White and weddings are synonymous—the bride in a white gown, white shoes, white cakes, white seating arrangements… This may work for many brides, but some genuinely love colour and feel stifled by the stark whiteness that dominates most weddings. Nevertheless, they do not want to play with too much colour, as it can quickly overpower the entire setting and make it just another party. Or, it may be that they do not want to disappoint their families and friends who expect them to stick to the standard white wedding style.
For those who think and dream about colours, here are some practical ideas to add vibrant pops of brilliant shades to your wedding. From bright bouquets to colourful dresses and vividly coloured wedding cakes, we have you covered in every way. So, read on and find out which of these ideas you will love to add to your wedding.
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A bright pop of colour through with groom’s tie and bridal bouquet
We love how this couple used the same fiery red in the bridal bouquet and the groom’s tie to inject rich colour into their outfits. Notice how the brilliance of the red forms a striking contrast with the stark white of the bridal gown. A few other shades can create an impact as strong as red. And the brighter, the more attractive it is. Purple, emerald and orange are different colours that can make a similar effect. I also found this interesting idea of matching ties to shoes in this article at Buzzfeed, where the groom matched his orange tie to equally orange shoes. Not an idea for the faint at heart, though!
Slip into a pair of bright heels
Gone are the days when the bride had to choose white shoes to get her outfit right. A pair of brightly coloured shoes will be like a secret hidden in plain sight. This is a perfect choice for the bride with that tiny rebellious streak but doesn’t want to defy tradition entirely. It is mysterious and exciting, as little pops of colour make short appearances when your dainty feet show as your dress hemline is slightly displaced. Or, if you are daring enough, you could even wear a bright pair of sneakers under your wedding gown. You may already have observed that brides who choose shorter hemlines and dresses for classic vintage wedding themes often choose colourful shoes. Another trending favourite where adding colour to shoes is concerned is simply wearing a shoe with a coloured sole. Nobody will complain that way, yet you have a hidden but satisfying option to add colour to your ensemble.
Think of colourful accessories or a creatively designed wedding dress
If you are wary of wearing anything other than white at your wedding, how about adding your favorite color to your main outfit through a brightly colored belt, sash or underskirt. It doesn’t have to be the main feature, but it will still be noticeable and can add a signature style to your overall look. You could also look at wedding dresses with a coloured motif or one in white with colourful prints or appliques to incorporate a little color into your face, but without excess. Here is a wedding dress that looks like any classic wedding dress from the front but features a band of red silk that starts at the back of the strapless corset and continues into the train.
Wear a bright flower crown
It isn’t unusual to find beautiful brides playing with elements of nature to add colour to their attires. Flower crowns have an unbeatable charm, and it is almost as though the bride is blessed with nature’s bounty and is embraced by its beauty. Whether big or small, bright flower crowns are packed with the power to create a colorful impact. Here the bride has played with soft and subtle pinks in her brilliant flower crown. Doesn’t she look simply divine in it? Perfect for an outdoor or destination wedding, this is one choice every bride should consider. After all, it is not every day that you can walk around wearing a flower crown, feeling like a princess!
Weave colorful flowers into your hairstyle
If you don’t feel comfortable in a flower crown, you can always weave flowers into your hairdo and get the desired pop of color that way. Add tiny flowers like button roses if your hairstyle involves braids or curls. Or, for profound impact, consider adding two or three signature blooms into your hair in a single location. This will add more emphasis to the color and create a striking effect, as the vivid colors cannot be missed. It is also exciting to try out unusual flowers like ranunculus instead of the tried and tested roses and lilies (read boring!) There is no compulsion that you should go for natural flowers, you can find authentic-looking faux flowers as well, and they may sometimes work better than the real ones.
Bold and beautiful bouquets
The easiest way to inject color into your wedding outfit without going overboard with it, is through your bridal bouquet. You can choose the brightest colours you come across and still not look too loud, when you limit them to your bouquet. It can also be done in moderation for a pleasant and welcoming feel. A monochromatic bouquet in a bright color usually has a splendid impact. Since all the flowers used will be the same color and relatively of the same size as well, it will look elegant and the color will be a welcome style element. You can also use a mixed bouquet, where a single large flower is crafted out of individual petals of various flowers. Although a little expensive, it is a fantastic way to create impact with your floral bouquet. If you want to learn more about this unique bouquet idea, I suggest you watch this video by J and Cather, that will tell you everything you need to know about it.
Colorful jewelry
A fantastic way to add a pop of color that is immediately noticeable, is to choose colorful jewelry for your big day. You have plenty of options to consider, based on the style of wedding and your preferences. Colored gemstones with polished finishes and set in silver or gold can look elegant and stunning. For once, skip the traditional diamond, pearls and white crystals and opt for colors like turquoise, garnet, emerald, sapphire or ruby. These will in fact be even more attractive and can make you feel unique and attractive. For a casual vibe, you can go with uncut and natural looking stones. You can even consider necklaces made from shells for a beach wedding.
Colorful bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids are a valuable addition to your wedding pictures, as they will be featured everywhere. So, why not consider dressing them up in deep and exciting colors to make the overall wedding setting more fun? You can choose any color you want when you go with colorful bridesmaids. Or, even work with the mix and match trend to further spice up the colors at your wedding. This option will not only make each of your bridesmaids feel unique, but it will also make your wedding party be stylish and beautiful when they all come together. Another option you may consider is keeping your bridesmaids looks similar, but adding colour through their accessories. Here, you can mix and match colors and assign different colors for each of your bridesmaids. The picture here should give you a good idea of how this would work.
Colored wedding cake
The white wedding cake may be classic, but it can always give way to a bolder and fashionable choice. One thing we can keep is the white base, and add colorful designs and accessories on it to create an attractive and appealing dessert that will be the highlight of your dessert table. Now, if you are the bride who wants to go with color all the way, don’t hesitate to get a big and bright wedding cake with all the colors of your wedding palette, added to it tastefully. We also find the option of having alternating colored and white tiers very attractive. Work with your baker to find a design that brings out the colors you have in mind in the most festive way, in the form of a fabulous wedding cake that the guests at your wedding will feast their eyes on.
Have a colorful dessert bar
Everyone loves to indulge in sweet desserts, and with so many options in creating colorful desserts, this is a brilliant way to add color to your wedding day. Go all the way with color, and use an assortment of desserts to make your sweet feast tempting. Candy and sweets in clear containers, cupcakes with colored frosting and rows of macaroons, chocolates, pies, cakes, fruit desserts and tarts can make the entire setting festive. Accessories like colored platters, picture frames and interesting messages can add more color as well. The same can be accomplished with the drinks counter as well. Consider displaying colored mixers with brilliant mixing sticks and natural pops of color with the use of lemons, olives, mint and herbs for original colors.
Colorful props and décor accessories
Even when your wedding color palette has more neutrals than color, you can always brighten up the atmosphere by adding substantial doses of color in the right places. Add them through accessories like balloons, centerpieces, table runners, or display signs. Many weddings that play with an almost all-white palette look several times more attractive, with a few pleasant additions like colorful napkins or wedding stationery in bright colors. When set against a neutral background, they look even more attractive and the color usually has a more substantial impact this way. Buntings, displays, sign boards and backdrops are all ways to bring color into your setting. Don’t forget to dress up the aisle and altar also with splashes of color.
Confetti here, there and everywhere
A quick and inexpensive way to add color to any setting is to add some confetti. In fact, confetti is a massive hit among brides today, as it is fun, exciting and easy to incorporate. Whether you feel you need to add some color to the tables or want to liven up the aisle, confetti can quickly come to your rescue. It is also a trend to have the couple showered in confetti after the ceremony, and it is a beautiful way to celebrate your union with a particular dose of color.
So tell us, which of these ideas will you be using at your wedding?
Red shoes! That is an awesome idea and it will go perfectly with my auburn hair!
That necklace is awesome! I would do that to add the color. Subtle, but colorful.
I like matching the colors of the tie and the bouquet. That is a great idea!
I like the idea of having an accent color in the white dress. thanks for the inspirational photos!