Creating A Wedding Color Palette: A Guide To Choosing Harmony

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but choosing a colour palette for your big day can be fun and exciting. A wedding colour palette is a combination of colours used throughout your wedding day, from the wedding stationery to the floral arrangements, table linens, attire, cake design, and even your signature cocktails. It is essential to creating a cohesive wedding theme and setting the mood and tone for your special day. This paragraph will discuss the steps to create a wedding colour palette, from finding inspiration to putting it all together.

Consider the colour wheel

When creating a wedding colour palette, it's important to consider the colour wheel. This will help you to experiment with some classic colour schemes. Colours that are opposite each other on the wheel are "complementary", like yellow and violet. Colours that are next to each other on the wheel are "analogous", for example, blue, blue-green, and blue-violet. Three colours that are evenly spaced out on the wheel are "triads", such as red, blue and yellow. You can also create a monochromatic colour scheme by using gradients and tints of a single colour.

Each scheme creates a cohesive starting point for almost any spectrum of colours. You can add neutral colours like white or tan to bring sophistication to your palette. A good way to start is by choosing a primary colour, such as red, blue or yellow, and experimenting with different combinations until you find one that suits your taste.

Using a colour wheel can be a valuable tool in your wedding planning process. It will allow you to visualise how different colours interact and complement each other. By understanding the basic colour theory, you can create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing palette for your wedding.

When selecting your wedding colours, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a soft and romantic atmosphere, or a bold and vibrant celebration? The colour wheel can help you find colours that create the desired mood and tone for your wedding.

Additionally, you can use the colour wheel to ensure that your wedding palette is accessible for all your guests, including those with visual impairments or colour blindness. By choosing colours that have sufficient contrast, you can make sure that your wedding is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

Complement your venue

When it comes to choosing a wedding colour palette, one of the first things to consider is your venue. The location of your wedding will influence your chosen colours. For example, an indoor wedding in a ballroom might be a blank slate to which you can add dramatic reds, vibrant blues, or beige and monochromatic tones.

Outdoor weddings, on the other hand, might incorporate the location's natural features. A beach wedding could include shades of blue or green to represent the ocean, while a vineyard wedding could feature sunflowers and lavender.

If your venue already has a lot of decorative elements, use those details to influence your colour scheme. The colours of the carpet, the paint on the walls, the lighting fixtures, or the view can all spark ideas. Choosing colours that complement your venue will enhance what you love about the space without clashing visually.

If you're still unsure about where to start, try looking at photos from past events at your venue, or browse Pinterest for inspiration. You can also consider the mood of the venue. Is it light and airy, or dark and romantic? Determining the mood or vibe of the venue will help you choose the best colours and decor.

• Barn and Farm Weddings: Use natural colours and materials, and incorporate farm-style elements. A sunset terracotta palette or a combination of sweet pink and classic white can provide a rustic or pastoral vibe.
• Gardens, Wineries, and Vineyards: Opt for whimsical pinks or earthy terracotta to complement the natural surroundings. Dusty rose and cream or lilac and terracotta can add a romantic touch.
• Historic or Religious Buildings: Consider the style and period of the building, and choose colours that reflect that. Pay attention to religious significance and be respectful of any cultural meanings associated with colours. Play up existing natural features like flowers, foliage, or outdoor spaces.
• Rooftop or Loft Weddings: Cool neutrals like grey, white, and black, or lively jewel tones like burgundy and navy, can work well in these venues. Enticing metallics like gold, silver, or rose gold can add a touch of glamour.
• Country Clubs: Take inspiration from the surrounding golf courses and lakes. Dusty blue and navy or grey and taupe can complement the natural environment.

Remember, your wedding colour palette doesn't have to be matchy-matchy. A tonal colour palette or a combination of a few shades of the same colour can often look more sophisticated.

Take inspiration from trends

When it comes to wedding colour palettes, it's important to stay on top of trends. Here are some of the most popular trends to inspire your wedding colour palette:

Magenta

Shades of pink, vibrant crimsons, and Pantone's 2023 colour of the year, Viva Magenta, will create a romantic and glamorous atmosphere for your wedding. This colour palette is perfect for those who want to channel their inner princess. You can incorporate magenta into every aspect of your wedding, from your shoes to the linens, signage, and cake.

Wildflower

Nature's beauty will be a major source of wedding colour inspiration for couples. Wildflowers come in thousands of colours, but some options for a whimsical garden-party vibe include cool blues, vibrant greens, and muted salmons. Use wildflowers in your bridal bouquet, on your cake, and as inspiration for a unique colour palette.

Blue and Yellow

This colour palette encapsulates a New England summer – the warm touch of sunshine, cool swims in the ocean, chilled lemonade, and the smell of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. Pair baby's breath and yellow roses with blue and gold tablescapes for a sense of serenity and cheerfulness that your guests will remember.

Sunset

Shades of energetic peaches, tangerines, and rusty oranges will fill your wedding with the warm sunshine of a stunning sunset. Incorporate lush lilies, hibiscus, tulips, and roses into your floral arrangements, and mismatch your bridesmaids' dresses in different hues and textures for a memorable summer wedding.

Lilac

A lilac-inspired wedding colour palette is perfect for a spring wedding. This cool-toned palette will evoke a sense of serenity and peace in your guests. Hydrangeas and lilacs are beautiful flowers to incorporate into your floral arrangements if you opt for this calming colour scheme.

Soft, Less-Saturated Tones

In 2025, pastel colours will continue to be trendy, but with a twist. Moody earth tones will appear as quieter, refined versions of their rich selves, evoking elegance and complexity. These colours are best presented through rich textural elements like luxe linens and natural materials.

Fine Art-Inspired, Old-World Hues

Plummy purples, jammy burgundies, warm blues, and cream tones with depth will be popular in 2025. These colours reflect old-world charm and the influence of Baroque and Renaissance art in luxury events. Even when incorporating a lot of colour, couples are opting for moodier shades rather than bright, punchy pinks and vibrant, tropical palettes.

Consider the mood you want to create

When choosing your wedding colour palette, it's important to consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create on your special day. Colours can enhance the mood and set the tone for your ceremony, so it's worth thinking about the type of ambiance you want to evoke.

For instance, if you're aiming for a romantic and sweet atmosphere, consider colours like dusty rose, mauve, and pastel shades of blush, blue, and cream. These soft and delicate colours create a bright, ethereal, and luxurious ambiance. On the other hand, if you want to create a warm and familiar feeling, earthy terracotta and rich burgundy tones are ideal. These colours evoke a sense of passion and mystery, perfect for an intimate setting.

The number of shades you choose to highlight is also important. Wedding planner Chanda Monique Daniels recommends having a maximum of five colours in your palette. She suggests picking a lead colour and then selecting supporting shades to create a cohesive story. This approach ensures that your colour palette doesn't become overwhelming and that each colour has a purpose in your overall design.

Additionally, the season of your wedding will play a role in the mood you want to create. For example, soft pinks and rosy hues are perfect for spring, evoking a sense of rejuvenation and happiness. In contrast, warm reds, yellows, and oranges capture the mood of autumn, while rich burgundy sets the tone for a winter wedding.

When deciding on your wedding colour palette, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Consult with your partner, family, and friends, and remember that the best palette is one that brings you joy and reflects your personal style.

Consult the experts

While it is not necessary to have a degree in art to pick a wedding color palette, consulting experts in the field can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some tips from the experts to help you create a stunning and cohesive wedding color scheme:

Understand Color Theory

Experts suggest that a basic understanding of color theory can go a long way in creating a tasteful and visually appealing wedding color palette. The color wheel is an essential tool to help you experiment with different combinations. Complementary colors, which are opposites on the wheel (like yellow and violet), create a vibrant contrast. Analogous colors, which are neighbors on the wheel (such as blue, blue-green, and blue-violet), offer a more harmonious look. Triads, or three colors evenly spaced on the wheel (like red, blue, and yellow), provide a balanced combination. Monochromatic color schemes, using different shades and tints of the same color, can also be elegant and versatile.

Choose a Main Color and Accents

A helpful guideline shared by experts is to choose one or two main colors and then select one or two secondary colors, including a neutral, to support and blend the focal hues seamlessly. Adding a fun accent shade, like gold or silver, can also bring a touch of sparkle to your palette. This accent color should be used sparingly throughout your decor to create a cohesive look.

Consider the Venue and Season

The experts suggest that your wedding venue and the season of your celebration are crucial factors in determining your color palette. If your venue has decorative elements, use those details to inspire your color choices. Complementary colors to the venue's features will enhance the space and create a harmonious atmosphere. Additionally, consider the time of year and the surrounding natural colors. For example, soft pastels for spring and warm, earthy tones for fall can enhance the overall ambiance of your special day.

Draw Inspiration from Trends and Personal Style

While it is essential to stay true to your personal style, experts suggest that drawing inspiration from wedding trends, fashion, and interior design can spark creativity. Look to sites like Pinterest and Instagram for ideas and create a mood board to identify patterns in your color and style preferences. Your everyday surroundings, from your closet to your home decor, can also provide insight into the colors that resonate with you and are likely to bring you joy on your wedding day.

Prioritize Your Vision

Finally, experts advise that while it is essential to consider the venue and season, prioritizing your dream color palette is also valid. "Blank slate" venues, such as converted warehouses or outdoor locations, offer more flexibility to personalize the space with your chosen colors. Communicating your color vision to your wedding vendors and florists early on will also help ensure that your palette is reflected in various details, from the floral arrangements to the cake design.

Frequently asked questions