14 Wedding Color Schemes for Any Season
14 Wedding Color Schemes for Any Season
Gatherings are on the return, and rather than approaching your design with a color palette of two to three hues, consider all the shades on the spectrum around your chosen tones. Highlighting the depth and dimension of your colors and creating a design concept that is dynamic and festive—without looking overly thematic—is an ideal place to start. Include neutrals instinctually, organically, and as needed, but remember, adding an unexpected pop will keep your decor from feeling boring and instead keep your guests’ eyes enticed.
Inspired by some of our very own BAZAAR Brides, travel, design, florals, and—of course—fashion, these are the most innovative color palettes for every season and destination. Save the ones that speak to you, then show them to your planner, designer, and florist to curate a look that suits your style.
1) Warm Brights
Turn to your favorite (or would-be wedding) destination for a palette of hues you can use. A combo of bright lemon and coral, and shades of ochre, chartreuse, red, and textured green, anchored in shades of cream, speaks to the vibrant landscape of tropical locales. This collection of colors is smile inducing and memory jogging, but translates well to whatever your chosen destination may be. Turn to your favorite landscapes, hotels, restaurants, spas, and more for inspiration, then translate that via florals, fabrics, food, and more.
Pictured: Alexander McQueen Resort SS 2020; Valentino dress captured by Carla Guler; Florals by Putnam & Putnam; Lizzie Fortunato earrings, $386, matchesfashion.com; Amina Muaddi bag, $995, modaoperandi.com.
2) Shades of Green
After so many months of being outdoors to gather safely, it’s apropos that all things greenery would feel fresh and of-the-moment for events—even indoors. While universally associated with nature, the color green also represents growth, renewal, prosperity, and stability. This monochromatic palette feels spot-on for a garden, greenhouse, vineyard, or woodland setting, where your chosen venue will complement these tones organically. You can also tap it for a modern, industrial, historic, or all-white space to bring the outside in.
Pictured: Danielle Frankel Bridal; Emilia Wickstead cape, $1,875, modaoperandi.com; Brandon Maxwell sandals, $1,095, modaoperandi.com; Oscar de la Renta earrings, $350, modaoperandi.com; Moda Domus candlesticks, $250, modaoperandi.com.
3) Blush Redux
Come 2022, blush has a dark side. Layer in muted mauves, rich shades of burgundy, and hits of black to transform an otherwise saccharine palette. This look is all about dark romance and lends itself to Dutch Masters–inspired blooms or architectural arrangements rather than anything too frothy or feminine. Use this array of tones in a wide range of locations—from a historic villa to a manicured garden, an industrial metropolitan venue or a rustic retreat.
Pictured: Interiors captured by Yacouba Traore for Zim & Jason Flores's France wedding; Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2019; Tessa Tran and Zach Schau’s multiday celebration captured by The Times We Have; Mach & Mach satin pumps, $1,050, modaoperandi.com.
4) Black, White, and Shades of Gray
A black-and-white palette will always feel elevated and classic, but this new update is fresh and foolproof, thanks to shades of gray and metallics incorporated in both small and large doses. To avoid this color combo going super modern, retro, or deco, pair lush, soft, gossamer, and frothy textures and textiles with harder marble, gold, silver, and lacquered surfaces. Don't discount greenery, warm shades of wood, charcoal, slate, and creams, which lend a bit of warmth.
Pictured: Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2022; Table setting captured by Sarah Falugo; Moritz Glik earrings, $13,545, farfetch.com; Haute Couture photographed by Tina Tyrell.
5) Citrus, Seafoam, and Turquoise
Opt for an analogous color scheme, which combines three colors positioned side by side on the color wheel. This vibrant palette of lemon, lime, seafoam, aqua, and turquoise (ranges of yellow, green, and blue) will have your guests dreaming of sunny days and hot climates—regardless of the temp outside. While this palette lends itself well to a destination affair, edgy florals and rich textures like velvet and satin make it work for the colder months, and read more icy than tropical.
Pictured: Aje dress, $695, modaoperandi.com; Getty; Mateo New York earrings, $3,195, pietrastudio.com; Alexandre Vauthier sandals, $775, modaoperandi.com; Bettina Looney & Carlos Segovia's Epic wedding in South Africa captured by La Dichosa.
6) New Pastels
The ever-popular pastel palette is still chic, alive, and well, but now, it's less fussy. With a more undone feel, these dreamy shades suit modern, rococo, classic, or minimal styles. Incorporate neutrals into a collection of soft shades—from seafoam and lavender to rosewater and buttercup. Then, anchor those dreamy tones with a small shot of inky eggplant (or indigo or charcoal, if you'd prefer). Pastels are not just for spring and summer—but the cooler months are all about the mix. Not sure it all makes sense together? Think again. Merge shades like mauve, blush, periwinkle, cornflower blue, mint, and sherbet for a palette with a painterly finish.
Pictured: Floral arrangement by Putnam & Putnam; Cecilie Bahnsen RTW Fall 2021; Giambattista Valli Bridal Spring 2022; Photography of florals by Lewis Miller Design.
7) Primary Colors
The most elementary of color combinations is the prime example of a palette that's directional—without being restrictive. Rather than working only with the purest of red, yellow, and blue, employ their fun, pop-toned sister shades, and all their dark and light versions too. Then, mix in prints and textures to give the design layers. This one's for the couple who's looking to keep things playful and make their guests smile—outdoors, at home, or abroad.
Pictured: Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2021; Monique Lhuillier gown photographed by Lara Jade; Anissa Kermiche jug, $480, anissakermiche.com.
8) Complementary Colors
A creamsicle-inspired palette feels right for spring, using the softest of oranges, blues, creams, grays, coppers, and rusts. But it works all year round if you stick to the predominantly darker shades in the winter, the pastels in the warmer months, and lean in to the terra-cotta tones come fall. This palette taps complements, which are colors in opposition to one another on the color wheel, and has them work together along with soft neutrals in a combo that feels fresh and unexpected. Blue and orange not your thing? You can apply this lesson in color theory to the spectrum's other complementary color pairings, be it all shades of yellow and purple combined, or the marriage of greens and reds in all their tones.
Pictured: Christopher John Rogers Spring 2021 gown; Jonathan Simkhai dress photographed by Christopher Ferguson for BAZAAR Bride; Erdem earrings, $595, modaoperandi.com; Virginia & Ian's Tropical wedding captured by Bruno Rezza.
9) Secondary Colors
This palette is unexpected and super fresh. From pistachio and sage to deep forest greens, pale lavenders to deep eggplant, and soft coral to rich shades of rust, this colors lend well to outdoor events and have an organic side, given the amount of fruits and vegetables available in these tones. Use your own personal preferences to decide how much of each hue you incorporate. And if you’re looking to add texture, interest, and dimension to your tablescape, add oranges, artichokes, herbs, and more to the mix. If you’re after something a bit more glam, choose a lacquered version of one of these colors, or accent with antique mirrors and metallics.
Pictured: Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2022; Fernando Jorge earrings, $1,900, modaoperandi.com; Bottega Veneta sandals, $930, modaoperandi.com; Anna Weatherley plate, $325, scullyandscully.com; Gucci Beauty lipstick, $42, netaporter.com.
10) Vintage Blue
Shades of blue, especially those with an Old World feel, provide a welcome twist to a single-color-focused palette. Forget “something blue” and make this color your main attraction. It may not be all white, but it will bring a traditional, elegant feel to mind without being so on the nose. An artistic, vintage bend to the inspiration of this palette lends itself well to tabletop, paper, decor, fashion, and beyond for a look that’s sure to wow. If you’re looking to bring in neutrals, try warm shades like chestnut and cream.
Pictured: Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2020; Jasperware earrings, $306, 1stdibs.com; Prada sandals, $790, modaoperandi.com; Cult Gaia clutch, $278, modaoperandi.com.
11) Ballet Neutrals
Ballet blush mixed with warm tans, beiges, pearly whites, and light grays makes for a pleasing, organic, and natural color combination. Add in satins, like the ribbons on a pointe shoe, and frothy fabrics to elevate your space into something reminiscent of a Tchaikovsky ballet. Add hints of black if you’re after something more Black Swan and icier, opalescent shades if you’re looking for something more Swan Lake.
Infuse contemporary, minimalistic details to make this look feel fresh in the mix of all the super-glam, all-white weddings decorated with Lucite and crystal, or super-boho events with gestural florals and garlands draped throughout.
Pictured: Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2019; courtesy of The Heritage Collection Chateau de Villette; Dolce & Gabbana sandals, $1,245, modaoperandi.com; Francesca Villa earrings, $2,350, modaoperandi.com.
12) Red Redux
Melding textures like velvet, satin, and brocade with gemstone hues of ruby make this all-red palette feel regal without looking gaudy. Shades of deep garnet play well with oatmeals, ivories, and matte metallics for a look that captures the essence of the holiday season sans party theme. Mix in shades of coral and pastel pinks to give it a springtime feel. To elevate an otherwise too-playful effect (unless that's what you're going for), make sure this striking palette incorporates red in all its shades—from ruby, scarlet, and raspberry to fire engine, crimson, and burgundy.
Pictured: Valentino Haute Couture Fall 2019; courtesy of The Heritage Collection Chateau de Villette; Dolce & Gabbana
sandals, $1,245, modaoperandi.com; Francesca Villa earrings, $2,350, modaoperandi.com.
13) Technicolor Dreams
Can't decide on a collection of colors? In this palette, you don't have to edit down from ROYGBIV. Work with every color and shade, prioritizing your favorites. Utilize neutral hues to break up the bold pops of color you're showcasing. Use pastels in the mix here, too—they'll help to soften and highlight the vibrant moments in your floral arrangements, tablescape, and more.
Pictured: Valentino Haute Couture photographed by Tina Tyrell; floral arrangement by Putnam & Putnam; La DoubleJ glasses, $1,000, netaporter.com; Judith Leiber clutch, $3,295, nordstrom.com.
14) Metallic Moment
Consider an innovative approach by mixing metals, and then some, for your winter wedding and beyond. Don't shy away from using just one color as a festive accent or all of them combined. Feel like this look's been done before? Experiment with textures, florals, and motifs that tap these shades naturally—like the night sky.
Pictured: Kimmy & Adam's Halloween wedding captured by Belathee; Miu Miu pumps, $1,020, modaoperandi.com; Atelier Versace dress, price upon request, +39 02 76093 238, captured by Christian Oth; Evren Kayar necklace, $2,115, modaoperandi.com.
From pretty pastels and rich color combinations to monochromatic moods, these are our favorite color palettes for weddings, no matter the time of year.