After the thrill of saying, “Yes!” has subsided, many brides feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists associated with planning the big day. So where do you start? The dress? The date? Planning the perfect menu? Although these are all important details near the top of the list, Brides.com suggests focusing your initial attention on where you will be married and what colors you will use to accentuate the wedding.
Because the venue can have a large impact on your color selection, this would be the ideal place to start. Once the venue has been selected and booked, it’s time for the fun to begin. Here are six tips to help you select the perfect wedding color combination.
1. Let the Venue be Your Guide
You fell in love with the venue for one reason or another. Focus on what you love about the space, and let that factor work to your advantage. While touring the location, pay close attention to wall color, lighting, chair covers, drapes, etc. You want your wedding colors to compliment what is already in the space. If you have your heart set on fuchsia, you may want to pass on the function space showcasing burgundy walls and emerald drapes.
2. Be Inspired by the Season
Every season has its’ own vibe. Maybe you love the idea of a summer garden wedding framed by the colors of Gerber daisies and zinnias. Or maybe a rustic autumn reception with muted colors mimicking hay bales, mums, and pumpkins is more your style. Is winter your favorite time of year? Frame the pure white background with deep, rich, jewel tones such as garnet and gold. Working with the colors of the season can also make things a little easier (and less expensive) when it comes time to select floral arrangements and design bouquets.
3. Make it Personal
Take a look in your closet and around your home to determine what colors you are typically drawn to. Your favorite color tends to “speak to you,” and may just happen to look good on you as well. It is also a good idea to ask your fiance his/her opinion – some grooms want no part in the planning process, while others may have a say on pink being the primary wedding day color.
Photo credits J. Harper Photography.
4. Go Trendy
If you haven’t already, spend an afternoon perusing the magazine section at the local bookstore. Focus on what seams to be “hot” for the coming season. No time to check out the bookstore? Create a board on Pinterest.com and “pin” to your heart’s content. Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color, publishes a seasonal color trend guide, providing the fashion industry with the “it” colors of the season.
5. Consider Your Linen Choices
If you’re the type that likes everything to match, you should consider what linen colors and styles your linen rental vendor has. Most vendors will have 10-20 different colors for specialty linens, such as Pintuck or Crush, and between 50-75 colors in traditional solid, polyester linens. Colors such as Navy Blue and Sunny Yellow are fairly easy to match, but if your heart is set on a particular shade of teal, you might have to live with a linen color that is not an exact match.
6. Set a Mood
Whether you’re looking for a formal, black-tie affair, or a calming seaside celebration, the colors you select will influence the overall vibe of the event. Color combinations of black and white speak of elegance, while the signature “tiffany blue” and white combo pairs well with the calming backdrop of the seashore. Looking to add a little spunk? Hues of orange and yellow are fun and energizing.
Pull it All Together with the Perfect Color Palette
Once you have an idea of the hue you would like to feature, it’s time to pick an accent color (or two) to really pull the look together. Pull together color swatches or inspirational photos from your favorite wedding magazines. Mix and match the various clippings and “pins” until you find just the right fit for your “happily ever after” moment. There are also great online color palette tools to help, such as Degraeve.com and Pictaculous.com where you can upload a photo and generate a color palette based on colors in the photo.