How to Pick Your Wedding Colors

Your selected hues will influence the major design elements of the big day, after all.

Here are multitude of ways to help you find the hues that will always make you think of your special day.

By Emily Lasnier

groom-in-navy-tux-with-black-lapel-leather-bow-tie-and-boutonniere-with-colorful-flowers
Photo: Lucas Rossi

After “when’s the date?” the most common question you’ll likely hear after getting engaged is “what are your wedding colors?” Now of course, some brides have had swatches picked out since they were young children, but whether you’ve never thought about colors or your future spouse does not agree with the choices laid out in your middle school scrapbook, you may be one of many who feel stuck when it comes to selecting a color palette for your celebration.

Once you find the perfect venue, you may feel like wedding planning is at a standstill until you decide on shades to use for your décor. If your vow exchange is in a house of worship, you may even feel like you need to have two separate designs if the ceremony space has a bold aesthetic that isn’t to your taste.

how to pick your wedding colors, decide on a color palette for your wedding

Photo by Tec Petaja; Floral Design by Amaryllis Inc.; Wedding Planning & Design by SoCo Events

Below are multitude of ways to help you find the hues that will always make you think of your special day:

- First, you’ll want to decide how much your colors will come into play. Will they mainly be for the flowers and bridesmaid dresses, or all over – such as in the linens and rentals? 

- Talk to your sweetheart about what you each want the atmosphere to feel like, and use that as a starting point. Examples: red for romance, yellow for joy, blue for serenity.

- Look to the location of your venue. A beach wedding may take inspiration from the ocean, while nuptials hosted at a garden or vineyard may use the flowers or grapes as a guide.

- Work around what you care about most, such as a favorite blossom or an heirloom you want to display.

- If you’re stumped, look to the season of your wedding date. You don’t have to follow the season’s general palette, but it can be a helpful starting point for those without a clear vision. Seeing what blooms will be in season may also be useful in making the decision.

- When in doubt, think of your favorite shade – or one you and your beloved both like – and then turn to the color wheel to see what hues are complementary (opposite) or analogous (next to). 

- If you’re still stuck, all white is classic for a reason!

Get more ideas for color schemes by seeing the best hues for spring and dark, moody palettes. 

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