Most couples spend a whopping 200 to 300 hours planning their wedding day. And whether debating over the venue or weighing tableware options, color is often a major focus of wedding planning.
Choosing wedding colors isn’t always an easy task. And if you choose the wrong colors (that look tacky or outdated after a few years), you’ll be reminded of it every time you look at your wedding photos.
Read on to learn how to choose the right wedding color palette and how to make your chosen hues pop on your special day.
How to Choose Wedding Colors for Your Big Day
When choosing wedding colors, there are a few key tips that can guide you, as well as a couple things you should avoid.
Keep these points in mind when deciding color options.
Look Beyond Trends
Trendy wedding colors come and go, but your memories and photos will last forever. That’s why it’s best to skip a trendy shade that doesn’t really fit your personal style and that you’ll be embarrassed of when looking back on your wedding day.
Perhaps the most timeless wedding colors are shades of white, both in the wedding dress and in other complementing details. Blush, champagne, and gold tones are popular accents that never go out of style.
Consider the Season
The mood and look of a summer wedding can be much different than a winter one. And your colors should reflect these seasonal characteristics.
For example, if you’re having a summer wedding, brighter colors work well, while deep jewel tones are great for fall. Winter could go either dark and moody or icy blue, and greens and pinks are fun in spring.
When considering wedding colors by season, there aren’t set rules. But consider the time of year and overall feel when making your decision.
Take Note of the Setting
If you already have a dream venue in mind, consider what colors already exist there.
Choosing an outdoor setting likely means there are already colors like green, blue, and brown. And many indoor venues already have their own color scheme in the walls, furniture, and other decor elements.
Be sure that your colors don’t clash with the setting. When in doubt, look to a color wheel and choose complementary colors (often next to each other on the wheel).
Lead With Your Unique Personalities
Collaborate with your future spouse to identify which colors you naturally gravitate towards the most. Maybe you both love to wear bright colors, or dark interiors inspire you. See how you can incorporate these colors and shades into your wedding colors.
In the end, the colors you choose should have less to do with tradition and trends and more to do with your individual preferences as a couple.
Narrow Your Options
If you’ve started identifying several color options, don’t forget to narrow them down. Most wedding planners recommend choosing up to three or four colors for your wedding theme.
Try including a neutral tone as one of your main colors. Then, choose two or three other colors that match well with the neutral.
For minimalists, it may even be ideal to only stick to one standout color. Then, that one color, such as red or blue, can be added throughout the ceremony in small pops of color, keeping other details soft and neutral.
Test With Swatches
Before committing to a color scheme, grab some swatches to make sure the colors make the impact you’re hoping for.
You can find swatches in paint shops, or you could even print your own at home. Hold them up together to get an idea of how well they complement each other.
Also be sure to view them in lighting that is similar to the lighting of your wedding venue.
Mix It Up
For the rebels and eclectics, it’s okay if you don’t have a strict color theme for your wedding. You may prefer the look of blue bouquets, burgundy bridesmaid dresses, and mismatching tableware, all thrown together.
If that sounds like you, don’t be afraid to mix it up and use a variety of colors. But when mixing several colors, keep each one small. In other words, no one or two colors should be overpowering against a sea of rainbow.
Opt for a variety of colors where they naturally fit, without going overboard.
How to Incorporate Color Into Your Wedding
Once you have an idea of what colors you’d like to feature at your wedding, it’s time to plan how to use them.
Your venue should be the first point to consider, as it will set the scene for your big day. Some of your chosen colors may already be present in the setting. And if not, think of ways where you could incorporate them with decor and other details.
Furniture and table runners can make a big impact and should be home to either a neutral or one of your chosen pops of color.
Clothing is another place where color shows up. Most brides will opt for a white dress, but consider details like shoes or the groom’s tie. And don’t forget bridesmaids dress colors, which almost always coordinate with the color scheme.
Flowers are another way to wow guests with your wedding colors. You can choose flowers in one of your primary shades. Or if you’ve opted for a more eclectic approach, try multi-colored bouquets. Check out this store for inspiration.
Don’t forget other small details, such as lighting. Believe it or not, you can use your wedding colors in your lighting. Fairy lights and paper lanterns are great ways to add a touch of color.
Show Your True Colors on Your Big Day
The colors you choose for your wedding should reflect your style, personality, and personal preferences.
Use these tips when choosing wedding colors and how to use them on your special day.
Read more about preparing for your wedding in our other relationship articles!
