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Updated Mar 06, 202555 Wedding Color Schemes to Perfect Your Palette
Consult this guide before you say "I do" to your hues.
Photo: Terri Baskin Photography, Ashley Goodwin Photography, Porterhouse LA, Connie & Stewart Photography, Emily Loeppke,Photo: Ryan Greenleaf Photography, Anna Zajac, Kyle John Photography, Ether & Smith, Ivy Weddings,Design: Tiana Crispino
Yes, you're a fiancé planning a wedding, but you're also an artist—curating a vision that inspires through the eyes and evokes emotion. Like any good artist, you'll need a creative and cohesive color palette to pull from. Selecting the right hues from the thousands of wedding color schemes feels like a lot of pressure. After all, your wedding colors are some of the most defining features of your big day. They subtly tie together all of your decorative details, from the invitation suite and flower arrangements to the attire, table decor and even the wedding cake.
Studying up on how to pick wedding colors will help you create a design that flows from start to finish. (Plus, it'll also keep you focused on your true style when you're inevitably inundated with wedding inspiration.) The best way to figure out what you like in terms of wedding color combos is by sifting through images of real weddings—something we just so happen to have a ton of—and distilling three to five shades that resonate from those photos. Below, find some of our very favorite wedding color ideas, from timeless options to unexpected pairings that will give your event an artistic edge. Next up: curating an excellent vendor team from The Knot Vendor Marketplace to build an immersive experience from your wedding theme colors.
Wedding color schemes: Best | Rustic | Unique | Elegant | Boho | Classic | Modern | Seasonal
Best Wedding Colors
What qualifies a group of hues as one of the best wedding color schemes is entirely subjective. It's not about exact color theory, but about how the shades that move you play together to create a mood that corresponds with your wedding style. (If you're still unsure what it is, take this Style Quiz to nail your look and feel.) That said, the three wedding color palette ideas in this section are some of our favorite combinations.
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1. Lavender, Green and White
Green and white are some of the most popular wedding colors for a reason. They carry through the hues of fresh white florals and ivory linens to create a timeless look. A kiss of soft lavender will add a little warmth to this classic pair of hues and, depending on the shade and saturation of each color, this palette can embody soft spring in its softest form and even moody fall with darker, dustier tones.
2. Coral, Rose and White
There's nothing more romantic than a pop or two of pink—and pairing a soft blush with a juicy, coral feels classic, yet unexpected. Combine the two hues in the form of blooms surrounded by various varieties of feathery white wildflowers to create a subtly unexpected color theme for your wedding florals. Keep the same formula for your tablescapes, using white as a base and bringing in pink glassware and accent linens.
3. Blue, Green and White
Blue and white always feels elegant, classic and a touch preppy, but adding a significant pop of green softens the scheme. You can add green linens or dinnerware to weave in the tone, but it can also appear in the form of textured greenery that cascades across tables and anchors arrangements. Mercury glass touches, like those seen in this wedding color palette add sparkle and dimension.
Rustic Wedding Colors
Build your rustic wedding color palette around these charming country-inspired wedding colors, from neutral browns to summery yellows and blues. These slates of shades can work for weddings set in the mountains, to those in the plains and every pastoral setting in between.
4. Brown, Orange and Terracotta
Warm tones are a natural way to go when it comes to rustic wedding color combinations. Colors like muted oranges and pinks play well with warm brown woods (a mainstay at rustic weddings, whether you're saying "I do" in a barn or a farmhouse). Using blush, terracotta and brown as your wedding reception colors feels a little modern, but also right in line with a country setting.
5. Peach, Lavender and Beige
Try this playful trio for a rustic summer wedding. Bring these pretty wedding colors into your decor through natural elements, like actual peaches and fresh lavender centerpieces, that echo the farm-to-table vibe. These pastel hues pair perfectly with medium-tone woods, like those in this cozy barn.
6. Chocolate, Cinnamon and White
Yes, we only named two shades of brown here, but you can iterate on a brown-centric palette countless ways. Slight variation in tone recalls natural woods, supple leather and flowing dried grasses (and feel totally on trend, given the Pantone color of the year). If you dream of an earthy, laid-back rustic wedding, lean into a color palette with shades of ivory, cream and chocolate for a cozy and homey look. Incorporate cowhide or other animal prints for a farmhouse-inspired style.
7. Blue, White and Beige
You don't have to go for full-fledged farm vibes just because you're set to wed in the country, especially if your venue is set near the seaside or lakeside. The combination of medium wood tones, muted blues and creamy whites equal a rich, yet unfussy color combination for nuptials. Vintage glassware and peachy-taupe taper candles add even more interest.
8. Bright Wildflower Hues
Take cues from wildflower fields by adding brights, like orange, blue, red and yellow, to your rustic wedding colors. It's one of the cheeriest color palettes for weddings we can think of. Offset the busy range of hues by sticking to white or neutral tones for the majority of your other decor details, including table linens, vases and plates.
9. Burgundy, Cream and Rust
These rich wedding colors are great picks for a rustic fall wedding. Burgundy and rust will easily coordinate with other seasonal fall decor, like hay bales, pumpkins and pampas grass. A warm cream tone will soften these two deep hues.
10. Lilac, Green and Tan
Photo: HOLLY WILMETH PHOTOGRAPHY
Decorate tables at a rustic vineyard wedding with purple flowers and greenery. Along with these colors for a wedding, you could also incorporate purple fruits. Think: bunches of grapes, sliced figs or freshly picked plums to echo the pastoral theme.
11. Blue, White and Yellow
Going for a sunflower-themed wedding? This rustic color palette will instantly bring cheerful energy to your wedding day. Complete the look with mismatched vintage vases and bare wooden tables for added charm.
Unique Wedding Colors
Want an event that stands out from the pack? These combos of uncommon wedding colors will set your nuptials apart. From punchy to muted, you'll find tons of out-of-the-box inspo in this section.
12. Orange, Cobalt and Pink
Blue and orange are complementary colors, which means they are true opposites and bring the highest level of contrast possible between them. In terms of wedding color scheme ideas, this translates to hues that pack the biggest punch. Bringing in a hit of pink will help this palette feel a touch more romantic and wedding worthy, and also dimensional if you incorporate varying shades of pink and orange that are close together on the color spectrum.
13. Fruit-Inspired Colors
From fruit-filled centerpieces to lemon-themed bridal showers, produce has been having a moment these last couple of years—a moment that we're totally here for. Jump on the bandwagon with a fun wedding color palette inspired by grapefruits, lemons, oranges, honeydew and more. Combine two or more of these hues, then set them against a crisp white background or choose another bright color. We also love the deep red of pomegranates to bring a moody edge.
14. Gold, Turquoise and White
A little bit boho and a little bit modern, this combination is sure to stand out amongst the color schemes for weddings you've seen. Finish it with whimsical details, like this reception backdrop made from turquoise and metallic-gold streamers. You can also take this a little more luxe and historic, with details like a turquoise-velvet table runner and gold-trimmed glassware and candelabras
15. Violet, Tangerine and Cerulean
Orange and purple are both secondary colors on the color wheel (in other words, they're created when two primary colors are combined). They also share red as a common primary color, which means that they're natural matches for each other and make an unexpected pairing for your wedding color palette.
16. Blush, Mustard and Amber
Photo: NATASHA WILSON CO.
When paired together, yellow and blush can fit a romantic gathering or bohemian wedding—it all comes down to execution. Crisp shades of pink, yellow and white will feel bright and summery, while darker, muted shades of daffodil, mustard and salmon will create a palette that's fit for a trendy desert vibe. Weaving in rich amber—especially in the form of vintage glassware is a welcome addition.
17. Full Spectrum Rainbow
Can't limit yourself to two or three wedding colors? Don't sweat—use them all. Rainbow color themes for weddings can be tastefully executed, especially if you're going for a maximalist look and feel. Consider splurging on a colorful hanging installation or arch to serve as a statement "wow-factor" piece.
18. Ombré Palette
If you're really only feeling one general color, choose an ombré wedding color scheme to play around with a ton of different shades. Selecting colors for your wedding on a gradient will make your event decor look uniform and perfectly planned out. Plus, this type of color palette is easy to tailor to any season—just choose hues of a saturation level that matches the season.
19. Moss, Coral and Dusty Rose
Photo: Tessa Tadlock
These cute wedding colors are a unique pick for a late summer or early fall wedding. Add details like velvet fabric, Midcentury modern flatware and rose gold accents to achieve the grandmillennial aesthetic that complements these hues. This palette is truly a perfect combination of bright and muted, so it can capture a different mood depending on how you use each color.
Elegant Wedding Colors
Ideal for black-tie themes and formal events, these elegant wedding colors will help you design a vibe that's luxurious and sophisticated. And don't worry, these schemes go far beyond just black and white.
20. Green, White and Taupe
A deep forest green works for winter weddings and spring affairs alike depending on how and where it manifests. A green tablecloth like this one paired with clouds of white blooms and glossy black touches feels effortlessly elegant, but it's the touches of taupe that bring this palette into a warmer, more-interesting realm. Varying textures, like the cane-backed chairs and subtle swaths of fabric draped from the ceiling, keep these timeless wedding colors feeling fresh.
21. Navy Blue and White
It doesn't matter when or where you're getting married—navy blue and white is always an elegant wedding color scheme. Depending on your vision, you can leave this duo as-is or add a third accent color, like silver, green, gold or blush. The overall vibe will shift depending on your accent shade.
22. Amber Gold and Salmon
Looking for classy wedding colors that are a little unexpected? Pair amber and salmon tones with gilded details for an opulent effect. Bring in metallics as you choose your water goblets, candlesticks and flatware.
23. Pale Pink and Baby Blue
These pastel wedding colors never fail to disappoint. We love that this pairing is romantic and sophisticated, but to prevent the palette from coming across as too soft, you can consider adding one darker accent hue, like navy blue or deep mauve. Even a touch of glossy black can add some edge.
24. Emerald and Black
Photo: 5IVE15IFTEEN PHOTO CO
Whoever said that a drama-free wedding day is the goal obviously wasn't talking about wedding colors. An alluring combination of emerald green and black will bring all the moody vibes to your decor. This duo is a perfect choice for a formal wedding theme in fall or winter.
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25. Blue-Gray, Brass and Ivory
Soft bluish gray hues are a chic alternative to traditional white or black. When paired with bronze or brass elements and fresh greenery, you'll achieve a subtle, rustic elegant look. Mixing modern metallic vessels and classic cut crystal will add timeless dimension to your wedding table.
26. Green, Gold and Ivory
Nature lovers, this soothing wedding color scheme is for you. Green and ivory will bring a breath of fresh air to your nuptials, whether you're hosting a garden fête or a ballroom reception. Since these wedding colors are fairly simple, we recommend paying extra attention to the little details, like your linens, stationery and tabletop items, so that everything looks intentionally planned.
27. Indigo, Eggplant and Cream
Perfect for the fall and winter months, gemstone-inspired colors will make your wedding feel royally elegant. Since jewel tones are naturally darker wedding colors, allow a third, lighter shade to liven up the palette. Cream or metallic gold will do the trick.
28. Silver and Gray
Keep your wedding colors cool and sleek by choosing silver and gray as your main hues. This versatile pairing works year-round and is easy to adapt to almost any wedding theme. The lack of bright colors gives you more opportunity to experiment with monochromatic textures and prints, like pairing a sequin dress with a plaid sportcoat.
29. Pink, Ivory and Beige
We're kind of obsessed with this chic and sophisticated color scheme. Start with beige and off-white shades, then mix in a barely-there pink color—we'd also recommend adding an iridescent white or silver hue for an ethereal effect. Style these wedding colors with seashells, white marble details and minimal florals.
Boho Wedding Colors
Bohemian colors for weddings pull inspiration from natural landscapes with an emphasis on pattern and texture. Hippie-maximalist couples, these cool wedding color combinations are for you. Find both bright and laid-back combos that pair perfectly with your fave boho wedding ideas below.
30. Clay, Amber and Cream
Warm tones and natural textures like wicker and burlap play well together. Clay pots could bring in a warm terracotta shade and appear a bit more elevated when paired with sparkly amber glassware. Elegant cream will make these cozy colors feel fit for a wedding.
31. Mauve, Olive and Yellow-Green
Turn the classic pink and green combo into a boho palette by using muted versions of the colors instead. A mauve tuxedo breaks the mold and makes a statement, especially when you add an unexpected bow tie or colorful green pocket square.
32. Soft Neutrals
With neutral wedding colors, it's extra important to lean into textured elements like pampas grass or macramé textiles. For some added dimension, consider including greenery garlands or dried palm leaves. Or take cues from the custom neon sign in this display.
33. Marigola, Ruby and Blush
If you usually gravitate toward warmer colors, an orange, blush and red color scheme will create a happy and inviting atmosphere for your wedding day. Use light and dark variations of each color to bring depth and interest to the palette. And using them in a stunning flower garland like this one is a great choice.
Classic Wedding Colors
With hues like blush, ivory and blue at the forefront, these beautiful wedding colors ensure that you won't look back and cringe at your photos in a few decades. Even better: Carry these timeless hues through your The Knot wedding website and The Knot Invitations, both of which come in a range of colorways.
34. Black and White
Amidst all of the fun and flashy wedding color trends out there, black and white will always prevail as good wedding colors that stand the test of time. A black-and-white checkered dance floor feels super sophisticated (and not just because it was featured in a Bridgerton ball). Pair it with ethereal clouds of baby's breath for texture for a fresher feel.
35. Sky Blue and Ivory
Pale blue and ivory can have the tendency to feel nautical, especially when paired with striped prints or Chinoiserie. If that's the vibe you're going for, lean into all the preppy details (like seersucker and gingham) to stay on theme. If you're going for a more subdued style, play with deeper shades of blue and metallic gold for a wedding color combination that's classic, yet regal.
36. Monochrome White and Gold
A monochromatic white wedding color palette feels luxurious and high-end, especially when you accent it with details like monogrammed dinner plates, individual menu cards and candle centerpieces. Include two or three shades of white to keep the palette from falling flat. Plus, a kiss of gold to bring in interest will add extra sophistication.
37. Blush and White
Blush is always a pretty wedding color, whether you're planning a spring garden ceremony or winter wonderland reception. Accent your pink color palette with white to complete the understated and polished look. A hint of greenery from your florals will help emphasize the delicate details of your day.
38. Silver and Gold
Focus on metallic silver and gold for a bejeweled, shimmering aesthetic. These luxury wedding colors will instantly elevate the look and feel of your decor—don't worry about clashing colors or mixing metals (that's the point!). If you want to add an optional accent color, we'd suggest sticking to white or black to create some classic and cool wedding color combinations.
39. Black, White and Green
You already know that black and white are two of the most classic wedding colors of all time, but did you consider that you can give them a slight modern edge by incorporating fresh greenery? Boxwood and magnolia leaves will evoke a more formal look, while eucalyptus and olive branches tend to feel a little more casual. Whichever branch you select, you'll get a wedding look with more texture and dimension.
40. Mauve and Pine
Here's another variation of the timeless pink and green wedding color combination, this time inspired by rich jewel tones. Dark pine green will add a little extra ~ something ~ to your color scheme, especially if you're focusing on lighter pink and cream tones. If romantic or Victorian themes keep popping up as you work on defining your wedding type, this is a great scheme to consider.
41. Red, White and Pink
Red, pink and white are the classic colors of love, and they feel just a romantic incorporated into a wedding (even if you aren't saying "I do" on Valentine's Day). And just because they're considered classic shades, doesn't mean you have to use them in a fancy way. Take cues from this funky and bright wedding and incorporate hot pink tulle touches and architectural red blossoms.
Modern Wedding Colors
If you're all about minimalist style, use these modern wedding colors to pull off the less-is-more aesthetic. Though these schemes are modern, they definitely will look chic for decades to come (no bad luck wedding colors here).
42. Sage, Smoke and Peach
Looking for a combination of colors that reads equal parts elegant, fresh and unexpected? This is your dream palette. The hues are a little desaturated, but still feel rich, especially when accented with dark-green foliage.
43. Black, White and Blush
Set the scene for the party of the year (or decade) with a modern black, white and blush color palette. Include fun decor details, like a custom neon sign, champagne tower and over-the-top flower installations for the 'gram. So. Dang. Chic.
44. Off-White, Green and Burgundy
This modern wedding color scheme feels unique, artistic and just a tad moody. While the burgundy, green and brownish tones are primarily earthy, you can brighten them with an off-white accent color. Focus on decor with clean lines for a contemporary edge or neoclassical silhouettes for historic elegance.
45. Red, Cream and White
Photo: ALEXANDRA CELIA PHOTOGRAPHY,Cake design: SALTADENA
Red symbolizes love and passion, so what better way to honor your union than with dark wedding colors and a sultry palette? Since red is a bold color, balance with lighter accent shades (like white or blush) so your theme doesn't feel too overpowering. Bring in red pops through table chargers, signage, floral arrangements or even a touch of statement red lipstick.
46. Shades of Sage
We think that green is the unsung hero of wedding colors, including softer shades like sage green and mint. For a modern look, go heavy on sage green as your base hue and accent with black details, glassware and clear acrylic. You can add other close-to-sage shades for a killer green wedding color combination.
47. Mint, Brown, and Gold
This pale color combo feels in line with Japandi style, so it's a great fit for minimalist, sophisticated couples. Warm wood brings some rustic interest to this color scheme, while the gold keeps everything feeling celebratory. It's all about texture to bring these hues to life.
48. Playful Primary Hues
A punchy combo of red, yellow, green and blue is maybe the coolest modern wedding color palette we've seen. It can also lean a little retro, especially if you incorporate wiggled glass candlesticks and other Mid-century touches like in this image above. A shock of white lets these whimsical colors shine.
49. Purple, Periwinkle and Dusty Rose
This wedding color scheme feels like sophisticated cotton candy. Brighter purples and blues are eye-catching, while subtle dusty rose accents soften the palette. You can capture these colors through your wedding flowers and carry them through with your napkins and even your venue uplighting.
50. Tomato Red, Grass Green and Light Beige
A produce-inspired palette is sure to feel freshly picked—not to mention super trendy, given all of the traction the tomato aesthetic gets on Pinterest. Use real tomatoes in your tablescape, then use the orangey-red tones that naturally appear to inspire your linens and florals. Bonus points if you score some funky-shaped heirloom varieties.
51. Purple, Yellow and Orange
The combo of purple and yellow brings spring pansies to mind, but gets a whole new life when paired with a juicy orange or pink. Pull in funky patterned linens to push the maximalist feel forward. Rich black accents will help ground this kaleidoscope of wedding colors.
Seasonal Wedding Colors
If you don't know where else to start, choosing your wedding colors by season will always steer you in the right direction. Seasonal colors will easily tie into the rest of your decor, from the attire to the flower arrangements, helping you achieve the most cohesive and seamless look.
52. Ruby, Fawn and Marigola Fall Palette
Photos from left to right: Red Gallery Photography, Rebecca Yale, Avonne Photography
Between September and November, neutral hues, earthy shades and warm tones like red and orange are all top picks. The goal is to create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere as life begins to slow down and temps start to cool. Plus, a nice fall red is a lucky color for a wedding.
53. Blush, Green and Tan Spring Palette
Photos from left to right: Jose Villa Photography, Emily Loeppke, Maria Mack Photography
Spring tones are synonymous with airy pastels, like lilac, blush and pale green. These soothing hues are inspired by flowers in bloom during the months of March, April and May. They're perfect for an ethereal celebration.
54. Yellow, Green and Blue Summer Palette
Photos from left to right: Madeleine Collins Photography, Allen Tsai Photography, Valorie Darling
From bright sunshine yellow to ocean blue, summer wedding colors bring a burst of energy. If you're getting married between June and August, go for a cheerful palette that reflects the season, it'll surely bring a sense of adventure, excitement and happiness to your nuptials.
55. Red, Gold and Slate Winter Palette
Photos from left to right: Angela Elise Photography, Stetten Wilson, Matthew Moore Photography
December, January and February are months of celebration and reflection. Red and green are a natural choice for a Christmas wedding, but other jewel tones and shimmering metallics also match the enchanting, magical mood of the season. Skew more sparkling snow vibes if you're wedding on New Years or later in the season.
