Hue Clues

The beauty of your wedding day will be expressed through a pageantry of COLOR. For some, selecting these representative hues is a simple task. Perhaps the bride's favorite color is peach, her fiance's is tangerine, and the bright, golden sun of their June wedding suggests a honey yellow accent. Other couples may wish to discover those color clues which suit their personalities and special day best.

Because many factors hinge on this decision; attire, invitations, floral, favors, etc., it is important to select colors early in the process. Once you've chosen the date as well as ceremony and reception sites, use the following guide to determine your "Wedding Colors."
 

CLUE HUE #1 Mood as Inspiration

It is important to consider the mood of the wedding. Ask yourselves questions like, "What feeling do we want guests to experience when they walk through the reception doors?" "Is there an emotion that defines our love that can be conveyed at our wedding?" For every couple an answer is excitingly unique for a celebration like no other.

From these considerations identify the color(s) that suits the mood or conveys the desired emotion. An easy-going couple may want to communicate a sense of calm and peacefulness which could lend itself well to a neutral palette of restrained elegance. Another couple who lead high energy lifestyles and who like to make a big splash might choose a bolder, dramatic scheme of posh red, shiny pewter, and midnight black. A couple may choose earthy tones in tribute to their passion for the outdoors.

CLUE HUE #2 Location as Inspiration

After you've chosen the reception site, take a close look at the colors there which are easily identifiable. Ask, "Is the space dominated by a categorical theme or clear-cut color scheme?" "Will it clash or complement the color choices we think we want?" "Is the venue a blank palette with neutral walls, chairs, and hard-wood floors which will be enhanced with any number of color selections?" A ballroom decorated with heavy, damask window treatments of burgundy and gold with carpet to match might not be readily transformed into an all-white, winter wonderland, but ideal for a winter wedding with rich, mysterious tones of chocolate, wine, and eggplant.
 

CLUE HUE #3 Season as Inspiration

It always makes sense to consider colors readily available in the season in which you're getting married. Ideally, you will visit the ceremony site to carefully examine the grounds during the same season in which you'll be married. Take note of blooming flowers and/or plants (or lack thereof) that could enhance the scene. Make sure to inquire about changes to the exterior/interior which might happen over the course of the year that might influence color. Another planning resource is your floral designer. Rely on their knowledge and ask questions such as, "What flowers are in-season for my wedding?" and "What colors are they available in?" Once again, if you're planning a year out, it is likely your florist will be able to provide you with fresh examples of these options.
 

CLUE HUE #4 Attire as Inspiration

Let's say you and your fiance love the color blue, but can't decide on an exact shade. It is always important to know what is available for bridal party attire, seeing that your maids' gowns will add an obvious color punch to the day. But before you settle on the first blue tea-length dress you find, consider this: For some brides precise color coordination is key. An exact match of blue from attire to invitation is meticulous work, but can be done. If you are of this mind, make sure you can find dresses, ribbon, and paper to match the desired hue, otherwise, it might be close to impossible to replicate it in other areas. Herein, however, lies the beauty of layering. Layering of various shades of the same color is a wonderful technique to give movement, depth, and vibrancy to a wedding palette. Instead of trying to match all the pretty details, consider a complementing assortment of shades, or "tonal variety," throughout the elements. For example, pair vivid Sapphire earrings with Powder Blue maids' gowns, and French Blue ribbon as wrap for bouquets.

-Jamey Welling, MichaelAngelos "The Event Company"