Choosing your Wedding Colour Palette

There is such a wide variety of colour combinations for your wedding. From cool blues to romantic dusty rose to warm terracotta, each colour palette offers a beautiful opportunity to enhance your wedding day and express your sense of style to create the perfect vibe for you and your guests.

With so many options, settling on just one colour palette can be a hard decision! I’m here to keep things simple. To help you along your wedding journey, here’s a guide to choosing the perfect colour palette for your wedding day.

Choosing your wedding colour palette:

1. Consider the Colour Theory wheel
When choosing wedding colour schemes, there are no strict rules, but it can be helpful to keep some basic design principles in mind. If you don’t already have one, consider using a colour wheel as a tool to help with your wedding planning.

The colour wheel can help you explore classic colour combinations. Colours that are opposite each other on the wheel are known as “complementary,” such as yellow and violet. Colours that are next to each other on the wheel are called “analogous,” like blue, blue-green, and blue-violet. If you choose three colours that are equally spaced on the wheel, these are known as “triads,” for example, red, blue, and yellow. Additionally, you can create monochromatic colour schemes using different shades and tints of the same colour.

Each colour scheme sets a unified foundation for almost any range of colours. You can incorporate neutral colours like white or tan to add elegance to your palette.
Start by selecting a primary colour, such as red, blue, or yellow, and then experiment with different combinations until you find one that resonates with you.

2. Think seasonal
In addition to your venue, the season will influence the overall feeling at your wedding. Using seasonal colours is an excellent way to elevate your wedding decor, especially if your venue is outdoors. 

Soft pink is beautiful for spring, and cool blue tones can provide refreshing atmosphere for summer. Warm reds, yellows, and oranges can set the mood in an autumn wedding, or rich burgundy could set the tone for a winter wedding.

If your venue’s existing decor is mostly neutral, such as a rustic barn or an open field, you have more flexibility in choosing your colour palette. If possible, keep pictures of your venue handy so that you can easily compare colours. Many colours look beautiful no matter the season, like classic white, and neutral tones that are sophisicated and timeless. 

3. Complement your venue
When planning your wedding, the venue you choose sets the tone and theme for the day. The decorations you select can transform an ordinary space into something truly special for your important moments.

If you have already chosen your venue, consider picking colours that enhance its existing features and architecture. Soft pastels can bring a romantic feel to a garden wedding, while white and beige can brighten up a cozy chapel, and cool blue tones can create a serene atmosphere for a seaside wedding.

4. Consider the mood you’d like to create
Colours have the power to convey intricate psychological messages and influence mood, making them a crucial element in setting the overall tone for your special occasion. When selecting your colour palette, it’s important to consider the specific mood and ambience you wish to establish at your ceremony.

For instance, earthy terracotta and brown tones have the ability to evoke feelings of warmth and familiarity, while rich burgundy tones can stir up emotions of passion and mystery. Pinks, dusty rose and mauve can infuse the atmosphere with a sense of sweetness and romance. Each colour choice can contribute to the overall emotional experience of your event.

It’s important to remember that the colours you choose can influence the atmosphere at your event. Consider where you want to draw your guests’ attention. Bold colours tend to stand out more than softer, muted colours, so it’s a good idea to reserve the most attention-grabbing colours for focal points such as your bridal bouquet or the wedding arch during the ceremony.

5. Trend inspirations
Looking to get inspired? Check out current wedding trends on Pinterest or ask Google what colour trends are likely to be for the year you will get married. Gather inspiration from other weddings and incorporate your favourite elements into your own wedding colour palette. Like a bridal bouquet with white focal point flowers or the flowing pink fabrics on a wedding arch? Put your own spin on these ideas at your wedding!

While it’s beneficial to draw inspiration from others, it’s essential not to feel compelled to simply follow the crowd. It’s important to stay true to your own sense of design. Observing what other couples use for their weddings could help you generate unique ideas to distinguish your decor. Who knows, sharing your personal style might inspire new trends and future brides! I can’t wait to see what beautiful colour palette you’ll choose so that it can be incorporated into your wedding stationery!

wedding colour palette

Happy planning!

xx Sam