How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Color Palette
Your wedding color palette sets the visual tone for your big day. From bridesmaid dresses to floral arrangements and table settings, your colors help tell your love story. So how do you choose a color scheme that feels uniquely you while still working with your venue, season, and budget?
As a Los Angeles wedding planner, I’ve helped countless couples narrow down their perfect palette—and I’m here to help you do the same. Follow these 7 expert steps to confidently create a color palette that feels cohesive, modern, and totally “you.”
1. Define Your Wedding Vision and Style
Before diving into specific colors, get clear on the vibe of your wedding. Do you want it to feel romantic and airy? Minimal and modern? Colorful and fun? Your overall vision will help guide your decisions.
Ask yourself:
Is my wedding formal or casual?
What emotions do I want to evoke?
What styles or aesthetics am I naturally drawn to?
Your color palette should reflect the energy and emotion of your day.
2. Let Your Venue Inspire You
The location of your wedding can heavily influence your color choices. An industrial warehouse in DTLA calls for something different than a beach wedding in Cabo.
Tip: Take cues from your venue’s natural elements, such as:
Walls or flooring colors
Surrounding nature or gardens
The light and mood of the space (warm or cool tones)
3. Use Your Favorite Colors as a Starting Point
Still stuck? Look at what you already love! Browse your:
Closet (what colors do you wear most?)
Home decor
Pinterest boards or Instagram saves
Pro tip: If you’re consistently drawn to earth tones, soft neutrals, or muted pastels—those are great starting points.
4. Limit Your Palette to 3–5 Coordinating Colors
A well-balanced wedding color scheme typically includes:
1–2 main colors
1 accent color
1–2 neutrals
Example:
Main – Dusty Rose, Sage Green
Accent – Gold
Neutrals – Ivory, Warm Gray
Less is more. A tight palette keeps your wedding design cohesive and polished.
5. Consider the Season
Each season offers its own natural color inspiration:
Spring: Blush, lavender, fresh green
Summer: Coral, sky blue, lemon
Fall: Terracotta, wine, rust
Winter: Navy, emerald, icy gray
But don’t feel locked into tradition—use these suggestions as inspiration, not a rule.
6. Think About How It Will Look in Photos
Some colors look great in person but don’t photograph well. For example:
Very dark shades can look black on camera
Bright neons may appear harsh
Ask your photographer: “Which color palettes photograph beautifully in my venue and lighting?”
7. Add a Personal Touch
Your palette can reflect your relationship. Did you get engaged in the desert at sunset? Go for warm rusts and golds. Do you both love the ocean? Incorporate soft blues and sandy neutrals.
Colors with meaning = a wedding that feels uniquely you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your perfect wedding color palette doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with your vision, pull from your surroundings, and keep things simple and intentional. Once your colors are set, every other design choice becomes easier.
Need expert help crafting your wedding aesthetic?
Let’s work together to bring your dream day to life—from color palette to cake.
