Colour your world: Choosing the perfect colour scheme for your wedding

Envisioning an elegant wedding ambiance in classic black and white or contemplating a daring burst of colour at every corner…

Choosing the colour scheme for your wedding day is one of the first decisions many brides make. It is a significant decision, as the colours you choose will set the tone and mood for your special day, from the invitations, decor and florals, to the bridesmaids’ dresses and even the cake. Read on for some tips for choosing the perfect colour scheme that helps bring your vision to life.

1. Define Your Wedding Style & Seek Inspiration 

Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. Your chosen colours should harmonise with this theme. For example, pastel shades may be ideal for a romantic and vintage wedding, while bold and vibrant colours could be perfect for a contemporary and energetic celebration. Here are a few style ideas and associated colour palettes:

• Rustic/Autumn:  Earthy tones like sage green, blush pink, and rustic brown.
• Beach: Soft, sandy colours like aqua blue, coral, and sand beige.
• Classic: Timeless and elegant shades like black, white, and gold.
• Bohemian: A mix of jewel tones like deep purple, emerald green, and mustard yellow.

Gather inspiration from various sources, such as bridal Instagram pages, influencers, Pinterest boards, and wedding blogs. Create a mood board with your colour scheme ideas, and share it with your wedding planner, decorator, and vendors. This will ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your vision.

2. Consider the Season

The season in which you're getting married can significantly impact your colour choices. Embrace the natural beauty of the season by selecting colours that harmonise with the surroundings. For example:

• Spring: Pastels and florals like lavender, soft pink, and mint green.
• Summer: Bright and vibrant shades like sunflower yellow, turquoise, and coral.
• Autumn: Rich and warm tones like deep red, burnt orange, and forest green.
• Winter: Cool, icy hues like silver, royal blue, and also deep burgundy.

Your choice of flowers is also something to consider here, as this may impact your colour choice. Look at what fresh florals are in season -  Hyacinths in Spring, Sunflowers bloom October to March; Hydrangeas bloom in Summer, Roses from Spring to Summer, Orchids during Winter etc.  Of course if you choose to go with silk flowers, then you can pretty much have anything, anytime,  to suit your colour palette.

3. Go with your favourites

Have you always had a favourite colour? Do you find yourself always drawn to a particular colour when clothes shopping, or styling your home? This can often be the best and easiest way to guide your decision.  You may also want to take into account the complexions of your bridal party, and choose a hue to suit them. After all, we want the whole group looking amazing in photos, right? 

4. Create a Cohesive Palette

While a single colour can be beautiful and elegant, most colour schemes have a dominant colour that sets the stage. For that cohesive look,  choose a colour palette of three to four colours that work well together. This palette should include your dominant colour, a secondary colour that complements it, and accent colours for contrast. Experiment with different shades within your chosen palette to find the perfect combination. You could even flow this into your Bridesmaids dresses and have each one in a different shade of your dominant colour. 

5. Test and Visualise

Before making a final decision, test your colour scheme by creating mock-ups of your wedding decor. This can include fabric swatches, flower arrangements, and sample table settings. Seeing these elements together will help you visualise how your chosen colours will work in the actual setting. If you have engaged a stylist to plan your day, this is something they would usually mock up for you when deciding on your final decor elements. Some florists will also do a sample centrepiece to make sure you're happy with what you have visualised together.‍

6. Flexibility is Key

Remember that while a well thought out colour scheme is essential, it's equally important to be flexible. Not everything needs to be perfectly colour-coordinated. Allow for natural variations and the unexpected, as these can often add charm and uniqueness to your wedding.

Selecting the colour scheme for your wedding is a meaningful and creative process. It allows you to infuse your personality and love story into every aspect of your celebration. By reflecting on your history, considering your wedding style and the season, and creating a cohesive palette, you can choose colours that make your wedding a true reflection of your love and an unforgettable visual experience for all your guests.