One of the first things you will want to choose when planning your wedding is your color scheme. Almost all your details and choices will include this palette. You will need to decide on colors, in all different colorways, from the ceremony and reception décor to the invitations, florals, and centerpieces. You cannot make these choices until you have solidified your wedding day color palette. In addition, you want to make sure your colors will photograph well. After the wedding day, your photographs will be the only way to reflect on your memories. Therefore, you want to ensure that the pictures mimic the look and feel you experienced. Consider the following five tips and suggestions for choosing wedding colors that will photograph well.
Consider your Venue and Its Permanent Decor
Your venue can help inspire you to choose the perfect colors for your wedding day. But, it can also clash with hues you may have already chosen. If you have already booked your venue, ensure your color scheme pairs well with the venue colors and settings. If you are still looking for a space, envision different color palettes alongside the colors in the room. Pro-tip: Venues with white hues on walls and ceilings will bounce light around and make the space feel open.
Images show how a venue with a lot of white on walls and ceilings and multiple windows will allow for evenly lit, soft, and dreamy photos.
Keep the Color Scheme Simple
You may have five or more colors you would like to include in the details of your wedding day. But this many colors can lead to an overwhelming setting and overpower your photos. Limiting your color scheme to two or three colors will help enhance the overall day and make your images stand out even more.
Keep a Balance with Only One Main Color
You may want to feature all the colors in your palette. But, this can be hard on the eyes in person and in photographs. Instead, designate one of your colors as the primary color, and the remaining colors should be complementary accents. If you use a bright, bold color as your primary hue, balance it with one or two muted accent tones. Bold and bright colors can look chic and sophisticated in images but must be complemented and balanced. With whichever color you designate as your primary color, consider its undertones and use complementary accent colors wisely.
Images show the primary hue of blue paired with light pastels.
Consider Textures Offered in Elements
Two items may look stunning alone, but what if you want to pair them together and one is textured? For example, a pink metal centerpiece vase will look much different from a pink glass centerpiece. They are both pink, but the different textures will provide varying levels of color. The surfaces within the venue also need to be considered. For example, smooth wood walls may look different from rough wood walls. Both are wood, but the textures will differ in appearance. Soft surfaces can help subdue overly bold colors. This can change the mood of the space if that is something you want to achieve. In contrast, rigid textures may add a dramatic, contrasting element to your color scheme.
Images show the difference between a beige wall painted in a metallic finish versus one painted in a matte finish.
Think of the Tone and Mood you want to Achieve
You will want to understand how your color scheme can affect the tone and mood of your wedding. For example, pastels can provide a whimsical and romantic feel. Whereas bold and bright colors can lend themselves to a high-energy affair. Suppose you are looking to have a super formal experience. You may consider keeping the colors simple and neutral, such as black and white.
Images show the difference between bouquets featuring light pastel florals and bright, bold florals.
In summary, be sure your color scheme will create the desired feeling for your wedding day. The feelings and mood you set will most definitely carry over into your photographs. As a photographer, I aim to capture that feeling you worked so hard to curate. That way, you feel like you did on your wedding day every time you look through your album.
As a side note, this is not a sponsored post. I captured all the photos you see above with plans to share and serve. Hi, I’m Jen with Pink Spruce Photography, and I want my blog to be a resource for all brides and grooms looking for help planning their weddings. I have photographed hundreds of love stories and want to share a few things I have witnessed. Thanks for joining me and trusting in my thoughts and wedding expertise!
Creative Partners
Host: Styled Shoots Across America & Wedding Styled Shoots
Assistant: Monarch Creative Events
Venues: The Penthouse at Hyde Park & The Harmac
Florals: Michaela Mantarian & Stemming From Love
Hair & Makeup: Daniela Kosta Beauty
Bride’s Gown Salon: Lvly Bride Official & Wish Upon a Dress
Models: Arthy Dao (SCE Agency) & Larissa Brown