How To Choose a Wedding Colour Scheme
Author: Jamie Quinn
- By Jamie Quinn
Choosing your wedding colour scheme is one of the first steps in your wedding planning journey, and trust me, it’s a big one! The colours you pick will set the tone for everything, from your invitations to the flowers, the table settings, and even your bridesmaids’ dresses. You might think it’s as simple as picking a few colours you like, but there’s a bit more to it. This process is all about creating a vibe, a mood that reflects your personality and the kind of celebration you want. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Let’s break it down together so you can enjoy this fun part of planning your big day.
What is a Wedding Colour Scheme, Anyway?
You might be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to a wedding colour palette. Simply put, it’s a selection of colours that you use throughout your wedding day to create a cohesive look. Think of it as your theme’s best friend—your colours will tie everything together, from the wedding stationery to the floral arrangements, table linens, and even little details like your signature cocktails or wedding favours. But before you start stressing about matching every single thing perfectly, take a deep breath. Your colour scheme should be more of a guide than a strict rule. Imagine the kind of atmosphere you want to create: do you picture a soft, romantic setting with pastels or maybe a bold, dramatic scene with deep jewel tones? Focusing on a colour family rather than just two or three exact shades will help keep things feeling layered and natural.
Let the Season and Venue Guide You
One of the first things to think about when choosing your colours is the season. Picture this: it’s a bright summer day, and you’re surrounded by citrusy yellows and oranges that feel fresh and lively. Now imagine a cosy winter wedding with deep burgundies and rich emeralds. Each season has its own natural colour palette that can enhance the feel of your wedding. It’s not a strict rule, but aligning your colours with the time of year can make your day feel more connected to its surroundings.
And then there’s your venue. Your wedding location will play a big role in your colour decisions. If you’ve chosen a venue with a lot of character, like a historic mansion with ornate wallpaper or a modern art gallery with minimalist décor, think about colours that will complement the setting rather than clash with it. On the other hand, if your venue is more of a blank canvas, like a refurbished warehouse or a tented outdoor space, you’ve got more flexibility to bring in whatever colours you love.
Set the Mood With Your Colour Scheme
The colours you choose will have a big impact on the overall mood of your wedding. Want a celebration that’s full of energy and fun? Bright, eye-catching colours like hot pink, turquoise, or sunny yellow might be your go-to. If you’re aiming for something a little more timeless and elegant, classic tones like ivory, navy, or gold will create that sophisticated vibe. Think about how you want your guests to feel when they walk into your reception—do you want it to feel laid-back and relaxed, or more like a glamorous black-tie affair? Your colour palette will help set the stage for that experience.
Look Around You For Inspiration
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the colours you’re already drawn to in your everyday life. What colours do you wear most often? What shades fill your home? These are the colours that naturally make you feel happy and comfortable, and they can be a great starting point for your wedding palette. Plus, using colours you already love means you’re more likely to enjoy looking back at your wedding photos years down the road. And don’t be afraid to dive into some visual research! Create a Pinterest board or a mood board filled with images that inspire you, whether they’re wedding-related or not. After a while, you’ll start to see patterns in the colours and styles you’re drawn to.
Play with Colour Theory
Here’s a little tip: colour theory can be your best friend when it comes to choosing a palette. Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, known as complementary colours, tend to look great together and create a nice balance. For example, pairing a rich blue with a soft peach can be stunning. Or you might want to try analogous colour schemes, which use colours next to each other on the colour wheel, like different shades of blue and green. It’s a simple way to make sure your colours look cohesive and pleasing to the eye.
Don’t Stress About Perfection
Finally, remember that your wedding day is all about celebrating love and joy, not about achieving perfection in every detail. It’s easy to get caught up in making everything match perfectly, but the most important thing is that you and your guests have a wonderful time. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned or you decide to mix things up at the last minute, that’s okay! Your wedding is a reflection of who you are as a couple, and those little quirks and surprises are what will make it truly unique and memorable.
And remember, this is your day—enjoy every moment of it!
Photo 1: Kate Baron Photography @katebaronphotography
Photo 2: Acorn Studio @acornstudionz
Photo 3 & 4: Life Like Film @lifelikefilmweddings
Choosing your wedding colour scheme is one of the first steps in your wedding planning journey, and trust me, it’s a big one! The colours you pick will set the tone for everything, from your invitations to the flowers, the table settings, and even your bridesmaids’ dresses. You might think it’s as simple as picking a few colours you like, but there’s a bit more to it. This process is all about creating a vibe, a mood that reflects your personality and the kind of celebration you want. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Let’s break it down together so you can enjoy this fun part of planning your big day.
What is a Wedding Colour Scheme, Anyway?
You might be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to a wedding colour palette. Simply put, it’s a selection of colours that you use throughout your wedding day to create a cohesive look. Think of it as your theme’s best friend—your colours will tie everything together, from the wedding stationery to the floral arrangements, table linens, and even little details like your signature cocktails or wedding favours. But before you start stressing about matching every single thing perfectly, take a deep breath. Your colour scheme should be more of a guide than a strict rule. Imagine the kind of atmosphere you want to create: do you picture a soft, romantic setting with pastels or maybe a bold, dramatic scene with deep jewel tones? Focusing on a colour family rather than just two or three exact shades will help keep things feeling layered and natural.
Let the Season and Venue Guide You
One of the first things to think about when choosing your colours is the season. Picture this: it’s a bright summer day, and you’re surrounded by citrusy yellows and oranges that feel fresh and lively. Now imagine a cosy winter wedding with deep burgundies and rich emeralds. Each season has its own natural colour palette that can enhance the feel of your wedding. It’s not a strict rule, but aligning your colours with the time of year can make your day feel more connected to its surroundings.
And then there’s your venue. Your wedding location will play a big role in your colour decisions. If you’ve chosen a venue with a lot of character, like a historic mansion with ornate wallpaper or a modern art gallery with minimalist décor, think about colours that will complement the setting rather than clash with it. On the other hand, if your venue is more of a blank canvas, like a refurbished warehouse or a tented outdoor space, you’ve got more flexibility to bring in whatever colours you love.
Set the Mood With Your Colour Scheme
The colours you choose will have a big impact on the overall mood of your wedding. Want a celebration that’s full of energy and fun? Bright, eye-catching colours like hot pink, turquoise, or sunny yellow might be your go-to. If you’re aiming for something a little more timeless and elegant, classic tones like ivory, navy, or gold will create that sophisticated vibe. Think about how you want your guests to feel when they walk into your reception—do you want it to feel laid-back and relaxed, or more like a glamorous black-tie affair? Your colour palette will help set the stage for that experience.
Look Around You For Inspiration
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the colours you’re already drawn to in your everyday life. What colours do you wear most often? What shades fill your home? These are the colours that naturally make you feel happy and comfortable, and they can be a great starting point for your wedding palette. Plus, using colours you already love means you’re more likely to enjoy looking back at your wedding photos years down the road. And don’t be afraid to dive into some visual research! Create a Pinterest board or a mood board filled with images that inspire you, whether they’re wedding-related or not. After a while, you’ll start to see patterns in the colours and styles you’re drawn to.
Play with Colour Theory
Here’s a little tip: colour theory can be your best friend when it comes to choosing a palette. Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, known as complementary colours, tend to look great together and create a nice balance. For example, pairing a rich blue with a soft peach can be stunning. Or you might want to try analogous colour schemes, which use colours next to each other on the colour wheel, like different shades of blue and green. It’s a simple way to make sure your colours look cohesive and pleasing to the eye.
Don’t Stress About Perfection
Finally, remember that your wedding day is all about celebrating love and joy, not about achieving perfection in every detail. It’s easy to get caught up in making everything match perfectly, but the most important thing is that you and your guests have a wonderful time. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned or you decide to mix things up at the last minute, that’s okay! Your wedding is a reflection of who you are as a couple, and those little quirks and surprises are what will make it truly unique and memorable.
And remember, this is your day—enjoy every moment of it!
Photo 1: Kate Baron Photography @katebaronphotography
Photo 2: Acorn Studio @acornstudionz
Photo 3 & 4: Life Like Film @lifelikefilmweddings
