When planning a wedding, one of the first things to consider are the colors of your wedding's theme. After you've chosen the venue and the date, the smaller (but still very important) details—like floral planning and choosing bridesmaid dresses—can commence. But with the number of wedding-color ideas and combination possibilities out there, deciding on one can be overwhelming, to say the least. Luckily, as I'm currently in the midst of planning a wedding myself, I found that there are a few things to consider before making this all-important decision. Below, I've listed some wedding-color tips along with a few color pairings that make for a lovely setting.
Speaking from personal experience, the two questions that I was asked the most post-engagement were if I'd found my dress yet and if I'd chosen the colors for the wedding. Choosing the colors was an easy decision for me, but as my wedding planning has since evolved, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't second-guessed my decision a few times (knowing what I know now about the effect it has on a slew of other decisions). So all things considered, I compiled a few factors to consider when deciding on your wedding colors. Keep scrolling for tips and six color combinations that are currently trending (and shop a few stylish pieces for your big day to go along with each).
1. Consider the Season and Venue
You wouldn't wear the same color for an outdoor summer wedding in the country as you would for a ballroom winter wedding in the city, would you? The same goes for your wedding colors. For summer weddings, soft pastels or neutrals with splashes of bright colors are a safe bet. On the other hand, bold, rich, and dramatic colors do best in fall weddings.
2. Consider the Dress Code
Some colors just read more formal (like navy and burgundy) than others (like bright pink and yellow), so depending on what vibe you're going for, the wedding dress code can affect the colors you choose.
3. Consider Current Color Trends
You don't want a wedding that relies too heavily on trends that could look dated in 20 years, so keeping fashion's current color trends in mind (Pantone is your friend) will only make your job easier when it gets down to choosing decor and bridesmaid dresses. If your colors are too obscure, it's only going to make things harder for you and your wedding planner and other vendors.
4. Consider Versatility
While it's important to have a vision of what you want your wedding to look like, you don't have to be married (no pun intended) to just a couple of colors. It's perfectly fine to choose two or three base colors that look good with everything. By choosing versatile hues, like navy, gray, copper, or black, your wedding design won't seem all over the place.
The beauty of gray is that it's soft and beautiful in any season and with pretty much any other color. The addition of green (whether pale or dark) is that it instantly brings a fresh, unexpected feeling to your wedding.
This bridesmaid dress couldn't be more flattering.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
FYI: Velvet is a big wedding trend right now.
Navy and rose gold (or copper) is a classic pairing that looks beautiful with white flowers. We suggest using rose gold as a subtle accent as opposed to a metallic overload, which could appear dated later on.
Something blue (and beautiful).
Not just any cake servers will do.
While rich burgundy may scream fall, if you focus on blush and just use burgundy as an accent, it can actually work for any season. It also works for both formal and more casual weddings.
For those wedding dress–on-hanger pictures.
Another dress your bridesmaids will love.Available in sizes 0 to 3.
Many brides who have an affinity for all things French choose blue and cream for their wedding colors. It's a particularly chic choice for springtime garden weddings.
Yes, you can wear flats on your wedding day (especially when they look like this). Available in sizes 34 to 40.5.
Scatter these pretty coasters around for the post-ceremony cocktail hour.
If you're having a warm-weather wedding and want a soft look that's pretty yet a bit unexpected, consider lavender and pale yellow. These colors complement each other beautifully, but be sure to work in some neutrals and greenery as well, so that your wedding doesn't resemble an Easter parade.
Brides are obsessed with these pretty little boxes (and they look great in wedding-day detail shots).
Have your florist tie this gorgeous silk marble ribbon around your bouquet.
If you're having a sophisticated, formal wedding in the winter, it doesn't get more classic and cool than black and white. Plus, your bridesmaid will be relieved to get to wear an LBD that they can definitely rewear in the future.
Cool-girl brides often choose Reformation for their bridesmaid dresses (and for good reason).Available in sizes 0 to 12.
You're going to need at least a few picture frames for your wedding day, so they might as well be as chic as this one.Next up, check out the wedding-dress styles that will be huge in 2018.
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