Written by Julianne Cuomo, Director of Celebrations.

Shabby chic earth tones, blues and grays, ravishing reds and pretty pinks… with so many wedding colors to choose from, how will you ever pick? Not to worry, we have 8 tips to help you decide on the perfect color palette for your wedding.

1. Consider Your Venue

First things first—you need to pick a wedding venue. The venue affects everything. You may even have two venues: one for your ceremony and another for your reception. Colors can look different depending on the surrounding décor and scenery. To prevent your wedding palette from clashing with the venue, check indoors for existing décor such as carpet and drapes, as well as outdoors for the color of the building and the present landscape colors.

Photo Credit: Laura Ross Photography

Do you plan to say “I do” in a church? Remember, chapels often have blue or red carpets. Just because you like a color doesn’t mean it is the best choice for your wedding, which brings us to our next tip…

2. Let There Be Light

Color shades need to be appropriate for the lighting at your venue. Bright colors will look EXTRA bright in a well-lit room. Dark colors will look EXTRA dark in a dimly lit room. If your venue is outside or in a well-lit building, consider SOFTER shades (especially for yellows, pinks and oranges).

3. Seek a Second Opinion

Test color swatches on each of your venues before making a final decision. Remember, not everyone sees color the same. Bring an honest friend for a second opinion. After all, you don’t want to blind your guests.

4. Match the Mood

Whether your wedding theme is black-tie, shabby chic or cool and casual, your color palette will give your guests a sense of what to “expect.” Color should be used to match the mood of your wedding. For a sweeter romantic feel, try choosing soft colors, or get flirty with bright colors that are fun and loud.

5. Tis’ the Season

Getting married close to the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to deck your day in red and green. We suggest avoiding bright yellows, pinks and oranges for November, December and January weddings. Keep it classy with black and white attire or go glitzy. Charcoal gray is a softer, more modernized alternative to black. Furthermore, metallics are actually a better accent than black when matched with deep holiday shades of blue, green and purple. Sequins are even acceptable for an extra holiday flare.

6. Less is More

Colors should flow together and complement one another… kind of like the bride and groom. Your color palette will influence everything: floral designs, centerpieces, décor, etc. Avoid too many color variations. Busy and bright décor might draw attention off of the bride. Pick one bright or bold color such as blue, pink, purple, green, or yellow. Make that color pop by accenting it with softer contrasting shades and/or neutral colors. Softer contrasting shades may include light (NOT bright) blue, green, yellow, pink or purple and neutrals include white, ivory, metallics, black, greys, tans, browns and other earth tones.

7. Be Bold…but Tasteful

Don’t be afraid to pick colors that are not normally in your wardrobe. Surprise your guests with a stylish, tasteful color scheme they wouldn’t expect you to pick. Branch out and try a matchless combination like yellow and blue, green and navy or pink and lavender. Who knows, you might even set a new trend!

8. Keep Your Man in Mind

Ladies, there is no “dream wedding” without the man of your dreams. Listen to his opinion on wedding details like the color palette and compromise. He must have good taste if he is marrying you… right?

Call Julianne Cuomo at (352) 402-4376 to start planning your wedding at Golden Ocala and check back on our blog for more wedding tips!