Set the tone for your wedding with a beautiful and meaningful color scheme
At Auburn + Ivory, we are lovers of color! Choosing the right wedding color palette can set the tone for your entire event, and incorporating a smart use of color in various design elements of your wedding can create a cohesive and visually appealing experience for guests. While having a background in art gives us an advantage when it comes to designing a wedding color palette, there are a few simple guidelines you can use if you’re developing one on your own.
Tip #1: Consider Your Venue
When choosing your wedding color palette, look to your venue for inspiration. Take note of the walls, floors, and decor to help guide you in your selection. If your venue has a neutral color scheme, then consider adding pops of color to add dimension and interest, or imagine a minimalist affair with a more tonal palette.
Adding rich and vibrant colors in Toledo’s Glass Pavilion helps ground the space and prevents it from flattening in photos. Conversely, using a palette that parallels your venue seamlessly blends your wedding into the space with a matching color palette. Seen here, with a soft green and white palette done for the garden at Oak Grove. Photos by Jenna Greenewalt (above) and Kismet Visuals (below)
Tip #2: Draw Inspiration from Nature
Nature provides endless inspiration for color palettes and can be especially helpful when planning for your wedding. Consider incorporating the colors of the season or elements from your surroundings to create a cohesive and elegant look. For example, if you’re getting married in a garden, play your color palette off the colors that will be present in that garden at the time of your wedding. Additionally, your florist can guide you with what flowers are readily available at the time of year of your wedding. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain, though. A wedding in autumn doesn’t mean you have to stick to browns, golds, and crimson. Its refreshing to see soft pastels that compliment the richer tones already present in nature! Thinking outside the box can be helpful in keeping your wedding color palette unique and unexpected!
For this editorial we chose to include colors based on spring itself: pinks, yellows, and here in Ohio- brown!
Photos by Simmons Photography
Tip #3: Choose Colors that Reflect Your Style
Your wedding day should reflect your unique style and personality. While we don’t suggest using the colors of your favorite sports team, it is important that your palette resonate with both your and your partner. Consider colors that complement your personal taste, whether it’s bold and vibrant or soft and romantic. Think of movies, artworks or even outfits you love and draw inspiration there. If you’ve always loved a particular Mark Rothko painting, or the wedding scene from “Emma” for example, those can be a good places to start. Even the current reemergence of having your colors done can be helpful here. Considering your skin tone and hair color isn’t a bad idea, either. Think of including colors that will make your complexion look stunning on your wedding day!
Emily wanted to include sunflowers in homage to her late mothers favorite flower, so we worked with Old Slate Farm to build a color palette around its many different varieties. We then softened those colors with shades of cornflower blue and green. The perfect palette for wedding in the last days of summer. Photos by Addison Jones
Tip #5 Set the Right Mood
It’s important to keep in mind that color can evoke certain moods and emotions. When designing your wedding color palette, consider how you want your guests to feel and the mood you want to create. A color scheme that is bright and vibrant can energize the atmosphere, while a scheme that is soft and muted evokes elegance and romance. Finding the right balance can create the perfect ambiance for your special day.
Tip #4: Keep it Simple
When it comes to timeless wedding color palettes, less is often more. Stick to a few main colors and add an accent or two for a polished and cohesive look. Consider using monochromatic shades or complementary colors that work well together.
Tip #6: Get Inspired by Your Vendors
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your professional resources help you choose the perfect color palette for your wedding. Your chosen vendors can offer guidance and inspiration to help you create a sophisticated and elegant look that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.