The
hottest thing happening at wedding
receptions isn't just on the dance
floor -- it's on the cake, the
invitations, the centerpieces, and
even the bride's gown. It's big,
it's bold, and colorful with flair. In the
past, brides used color to accent
their all white wedding-day decor,
but now they're using color to cover
every inch of the wedding. Here's a
step-by-step guide on color
coordination which will help you dream in
color!
What color should I chose?
First things first:
where is your location? When
deciding on a theme, you must take
into consideration the reception
space or choose a space without
decor or color. This will provide
you with a blank canvas to decorate
as you choose. If you've selected a
country club with brown and gold
carpet, a color scheme of fuchsia
and white won't cut it.
Pay attention to the color
combinations you like, whether
browsing the latest modern art
galleries or flipping through a
stack of fashion magazines. You
might be able to narrow down your
color choices. To help you choose
the exact hue for your wedding
details, visit a fabric store or
neighborhood paint shop and collect
swatches or chips of colors you
might want to use. This will help
you get specific, so that when you
decide on peach you'll know if it's
peachy keen, georgia peach, sunshine
peach or orange peach. Can't decide
on just one or two colors? Not to
worry. There have been many
weddings that feature a variety of
colors that work together to create
a unique vibe.
Where &
How to Execute Color
The mood you are
trying to create will determine how
and where you use the colors you've
selected. The best way to get
started is to figure out what type
of emotions you want your
celebration to have. A relaxed, all
are welcomed retreat? A close-knit,
family affair? Or a jumpin,
high-energy gathering?
For example, a vibrant summer yellow
mixed with chocolate brown (think
sunflowers in yard) is perfect for a
country-chic wedding style; add gold
to the mix, and the combination
becomes more of a European vibe.
Another example, if you're getting
married around the holidays you
could have gift boxes wrapped in
paper matching your wedding colors.
Keep it white and silver and you
could have an elegant winter affair.
If your wedding takes place in
multiple spaces, each room can have
its own color scheme.
Elements of Style
The
Attire:
The bride's gown doesn't have to be
solid white, especially since color
accents are increasingly more
available. (Not to mention our skin
tones are more complimentary to
ivorys and pearl undertones.) A blue or red sash around
the waist is striking and still very
bridal. The groom and his boys can
also sport color in their ties and
vests. But color will be most
prominently displayed throughout the
day in the bridesmaid dresses. You
might want to match the dresses to
the invitation ribbons, the favor
tags, and the bouquets but know that
this is not the only way to define
your style. Mixing and matching
dresses in varying shades based on
your original color scheme can
sometimes make a statement stronger
than uniformity. Just think how
your girlfriends will love the idea
of wearing the dress again - adding
their personal flair!
The Invitations:
Your invitations set the stage for
the event, so remember that vibe you
wanted to provide? Now is your time
to show it. Coordinating the
invitation colors with those of the
wedding can be as easy as choosing a
color font, ribbon, or monogram or
as elaborate as layering colorful
cards.
Flowers & Decor:
No matter what color you've chosen,
chances are you will be able to find
flowers in that shade -- just note
however that this doesn't mean the
blooms will be available or
affordable. If your dream flowers
aren't an option, use neutral white
flowers with centerpiece containers
or other decor elements in your
color. Or try silk. They're just as
pretty and serve as a nice take home
after the party.
Wedding Cake:
The cake is one of the easiest
places to add color -- all it takes
is the right mixing. The color
should reflect the other style
elements used throughout your
wedding. With cakes, your color
options are endless. White icing
makes a fabulous background for
colorful sugar flowers, sugar-paste
stripes or polka dots and other
effects. Fondant can also be created
in any number of shades.
The Favors:
Ultimately, it's more important to
give something meaningful rather
than something that matches, but it
can be a nice touch to your favors
package in your color scheme. Use
gift tags and ribbons to incorporate
your colors into your favors. If
favors will be left at each place
setting, consider how they will look
with your wedding linens and
flowers.
Ways to
Use Color
Note
that overdoing your
color scheme with a matchy-match
look is entirely possible (you don't
want your guests thinking, Um, yeah,
purple is her favorite color...we
get it.) Start with the five
essential wedding elements (attire,
invitations, flowers, cake, and
favors) and see where you can -- or
should -- add more color. Then
consider smaller details such as
napkins, candles, a signature drink,
a ring pillow, or a guest book made
from the same fabric and in the same
color and as the bridesmaid
dresses. Not only will this
provide a lovely view, but also
project that vibe with your
signature style. Isn't that what
you wanted? ;)
~ photo courtesy of Tonesha Housen
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