Choosing A Wedding Color Scheme: Your Guide

what will my wedding colors look like

Choosing a wedding colour palette is an important step in wedding planning, as it will define the colour scheme of your big day and touch upon all the details, from invitations to flowers to clothing to table linens. While it's not necessary to have a colour theme, a cohesive look and feel can be achieved by being mindful of the different tones and shades used throughout the day. The colours chosen can also help to evoke certain moods and concepts that you want your guests to associate with your ceremony and reception. For example, a romantic Halloween wedding would be gorgeous in shades of orange, cream and gold, while a Gatsby-themed wedding shines in gold, black and silver.

Characteristics Values
Number of colours 2-5 colours
Colour selection Choose colours that you enjoy and that reflect your personality.
Colour combinations Colours should complement each other and create a cohesive look.
Venue Consider the venue's existing colour palette and choose colours that will complement or contrast with it.
Season and setting Select colours that are appropriate for the season and setting of the wedding.
Mood and theme Choose colours that evoke the desired mood or fit with a chosen theme.
Lighting and photography Pick colours that will look good in different lighting conditions and photographs.
Attire and decor The chosen colours should be incorporated into the attire, decor, invitations, flowers, and other details.

shunbridal

Choosing a colour scheme

When choosing a colour scheme, it is important to consider the wedding location and season. The colours that dominate the wedding venue and the mood of the season can be used as inspiration and serve as a guide. For example, a summer wedding lends itself to brighter, more electric colours, while a winter wedding calls for deep hues, cosy neutrals, and pops of bold reds and oranges.

Another factor to consider is the desired "vibe" of the wedding. A minimal, neutral colour palette will keep the ceremony and reception light, bright, and breezy, while bright colours will evoke a bold and quirky vibe. Dark shades, such as forest green, burgundy, or black, can add drama.

It is recommended to choose a combination of 3-5 colours that coordinate well with each other. A good rule of thumb is to choose one or two main colours and then select one or two secondary colours, with at least one being neutral. This will help to blend the focal point colours seamlessly. To finish it off, a fun accent shade, such as gold or silver, can be used sparingly throughout the event.

When deciding on specific colours, it is important to choose colours that the couple enjoys and that reflect their personal style. Looking at colour combinations in the world and in art can provide inspiration. It is also helpful to browse real weddings and colour palettes to get ideas and see what colour combinations photograph well.

Who Attended Will and Kate's Wedding?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Wedding invitations

When choosing your wedding colours, it's important to consider the setting and season of your wedding. For example, bright and electric colours are perfect for a summer wedding, while winter weddings often feature deep hues, cosy neutrals, and bold reds and oranges. If you're having a beach wedding, soft blues and greens, light greys, and sand colours are popular choices. You can also draw inspiration from nature, art, or your favourite colours.

To create a cohesive look, most wedding colour palettes include 2-5 colours, with at least one neutral shade. For example, a combination of navy and coral, pink and gold, or black and white can create a stylish and elegant aesthetic. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, incorporate metallic accents like gold or silver.

When designing your wedding invitations, consider incorporating your chosen colours in the font, ribbons, or borders. You can also include a hint of your venue's exterior colour or a watercolour illustration to add a unique touch. It's important to choose colours that you enjoy and that reflect your personality, rather than simply following trends.

Remember, your wedding invitations are just the beginning of showcasing your wedding colour palette. From the bridal shower to the reception, your chosen colours will create a cohesive and memorable experience for you and your guests.

London Wedding Timings: When to Begin?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Flowers and decor

The designated wedding colours should be one of the first décor-related decisions to be made as they will influence other aspects of the wedding, such as flowers, linens, attire, and rental decisions. It is important to consider the colour options and limitations of must-have flowers or décor items when choosing the wedding colours. For instance, some flowers only come in certain colours, and rental companies may have limited inventory of linens and other decorative elements in specific colours.

When choosing flowers, it is recommended to search for " [colour palette] [season] wedding flowers" to find photos of bouquets with flowers that are in season. These photos can then be shown to a floral supplier to create a similar bouquet. Alternatively, couples can opt for DIY floral décor, using either fresh or fake flowers.

The wedding venue can also influence the choice of colours for flowers and décor. The existing colours of the venue, such as patterned rugs or drapes, heavy wood panelling, or bright, washed-out rooms, should be considered when selecting a colour palette to complement the space.

While there are no hard and fast rules for wedding colour schemes, it is important to choose colours that reflect the couple's personal sense of style and elevate their wedding day.

shunbridal

Bridal party attire

When it comes to bridal party attire, there are a few key things to consider to ensure that your wedding party looks their best and complements your chosen wedding colors.

For the bridesmaids, you'll want to choose a dress style and color that flatters everyone and fits with your wedding theme. If you've selected a vibrant and bold color palette, such as rich jewel tones, consider dressing your bridesmaids in different shades of the same color family. For example, if your wedding colors are emerald green and gold, you could have some bridesmaids in dark forest green gowns and others in a softer sage green. This creates a cohesive look while still adding depth and interest to your bridal party lineup.

On the other hand, if your wedding colors are more soft and romantic, such as blush pink and cream, you might opt for flowy, ethereal dresses in those shades. Perhaps choose a style with delicate lace or ruffled details to enhance the dreamy aesthetic. You could also play with different neutrals, such as varying shades of gray or taupe, for a sophisticated and elegant look.

When it comes to the groomsmen, you'll want their attire to coordinate with the bridesmaids and the overall wedding color scheme. This doesn't mean that everything has to match perfectly, but there should be a clear connection. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing dusty blue dresses, the groomsmen might wear suits in a medium-tone gray, with ties or bowties in a matching dusty blue shade. This creates a unified look without being too matchy-matchy.

Don't be afraid to mix and match elements to create visual interest. For instance, you could have groomsmen in light gray suits with vests and ties in your accent color, while the groom wears a dark charcoal suit with a complementary-colored tie. You can also add in pocket squares, lapel pins, or even colorful socks to bring in more of your wedding colors and make the bridal party attire pop.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the season and venue of your wedding when choosing attire. You'll want to ensure that the fabrics and styles are appropriate for the weather and the level of formality of your venue. For example, lightweight and breathable fabrics for an outdoor summer wedding, or richer, more luxurious fabrics for a formal indoor affair during the winter months.

White Wine Wedding: Who Will Drink It?

You may want to see also

shunbridal

Venue and season

When choosing your wedding colours, it's important to consider the season and venue.

Season

The season of your wedding can help narrow down your colour options and ensure the resulting hues don't feel too thematic or overdone. For example, soft rosy pinks are perfect for spring, while bright coral is a summer wedding staple. For autumn, a purple-pink fuchsia pairs well with other jewel tones, and muted mauve and silver are a pretty wintry combo. Pastels are standard for spring, while deeper, moodier hues are more traditional for winter. However, with the right pairings, any palette can become seasonally appropriate.

Venue

The venue is a major consideration when choosing your wedding colours. A neutral venue can offer more flexibility when it comes to your colour palette, while a venue with an existing colour palette, such as in its carpet, drapery, and table linens, may require more thought about how your favourite hues will coordinate. A ballroom wedding venue might be a blank slate for dramatic reds, vibrant blues, or beige and monochromatic colour themes. Outdoor weddings may incorporate the location's natural features, such as sunflowers and lavender at a vineyard.

When your venue has a clean, versatile backdrop, it's easier to incorporate your chosen colours without clashing with the existing décor or architecture. A neutral palette of cream, warm grey, tan, and bold green will coordinate with any décor or venue and will keep your wedding photos timeless.

Ultimately, the colours you choose should reflect your personal style and taste, and any personal significance you can incorporate will help you choose your colour palette.

Frequently asked questions

Choosing your wedding colours can be daunting, but it's a great way to express your personality as a couple. Start by considering the colours you and your partner are drawn to. Look to your cabinets, dishware, and closets for inspiration. You can also search for real weddings by season, location, style, or colour to see what combinations you're drawn to.

Most couples choose 2-5 colours for their wedding palette. It's a good idea to have at least one neutral or timeless colour, like white or ivory, as a base.

Think about the setting and season of your wedding. The colours of the venue and the time of year can inspire and guide your palette. You might also consider the mood or vibe you want to evoke—bright colours can be fun and bold, while dark shades can add drama.

Your wedding colours can be used as a theme throughout the event, from invitations and attire to flowers, decor, and linens. They can also be incorporated into your wedding website and pre-wedding events like bridal showers.

Not necessarily! While a cohesive colour scheme can unify your wedding, it's not required. Many couples opt for a theme or era-inspired wedding instead, using a variety of colours that suit their style. Ultimately, it's your special day, so go with what feels right for you!

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment