What Can I Colour?

Here's some help to start thinking about your wedding colours and style - with some guidance on what and where it will make a statement.

Once you decide on the colour scheme and theme for your wedding, you then need to consider where and what will pick up this palette. Be aware that you can run the risk of overdoing it - so make sure you highlight colour where appropriate and use more than one to pick up your signature hue.

If you plan to use a pattern like polka dots, you don't want your guests feeling queasy from too many spots. It's also important to make sure that your colours don't clash with your space. If you're getting married in a room at a vineyard that has rich red walls and deep brown carpet, opting for bright purple and yellow may not be the best way to go.

Always remember: less is more.

Here are some areas where your palette can really make a statement.
 
1. THE STATIONERY: Your Save the Date and invitation will set the tone for your theme. It can be as simple as the font colour or as bold as the background for the card and envelope. This should then carry through to all stationery elements, including the ceremony programme, table and place cards, menus and even thank you notes.
2. THE ATTIRE: Where your colour will "pop" is through your wedding party's attire. The idea is to choose a colour for the bridesmaids dresses that is either your primary colour or a colour that compliments it. The same coordination applies to the men's attire. If they are wearing ties, a nice touch is to match these to the bridesmaids dresses...just remember that the attire and flowers work hand-in hand. Just be careful not to get too carried away - you don't want a colour overload! If you have chosen bright aqua for your bridesmaids, then you might want to tone it down with the boys' ties, putting them in the same colour only in a few shades lighter, or in a complimentary cream or beige tone.
3. THE FLOWERS: Let's say your colour is pink, but pink just doesn't suit your best ladies. It therefore may be a safer choice to pick a more neutral coloured dress, like champagne or black, and bring the colour into the ceremony and reception with arrangements and bouquets of pink peonies, tulips, roses or gerberas. Alternatively, you can use the flowers to carry on the colour of the dresses, with a mixture of hues accompanied by white flowers or dramatic greenery.
4. THE TABLE: There are quite a few ways to colour your table. In addition to your centerpieces or floral arrangements, you can highlight the place settings with coloured or pattered table runners, serviettes or vases. You can also bring colour into your favours with the wrapping or boxes. Don't get ahead of yourselves though! Pick and choose where your key colour will work and where you can highlight these with complimentary colours, like creams, whites, browns and black.
5. THE CAKE: If you're theme is 1920s glamour, why not make your cake layers black and white? Or if you're going for a garden theme of yellow and green, why not add green sugar flowers to your white cake or decorate it with daisies, primrose or marigolds.