15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (2024)

Choosing a color scheme for your wedding is no small task—not only does this planning element help to set the tone for the entire day, but it will also inform many other decoration decisions that you make during the planning process. Alicia Mae of ILE Events notes that so much of the atmosphere of a wedding is impacted by the color scheme. "Colors can change the mood and emotion of an environment; with that in mind, inspiration can come from how you want your guests to feel. For example, warm colors—like shades of nude with cream and burgundy—can have your guest feel the romance when they step into the venue."

Mae goes on to explain that aside from the atmosphere, myriad aspects of the décor will come together when you have a color scheme in place: "When thinking of the items to consider thecolorstory to incorporate do not forget the stationery, flowers, linens, chairs, the venue’s interiors, and the wardrobe of yourself and the wedding party; all of these items should be considered in how [all the wedding elements] complement each other."

According to Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties, what it really comes down to is choosing a color combination that makes you happy. "Choose a scheme that you will always look back on and be happy you chose," she says. If lots of colors are your vibe, explains Lowenthal, don't be afraid to lean into that! On the other hand, for those unsure of what direction to go in, she recommends focusing on neutrals. "If you can’t commit to a color or want to keep it classic, then neutrals are a perfect way to go."

Meet the Expert

Ready for some colorful inspiration? Here, we highlight 12 of the most tried-and-true color schemes that planners turn to year after year.

How to Establish a Cohesive Color Palette for Your Wedding

01of 12

White With Greenery

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (1)

A white or off-white color scheme is the perfect backdrop for lush greenery, as seen here in this white, draped tented space accented by hanging greenery installations and a stunning green-and-white floral table runner.

02of 12

All-White

An all-white wedding is so timeless—there's something both fresh and classic about this monochrome color scheme. Couples can choose to use one or two hues of white, or get creative with varying shades of white and off-white. We love the way these white floral centerpieces create texture alongside the white porcelain and white candles in this reception setup.

03of 12

Subtle Neutrals

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (3)

Neutrals are beautiful, subtle, and very easy to combine into so many elements of your wedding décor. Just look at how stunning these wooden ceremony seats look with mixed hues of off-white, grey, and heather.

04of 12

Pale Pinks

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (4)

When it comes to the best delicate, subtle color schemes that never go out of style, pale pink paired with neutral tones takes the cake. We love the way these lush flowers in varying hues of pale pink look paired with pale grey linens and darker grey accent candles.

05of 12

Jewel Tones

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (5)

Whether you opt for subtle, muted jewel tones or bold hues as seen in this stunning invitation suite, there are so many options to incorporate these gemstone-inspired colors.

06of 12

Black and White

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (6)

Especially if you're having a formal or black-tie wedding, a simple yet elegant black and white wedding is so chic, and will never go out of style. You can choose to emphasize either color—like the way that this couple chose to use delicate black accents against a white table setting.

07of 12

Earth Tones

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (7)

Whether you're having a desert wedding or hoping to bring earth tones indoors for your celebration, this color scheme mixes neutrals and stunning hues found in nature into a cohesive look that will never go out of style (just like Mother Earth).

08of 12

Rich Autumnal Hues

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (8)

If you're planning a fall wedding, looking for rich, autumnal colors—often inspired by ambers, oranges, yellows, and reds reflected in the changing foliage—will always be a winning color scheme that can thread throughout all elements from the bridal party outfits to the flowers and the table settings.

09of 12

Pink and White

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (9)

Is there anything more timeless and romantic than pink and white? Fresh pink flowers and accents throughout the wedding paired with the bride's gown and touches of white is so elegant. It always will be!

10of 12

Navy Blue

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (10)

Simple and stunning is the name of the game with a navy blue wedding scheme—and it's especially fitting for summertime, waterfront, or nautical weddings. We love the way this bride outfitted her wedding party in a bold navy hue that looks so elegant when photographed next to her white dress and bouquet!

11of 12

Sage Green

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (11)

Whether it's accented against other colors or featured as the main hue throughout the wedding, sage green is a beautiful color to use for both indoor and outdoor weddings. We love the way this couple used eucalyptus and sage green place settings as the focal point of the reception table setup.

12of 12

Pale Pink and Green

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (12)

Pale pink with green accents (which can come in the form of greenery, succulents, or cacti!) is a timeless color combo that provides a warm atmosphere with a dose of freshness.

15 Tried and True Wedding Color Schemes, According to Wedding Planners (2024)

FAQs

What is the best color scheme for a wedding? ›

Soft, pastel shades such as blush pink, lavender, and dusty blue lend themselves to a romantic atmosphere. Often associated with love, tenderness, and sweetness, these colors make a perfect choice for romantic weddings.

What is the color of the year for the wedding in 2024? ›

Say hello to Pantone's 2024 Wedding Colour of the Year: Peach Fuzz! Radiating warmth and embracing coziness, Peach Fuzz emerges as a velvety and gentle shade between the delicate realms of pink and orange.

How many colors in a wedding color scheme? ›

When choosing a wedding color palette, aim for a combination of 3-5 colors that coordinate well with each other. Even if you want a “rainbow wedding,” focusing on a few select hues will make decision-making a bit easier.

How many colors is too many for a wedding? ›

A color palette for your wedding should have a range of at least three to five colors. Too many colors reduce focus. Your guests will have a hard time concentrating as their attention is all over the place. However, if you incorporate more than five colors, go for neutrals and pastel shades to give a calming effect.

What color is not appropriate for a wedding? ›

There, in a sea of white and black and blues, my classic red was more than a bit distracting. Traditionally, the only off-limits color for wedding guests has been white, for obvious reasons—no one wants to take attention away from the bride.

What is the most elegant color for a wedding? ›

Especially if you're having a formal or black-tie wedding, a simple yet elegant black and white wedding is so chic, and will never go out of style. You can choose to emphasize either color—like the way that this couple chose to use delicate black accents against a white table setting.

What are the wedding colors for 2025? ›

In 2024-2025, expect to see shades like rich emerald green, deep royal blue, and passionate crimson taking centre stage. These hues can add energy and personality to your wedding decor and floral arrangements. Imagine the impact of a stunning crimson bridal bouquet against a white wedding dress!

What is the new color for 2024? ›

Benjamin Moore's 2024 Color of the Year is Blue Nova, a cool and captivating shade of blue with the prettiest hint of violet. The intriguing color choice stems from the desire to travel both near and far — even outer space! This midtone blue has an almost cosmic quality that carries an adventurous spirit into the home.

What colour is 5 years of marriage? ›

5th Anniversary: Blue, Pink, or Turquoise. 6th Anniversary: Purple, Turquoise, or White. 7th Anniversary: Onyx, Yellow, or Off White. 8th Anniversary: Tourmaline, Tanzanite, or Bronze.

What is the rule for color scheme? ›

The 60–30–10 is a simple rule that will help you create well-balanced color palettes. The idea is that one color (usually, a neutral color) makes up 60 percent of the palette. Another complementary color makes up 30 percent of the palette. A third color, which is used as an accent, takes the remaining 10 percent.

How do you figure out your color scheme? ›

Using the palms of your hands is another great way to help determine your undertone. Holding your hands flat with palms facing up decide if you see blue, red or yellow most predominantly. If you see mostly blue then you are cool or mostly yellow then you are warm.

What is the taboo color for wedding guests? ›

When attending a wedding, it is important to avoid wearing any color that might be too close to white or off-white. The most common shades that should be avoided are: Ivory: A pale-yellowish shade of white. Champagne: A warm beige color with a hint of gold.

What is the number one rule for a wedding? ›

Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly

Brides and grooms put a lot of thought into who makes the guest list cut. If you're one of the chosen few to be invited, make sure you respond promptly.

Who picks the wedding colors? ›

Your wedding colors can be decided on your personal style, wedding venue, or season. Your wedding colors can be incorporated in a variety of ways such as your wedding party's attire, flowers, paper goods, and linens.

What is the most appropriate color to wear to a wedding? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

How do you color coordinate a wedding? ›

Here's a solid rule of thumb: Choose one or two colors as main hues, then select one or two secondary colors (one of these should be neutral, which will help blend those focal point colors seamlessly) for support.

What are the royal colors for weddings? ›

Choose royal colors

The first is to create an air of opulence with a strong theme that exudes exclusive luxury. So we're talking scarlet, crimson, burgundy, maroon, royal purple, jewel tones, and shimmering gold.

What colour should I choose for my wedding? ›

Set the mood.

Basic tones like navy blue, black, ivory and metallic silver or gold will look lovely. Think about the style and atmosphere you want your wedding reception to have, whether it's relaxed, glamorous or something in between, and choose colors that put you in that mindset.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 6284

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.