Wedding Colors - Contrast is Key

When it comes to wedding receptions, there areunorthodox color like blue or pale purple. The
a lot of details that can make a difference.effect can be startling and extremely fashionable
Candles, flowers, table linen, music and of course,in appearance. Of course, red is almost always
location are all important. However, there is onethe prevalent color at Chinese weddings, where it
overarching theme that to some extent, dictatesis believed to bring luck and happiness. On such
the parameters of all such details-the coloroccasions, red is usually paired with gold.
scheme. In the movie "Steel Magnolias," JuliaThe color purple, with its traditional associations
Roberts's character proudly proclaims "My colorswith royalty, can create a very luxurious
are blush and bashful," to which her motherambiance at a wedding. This impression can be
replies, "Her colors are pink and pink. Thatheightened by the use of hints of gold, creating a
sanctuary looks like it's been hosed down withsort of gilded atmosphere. But for a less
Pepto-Bismol." And a few minutes later, we seetraditional, fun approach, purple can also be paired
that this is so. The colors chosen for a weddingwith bright, almost neon colors such as magenta
affect every nuance of the atmosphere.or tangerine. The effect is very cheerful, creating
Fortunately, with a little ingenuity, there is no colora heightened aura of festivity.
that cannot be used to celebrate the couple's bigWeddings featuring a blue color scheme can be
day.very dramatic or very relaxed, depending on the
The key to an attractive wedding color scheme ishue of blue selected. Deeper shades tend to
not to overdo a single hue. If the colors choseninvoke a stately, sophisticated atmosphere. Such
are too similar, they will just blend together. Onblues are often combined with gold and/or silver,
the other hand, if the colors contrast with eachwhich adds to the sense of decorum. But lighter
other, than both provide a palate against whichshades of blue can create an atmosphere of
the other can be displayed. For example, when itcheer and even whimsy. Shades of turquoise are
comes to summer weddings, green helps createvery popular at beach weddings, which often
an appropriate atmosphere. But don't combinefeature details like starfish and brightly colored
pastel green with forest green. Instead, considerorchids. Turquoise can be effectively paired with
pairing jade with white, pale pink or silver. Theother bright colors to create a tropical
paler color allows the jade to stand out, creatingatmosphere.
an impression of green without beingIf you really want to wake up the guests, shades
overwhelming.of orange can be used for beautiful fall weddings.
Many winter weddings utilize the color red. OfOrange has to be used carefully, as its brightness
course, the danger is that if green is used as thecan be easily overwhelming. However, used in the
pairing color, the decor will come off too much likecorrect combinations, such as with a deep
a Christmas party and not at all like a weddingchocolate brown, it can be very attractive,
reception. To avoid this problem, try anstriking and seasonally appropriate.