How to Pick Wedding Colors Like a Pro

By Jaime Buerger

April 13, 2016

Picking your colors is one of the first—and most fun—steps you'll take when planning your wedding. Here are our best tips for getting started.

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Corbin Gurkin

Establishing a color scheme is among the most important big-day decisions. And doing so early—as soon as you’ve settled on a venue—makes choosing all your other details, from invites to flowers, easy. The quickest path to finding your wedding colors? Balance your favorite shades (think about the ones that decorate your home and populate your wardrobe) with those that complement the location and season. Follow these suggestions for dreaming up a combo that delights—and speaks to your style as a couple.

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Get Started

Sara & Rocky Photography

The first question to ask yourself is, do you have any colors in mind? If so, take swatches of your hues to the venue to make sure they jibe with its décor. If they do, you're on your way!

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Consider the Location and Season

Corbin Gurkin

If you don't have colors in mind, no big deal! Just look to your venue and play up the colors that are already there (this will save you from having to test the palette on-site later). Alternatively, you might take a cue from Mother Nature and select shades that fit the season, like fiery oranges in fall or sunny yellow in summer.

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Or, Go With Your Favorite Color

Johnny Miller

There's always the option of sticking to what you love. Say yours is pink, your fiancé agrees and it works in your venue. You can use it a few different ways.

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Play Up a Spectrum

NGOC MINH NGO

The simplest way to go chic? Go for an ombré effect—in this case, showcasing pink from the lightest pastel to the darkest magenta.

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Consider the Classics

Con Poulos

Get Neutral and White Wedding Color Palette Ideas

Add white or another neutral, which will go with everything. White lends a classic look to any color, while a neutral like beige brings sophistication.

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Go Glam

Trevor Dixon

Go full-on glam by pairing your hue with a metallic. Gold, copper, or silver accents set the scene for a formal, festive affair.

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Give it a Modern Edge

Philip Ficks

Bring in an unexpected color pairing. With pink, for example, you could go bright, teaming up fuchsia with indigo.

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Fill Out the Palette With Accent Colors

Ditte Isager

Complete your palette with one or two accent colors. Make a suble scheme, such as ballet pink and taupe, pop by adding ebony details (like neutrals—black complements any color). Or, if you're drawn to dreamy pastels, pair your pinks with soft oranges and yellows.

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