Choosing your wedding colour theme is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day!
Your colour palette sets the tone, creates the mood, and brings everything together – from your flowers and bridal party outfits to your wedding signage, table settings, and décor. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options, don’t worry – here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you pick the perfect wedding colours that feel just right for you.
Start with Your Venue and Season
A great place to start is with your venue. The setting you choose will naturally lend itself to certain colours, and working with the space instead of against it will make everything feel cohesive. A vineyard in autumn, for example, pairs beautifully with deep reds, oranges, and golds, while a beach wedding in summer suits soft pastels, crisp whites, or ocean blues.
Think about the season too:
- Winter – Rich jewel tones like emerald, navy, deep red, and classic black & white
- Spring – Fresh greens, soft pinks, light blues, and lavenders
- Summer – Bright corals, soft pastels, warm neutrals
- Autumn – Earthy tones, burnt orange, burgundy, deep greens
Find Inspiration in Your Personal Style
Your wedding should feel like you, so look at the colours you naturally love and are drawn to in your wardrobe and home décor. Do you lean towards neutrals, earthy tones, or bold pops of colour? If you love wearing soft blues and greys, a cool-toned wedding colour palette might be perfect for you. If you’re all about bright and fun, why not add splashes of mustard yellow, coral, or teal?
Use a Colour Wheel for Balance
If you’re struggling to figure out which colours go well together, a colour wheel can help:
- Complementary colours (opposite each other on the wheel) create contrast, like navy blue and gold.
- Analogous colours (next to each other) create a harmonious and seamless look, like peach, coral, and blush.
- Monochromatic (different shades of one colour) is elegant and timeless, like varying tones of pink.
A general rule of thumb is to have one or two main colours and then complement them with neutrals or metallics.
Think About the Mood and Atmosphere
Colours set the mood for your wedding day, so think about the vibe you want to create:
- Timeless & elegant – Black & white, soft greys, or muted pastels
- Romantic & soft – Blush pinks, dusty blues, champagne, and ivory
- Bold & dramatic – Deep reds, emerald green, navy, and gold
- Bright & fun – Mustard yellow, coral, mint green, and peach
Consider Your Wedding Signage & Décor
Once you’ve picked your wedding colour theme, think about how they’ll be used in your wedding signage and décor. A well-thought-out colour scheme brings everything together beautifully.
Here are some key places where your wedding colours will shine:
- Welcome Sign – Your guests’ first impression! Make it pop with your chosen hues.
- Seating Chart – A stylish way to tie in your colours while helping guests find their seats.
- Place Settings & Menus – Small details, like coloured napkins or name cards, can add a personal touch.
- Florals & Table Décor – From centrepieces to bouquets, your flowers can enhance your colour scheme.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix It Up
Gone are the days of strict two-colour weddings – mix textures, patterns, and different shades to create depth and interest. If you love bright colours but don’t want them to overpower, use them in smaller accents like your flowers, signage, or accessories.
Trust Your Instincts and Have Fun!
At the end of the day, your wedding colour theme should make you happy and excited. Don’t stress about following trends or rules too much – if you love a certain combination, go for it! Your wedding is about celebrating your love, and the colours you choose should reflect that.
Happy wedding planning, and enjoy creating a colour scheme that’s uniquely you!
