"We're engaged!" If you've said or heard those words in the past few months, you know how exciting it is to start planning your wedding. As you begin to think about every aspect of your big day, there are several decisions that need to be made, some more fun than others. One thing you'll want to decide on pretty early in the process is what colors you'd like to use for your wedding. These colors will help shape your entire event, from invitations and decorations to bridesmaid dresses and flowers.
Choosing colors for your wedding can be a daunting task. But, it doesn't have to be! Here are some simple steps to help you decide what colors will work best for your big day.
Choose your favorite colors
For many couples, this is a no-brainer: Your wedding colors are just your favorite colors! You can choose a single color as your main color and use different shades of it for your secondary colors. Or you can choose two colors that go well together. If you're stuck on which colors to pick, try looking to nature for inspiration: Think about the colors that surround you in the fall, spring or summer—or even the winter (think snowy white!). This method works especially well if you're planning an outdoor wedding.
2. Consider seasonality
One of the best ways to start planning your wedding color palette is by picking a season. The season you choose can help determine the overall vibe and feel of your wedding, so it's important to get this right. Here are some suggestions:
Spring: Spring is all about fresh beginnings, so think soft pastels and vintage hues. Blush pink, dusty blue and mint green are beautiful color options for this time of year.
Summer: Embrace all things bright and beautiful with bold colors such as coral, yellow or turquoise blue. Summer is also known as wedding season, so take advantage of outdoor venues and use natural elements like grasses or flowers in your décor and centerpieces.
Fall: The rich colors associated with fall are deep reds, purples and even burnt orange! Take inspiration from nature and add some wood accents to help bring these colors together.
Winter: Winter is your favorite season because there's nothing more magical than snowflakes falling on Christmas day. Your wedding theme should be as magical and festive as your favorite holiday. For an extra dash of wintery romance, choose a color palette inspired by frost and ice crystals.
3. Budget
Color plays a part in almost every part of your wedding — from invitations to centerpieces to the tablecloths, so it's important to keep an eye on your budget as you pick out color palettes. For example, if you're trying to save money on invitations, stay away from metallic or dark-colored paper and ink. If you're planning on having large floral displays at the ceremony and reception, try using seasonal flowers that are more affordable than exotic varieties.
4. Tone and vibe
Your wedding should reflect the two of you as a couple. What do you love to do together? Do you both enjoy hiking? A natural palette of deep greens and browns could be perfect for a fall wedding in the mountains. Are you obsessed with baseball? Try incorporating navy blue into your color scheme for a sporty touch. The best weddings reflect the personalities of the bride and groom.
Ultimately, it is a decision that you will have to make based on your needs and what you are looking for. But hopefully, these tips can be used as a resource when making important choices, and ultimately lead towards a color palette that you love.
