Weddings are all about color right now. And I love it! It’s everywhere and it’s so much more than just the accent, that color was years ago. When choosing your color palette be sure to consider location and the season. Be aware of things that you can and can’t decorate inside your reception space. The third big factor is the mood your trying to create. A soft and romantic garden party (think gold, pink and peach),  a glamorous and regal affair (aubergine, deep raspberry, and copper), or vibrant night club scene (navy, teal and turquoise).

Start collecting clippings of color combinations you like. Pull pages from magazines, look at vintage post cards and posters for palettes as well. Martha Stewart Wedding recommends hitting the good old color wheel for inspiration as well. You know, the same one from middle school art class. They offers these helpful tips when look at the color wheel: 1. Neighboring colors, such as orange, peach, and yellow, mix without clashing. 2 .Reds and greens are opposite colors, and like most opposites, at their brightest, they look more bold than beautiful together. When both shades are muted — to mauve and citrus green, for example — the effect is subtle and sophisticated. 3. Use the entire range of a single color, from pale to dark, and pair it with a neutral for a rich palette. 4. White is the traditional wedding color. Adding one color lends a dramatic spark.This should help narrow down some choices. I have worked with a few brides who went to their local hard ware store and pull paint chips. Which I think is a fabulous idea, and helpful when describing your colors to all your vendors.

I also found this great tid bit on the knot about not going overboard with color:  That overdoing it with a matchy-match look is entirely possible. (You don’t want your guests thinking, Um, yeah, lavender…we get it.) Begin with the five essential wedding elements (attire, invitations, flowers, cake, and favors) and see where you can — or should — add more color. Then consider details, such as napkins, candles, signature drinks, your ring pillow, or your guest book, made from the same fabric and in the same color as the bridesmaid dresses.

What are your wedding colors, and how are you using them?

Jillian