Choosing your wedding colors | With this Ring...
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by Jennifer Prince
Let's Talk Color
It's definitely safe to say that whether we realize it or not, color has a big role in our lives - and I'm glad! After all, playing with hues is fun - especially when you are planning your wedding.
Before I get into the nitty gritty of talking about color, I want to stress one thing. This is YOUR wedding! I want to give you suggestions and guide you along the way, but the one thing I love about today's bride is that she gets to use her creativity and stay true to herself. I've seen soft, lovely monochromatic weddings, yet there are also stunning events that use a whole rainbow's worth of colors. So, keep in mind that this is your special day.
photo by Visions by Heather
Ok, let's chat about the "lovely" and other things to consider when you are choosing a color palette for your day.
Think about the season
Some hues lend themselves to a season more easily than others. When I think of fall, browns, burnt orange, yellows and rusty reds come to mine, yet that is contrasted with spring, where soft pastels are more useful. The season - and flowers that may be in season at the time of your wedding - play a big part in your color scheme.
photo by Liz Cook Photography
Assess your location
When you are getting married outdoors, pretty much any color can come into play - yet move things inside, and you truly need to assess your location. If your ballroom is dark or small, you may want to consider a lighter, brighter color palette to make the room seem larger and more spacious - especially when it comes to reception linens.
Determine the personality of your event.
Looking for a regal, upscale feel? Choose jewel tones, metallics or a monochromatic palette. Want a vintage vibe? Pastels and lighter colors - even Pantone's colors for 2016 of Rose Quartz and Serenity - will evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Be thoughtful
Afraid of color? Use bold colors selectively. If you love magenta yet are afraid to utilize it full force, then use it as an accent - the writing on your invitations, the boutonnieres, floral ribbons and the like may be where you want to utilize those fun pops. If your bridesmaids are bold, have them wear a bright hue, which will look stunning!
Photo by Alina Thomas Photography
Placement is key
Your colors evoke a feeling, yet so does how you utilize them. If you are bold enough to go for orange, there is a big difference between having your bridesmaids decked out in the hue and having it in your bouquet vs. utilizing it for the main table linen color and uplighting. You can do it all, but careful color placement has a higher impact than overuse.
Trends? What trends?
Don't be afraid to buck the trends. There I said it! If I'm seeing a ton of a certain color wedding palette on Pinterest, my personal tendency would be to stay away. You shouldn't feel pressured to utilize certain colors just because they happen to be en vogue at the time - again, this goes back to being true to yourself. If the hot hue is blush, then by all means don't be afraid to deck your groomsmen out in red. We all love a great surprise.
Photo by Zachary Taylor Photography
Color Wheel
We all took art, but you don't have to be an expert! A friendly glance at the color wheel can also help to blend colors. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of complementary colors, which are opposite on the wheel. Supposedly they go together well, but I'm not sure I'd want to have a bright purple and yellow wedding, yet softening the colors to a more pastel hue would work nicely.
Expect the Unexpected
Look in unexpected places for inspiration. When you are undecided, finding cues in your everyday may be the best thing. Does the floral pattern on your yearly planner bring you joy? Take note of the hues on the cover - maybe they could be translated into a wedding scheme. Going for a walk may even help. A budding flower garden may inspire you to combine colors that you didn't even dream of! Perusing a local art gallery will provide ideas, too. Look at what pieces speak to you and draw inspiration from the artist's color choices.
Neutral for the win!
When in doubt go neutral or monochromatic. If you truly are unsure of yourself, going with a neutral, natural palette won't steer you wrong. Neutrals include whites, browns, grays and greens. Yes, green is a neutral - after all have you ever seen a flower that didn't match it's stem? I dare say that blue - powder, denim, navy - is also a neutral. Think about the sky and your favorite pair of jeans. It's hard to find something that doesn't complement blue! Play around with different neutrals. If that doesn't work, a monochromatic palette of your favorite color is also a lovely choice.
Photo by Debbie Ringle Photography
No matter your choice, your event will be a day to remember, and in the end you get to marry the love of your life. I'd be tickled pink over that... ha! Happy wedding planning!
Jennifer Prince blogs at Hill City Bride, a Virginia based wedding inspiration site. In addition she publishes a magazine - The Clutch Guide - and enjoys time with her husband, three children and kitties. Keep up with her at www.jennlynnprin.com.
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