For some, choosing a color pallet for their wedding is a piece of cake, for others it’s a real struggle. There are so many colors, so many shades of those colors and so many things to consider! We get a lot of emails from couples who are unsure of how to choose, particularly when it comes to flowers. So, here are a few tips from a design standpoint that we hope will help you.
First, figure out what are you drawn to?
A great first step to figuring out what you like is to head over to Instagram. Find your florist’s page and scan the images, what is popping out most to you? What is the common denominator in all the images that you favor? Are you finding that the bouquets or arrangements that you like most all have red tones? Is it just that you are drawn to anything with tons of color? Maybe you unexpectedly (or expectedly) fine yourself leaning in a more neutral direction?
It’s great to do this specifically with the work of the designer who will be doing your flowers because it helps you to understand their interpretation and implementation of different palettes and it’s a great and easy way to show them what it is you are liking best.
Choose an initial color and take it from there:
For those who feel overwhelmed by the many options and combinations that exist, try starting with one color. If you know, for instance that you MUST have yellow that’s a great starting point. From there consult a color wheel or take advantage of one of the many free online tools available for color searching and matching. One we love is www.coolors.co which allows you to choose a single or multiple colors and then offers you match ideas to go with them. The possibilities are endless, and you may find yourself surprised by what colors can actually look amazing together.
Take a cue from nature:
If you are feeling really stuck on where to even begin, do a little google search on what flowers are seasonal in your area. Its always great to use seasonal flowers when possible because they are often better quality, available locally, and more affordable. Spring in Maine for instance is a great time to consider yellows and pinks, autumn lends itself to every shade of orange, red, brown, deep dark toned flowers and foliage’s that are making the transition from summer green. While August and September are my favorite because they are screaming to be filled with bright color and vibrancy.
Consider the other elements of the day:
Don’t forget the other aspects of your wedding when you are considering flower colors. Is your dress or suit white? Cream? Black? Grey? Colorful? What are the colors of your wedding party’s outfits? Do you already have linens and dishes chosen?
A very important thing to consider is what the existing colors at the venue are. For instance, in hotels and resorts the floor will often be carpeted and the dining room may have curtains. Are the walls a particular color? Will you be getting married outdoors or indoors? You don’t want to over do greenery on an installation that is backed by woodland, as an example, likewise you may (or may not, depending on the look you are going for) want tons of white in a stark white room. Most barns, especially older ones, tend to be dark inside and lend themselves to lighter tones, while others are painted brightly or made with new pale wood, in which case punchy colors create a nice contrast. It is also worth asking your venue what might be blooming on the property at the time of your big day and taking those flowers and colors into consideration as well.
On a bit of a side note, but important for those who prioritize the photographing of their wedding. Wait until you have chosen a photographer to choose your colors, OR choose your photographer based on the colors you have chosen. Pay attention to the work of whomever you choose to photograph your event, because with the popularity of presets and color editing you may find that certain colors are lost in the photographer’s editing process.
Polychromatic or monochromatic:
Another thing to consider when choosing colors is how varied you want them to be. Creating a look from all pinks, for instance can be hugely impactful and gorgeous and monochrome palettes are becoming increasingly popular.
Within each color category there are varying degrees of tone and hue. With flowers this can be more easily achieved with some colors than others. We love an occasional ombre look, or one filled with all the shades of a single color group. We also love arrangements that push the boundaries and combine unexpected color elements and contrasts.
And don’t forget the importance of transitional colors and shades, less prominent colors that help bring the bright and bold together in a cohesive look. Sometimes this is just a shade up or down from another color in the bouquet, sometimes it’s a different color altogether. For instance, a touch of blue in a purple bouquet can be just what it needs to really shine. Make sure to let your florist know that you are open to their choices or recommendations in this area, or play around with some ideas of your own.
Neutrals are more than white and cream:
If you are looking for something more subdued, elegant, timeless a lot of people will tend toward a “neutral” tone. I get that request a lot, “neutral”. What many people mean when they say that is often some variation of white and cream. But neutral tones in florals can be anything from a creamy white to a papery brown, sandy roses, muted colors, pale pinks… the possibilities are endless and we love when couples allow us to elevate the neutral look into texture filled bouquets of varying and fascinating tones. Done well, neutral arrangements can be as exciting and striking as in-your-face bright colors and big blooms.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step outside the box:
Some of our favorite color combos are unexpected. This is where those color apps and/or a good color wheel come in handy. Try everything, play around with the unknown. And when in doubt, ask your florist. There are a million times that I wish a couple had consulted me before choosing their colors because I would have been able to offer advice based on season, location, photographer etc. If you are not tied to anything specific, your florist can be immensely helpful in discerning what will work best within the scope of your event.
When in doubt, ask the pros, we love it when you do!