Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | PinterestChoosing your wedding color palette can seem like a daunting and challenging task. With an endless variation of color combinations, you may be wondering where and how to start.
Having a color palette is one of the first items you should tackle in your long list of wedding ‘to-dos.’ A color palette is the foundation for wedding decorations, bridal party attire, floral, stationary and so much more.
To help you narrow down options and settle on one color palette, below is a step-by-step guide to help you do so.
FIRST: THINK ABOUT THE COLOR WHEEL
While there are no hard rules for wedding color schemes, there are foundational design principles that are useful. A color wheel can be a valuable tool in your wedding planning process. It will allow you to experiment with some classic color schemes. Opposite colors on the wheel are considered complementary. Such as yellow and violet. Neighboring colors on the wheel are called “analogous.” While three colors that are spaced evenly on the wheel are “triads.” You can create monotone color schemes using gradients and tints of the same color.
Each scheme creates a cohesive starting point for nearly any spectrum of colors. By adding a neutral color like white or tan it will bring sophistication into your palette. Start with choosing a primary color, such as red, blue or yellow, and experiment with different combinations until you find one that you love.
SECOND: COMPLEMENT YOUR VENUE
Your venue helps establish the overall theme and ambience of your wedding. The decorations will elevate it from the everyday look into a truly unique and special place for your big day.
If you have already tackled the task of choosing your venue, try to choose colors that complement its existing elements and architecture. Soft pastels are great for a garden wedding, while tasteful whites and beiges can illuminate a cozy chapel, and cool blue tones can induce tranquility at a coastal wedding.
If your venue’s existing decor is largely neutral, like a rustic barn or an open field, you have more leeway to make things your own with your color palette. If possible, try to have your venue photos on hand so you can easily compare color choices.
NEXT: FOLLOW THE SEASON
While your venue plays an important part so does the season. Using seasonal colors is an excellent way to elevate your wedding decor, especially if you have an outdoor venue.
For spring go with soft pinks and for summer cool blue tones can set a refreshing atmosphere. Warm reds, yellows, and oranges will set the mood for a fall wedding, or deep reds can set the tone for a winter wedding.
There are colors that can look beautiful, no matter the season. Colors such as classic white and neutral tones are timeless.
THEN: FOLLOW THE TRENDS FOR INSPIRATION
Like most brides browsing Pinterest, viewing other couples wedding photo collection or searching bridal content helps to inspire ourselves with current wedding trends. This is a great way to brainstorm!
While browsing social media collect references from other beautiful weddings, then incorporate your favorite elements from those into your own color palette.
AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: SET THE MOOD
Believe it or not colors are a psychological language. They can enhance our mood so use this as a tool to help set the overall tone for your wedding. Ask yourself “what mood and ambiance do I want to create? Is it sophisticated and formal, causal and carefree, or maybe an intimate and serene wedding?”
Colors like a dusty rose and/or mauve create a sweet and romantic atmosphere, while earthy terracotta tones can make it feel warm and familiar.
When choosing your colors, also keep in mind where you’d like your guest’s attention to be focused at certain times throughout the wedding. Bold colors can be more prominent than soft or muted colors, so it helps to place those where you’d like the focal points to be such as the bridal bouquet or the wedding arch.
SCHEMES FOR INSPIRATION
If you’re planning a California wedding here are a few color schemes we’ve pulled together to match different venues, moods, and seasons throughout this beautiful state.
Autumn Color Scheme
California is notorious for late summers. If you’re looking for a scheme to suit just that, or fall colors try the combination of mauve, taupe, clay brown and cream. It will add a warm feel to any celebration.
Earthy Color Scheme
If you’re looking to draw inspiration from California’s landscape and natural elements, consider oatmeal, blush, burnt orange, sage, and chocolate colors. They will give a unique bohemian feel to your special day.
Ocean Blue Color Scheme
The color combination cotton or gray, taupe, light brown, and ocean royal blue make up the perfect color palette for your coastal wedding.
Outdoor or Woodsy Wedding Color Scheme
Planning your wedding in the California Red Woods or possibly in an outdoor winery venue? With a landscape that offers so much natural light, plum can be a great key color to provide an elegant feel. Be sure to add personality with blush and copper accents for brightness.
Teal Color Scheme
Here is another color combination for your coastal wedding venue. Let the ocean inspire you and pull together the tropical feel with teal, sky blue, yellow and chocolate brown.
With all this said, don’t be afraid to experiment! Asking your partner for their opinion, your wedding planner or possibly your bridal party to help inspire palettes you may not have considered at first. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected resources. And above all, remember this is your day. Make it look and feel the way that makes you and your partner happy.
Source(s):
A Step By Step Guide to Choose Your Wedding Color Palette – Ling’s Moment (lingsmoment.com)
50 Wedding Color Schemes to Inspire Your Own (marthastewart.com)
Color Wheel Picker (rgbacolorpicker.com)
Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
