Choosing the right color scheme is an important part of planning any wedding. When having an outdoor woodland wedding, the natural surroundings already provide a beautiful backdrop of greens, browns, and other earthy tones. The key is to complement this environment and create a cohesive color story through your details and décor.
Consider the season
The time of year you choose for your woodland wedding will impact the colors that best accentuate the natural setting. Here are some top color palette ideas for each season:
Spring
Pastels like blush pink, mint, and pale yellow pair beautifully with the blooms and blossoms of spring. Aquas and greens also evoke the colors starting to emerge in nature. For bolder pops of color, choose vivid hues like coral, lavender or peach.
Summer
The bright greens of summer allow for a wide range of accompanying colors. Opt for cheerful tones like coral, yellow, tangerine and fuchsia or cool shades like light blue, sage green and slate gray. Metallics like rose gold and copper also shine against the verdant backdrop of summer.
Fall
Rich autumnal colors like red, orange, bronze and gold perfectly complement the turning leaves. Dusty rose, olive green, plum and navy blue also work well and offer some cooler contrast. Adding touches of cranberry, wine or blush keep the palette from feeling too warm.
Winter
stick with cool tones that align with the icy whites and silvers of a winter wedding. Shades like ice blue, steel gray, pale pink, and magenta pair nicely with stark white snow or bare tree branches. For some contrast, blend in dark emerald greens or accents of black or charcoal.
Match your color scheme to the style
The overall style and formality of your woodland wedding should also guide your color choices. Here are some popular color palettes that complement different wedding aesthetics:
Rustic
Earthy neutrals like tan, brown, sage green, and slate blue capture a natural rustic vibe. Accents of red, plum, or pale yellow add some brightness.
Vintage
Soft pastels like powder blue, pale peach, mint, and blush pink give a romantic vintage look. Add in some metallic shine with gold, rose gold or silver.
Whimsical
Play up the whimsy with fun, bright colors like coral, tangerine, fuchsia, sky blue and buttercup yellow. Tie it together with touches of gray or green.
Elegant
Subtle, complementary colors like navy and blush, pale blue and gray, or olive green and cream craft an elegant earthy palette. Metallic accents like gold and silver inject glamour.
Factor in your flowers
Your wedding flowers will be a key part of pulling your woodland color scheme together. Select blooms that enhance your colors and connect to the natural setting. Here are some top floral options:
- Hydrangeas – Available in whites, pinks, blues and purples, these full blooms exemplify woodland elegance.
- Dahlias – The wide range of bright, vivid colors allows you to easily match your color palette.
- Ranunculus – Pastel pinks, peaches, yellows, and whites have a romantic, delicate look.
- Anemones – White and blush varieties pair perfectly with greenery for a woodsy feel.
- Roses – Classic red, pink, and white roses offer timeless appeal.
- Peonies – Available in white, pink, coral and burgundy, these blooms evoke vintage charm.
- Wildflowers – Native blooms like daisies instantly connect to the natural setting.
Use color in your décor
Bring your color scheme to life through your wedding décor:
- Tablecloths & napkins – Dye fabric or papergoods like tablecloths, runners, and napkins to match your colors.
- Chair covers – Cover chiavari chairs, folding chairs or benches with dyed fabric or sashes.
- Centerpieces – Use floral colors with candles, lanterns, vases, foliage and other accent pieces.
- Backdrops – Create a focal wall or ceremony arch with colored fabric like tulle, gauze or linens.
- Signage – Tie everything together with details like menus, table numbers, signage, and favor tags colored to coordinate.
- Lighting – Use colored uplighting or string lighting to cast a colorful glow over your space.
Accent with stationery
Your save the dates, invitations, menus, programs and other wedding stationery offer lots of opportunity to integrate color. Some ideas:
- Select colored paper or cardstock that aligns with your palette.
- Use colored envelopes to make a fun impact.
- Incorporate colored fonts, illustrations or imagery.
- Tie with colored ribbon, trim, or belly bands.
- Add a lining inside invitations using a patterned paper with your colors.
Consider glassware
The glasses and barware at your wedding present another way to work in color. Options include:
- Colored wine or champagne glasses like pink, green, blue or clear.
- Eclectic glassware like mismatched vases, bottles, jars and decanters.
- Metallic copper mugs for cocktails.
- Monogrammed glassware with your names or wedding date.
- Mason jars wrapped with colored raffia, ribbon, burlap or fabric.
Use attire to complement
The wedding party attire should be chosen with the colors in mind. Ideas include:
- Bridesmaid dresses in a shade from your palette like blush pink or navy blue.
- Groomsmen ties or vests matching colors like gray, olive green or coral.
- Flower girl dresses using soft pastels from your palette.
- Colored suit jackets or vests for the groom and groomsmen.
- Bridal shoes dyed blue, pink, or any accent color.
- A bridesmaid carrying a bouquet matching her dress color.
Remember the little details
Don’t forget small finishing touches to tie your wedding color scheme together:
- Table runners, napkin rings, favor bags, or ribbons on chairs
- Colored candles, vases, table numbers, or lanterns
- Bridesmaid jewelry or hair accessories
- Groomsmen boutonnieres, socks, or pocket squares
- Cake trim, frosting, or floral topper
- Monogrammed koozies, napkins, or signage
Conclusion
A woodland wedding color palette should enhance the natural setting while aligning with your style and vision. Seasonal colors that complement the greens and earth tones of the outdoors is key. Pastels for spring and summer or rich autumnal hues for fall make perfect partners. Just remember to carry your colors throughout all the details, from your stationery and attire to the flowers, décor and glassware. With the right cohesive color story, you’re sure to have a stylish woodland wedding that feels special, stylish, and completely you.
