Just like in interior design, color is critical to setting the scene for your wedding. How you use it, where you use it and how much of each hue you decide to use can truly make or break your big day (style-wise, anyway). We sat down with Doreen Mbaziira of Hannanias Events to get schooled in all the rules of picking a pretty wedding-color palette.
1. Thinking you have to have a set color palette
Let's face it; you're probably going to get asked like a billion different times what your wedding colors are (it happens to all brides). The good news is, if you have no clue, that's perfectly fine…seriously! As Doreenpoints out, you don't necessarily need to have wedding colors. "You may just want to use natural linens and wild flowers." Think bohemian, eclectic cool at its finest. This idea works particularly well for woodsy weddings, garden parties or any outdoor reception really.
2. Choosing colors that are so right now, but so not you
If you're not head over heels for coral, mint or marsala, for the love of all things bridal, don't choose these hues simply because they're in style, urges Doreen. "Trends come and go, as evidenced by your mom's 80s-style, puffy sleeved wedding dress, so pick colors you personally love, not ones you saw on Pinterest or feel like to have to use."
3. Selecting colors not normally found in nature
While a full-on neon wedding can be done, you might have a hard time finding any flowers to match. "It's best to stick with a color palette that includes natural hues so your other decor and flowers don't clash with each other," notes Doreen. For example, simple white flowers will complement bright decorations, whereas bold ones will just be overkill.
4. Picking way too many wedding colors
Choose too many hues and your overall wedding look will seem disjointed, unless you're shooting for that whole field of wildflowers, boho vibe, that is. Otherwise, Doreen recommends committing to three colors max (plus one metallic) to ensure everything looks cohesive. "Use neutrals, such as whites, grays and beiges, if you'd like to keep things more low key color-wise."
5. Playing it way too safe
Doreen advises brides not be scared to try something out of the box if it fits you and your fiancé's personalities. "There are some crazy, yet totally amazing, color combinations you can use for your wedding that will look incredible. Some fun ideas to try include: peach and emerald, coral and navy and mint and violet."
6. Forgetting about classic white
When in doubt, opt for 50 shades of white! Burton swears it won't be boring. "Whites and creams, with perhaps even hints of light, light pink, look incredible in pretty much every venue or setting," she says.
7. Neglecting your wedding venue's colors
For instance, if your venue has rich red curtains and you can't remove them, doing a bright orange color scheme will clash, warns Doreen. "Keep color in mind when selecting a venue, and please don't try to cover or hide any colorful elements you don't like, as it will probably be noticeable."
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