By Steven Inge | Feb 20, 2022

How to Choose Wedding Colors

Choosing your wedding colors may seem low on the priority list but it can be the central driving factor for the rest of your decisions.

How to Choose Wedding Colors

Planning a wedding can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are so many decisions to make, and so many options to choose from! We’d advise you pick your color scheme first though, and you might agree that the planning process gets a whole lot easier. If you've already booked a wedding photographer, they can be a source of advice as well.

If you’re getting married soon and you’re not sure where to start, why not begin by choosing a color scheme with a meaning that resonates with you as a couple. Take a look at some of the most popular wedding colors and learn all about the special meaning behind these picture-perfect palettes.

Popular Wedding Colors and What They Mean

The most popular color combinations tend to have real meaning, and that’s why they work so well at weddings. Whether you’re drawn to a glitzy golden style, or you’d like to keep things simple with a white or ivory color scheme, the symbolism of your color choices will no doubt have some meaning to you. These sought-after color schemes are as meaningful as they are eye-catching.

Gold: A gold color scheme is often chosen to symbolize wealth and success. Who doesn't want to channel such positive energy on the most important day of their life?

White: For a pared back look that’s as pretty as it is understated, opt for a white color scheme. This choice symbolizes purity and innocence. It works brilliantly at both relaxed and more formal celebrations.

Dark Blue: A rich, dark blue will set your wedding apart. Choose this bold color scheme for integrity and stability, two vitally important qualities in any successful marriage.

Pink: Weddings are of course romantic occasions, but if you’d like to make your wedding day all about the love that brought you together, there’s one color that’s sure to do it. Choose a pink color scheme for a look that’s beautifully romantic and always timeless.

What to Consider When Choosing Wedding Colors

There are a few things you might want to bear in mind as you consider your color scheme. Other important choices, like venues, wedding seasons and styles can really affect how well a color palette works on the day.

If you’ve already chosen your venue, or you know what time of year you’d like to get married, then it might be worth choosing a color scheme with these in mind. Here’s what you need to think about before you make a decision.

Season

Certain color palettes go hand in hand with certain seasons. Christmas weddings will often have a red or gold color scheme, while fall celebrations tend to be complemented by a neutral palette. If you have a special season in mind, think about this while you choose your colors.

Venue

Your venue will be the backdrop of your special day, so it’s an important part of your wedding colors. If you’ve chosen your dream venue already, think about how your preferred colors will look set against the exterior and interior of the building. Outdoor weddings lend themselves to pastel palettes, while traditional indoor venues often work better with bolder color schemes.

Style

If you’ve already been hard at work on your moodboard for the big day, you might have a good idea of how you’d like your wedding to be styled. Think about the shades of your favorite inspiration snaps, and see how color has been used to bring each of these looks together.

How to Use Wedding Colors

Wedding colors can be incorporated into so many different aspects of your big day. Once you’ve picked your preferred shades, you’ll have full reign to use them in as many different ways as you wish, from your flowers and linen to your stationery and even your wedding cake. Remember, it’s your day, so be bold and creative as you dare!

Flowers

When it comes time to choose your flowers, speak to your florist about both your preferred blooms and the color scheme you’re going for. Your florist will be able to advise you on the best seasonal options for your special day, bearing in mind your chosen color combinations.

Stationery

Wedding stationery gives guests a sneak peek of the big day to come, so it’s the perfect place to offer a first glimpse of your color scheme. Create save the date cards and invitations using your chosen palette to show guests what’s in store.

Linen

Linen is often overlooked in the planning stages, but it makes a real impact at wedding breakfasts and receptions alike. Keep things neutral with understated linen, or opt for colored linen that complements your chosen palette.

Cake

Whether you’re planning a fabulous multi-tier mountain of a cake, or you’re keeping things simple with home baked treats, you’ll be able to incorporate your color palette here too. Design a cake adorned in little nods to your chosen color scheme, or go all out with a brightly colored cake that’ll definitely get noticed.