Quick answers
Red is a bold, vibrant color that makes a statement. It’s associated with love, passion, and excitement. When it comes to selecting wedding colors that pair nicely with red, there are many options that can work beautifully. Neutral colors like white, ivory, black, and shades of gray tone down the intensity of red. Earthy hues like forest green, navy blue, and brown also complement red well. For a more vibrant look, pair red with metallics like gold, rose gold, or silver. Pink is another classic pairing for red in all shades from blush to fuchsia. With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find wedding colors that create the perfect look and feel for your big day.
Popular color pairings with red
Here are some of the most popular wedding color combinations that feature red:
Red and White: This classic pairing looks timeless and elegant. White helps soften the boldness of red. Together they create a clean, crisp aesthetic. Red flowers pop vividly against white table linens or chair covers. White stationery printed with red accents ties everything together.
Red and Black: For a moody, dramatic effect, black is the perfect match for red. Black tie optional weddings benefit from bold red accents. Centerpieces mixing red roses and black calla lilies make a striking statement. Opt for black bridesmaid dresses with red floral details.
Red and Silver or Gold: Metallic accents glam up red for an opulent look. Red linens with gold chiavari chairs create luxe vibes. Silver candlesticks and charger plates pop against red tablecloths. Mirrored or sequined decor catches the light beautifully.
Red and Pink: Soft blush pink helps tone down the intensity of red. Together, they give off romantic vibes. Opt for red bridesmaid gowns with pink floral crowns for a sweet, feminine aesthetic. Mix red and pink roses in centerpieces.
Red and Green: For an earthy, seasonal palette, pair red with forest, emerald, or sage greens. This combo looks especially fitting for fall and winter weddings. Evergreen foliage accented with red berries makes stunning natural arrangements.
Red and Brown: Rich chocolate or caramel browns complement red well. Browns have a grounding effect on red’s vibrancy. Accent with wood elements, earthy metals like copper, and natural textures. Red roses pop in simple glass vases with wooden table numbers.
Red and Navy: Navy blue makes an elegant pairing with red that’s nautical inspired. Navy bridesmaid dresses with red shoes and jewelry are a cute option. Stripes and anchors add to the maritime theme. Centerpieces can mix red and white blooms with navy blue hydrangeas.
Tips for incorporating red into your wedding palette
Here are some useful tips for working with red for your wedding:
Use red as an accent: Since red is bold, a little can go a long way. Use it strategically as an accent color in your decor, flowers, stationery, and attire. This prevents it from becoming overwhelming. Pops of red make the biggest impact.
Try different shades of red: Explore red shades like cherry, crimson, burgundy, rust, or maroon. Darker reds are richer, while bright crimson packs vibrancy. Match the red hue to your venue and formality.
Mix textures with red: Pair red with contrasting textures and materials. Try satin red tablecloths with burlap runners, or mix red roses with seeded eucalyptus. Using complementary textures prevents red from seeming flat.
Incorporate red slowly: Start by infusing red into your wedding decor first, then bridal party attire if it feels right. The bride can decide last on wearing red depending on her comfort level. Don’t feel the pressure to overdo red.
Use red in moderation for men’s’ attire: While a red vest or tie can look great on groomsmen, don’t overdo it. Limit red accents to avoid looking costumey. The groom can wear a red boutonniere or bow tie for a subtle way to work it in.
DIY red wedding projects: Get creative with easy DIY details featuring red. Print table numbers on red paper, paint wooden signs red, use red vases or candles, wrap a red ribbon around programs or napkins. Little touches go a long way.
Incorporate food and drinks: Celebrate red through your catering choices. Serve a red velvet wedding cake, raspberry cocktails, or dishes featuring beetroot, pomegranate, or red peppers. It’s a fun way to carry the color scheme through.
Red Wedding Color Schemes
Here are some fabulous color schemes featuring red for weddings:
Red and Gold: Pairing red with glittering gold creates instant luxury and elegance.Gold chiavari chairs, sequin tablecloths, and gilded accents make red pop. Candles and glassware in the two tones tie everything together beautifully.
Red and Navy Blue: For a nautical or patriotic Americana theme, red and navy blue is a classic choice. Navy bridesmaid gowns with red bouquets are chic. Stripes, anchors, and gold starbursts add fun details.
Red and Green: Reminiscent of the holidays, red combined with pine green or forest green is an earthy palette. Great for fall and winter weddings, especially around Christmas. Accent with evergreen foliage, berries, and pinecones.
Red and Pink: Soft blush pink helps balance out the richness of red. Together these passionate, romantic shades create a sweet and feminine aesthetic. Perfect for flowers, attire, linens, and stationery.
Red and Black: A gothic glam or roaring 20s inspiration comes to life combining bold red with classic black. Black bridesmaid gowns with red corsages are striking and sophisticated.
Red and Silver: Silver’s cool metallic sheen contrasts beautifully with red’s fiery boldness. Shimmering sequins, glittering crystals, mercury glass vases, and mirror accents pair gorgeously.
Red and Copper: For an earthy, organic look, copper’s warmth blends seamlessly with red. Copper mugs, vases, candle holders, and table numbers give off boho vibes. Accent with dried florals.
Red and Champagne: Pairing bright, true red with soft champagne creates an upscale and elegant wedding palette. Champagne linens and bridesmaid dresses make red details pop.
Red and Orange: Go bold with a fiery palette mixing red and vibrant orange. Great for summer or tropical destination weddings. Tropical flowers, citrus fruits, and fiery sunsets tie it all together.
Selecting attire and decor in red
Here are some details on working red into your wedding attire and decor:
Bride’s attire: Not every bride wants to wear red, but it can be stunning. Opt for a red ballgown for drama or a short red reception dress. Accessorize with red shoes or lips. Consider a red sash or belt to incorporate it more subtly.
Bridesmaids: Having your maids wear red dresses is a bold but beautiful choice. Or do red dresses for just the maid of honor or flower girls. Accent any color dress with red shoes, sashes, or shawls.
Groom and groomsmen: Work red into ties, vest, socks, or pocket squares. Or go for a subtle red boutonniere to complement the bride’s bouquet. Limit red so as not to look costumey.
Flowers: Red roses are a classic option, but also consider ranunculus, dahlias, peonies, tulips, gerbera daisies, and carnations. Red berries like holly and hypericum add wintry charm.
Table linens: Layer red tablecloths over white for a striking look. Add red napkins, runners, or chair sashes. For a more subtle vibe do white linens with a red flower centerpiece.
Table decor: Incoporate red through your china like charger plates, napkin rings, or glassware. Float red rose petals in glass bowl centerpieces. Use red candles or vases for minimalist chic.
Wall/ceiling decor: Drape gauzy red fabric behind your head table or over lights. Wrap columns or beams with red ribbons. Hang paper balls, pom poms, or lanterns from above.
Signage: Print key signage like table numbers, menus, or bar signs on red paper or card stock. Or paint wood signs red and add white lettering. Use a bold red font on chalkboard signs.
How to incorporate red into your wedding stationery
Wedding stationery is the perfect way to set the tone with your red color scheme. Here are some ideas:
– Invitation suite: Select a red floral pattern paper for your main invitation. Or print names in red ink on a neutral background like white, champagne, or gray. Use red envelopes or belly bands.
– Thank you cards: After the wedding, continue the red theme by ordering thank you notes with red envelopes. Or get white cards with red text.
– Menu cards: Print menus on red card stock, or do a red and white pattern. Tie them with a red ribbon. Use a fancy red script font.
– Table numbers: Number each table on rectangular red tent cards. Or cut numbers out of red paper or cardstock. Display in red frames if desired.
– Programs: Programs are the perfect place to incorporate red. Print on red textured paper and tie with white or black ribbon. Or do black and white programs with a red ribbon. Use red in the header font.
– Signing book/pen: Select a red guest book for signing, and a red pen on a coordinating red and white lace ribbon. This ties everything together.
– Escort cards: Print names on white cards in red ink and display in red holders or frames at each place setting. Or do red cards with white text for high contrast.
– Welcome sign: Print a red “Welcome” sign or choose one in red wood. Surround it with red flowers or decor to set the tone.
Red wedding cakes
Red velvet cake may come to mind first, but there are lots of ways to incorporate red into your wedding cake:
– Frosting: White or cream cake with red buttercream frosting in satin, pearl, or ruffle application. Or ombre shades fading from red at bottom to white at top.
– Red flowers: Fresh red flowers like roses, peonies, ranunculus, or anemones arranged elegantly on an all white cake.
– Berries: Fresh raspberries, cherries, cranberries, or red currants scattered across a naked cake or cascading down the side.
– Painted details: Simple buttercream white cake painted with red roses, dots, stripes, or brushstroke design.
– Ribbons and bows: Crisscrossed red ribbons around each tier or a big red bow inset with flowers. Trails of ribbon dangling down the sides.
– Drip effect: White cake with red drizzled frosting and curls falling gently down the sides for a modern, artful look.
– Layers and tiers: Construct cake with alternating tiers of red velvet and classic white cake. Or fill between layers with red fruit preserves or ganache.
– Cutout accents: Use mini cookie cutters to make red heart, flower, or numeric accents out of fondant on a white cake.
However you choose to design it, red cake creations make a statement and tie in beautifully with your wedding color palette.
Conclusion
Red is a fabulous wedding color that infuses any scheme with love, passion and vibrancy when paired thoughtfully. Popular combinations include red with white, black, pink, green, blue, brown, metallic, and earthy accents. Use red strategically as an accent in decor, attire, flowers, and stationery for maximum visual impact. From dramatic black and red palettes to soft red and blush pink, there are so many options to make red work for your wedding theme and season. Embrace red wholeheartedly or use it sparingly, either way it brings excitement and beauty to your big day.
