Quick Answer
Purple can be an excellent color choice for a wedding if used thoughtfully. It evokes feelings of romance, luxury, creativity, and spirituality. However, some shades like bright purple may be too bold. Deeper, softer shades like eggplant and lilac pair beautifully with metallics and neutrals. Consider your overall wedding style and palette when selecting purple hues. Ask your partner for input as well.
Factors to Consider
When deciding if purple is the right wedding color for you, keep the following factors in mind:
Your wedding style
– Formal/black-tie weddings: Deep purple is elegant
– Rustic weddings: Soft muted purples complement natural elements
– Vintage weddings: Mauve and lavender suit lace and antique accents
– Boho weddings: Rich eggplant and jewel tones feel earthy yet romantic
– Themed weddings: Pick purple shades to match your motif
Your wedding palette
– Monochromatic: Different purple tones create a bold, vibrant look
– Analogous: Purple alongside blues, pinks, reds for a harmonious palette
– Complementary: Purple and yellow is a classic color pairing
– Neutral: Soft purples pair beautifully with creams, grays, and metallics
Meaning of the color
– Purple symbolizes royalty, luxury, creativity, wisdom, dignity, and spirituality
– Darker shades connote richness and elegance
– Lighter tints feel whimsical, nostalgic, or romantic
– Consider if the sentiments evoked fit your wedding vision
Skin undertone flattery
– Cool-toned purples suit those with pink undertones best
– Warm purples complement yellow/olive complexions beautifully
– Try various shades against your skin to test what is most flattering
Personal preference
– Most importantly, choose a purple hue you genuinely love and feel good in
– If your partner dislikes purple, discuss compromises or alternatives
Good Purple Shades for Weddings
When selected strategically, these specific purple hues can create an elegant, creative, or romantic wedding aesthetic:
Eggplant
Rich, dark eggplant purple conveys luxury and femininity. Use it minimally with neutrals or metallics for drama.
Lilac
Dreamy, soft lilac evokes vintage romance. It works for any season in floral arrangements, bridesmaid dresses, or decor.
Mauve
Subtle mauve is ideal for adding a unique pop of color. Use it in stationery, table linens, or even groom/groomsmen attire.
Wisteria
This light purple with blue undertones feels whimsical and spring-like. It’s perfect for outdoor weddings.
Thistle
A pale purple-gray, thistle has an airy, romantic vibe. Use it for bouquets, signs, paper goods, or favors.
Plum
Bold, striking plum makes a vibrant statement. Use it sparingly in invitations, menus, or bridesmaid accessories.
Lavender
Soft, calming lavender represents love and devotion. Accent with cream for a romantic French countryside aesthetic.
Orchid
Vibrant orchid purple conveys playfulness and creativity. Use it for funky, artsy centerpieces and details.
Iris
Pale purple iris symbolizes wisdom and cherished friendship. It’s perfect for garden weddings in spring or summer.
Amethyst
Jewel-toned amethyst suggests luxury and spirituality. Sprinkle in touches for an elegantly mystical vibe.
Where to Use Purple
Here are some key places to incorporate purple into your wedding day for a cohesive look:
Stationery
– Invitations
– Enclosure cards
– Menu cards
– Table numbers
– Signs and displays
Attire
– Bride’s dress sash, embroidery, or accent
– Bridesmaid dresses
– Groom/groomsmen’s ties, vests, or pocket squares
Florals
– Bouquets
– Boutonnieres
– Centerpieces
– Ceremony aisle petals
– Garlands, wreaths
Decor
– Table linens
– Napkins
– Chair sashes
– Vases/candles
– Lighting/uplighting
– Backdrops
Cake
– Icing/filling
– Ribbon
– Toppers
– Cake stand
Favors
– Gift boxes/bags
– Tags
– Ribbons
– Food items like jams, cookies, or candies
Jewelry
– Bride’s earrings, necklace, bracelet, or hairpiece
– Bridesmaids’ earrings or necklaces
– Groom/groomsmen’s ties, cufflinks, or pocket squares
Purple Wedding Ideas
Here are some lovely purple wedding ideas to inspire you:
All-purple palette
Go bold with different rich purple tones in décor, stationery, attire, and florals for a regal aesthetic. Mix jewel tones, eggplant, plum, mauve, and lilac.
Purple and yellow
This classic color pairing looks cheery and romantic. Use soft purple and bright yellow in bouquets, invites, and decor.
Purple and green
Earthy purple and green create a mystical, whimsical mood. Use shades like wisteria, thistle, sage for a woodland vibe.
Purple and silver
Play up purple’s luxurious side by pairing it with shimmering silver. Use metallic accents and gray-purple hues like lilac.
Purple and gold
For an opulent yet modern wedding, mix regal purple with glam gold. Coordinate metallic tableware, signage, and bridesmaid dresses.
Purple and blush
Soft purple and pink is a sweet, romantic color scheme. Use in bouquets, berry-hued cakes, paper goods for subtle prettiness.
Purple bridesmaids
Make a bold style statement with all-purple gowns for your bridesmaids. Let each girl choose her perfect purple hue.
Purple wedding cake
Wow guests with a dramatically dark purple ombre cake, or use pale purple icing with white flowers. Add purple ribbons for a final flourish.
Purple suits
Grooms: make your attire pop in a purple suit. For a more subtle look, opt for a purple vest, tie, or pocket square to complement your bride.
Purple florals
Work pops of purple into bouquets and centerpieces with ranunculus, dahlias, clematis, lilacs, or orchids. Candytuft and thistle also add airy texture.
Purple lighting
Use vibrant purple uplighting or string lights to create a modern, glamorous atmosphere. Outdoor string lights in tree canopies also look magical.
Tips for Pulling Off Purple
Here are some extra pointers for successfully using purple in your wedding:
Pick the right purple
Be intentional about which shades you choose and why. Don’t default to bright purple assuming it will work. Explore deeper and softer hues.
Use purple sparingly
Purple stands out easily. Use it tactfully in details like signage and napkins versus overwhelming decor. A little goes a long way.
Pair purple with neutral metallics, creams, or greens
Let purple pop by offsetting it with gold, silver, cream, light green, and other quiet neutrals. The juxtaposition is elegant.
Consider lighter purple for men’s accessories
Bright purple suits may feel overly showy. Try lighter mauve or lavender ties and pocket squares to incorporate purple more subtly.
Sample different shades against your skin
Test makeup, bridesmaid dresses, suit swatches against your complexion in natural light. Make sure the purple tone flatters.
Ask loved ones their opinion
Get your partner and wedding party’s input before committing to bold purple accents to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Feature purple in moderation if outdoors
Against open blue skies and green gardens, go light on the purple. A little can go far outdoors.
Match purple shades in floral arrangements
Use same-toned purple flowers together. Mismatched purples can look haphazard rather than purposeful.
Conclusion
Purple offers a unique way to bring richness, creativity, and intrigue into your wedding theme. From romantic lilacs to regal eggplants, it comes in a spectrum of shades suitable for all styles. Consider the overall mood you want, flattery factor, and input from loved ones. Most importantly, embrace purple with confidence on your big day. Subtle pops or bold displays of violet hues allow you to put your distinctive stamp on this momentous occasion. With the right purple palette, you can craft a wedding that dazzles and delights.
