Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024The 5 Most Popular Wedding Colors Right Now
Find out which colors were favored by couples in 2023.
What's a party without a pop of color? According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 10,000 couples who married last year, 81% of them incorporated a wedding color scheme into their special day. And if you're wondering what the most popular wedding colors were last year, we have the answers. Whether you read through the list to get inspired or you want to see where your chosen hue stacks up, we've got all the details on the specific colors couples most selected in the last year. Read on to see exactly which popular colors for weddings stood out in 2023. As you look back on the popular colors from last year, don't forget to consult our list of up-and-coming wedding color trends. It has expert predictions on which hues will be popular in 2024, plus ideas on how to use them IRL. Once you choose your wedding colors, head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a wedding planner to help bring your colorful vision to life, and then showcase that perfectly curated color palette alongside your wedding details on your wedding website.
Most popular wedding colors: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020
Plus: 2024 wedding color trends
The Most Popular Wedding Colors in 2023
The newlyweds have spoken—here are the colors that couples used most in their weddings last year.
#1: White
2023 was the year of the quiet luxury aesthetic and neverending buzz about Sofia Richie's ultra-sophisticated wedding, so it should come as no surprise that classic white topped the list of 2023 popular wedding colors. This timeless color was used by 40% of couples last year, emphasizing the trend of chic, understated weddings.
#2: Gold
Giving a nod to the old money wedding trend, gold was the second-most popular wedding color for 2023, with 38% of couples using it in their color palettes. The metallic hue added opulence and glitz to wedding decor, especially when paired with neutral colors, like cream and black.
#3: Ivory and Champagne
Photo: Divine Day Photography
Rounding out the top three most common wedding colors, ivory and champagne tied for third place in 2023. 36% of couples included them as their wedding colors last year, continuing the trend of using neutrals to create an elegant, luxe look. This duo is slightly more lived-in and warm than the crisp, bright white that came in at number one.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
#4: Light Pink
Is millennial pink coming back? According to our data, all signs point to yes. 30% of couples used light pink as one of their wedding colors in 2023, which is up from 27% in 2022. This pastel wedding color adds romance and whimsy while still looking chic, making it a lovely alternative to whites and neutrals.
#5: Light Green
For the second year in a row, green—specifically light green—made the top five most popular wedding colors. Overall, 28% of couples used this earthy tone in their color palettes for 2023. Light green was especially popular among Gen Z couples, with 33% of them using the color on their wedding day (compared to 29% of millennial couples).
Other Popular Wedding Colors
Dark blue dropped out of the top five for the first time since 2020, although 26% of couples still chose it for their color palettes in 2023. Dark green (24%) and light blue (23%) followed closely behind. 18% of couples used black as a main color or accent hue last year, with the majority of those weddings taking place between October and December.
The Most Popular Wedding Colors in 2022
What were the most popular wedding colors two years ago? Here's a quick rewind.
#1: Gold
Keeping its crown for the second year in a row, gold was the number-one most common wedding color in 2022. This chameleon hue can be used in so many different ways, whether it's for an earthy outdoor wedding or a glamorous reception, so it's no surprise that 39% of couples included it in their color palettes in 2022. It's also a stunning accent color that brings a sense of elegance and balance to brighter, more vibrant tones.
#2: Ivory, Champagne and White
The trend of neutral wedding palettes continued with ivory, champagne and white being close seconds on the list of popular colors for weddings in 2022. These airy colors, which were chosen by 35% of couples in 2022, easily fit into any wedding season or theme—not to mention that they look stunning as-is or paired with other colors of your choice. Stick to a monochromatic ivory and white color palette if you want to create a chic, sophisticated atmosphere on your wedding day.
#3: Dark Blue
Although dark blue was no longer the most popular wedding color (it was the number-one pick just three years ago), 30% of couples still used it for their weddings in 2022. Dark blue tones, like navy, indigo and midnight blue, appeal to couples who want a classic wedding look but also aren't shy about including a bit of color. Create a timeless color palette by pairing it with light blue, or go for a little more drama by combining dark blue with other jewel tones, such as burgundy, emerald green or dark purple.
#4: Light Pink
This quintessential wedding color was chosen by 27% of couples in 2022. Light pink and blush hues are mainly associated with spring wedding colors and romantic themes, but the pastel colors are easily adaptable with the right styling. A light pink and magenta wedding color palette is reflective of the playful Barbiecore trend, while pairing blush with brown or orange tones creates a boho vibe.
#5: Green (Light and Dark)
Green was another popular wedding color in 2022, and it was especially a favorite among younger to-be-weds, with 56% of Gen Z couples choosing it for their color palettes. But its popularity didn't end there—green wedding colors were a top choice for couples of all ages in 2022. 26% of couples chose light green colors (such as sage or pistachio) for their wedding day, while 25% of couples opted for dark green hues like emerald.
Other Popular Wedding Colors
There were a few other noteworthy hues rounding out our list of the most popular colors for weddings in 2022. Burgundy and dark, wine-inspired reds were chosen by 24% of couples, which is a direct reflection of fall taking the top spot as the most popular wedding season. Light blue was the top pick for 18% of couples, followed by black (17%), orange (13%) and beige (12%).
The Most Popular Wedding Colors in 2021
How do the top colors of 2022 compare to the previous year? Here's a refresher on the most popular colors for weddings in 2021.
#1: Gold
According to our study, 36% of couples incorporated gold into their wedding day color scheme, putting it in the top spot for 2021. It unseated dark blue as the number-one hue for the first time in several years. Many couples had to reimagine their original wedding plans due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is likely why so many chose this versatile, timeless color. For couples who postponed their wedding from 2020 to 2021 and perhaps from one season to another, gold was easy to incorporate at any time of year—particularly fall weddings, which were especially popular in 2021.
#2: White
With the minimalist wedding aesthetic trend at an all-time high in 2021, it's no surprise that white was the second-most popular wedding color of the year, with 34% of couples choosing this non-color color. Like gold, white pairs well with others, but it doesn't have to be boring when used on its own. White can be used with any season or wedding style by incorporating different textures in your event's decor.
#3: Ivory and Champagne
Ivory and champagne came in third place—33% of couples incorporated these hues into their big day. These versatile neutrals fit anywhere, from a glam winter wonderland celebration to a boho beach wedding. They're light and bright like white, but a little softer and more romantic—making them easy to use for couples everywhere.
#4: Dark Blue
Yes, it's true—dark blue, which took the top spot in 2020, fell to fourth place in 2021. According to our study, 32% of couples who exchanged vows in 2021 opted for this classic shade. We love navy blue because it's a neutral shade (read: it plays well with any season or style), but it's a little more unique than black or white. Psst: this is good news for couples who were inspired by the Bridgerton blue-themed ball in the show's first season.. To get a similar look, use navy blue and its various tones for a sleek, modern event.
#5: Light Pink
Light pink (also known as blush) has remained a top choice for couples over the years and came in fifth place in 2021, with 30% of couples choosing this hue. This pretty pastel is a lovely selection for an ultra-romantic event. Pink wedding flowers, including roses, peonies and more, pair particularly well with greenery, like eucalyptus, for a lush look. And while blush pink is typically thought of as a spring wedding color, we've seen it used to gorgeous effect at fall, summer and even winter weddings.
Other Popular Wedding Colors
Burgundy, green and light blue followed in terms of popularity, respectively. The least popular wedding color in 2021 was bronze, according to our data. Just 3% of couples reported using this unique color for their nuptials.
The Most Popular Wedding Colors in 2020
Take a look back at the top wedding colors from four years ago to see how quickly the trends have changed.
#1: Dark Blue
Photo: M2 Photography
The most popular individual wedding color in 2020 was dark blue. According to our study, 37% of couples who exchanged vows in 2020 chose deep blue for their day-of style. From navy or dusty blue bridesmaid dresses and royal blue suits, this flattering color was a great addition to any wedding theme or aesthetic. It also allowed couples to play up creative "something blue" wedding ideas.
#2: Ivory and Champagne
Ivory and champagne took second place in 2020, with 31% of couples choosing these hues. Both colors have long remained a popular choice among to-be-weds, as the neutral tones are versatile, stylish and easy to coordinate (read: no time spent agonizing over clashing colors).
#3: Gold and White
Gold and white tied for the third spot in 2020, with 33% of couples selecting these colors for their wedding decor. These colors make gorgeous additions to pretty much any wedding color scheme—add a glam touch with metallic gold, or a more minimalist and modern vibe with white.
Other Popular Wedding Colors
Burgundy, a popular fall wedding color, came in fourth place in 2020—30% of couples selected this jewel tone. In fifth place was light pink, with 26% of couples opting for this pretty pastel. Dark emerald green and gray tied for sixth place on the list, with 18% of couples choosing these versatile shades.
Remember: This data is only meant to be a starting point for your color palette inspo—your wedding is your day, so you should pick the colors that make you happy. If you absolutely love brown or red, incorporate these rustic hues into your wedding color palette. As an added bonus, it will make your wedding extra unique, as fewer couples are selecting these hues. Finally, if you're ready to find your wedding colors and style, take The Knot's Style Quiz to help you narrow down your favorites. Then, chat with local wedding pros to help you bring your colorful wedding vision to life.
Samantha Iacia contributed to the reporting of this article.
