The right colour combinations can transform even the dullest wedding setup while the wrong colour can ruin an otherwise stunning design. So here are a couple of tips to help you choose a colour that will look great for your wedding.
Play favourites:
When selecting your wedding colours a good place to start is by considering the colour that you are most drawn to. If you think you have no favourite colour, try looking through your wardrobe. Other than black or white what colours do you mostly have? Also consider your fiancé, what colours appeal to him or her.
Location:
If your wedding venue has a very striking colour, it might have a big effect on the overall colour scheme. So, have it in mind and choose a colour that would complement or match it. If you are absolutely not open to changing your colour then you might have to forgo that venue.
Bridesmaids dresses:
One of the best ways to showcase your wedding colours is through your bridesmaids dresses. And so try to envision how you’re the colour will look on the dresses, having in mind the pattern and fabric. Look online at other weddings where the bridesmaids have worn that colour and see whether it pleases your eye. Lime green may look great on the décor but you might not like it on the bridesmaids’ dresses. You might have to consider variations of the colour on the dresses so as to still stay true to your chosen colours. Or opt to use a different colour for the bridesmaids’ dresses and then use lime green in other areas such as the cake and decor.
Your wedding theme:
Just like colours, a wedding theme helps to tie together the details of a wedding and create a cohesive look. Not all colours are created equal. Some colours are more suited to certain themes than others. When it comes to a rustic theme think browns and creams. If you are going for a crisp, modern theme striking colours such as lime green, red, hot pink, royal purple, silver or monochromatic white and black. For a fun, playful look, consider bright colours such as yellow, turquoise and pink or a vibrant mix of bright colours.
Consider complementary colours:
Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green or purple and yellow. These colours create a beautiful contrast as they pair off each other’s cool and warm.
That is why colour combinations such as orange and sky blue or turquoise and coral look so great!
Consider analogous colours:
Analogous colours are groups of colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel, with one being the dominant color. We are talking about colours such as pink and purple, red and orange or yellow and green.
Purple, blue and turquoise also lie adjacent to each other and are analogous colours. You can use the subtle of the colours as your base and add pops of the dominant colours in various parts of the wedding.
Analogous colours are also great for creating an ombre theme where colours gradually transition from one analogous colour to the other. You can never go wrong with analogous colours, however try to add a neutral or complimentary colour to avoid a predictable and matchy-matchy look.
Consider monochromatic colours:
A monochromatic scheme uses shades and tints of the same colour. So a monochromatic blue colour scheme can have light blue, sky blue, and cobalt blue. Or simply have whites and creams. The best thing about monochromatic colour scheme is that it is easy to pull off and can look elegant and modern. The risk of monochromatic colours is that it can be boring so to add interest to your wedding use a variety of textures and patterns. So that even if you have an all-white wedding, the use of ruffles, chiffon, linen and lace can make the colour scheme captivating.
Look for Inspiration:
A colour combination might look great but how you pull it off makes all the difference. Lots of yellow and a bit of grey will look quite different from lots of grey and a little yellow. Or the colour combo might look great on the wedding cake but the same combination on your decor might look misplaced. So before you settle on the colour and begin to make solid plans, go online and see how other couples pulled it off in various sections of their wedding. And remember to check out our Real Wedding section for inspiration.
Do not be afraid to look in the oddest of places. One couple got inspiration from a chocolate bar wrapping to have a purple and brown colour scheme for their wedding! Keep noting what colour combinations appeal to you most and soon enough you will be able to narrow down to a winning palette.
Your wedding colour is pretty important and has a big impact on your wedding style and feel. That said, do not overthink your decision. Feel free to make small adjustments, if need be, in textures and hues as you go on in order to make the colours you choose work for you.