Wedding colors

One of the first decisions a couple makes in wedding planning is what the color scheme of the wedding should be. Some couples use colors that coordinate with a theme, some use colors appropriate for the time of the wedding, some use colors which have a special meaning to the couple (e.g. fraternity/sorority colors), while some just choose colors that they like.

When considering colors, it helps to know some basic color combinations and basic color coordination techniques.

Red, blue, and yellow primary colors on a color wheel.

Wedding color chart

Wedding Color refers to a color that is used primarily. You will see that in some cases, there is only one wedding color. The first wedding color is the color of the bride's dress (i.e. most of the time it is white or ivory). The second wedding color is the most used color other than the bride's dress.

Accessorizing Colors refer to colors that are used secondary. These are good colors to use with the wedding colors. However, if you like you can use accessorizing colors as major colors as well- some couples enjoy very colorful weddings. Many couples will use at least one accessorizing color as much as one of the wedding colors.

Trim colors refer to colors that are good with the color scheme but should be used sparingly. Trim colors are great for additional ribbons, trims, and small decorations.

White dresses

Primary & Secondary color schemes

Secondary colors on a color wheel- purple, green, and orange.

A primary color scheme is one where the primary colors are used. The primary colors are either blue, red, and yellow (if you are referring to traditional primary colors in art) or red, green, and blue (if you are referring to primary colors in the digital arena). This scheme is not used very often, however, having these three colors produces a very vibrant effect.

A secondary color scheme is similar to the primary scheme, but with three different colors. The traditional secondary colors are green, purple, and orange.

Monochromatic color scheme

Monochromatic color schemes feature one color and its various saturations. Colors on this color wheel become less saturated the closer they are to the center. This is a monochromatic red scheme.

A monochromatic color scheme is one where one color is used and all other colors used to coordinate with it are just higher or lesser saturations of that color. For instance, a couple may choose a monochromatic blue color scheme. They may use true blue as the primary color but coordinate with navy blue and sky blue. Monochromatic color schemes generally produce a very soothing effect.

Complementary color scheme

A complementary color scheme is one where two colors are used and they are complementary (i.e. the colors are opposite the other on the color wheel). Blue and yellow, for example, are complementary to each other. This kind of color scheme tends to produce a very bold and lively effect.

Split Complementary & Tetradic color schemes

A split complementary color scheme is where three colors are used and two of the colors are analogous (i.e. near) the complementary color. A bride wishing to use a split complimentary scheme may have kelly green as her primary color but use indigo and magenta as accents (as purple is complementary to green). Split complementary schemes tend to be very colorful but not quite as high-contrast as regular compleimentary schemes. They, along with the tetradic scheme, also provide the couple with many more decorating and coordinating options.

A tetradic scheme is a double split complementary color scheme. In this one, four colors are used, all of which split complements are used. For instance, a bride using a tetradic color scheme may have blue and yellow as her main colors but have red and cyan (aqua) accents.

Analogous color scheme

An analogous color scheme is one where colors which are adjacent to each other on the color wheel are used. For instance, a bride may pick yellow and orange as her wedding colors for an analogous color scheme. This color scheme produces a rich but soothing effect, and is often quite elegant.

Triadic color scheme

A triadic color scheme is when three colors are used and those colors are equidistant (equally spaced) from each other on the color wheel. Primary and secondary color schemes are generally triadic in nature. A bride wishing to use a triadic color scheme may have a yellow-orange, indigo, and sea green color scheme. Triadic color schemes provide the vivid and bold nature of a complimentary color scheme but without the inherant dissonance. A bride who is going for a fun yet elegant look may want to consider a triadic color scheme.

External Links

• RCW color wheel
• Wikipedia entry on color
• Practical Color Help from Ask Andy About Clothes