How to Pick Wedding Colors Like a Pro

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. 

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! 

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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

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

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.