Choosing the right colors for a traditional wedding can be a daunting task for any bride and groom. The color palette helps set the overall tone and style of the wedding, from the invitations to the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses. When it comes to traditional weddings, there are certain color combinations that are classic, timeless and meaningful.
The Importance of Color in Weddings
Color is one of the most visual elements of a wedding. It shows up everywhere – from the flowers and candles to the linens and stationery. Color helps convey the style, mood and personality of the couple getting married. It brings everything together into one cohesive look.
In addition to aesthetics, color also has symbolic meaning. Different colors represent different emotions, values and cultural associations. Choosing colors purposefully can add deeper layers of significance to the event.
Factors to consider when picking wedding colors include:
- Personal style and taste of the couple
- Formality and style of the wedding (elegant, rustic, modern, etc.)
- Season and venue
- Symbolic meaning of colors
- Flow and compatibility of the color palette
Nailing down the wedding color scheme early in the planning process is recommended. All other details – flowers, stationery, attire, decor – will draw inspiration from the colors.
Meaning of Wedding Colors
Here are some of the symbolic meanings behind the most popular wedding colors:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Purity, innocence, new beginnings |
| Ivory | Vintage elegance and luxury |
| Red | Love, passion, desire |
| Pink | Romance, affection, femininity |
| Orange | Energy, joy, enthusiasm |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, warmth |
| Green | Nature, renewal, fertility |
| Blue | Stability, wisdom, tranquility |
| Purple | Royalty, luxury, spirituality |
| Black | Elegance, sophistication, formality |
Couples can choose colors that have special meaning to their relationship and story. The emotions evoked by the colors can also help create the desired ambiance.
Best Color Combinations for Traditional Weddings
Now that we’ve gone over the symbolism behind wedding hues, let’s look at classic color palette ideas for traditional weddings:
Ivory, Blush and Gold
This elegant combination can’t be beaten in terms of traditional appeal. Ivory represents timeless beauty. Soft blush pink conveys romance. Metallic gold accents add a touch of luxury and glam. Together, they create a warm, feminine and classic wedding palette with a romantic flair.
Navy Blue, Silver and Marsala
For traditional weddings with a formal black-tie dress code, rich navy blue is a sophisticated anchor color. Pair it with shimmering silvers for elegance and marsala wine hues for a dose of modern chic. This color scheme has a luxurious, glamorous feel that’s perfect for lavish hotel ballrooms and stately venues.
Plum, Sage Green and Copper
Jewel-toned plums and wines are intrinsically elegant. Sage green represents renewal and growth. Copper accents tie in warmth. Together these colors exude charm, sophistication and a touch of vintage flair. Use this palette for a formal vineyard, mansion or hotel wedding.
Burgundy, Blush and Marsala
Burgundy is a rich, regal shade steeped in tradition. Soft blush tones down the boldness for a romantic feminine vibe. Marsala’s vibrancy provides contrast. This is a polished, stylish palette fitting for formal winter weddings at historic venues.
Navy Blue, Silver Green and Blush
For a formal nighttime wedding, navy blue makes a gorgeous backrop. The silver green brings a natural element while soft blush pink keeps it feminine. Touches of shimmery silver elevate the elegance. This color scheme is ideal for hotels, country clubs and cityscape wedding views.
Best Colors for a Traditional Church Wedding
If exchanging vows in a house of worship, choose a color palette that aligns with the style and ambiance of the ceremony site. Here are suitable combinations:
- Ivory, Blush and Sage Green – A light and airy palette fitting for a daytime church wedding.
- Navy Blue, Marsala and Gold – A formal and glamorous scheme for an evening cathedral wedding.
- Plum, Dusty Blue and Marsala – Elegant jewel tones suit a vintage urban church.
- Burgundy, Navy Blue and Blush – Classic colors that complement a traditional church ceremony.
Best Colors Based on Season
Take inspiration from the changing seasons when choosing your wedding palette:
| Season | Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Spring | Pastels, light greens, sky blue, daffodil yellow, robin’s egg blue |
| Summer | Coral, aqua, lime green, lavender, sunflower yellow |
| Fall | Plum, olive, terracotta, wine, blush, rust orange |
| Winter | Evergreen, icy blue, cranberry, gold, silver, sparkling whites |
Choose seasonally appropriate hues for unity with the venue surroundings and Mother Nature.
Best Accent Colors for Traditional Weddings
Round out your wedding color scheme with accent colors that complement your main hues:
- Metallics: Gold, silver, copper
- Neutrals: Cream, champagne, taupe, gray
- Pale pastels: Blush pink, lavender, sky blue, buttercream
- Earth tones: Mocha, olive, rust, terra-cotta
Accent colors add extra dimension. Use them sparingly in decor, stationery and attire details.
Choosing Bridesmaid Dress Colors
After picking the main wedding palette, the bride can select bridesmaid dress colors that complement it beautifully. Some fail-proof options include:
- Blush pink dresses for a romantic wedding
- Champagne dresses for an elegant affair
- Marsala dresses for a formal wine-colored theme
- Navy blue dresses for a nautical or nighttime look
- Sage green dresses for outdoorsy weddings
Bridesmaid dresses traditionally come in one color, but you can mix hues within your palette for a varied look. The options are endless!
Traditional Decor Color Ideas
Bring your wedding color scheme to life throughout the decor:
- Drape ceilings with fabric swags or lanterns in your colors
- Use uplighting to bathe walls in hues
- Add pops with patterned linens – stripes, solids, paisleys
- Incorporate colors in centerpiece flowers and candles
- Use vintage books with colored spines for table decor
- Display an artist palette “painted” with your colors
DIY details like paper pompoms, tassel garlands and colored glass vases can also decorate on a budget.
Traditional Wedding Cake Colors
Your wedding cake is the centerpiece dessert of the reception. While traditionally white, today’s cakes come in many colors. Here are some ideas:
- White cake with blush pink or pale blue accents
- Naked cake to showcase cake flavors
- Ombre cake that fades from dark to light
- Watercolor effect using your colors
- Subtle patterned fondant like stripes or dots
Another unique idea – Infuse the batter or frosting with colored botanicals like violets, lavender or turmeric for a natural ombre effect.
Traditional Wedding Flower Colors
Flowers are a beautiful and aromatic way to implement your wedding palette. Some top picks include:
| Color | Flowers |
|---|---|
| White | Roses, calla lilies, tulips, gardenias, peonies, orchids |
| Ivory | Roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums, lilies, gladiolus |
| Pink | Peonies, ranunculus, sweet peas, cherry blossoms, roses |
| Red | Roses, tulips, carnations, ranunculus, dahlias, anemones |
| Purple | Lavender, lilac, violets, pansies, clematis, iris |
| Blue | Hydrangeas, thistles, delphinium, bachelor buttons, cornflowers |
| Green | Bells of Ireland, eucalyptus, hanging amaranthus, ferns, ivy |
Consider seasonality when choosing wedding flowers. But some varieties like roses and orchids are available year-round.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect wedding color palette sets the tone for your entire celebration. Traditional weddings favor timeless, elegant color combinations that convey romance and sophistication. Classic pairings like ivory and blush pink or navy blue and silver epitomize traditional style. But don’t be afraid to also incorporate trendy colors like marsala for a modern edge. The meaning behind your chosen hues adds personal significance. Infuse your wedding decor, stationery, attire and flowers with your colors for a cohesive look your guests will love.
