How to Incorporate Bold Colors Into Your Wedding Design
While soft pastels and muted neutrals will always have their place in wedding aesthetics, today’s couples are embracing bold colors that make a statement — and industry professionals are here for it! From fiery red to electric blue, these bright and vibrant hues can bring energy and excitement to your big day. However, many couples are hesitant to go big with color for fear of their celebration feeling visually loud and overwhelming.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice class and timelessness to enjoy a rich palette! A thoughtful approach to color will ensure your wedding day design feels cohesive, intentional, and—most importantly—tasteful. Keep reading to learn how to explore a more colorful approach for your big day, whether it’s sunshine yellow or hunter green!
Look for color inspiration around you
If you love the idea of bold but aren’t quite sure which color to choose, start by looking around. Inspiration is often closer than you realize! Are there accent pieces in your home or pieces of art that always draw your eye?
“Maybe it's the rug that lives in your living room or a painting that hangs just above your bed, or maybe it's your grandmother's china,” suggests Michelle Vining of LOLA Event Productions. “Find a piece of inspiration, hone in on the colors present in the piece, and bring them into elements of your day, all the way from paper goods to florals to linens.”
Your home’s decor can be a clear reflection of your personal style and color preferences, making it feel like an authentic part of your wedding design. Take a peek in your closet, too — your wardrobe can also reveal some colors and patterns that speak to you!
Consider your venue’s layout and style
Your wedding venue plays a significant role in how your color palette comes to life, so it’s best to wait until you’ve secured a venue before considering colors. Once you do, take a look at the architecture, natural surroundings, and existing decor to see what colors can complement the space.
For example, if eye-catching hot pink bougainvillea vines crawl up your venue’s wall, perhaps you can play with a color palette of sunshine yellow and soft greenery.
“Choose a few statement locations throughout your and your guest's wedding experience to highlight your choice of 1-2 dominant bold colors,” Sarah-Pete Petersen of The Estate at River Run suggests. “We love a great welcome moment – flowers in the front fountain, welcome signage, or a colorful signature cocktail to greet your guests.”
Can’t decide between a handful of bold colors? There’s no need to choose! 440 Elm recommends “leveraging different spaces to hold bold colors.”
“We have a separate space called our Parlor where couples feel like they can be very creative and colorful,” Goel shares. “It's a set space, has a different look than our main ballroom, and creates a lower-stakes opportunity to incorporate bold colors that won't overpower the rest of the wedding.”
Perhaps your cocktail hour is steeped in magenta accents on the terrace while the grand ballroom boasts pops of cobalt blue for your reception — get creative and have fun with your venue’s layout!
Go big or go home
Once you choose a color (or several), you have to lean into it to get the maximum effect. The point is to be bold, so there’s no room for subtlety! Commit to your choice and let it shine throughout your celebration, from the first save-the-dates to the final touches.
“Make sure that the bold color of choice is the main event!” Loni Peterson, MLS of LP Creative Events stresses. “Be intentional; make sure it touches all of the event designs. When you are going big and bold, you have to commit. Otherwise, it will feel like the color was an afterthought and won't make as big of an impact as it can.”
For a fully saturated look, “go all in on one loud color for a tonal effect,” Lucy Struve of Lucy Struve Photography encourages. “This can have a transformational effect. Imagine bold red linens with red florals and red draping throughout the space, for example.”
Of course, you don’t want your big day to feel oversaturated or monotonous. Mix it up with other textures, patterns, and prints within your color scheme to spice up the design.
House of Joy’s Samantha Leenheer explains that “the key to bold colors in design is to repeat them in various textures and textiles throughout the design.”
“Think of bringing a bright green into your stationery, linens, and flower choices,” she says. “The eye needs to see color multiple times to feel it is intentional. Bring that bold color into all parts of your wedding day, from the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception!”
Carry your bold color(s) of choice throughout your wedding day by weaving it into key elements, adding depth and texture to keep the design fresh and interesting.
Make it a fashion statement
Bold colors aren’t just for linens and drapery. Let them become a standout feature of your wedding party’s attire, too! Consider having your bridesmaids dress in vibrant shades to complement your wedding’s color palette.
However, Carhart Photography’s Cayla Cummings encourages couples to look beyond the traditional bridesmaid dress for opportunities to incorporate more color. “Think of other areas in which fashion plays a role throughout your day,” she suggests. For example, “bridal shoes, grooms' attire, parents' attire, and even live band attire” are all fun ways to add a splash of color to your celebration.
If that feels like a bit too much, keep it simple by accessorizing with pops of color instead. “Add it in more subtle ways, such as bowties and neckties, pocket squares, earrings, and smaller items you and your partner plan on wearing on your wedding day,” McKenzi Taylor of Cactus Collective Weddings recommends.
On the flip side, those who want even more color on their wedding day may consider asking guests to dress accordingly.
“Make a note on the wedding invitation and the wedding website of the specifics of the dress code,” adds Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs. “You can request that guests wear specific colors or request they choose something colorful. Either way, letting guests in on the color palette can further drive home the idea of a boldly colorful wedding!”
Whether you opt for monochromatic attire or ask for guests to wear complementary shades to add some layers of color, involving everyone creates a fun (and stylish!) wedding day experience for all.
Fill the space with colorful accent pieces
From bright linens to jewel-toned furniture, there are so many decor elements begging for some color! Work with your wedding designer to develop a theme that ties together the different accents of your wedding in a clean and cohesive manner.
“Consider creating a cozy lounge space at your reception filled with eclectic pieces such as emerald green love seats, sapphire blue ottomans, and ruby red throw blankets,” Jen Avey of Destination Weddings Travel Group suggests. Additionally, “you can incorporate more details throughout the reception via your tablescape, i.e., tablecloths, napkins, upholstered chairs, etc.”
These elements are a great way to add personality and depth to your space. And don’t be afraid to mix hues within your chosen color palette! For example, a rich berry-toned throw pillow can pop against an eggshell blue soft. To help bold colors blend seamlessly, add some textures and patterns for a dynamic design effect.
Play with lighting design
Often overlooked but one of the most effective design elements, lighting can help amplify your color palette and create a dramatic ambiance for your wedding. Moody burgundy, vibrant fuchsia, or citrusy orange — lighting can truly bring out the bold!
“With the right lighting design, you can change the ambiance and style of any room by using wireless up-lights, full wall washes, or even moving spots to enhance the space or direct guest focus to the architecture and special features of the room,” confirms Michael Coombs of Michael Coombs Entertainment.
Since event lighting is versatile, you can take your guests on a colorful journey throughout the evening. Shift between hues as the celebration progresses from dinner to dancing, setting the tone for each stage of the night.
Incorporating bold colors into your wedding is a fun way to add style and personality to a monumental occasion, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Your wedding is a reflection of your love story, so pick a color palette that feels authentic and celebrates your partnership. Whether you opt for a single standout shade or a spectrum of hues, think outside of the box and let your creativity run wild!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
- PR: OFD Consulting