So Many Colors, Too Many Choices: How to Pick Colors for Your Wedding

Sometimes couples are surprised by what they assumed would be a somewhat simple decision being harder than they expected - deciding what their colors will be for their wedding! It can be hard. The colors you choose can impact the formality of the wedding, the overall atmosphere conveyed by the tablescapes and decor, and the implementation of a theme. Brides and grooms may disagree on what color scheme to choose. On top of that, if some of the parents are paying for the wedding, they may feel that they should have some veto power, or at least a vote.

But let's set all of that aside for the moment, and talk about a few ways you can find inspiration for your color scheme, aside from just looking in bridal magazines.



1. Look in your closet

There is probably a prevailing color, or a a tone that is prominent. This can be a launching point for selecting your scheme. If this was one of our client's closets, we would recommend looking at guavas, persimmons, corals, and possibly watermelon with accents of brown.



2. An absolutely mesmerizing scarf.

At An Amazing Affair, we have a huge lot of scarves - from the '60's through today - with all tones, shades, patterns and colors. It is a box of inspiration that we add to frequently. If you see a scarf that catches your eye, it can serve as your color swatch as you design your entire wedding! We have had brides that then use the inspirational scarf as the wrap on their bridal bouquet instead of ribbon. Such a nice touch.



These three Liberty of London Scarves give you an idea of how a scarf can give you inspiration for a main color, a complementary color and an accent color that all work together (that you may not notice otherwise).


3. Go to the paint store!

While working with a Santa Barbara bride several years ago, she and her fiance had reached a mental block in regards to what color scheme to use. He wanted more vibrant colors, she was a fan of more muted, earthy tones. Looking in magazines did not seem to work. Looking in the scarf box nearly led to a..... let's say a heated debate. A trip to a gown store was system overload for the groom. I looked at the two of them and said, "Get in your car and follow me." I took them to the Home Depot. (Needless to say - they were confused in the parking lot!)

We went inside and went straight to the paint department. I asked them to pick at least three combination cards (one of the cards with a main color, an accent color, and the trim color). It was so cute - they asked if they could look together or if it had to be separately! I told them either way was fine, and stepped out of their way. It was so heartwarming to see them start to chat over the paint chips, and ask each other's opinion, and select several cards - together.



Paint experts know what will work as an ensemble of color. If it works in a beautiful interior, it will work in your wedding. The groom may also be more comfortable discussing colors in the comfort of the hardware store.




4. Hit the Art Museum

This may seem obvious, but if you are having a mental block regarding color scheme, head to an art museum or gallery. See what catches your eye. The cool thing is if one particular piece really gets your attention, you can often purchase a postcard or small copy of the artwork in the gift shop and have that as your inspiration centerpiece throughout the planning process.



One of our clients then had the artwork at the wedding as part of the reception table decor. While the Impressionist genre naturally offers a lot of inspiration, look at other types of artwork as well. you might be surprised at what will touch your heart, and your eyes.


5. Nature

This one is a no brainer. Head out to a botanical garden or a local nursery, and see what nature has to offer. Forests, hiking paths through canyons or meadows, and parks are all options. Another great place to go is near a body of water - the colors and reflections near any water is incredible. Just get outside!

It is best if you can actually go out and visit in person rather than just search galleries online. When you are searching for inspiration, your best bet is to engage as many of your senses as possible.



Hopefully, if you are facing a mental block regarding your color scheme one of these ideas will help you make a decision. With most of these ideas, you can incorporate a fun date with your fiance as you do your research.

Contact us at An Amazing Affair via email at bridgetanndooney@anamazingaffair.com or give us a call at 310.909.6769 for further assistance and even more color ideas.

Bridget Ann Dooney
Certified Bridal Consultant
An Amazing Affair