How to Plan a Wedding Without Choosing Traditional Wedding Colors
Ivory, blush, champagne — these are just some of the classic colors that seem to dominate the wedding industry. You can’t scroll far on Pinterest or Instagram before seeing plenty of neutral-toned inspo. There’s no denying the elegant allure of traditional wedding colors, but many couples prefer to break from the norm and design a wedding that feels authentic to their love story.
As a result, modern weddings are known for inventive color palettes and a special love for prints and patterns. “Different” has become a badge of honor for couples looking to curate one-of-a-kind celebrations to mark the start of their next chapter.
Choose tones that complement your venue.
Your venue sets the scene for your big day, influencing every element of your wedding’s style and design. It helps to have already secured your venue when selecting your colors, but you can also use your dream color palette to find a space that fits your vision.
Either way, Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events urges couples to tie the two together.
“If you are getting married in the mountains with incredible views, lean into the colors nature provides and complement them,” Peterson says. “Greens, blues, and neutrals are all great choices. If you are getting married in a bold season like fall, consider if you will be surrounded by golden aspens or evergreens and pick something that complements!”
In addition to the surroundings, House of Joy’s Samantha Leenheer notes that couples should also think about existing furnishings and fixtures inside the venue. “Consider your wedding venue and what colors are already present in the space,” she suggests. “You will want to work with them instead of against them if you can't remove or cover them.”
For color palettes that are more out there, you don’t have to feel constrained by existing carpet or wall colors. Instead of selecting a traditional venue, like a hotel or banquet hall, opt for one with neutral tones to start with a blank slate.
“If you choose a more industrial venue like a warehouse or art gallery, you can go wild with color,” Peterson confirms. “The more bold, the better! If you are a color-filled couple, think about choosing a location that will complement those dreams.”
A wedding planner or designer can help develop a vision that marries your dream venue with your ideal color palette, so it’s often worth hiring an expert as soon as possible!
Look around you for inspiration.
You don’t need to go far for ideas when picking wedding colors. Wedding magazines and blogs help build your vision, but you can find plenty of inspiration right before you. You fill your daily life with plenty of colors, providing the perfect starting point.
“Take a moment to look around your home and closet,” says Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings. “What color palettes do you see right away? Couples can easily start there!”
Leenheer echoes Sulak’s sentiment, recommending “colors that are already part of your personal life, your own personal brand in a way.” For example, “If your home or apartment is designed in soft creams, tans, and olives, pull from those colors,” she says. “If you always wear blue and green tones, consider incorporating them.”
People tend to surround themselves with colors they love, so why not integrate them into your wedding? Your favorite shades will personalize your big day while providing joy and comfort throughout the celebration.
Tell a story with your color palette.
There’s a whole science behind color theory and how certain tones influence moods and behavior. Try to look past simple aesthetics and envision the overall feeling you want your guests to experience. Upbeat and funky? Graceful and refined? Bold and moody? Each of these “vibes” may evoke different color palettes in your mind!
“Colors often tell a story, so tap into color combinations that people can understand and help build on creatively,” explains Vijay Goel of Bite Catering Couture. “Perhaps you like fall colors and want to bring in fall elements and flavors. Perhaps your tastes run more goth, and black and red and gothic elements will extend themselves into your themes.”
You can also gather color inspiration from your backgrounds, both as individuals and as a couple. For instance, if you both love vacationing in Hawaii, you could incorporate tropical hues with lush greenery. Or, if you are celebrating a multicultural wedding, you might infuse your wedding with colors that honor both sides of your relationship. There’s much more to a color combination than meets the eye!
Choosing wedding colors that reflect your unique style and shared story can make your big day even more special. Embrace the opportunity to break from tradition and design a palette that feels authentic and meaningful! Ultimately, the best weddings are those that truly celebrate the couple’s love and personalities — no matter what colors they choose.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
- PR: OFD Consulting