Choosing a wedding colour palette is one of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) parts of wedding planning. Colours set the mood, tie all your décor elements together, and reflect your unique style as a couple. Whether you're drawn to soft neutrals, vibrant hues, or something in between, finding the perfect colours for your big day can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—I'm here to break down the process and make it simple, fun, and inspiring.
Here are a few easy steps to help you create a colour palette that captures the essence of your wedding vision.
1. Find Inspiration in Your Surroundings
One of the easiest ways to start is by looking around at the things that naturally inspire you. Is there a particular season that speaks to you? A favourite landscape, like a beach or forest? Perhaps you’re drawn to the lush colours of spring blooms, the warm tones of autumn, or the icy hues of winter.
Your wedding location can also be a huge source of inspiration. For example, if you're having a destination wedding on the coast, you might want to incorporate shades of blue, sandy beige, and white to reflect the natural surroundings. Or if you’re tying the knot in a rustic barn, you might be inspired by earthy tones, deep greens, and warm, cosy hues.
Pro Tip: Create a Pinterest board with images that evoke the vibe you want for your wedding. This could be anything from pictures of natural landscapes, to home interiors, to fashion. This visual collage can be the first building block of your colour palette!
2. Consider the Season of Your Wedding
Seasonality plays a big role in colour choices, not just because of the weather, but also because each season has its own natural palette. You don’t have to choose colours that “match” the season, but it can certainly enhance the overall atmosphere and make everything feel cohesive.
- Spring: Soft pastels like blush, lavender, and mint green.
- Summer: Bold colours like coral, sunny yellow, and vibrant turquoise.
- Autumn: Rich tones like burnt orange, burgundy, and deep greens.
- Winter: Cool shades like navy, emerald, and metallic (like silver and gold) for a touch of elegance.
Each season offers beautiful options, so pick the one that resonates most with you and your partner.
3. Start with One Core Colour
Once you have a general idea of the colours that appeal to you, start by selecting one “core” colour that you absolutely love. This will be the anchor of your palette, and other colours will build off of it. Your core colour might show up in your bridesmaids' dresses, your floral arrangements, or even your table settings.
When you have that core colour chosen, you can then add complementary or accent colours to round out the palette. For instance, if you’re starting with a romantic blush pink as your core colour, you might add a neutral tone like ivory, and maybe a soft sage green to create a balanced, dreamy palette.
Helpful Tip: Some colours are naturally complementary, like navy and blush, or sage green and peach. Experiment with different combinations until you find a mix that feels just right!
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Neutrals
Neutrals are often overlooked, but they can play a huge role in grounding your colour palette. Adding whites, ivories, greys, or even shades of tan can keep your colours from feeling too intense or overwhelming. Neutrals help add sophistication and balance, allowing your core and accent colours to pop without competing.
If you’re using bold or deep colours, pairing them with a neutral backdrop can create a refined look. Think of classic combinations like navy and white, or blush with ivory accents—these combos feel timeless and elegant.
5. Consider the Mood You Want to Set
Colours can evoke certain emotions and moods. Warm colours like reds, oranges, and yellows tend to feel lively and joyful, while cooler colours like blues and greens evoke calmness and tranquillity. Similarly, soft pastel shades tend to create a romantic and dreamy vibe, whereas bold, saturated hues can add drama and energy.
Think about how you want your guests to feel as they step into your venue. A soft, muted palette could set a calm, elegant tone, while vibrant colours could create a fun, lively atmosphere. Choose colours that reflect not only your personalities but also the mood you want to create on this special day.
6. Add Metallic or Texture for Depth
Adding a touch of metallic, like gold, silver, or copper, can add dimension and sophistication to your palette. These metallic accents work well as a subtle complement, especially if you’re going for a modern or glam look. You might incorporate metallic in your table settings, invitations, or even in small décor details.
Another way to add depth is through texture. Think velvet tablecloths, linen napkins, or hand-dyed silk ribbons. Even your wedding stationery can incorporate texture—try a wax seal (we offer customizable wax seals that match your palette!) or consider a touch of vellum for a dreamy, layered look.
Check This Out: Want to elevate your invitations with a touch of texture? Explore our wax seals that add that perfect bit of charm to your wedding suite!
7. Test and Tweak Before Making Final Decisions
It’s a good idea to test your colour palette in a practical way before committing to it. You might gather colour swatches from a fabric store, create a small vision board, or ask your florist to put together a sample bouquet in your chosen colours. Seeing how your colours look together in real life can help you make adjustments if something doesn’t feel quite right.
This step is especially helpful for stationery, too. If you’re working with a custom designer, share your colour palette and vision with them. They can recommend ways to incorporate those colours into your invitations, RSVP cards, and other paper goods for a beautifully cohesive look.
Bespoke Services: Looking to customize your invitations to match your exact palette? Our bespoke design services can help make your colour vision come to life in the most stunning way.
8. Stay True to Yourselves
At the end of the day, your wedding colours should be a reflection of you and your partner. Trends come and go, but choosing colours that you love and feel connected to will make your wedding day feel even more special and memorable. Don’t feel pressured to pick colours just because they’re popular or expected for your season. This is your day, and it should feel like you.
Putting It All Together
Choosing a wedding colour palette might seem like a small part of planning, but it has the power to bring everything together and make your day feel uniquely yours. By following these steps, you can create a palette that complements your style, matches your vision, and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
If you’re still feeling a bit stuck, remember that I’m here to help! Our bespoke services can work with your colour palette to design stationery that fits seamlessly into your theme. And don’t forget, those little details—like wax seals and textured accents—can truly elevate your colour story and make your invitations feel unforgettable.
Happy colour picking, and here’s to finding the perfect hues for your dream day!