Choosing the right colors for your wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task for any engaged couple. The color palette helps set the overall tone and aesthetic for the big day. When it comes to selecting your wedding colors, there are many factors to consider – the season, venue, formality, your personal preference and style. But if romance is your top priority, then focusing on the most romantic colors for weddings can help narrow your decisions.
Certain shades are commonly associated with love, passion, and romance. Opting for these colors in your wedding details from invitations to cake and flowers can help create a warm, intimate setting. So what are the most romantic colors for weddings? Here we’ll explore the meanings behind popular romantic shades and how to incorporate them into your wedding palette.
Symbolic Meaning of Colors
Before diving into specific shades, it helps to understand what certain colors represent. While color meanings can vary by culture, here are some of the common symbolic associations in the western world:
Red – Active, passionate, enthusiasm, desire, love, romance
Pink – Gentle, graceful, admiration, romance, femininity
White – Pure, innocence, humility, new beginnings
Ivory – Elegance, sophistication, traditional
Purple – Royalty, wisdom, respect, magic, mystery
Lavender – Feminine, grace, calmness, relaxation
Blue – Trust, loyalty, tranquility, confidence, stability
Green – Growth, renewal, harmony, freshness, fertility
So when seeking romantic colors, shades like red, pink, purple, and lavender tend to evoke feelings of love and passion. Ivory and white also carry associations with purity that work well for weddings. Blue and green can add a soothing accent too. Keep these meanings in mind as you explore specific shades.
Most Romantic Wedding Colors
Now let’s look at some of the best color options for infusing romance into your wedding day.
Red
It’s no surprise red tops the list of romantic colors. Associated with the heart, love, and desire, red is a classic choice to set a passionate mood. There are many shades of red to pick from:
- Scarlet: Vibrant, sensual
- Crimson: Deep, luxurious
- Burgundy: Rich, elegant
- Blush: Soft, delicate
Red works beautifully when used for accents – flowers, invitations, cake layers, bridesmaid dresses. But too much red can also feel overwhelming, so use it sparingly or pair with creams or gold.
Pink
Like red, pink also carries strong associations with romance and love. Opt for soft pinks to create an intimate, feminine vibe. Blush pink with ivory or cream evokes timeless elegance. Bolder fuchsia can really make a statement. Consider pink for:
- Bouquets and centerpieces
- Bridesmaid gowns
- Table linens and napkins
- Cake icing
- Stationery
Purple
Purple brings a sense of luxury and magic for a wedding. Traditional regal purple works beautifully when paired with gold accents. Or go for soft pastel purple tones to create a dreamy romantic setting. Use purple for:
- Florals – especially lavender
- Table decor
- Stationery and invitations
- Wedding cake
- Bridesmaid dresses
Neutral Tones
Don’t overlook classic neutral colors like ivory, cream or soft dove gray. These understated hues pair gorgeously with vivid reds, pinks or purples. Crisp white also pops against darker colors. Neutrals add an air of elegance and sophistication.
Seasonal Colors
The time of year you get married can also influence romantic color choices:
- Spring – pastels like blush pink, lavender, mint, light peach
- Summer – bright reds, fuchsia, tropical colors, yellow
- Fall – burgundy, plum, hunter green, rusty orange
- Winter – deeper reds, emerald green, metallic gold and silver
Selecting colors suited to the season helps create cohesion. A winter wedding calls for jewel tones while airy pastels fit a spring or summer wedding.
Complete Wedding Color Schemes
Once you settle on 1-2 main romantic colors, build out a full wedding color palette. Monochromatic looks (different shades of one color) have a bold impact. But for most weddings, you’ll want to include 2-4 complementary colors. Here are some stunning color combinations:
- Blush pink, ivory/cream, sage green, gold
- Burgundy, blush, marsala, silver
- Lavender purple, steel blue, blush, silver
- Forest green, burgundy, ivory, gold
- Navy blue, blush pink, ivory, marsala
These palettes mix vivid with neutral shades beautifully. Just be wary of going overboard on colors. Stick to 3-4 colors as the main focus.
Using Romantic Colors for Decor
Your wedding decor is one of the best ways to implement your color scheme. Table linens, floral arrangements, lighting, and stationery all tie into your decorative details. Here are some specific ways to infuse romantic colors:
- Pink, red or purple uplighting around reception
- Centerpieces featuring red roses, pink peonies, or purple hydrangea
- Blush, red or purple table runners
- Place settings with pink or red napkins
- Chair sashes in pink, red, or lavender
- Purple or pink accent lighting (Chandeliers, lanterns)
Layer your colors through different elements for maximum impact. Candles also add warm romantic ambience.
Romantic Wedding Stationery
Don’t overlook your invitations, programs, menus, and signs to implement your color scheme. Options include:
- Laser cut invitations edged in red, pink or purple
- Blush pink or lavender paper with foil stamping
- Red, pink or purple envelopes
- Menus and programs featuring your accent colors
- Welcome sign surrounded by red roses or pink peonies
Even small details like your stamps or place cards can contribute to your theme.
Floral Arrangements
Your wedding flowers offer one of the best ways to infuse romantic colors. When meeting with your florist, consider blooms in shades of red, pink, purple and blush. Options include:
- Red roses
- Red tulips or ranunculus
- Dahlias
- Peonies
- Pink hydrangea
- Lavender roses
- Purple calla lilies
- Purple orchids
- Lilac
Work with your florist to create lush, romantic arrangements in lush blossoms.
Attire Accents
Don’t forget to incorporate romantic colors into your wedding attire as well. Options include:
- Red or pink sash for the bride
- Red or purple ties for the groom and groomsmen
- Blush, red or purple bridesmaid dresses
- Pink or red shoes for the bride
- Burgundy suits for the groom/groomsmen
This ensures your romantic color scheme carries through from decor to attire.
Cakes
Your wedding cake provides another fun way to implement your color palette. Consider:
- Pale pink or lavender cake with red, pink or purple flower accents
- Ombre cake fading from dark to light pink
- Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
- Maroon, red, or pink candles
Just avoid cakes that appear too dark or bold next to your attire. Pastel cakes complement most wedding gowns beautifully.
Reception Details
Infuse your reception with romantic colors through details like:
- Pink or red rose petals lining aisle and table
- Purple uplighting around dance floor
- Lanterns or string lights with purple or pink hues
- Pink or red linen napkins
- Purple or pink bows tied around napkins or chairs
Lighting, linens, and floral accents all contribute to your theme. Even small visual touches make a difference.
