lean toward red have a more playful, romantic feel, reminiscent of pink. And the pinker types of purple look just as striking as pure pinks when you pair them with fresh shades of green.

But choose a purple that leans more toward blue, and you've got the perfect excuse to indulge in armfuls of hydrangeas ... and a great country-casual feel for your wedding (think wide-open fields and apple trees, farmhouses, porcelain sinks and powder blue.)

Purple - Blue
On the blue end of the spectrum, purple gets an ultra-romantic and fresh country feel.


Purple's hardly a shy color, though. And in its most saturated forms, it can almost spin out of control. So for bridesmaids gowns or table linens, look for less vivid shades ... or just go ultra-purple with the sashes and runners.

The best foil for purple overall? Often, it's lots of diamond-white, which makes purple look crisp and tailored. Plus, other near-neutrals do just as well: try a deep chocolate brown, charcoal gray, or shiny platinum.

Purple RedViolet
Chic, energizing Aubergine's a favorite of fashion editors everywhere.

Talk Back on Purple

What flavor of purple captured your heart? How did you possibly decide between its many personalities?

And did you always love purple, or was it the season's gorgeous new collections inspire you to give this classic hue a second look?

 

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5 Comments

  1. Samantha Says:

    We’re going with BM dresses in lilac and plum. However, I’m at a loss for what to do with the flowers and cake!

  2. Eunice Says:

    Hi,
    Am getting married in April 2009, I have been having problems with choosing colors but am settled now, purple it will be. Please holla on any info or photos you may have on this!

    Regards
    Eunice

  3. tiya Says:

    I’m getting married in june of 2009 and i want purple and lavender please give ideas.

  4. Blake@FavorIdeas Says:

    Rejoice purple brides! Some beautiful boards to drool over!

    Number one, a lovely montage from a single wedding by photographer Anne Ruthman. Apart from the heartbreakingly lovely periwinkle purple base, paired with a bright orchid pink, she captured the kind of wedding most brides really want — elegant, but fun. (Elegant, as in the lovely silver filagree of the frames and signs — fun, as in drowning orchid centerpieces and poppy candy buffets!) See here!

    Next, a too-cool purple and green mood board lovingly assembled by simplywilkinson. Love the diaphanous detail of the BM’s skirts, against the hanging organza panels of the garden setting. Hydrangeas and hurricane lamps in lovely laid-back hues set a cottage mood, while the brooches at the BM’s waists and those shoe jewels are a wistful kind of FAB. See all its glory here!

  5. Christy Says:

    What would you suggest for aubergine (thinking taffeta, wintertime) as far as decor/flowers/dresses etc.?

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