One of the first things brides tend to consider during the
wedding planning process is the theme for their wedding and reception and the
colors that best compliment it. If you are at this stage in your planning
journey, it is important to take a few minutes and consider the steps outlined
below. Moving full speed ahead without contemplation may result in an
overwhelming moment that could require you to start all over with your color
selection. This could be costly if you have already made investments in
particular items that do not fit once you have considered the big
picture. Start with step one below and avoid this planning pitfall.
1. Venue/Location: Prior to taking a firm stand on your wedding
colors, it is extremely important to consider where the ceremony and reception
are taking place. It could be that you will be married at a church that
is orange and brown and hold your reception at a local restaurant that is blue
and white. If your thought is "to heck with it, I don't care what
the colors are for the two venues, I want purple and pink for my
colors," then you can swiftly move on to step number two
below. However, if you do want to take location colors into consideration
then it is paramount that you wait on selecting your colors until after you
have secured the location for your wedding.
2. Bridesmaid Attire: Although this is your big day and
nothing and no one should upstage you, it is a smart move to ensure that your
bridesmaids are dressed in a color that is flattering. So, when pondering
what colors to chose take into account who your bridesmaids are and what shades
would agree with their skin tone. Otherwise, you may end up with some
very unhappy bridesmaids.
3. Color Shades: Once you know your location and your
bridesmaids, considering colors becomes much easier. It is extremely
important, however, that you understand what shade of colors you are looking
for when purchasing items like table linens, reception decorations and
bridesmaid dresses. If you select an obscure color of bridesmaid dress
and then want to find the same color in table linens, you may find yourself in
an uphill battle. This doesn't mean that you have to give up the
bridesmaid dress you love; it just means that you will have to get creative
with your colors and maybe add an additional color to your palette. The
best overall approach is to always look at the big picture when narrowing down
your color shades.
4. Time of Year: There are classic colors such as Black
and White that can be utilized year round for weddings. However, some
colors are best reserved for the time of year they are seen in nature or
cultural events. For example, the more earth tones such as brown, green
and even gold are found in the fall. Likewise, green and red are
associated with the holiday season. Because this is your day, you can
always buck the norm and ultimately chose the colors you love. But,
considering the time of year with you color selection may make items such as
flower selection a lot easier.
5. Flowers: Some color combinations will result in flowers that
match exactly such as lemon and white. However, color combinations such
as green and black will require the introduction of additional colors in order
to include flower arrangements. This can all work out beautifully
provided you consider the flowers while considering your colors.
Complimenting flowers are always a wonderful addition to wedding colors and
don't have to be picked up again in any other component of your wedding.
6. Groomsmen Attire: Another matter to consider when
deliberating wedding colors is what the groom and his attendants will wear. If
you have always envisioned the groomsmen in black tuxedos with matching cummerbunds
and bow ties then be sure to select a mainstream color that you know will be in
stock at the rental shop. If you have told your fiancé to decide what to
wear, it is probably best to collaborate at least on the colors so that again,
you don't end up with colors that can't be matched with any other
element. If you have completely different ideas that will put the
groomsmen in unique outfits then be sure to coordinate this vision with all the
other items listed above.
7. Wedding Invitations: The last but just as important consideration is your wedding invitations. Because these will set the tone and establish your theme and colors, it is crucial that the wedding invitations be part of the color puzzle. If yo have an unlimited budget and know that you will have custom invites made then you can probably skip this step. However, if you don't plan to spend $1,000 on your invitations then looking at options that will complete your vision is vital prior to solidifying your colors. Do this and your friend and family with have the first impression you want for your wedding day.
Seven steps to consider when selecting your wedding colors.
