^{Image Courtesy of Kimbry Photography}

Color casts a spell—and it sets the tone for your entire wedding day.

From the moment your guests open your wedding invitation to the first time they see your decorated reception hall, the colors you choose will tell a story. They shape the atmosphere. They speak to the emotions. And they make everything from your flowers to your table settings feel cohesive and meaningful.

But with hundreds of hues and so many beautiful combinations, how do you begin?

This post will guide you through the process of choosing your LDS wedding color palette, including practical considerations, creative inspiration, and tips on how to use a color wheel to find your perfect match.

Start With You

Your wedding colors should spotlight you, the bride. Choose a color that makes you look and feel radiant. Then, build from there. Here are a few questions to guide your choice:

• What color looks best with your hair, skin tone, and eyes?

• What will flatter your bridesmaids’ complexions as well?

• What mood or emotion do you want to evoke—romantic, classic, vibrant, serene?

• What season will your wedding take place in?

• What color flowers will be available (and affordable) at that time?

• What are the colors already present at your venue—carpet, drapery, walls, or nature?

Don’t forget to consider how your primary and secondary colors will look together in photos and throughout your wedding day details—from bouquets and ties to tablecloths, centerpieces, and even your wedding cake.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Colors

Choose what flatters you most. Your wedding colors should enhance your natural beauty and reflect your personality. Soft blush, vibrant coral, muted sage—choose what you love!

Think seasonally. Pale pinks and pastels are lovely in spring. Bright citrus tones shine in summer. Warm earth tones glow in fall. Deep jewel tones like burgundy or emerald are striking for winter.

Coordinate with your venue. Some reception venues have bold-colored carpet or upholstery that can clash with your choices. If you're in a cultural hall, the neutral tones give you total freedom.

Plan ahead for florals. Want tulips in December? Not going to happen. Let seasonal flower availability help narrow your color selection—and your budget!

Get a “hard copy” of each color. Paint chips or fabric swatches are a bride’s best friend! Carry them with you for matching dresses, ribbons, napkins, and more.

Wedding Color Combinations Made Simple (Using a Color Wheel!)

If you’re more logical than artistic, don’t worry. The color wheel is your best tool. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular color schemes:

Monochromatic

Pick one color and use different shades or tints. Example: lilac, lavender, and deep purple. Simple, elegant, and timeless.

Analogous

Choose colors next to each other on the wheel for a serene, harmonious look. Try yellow, peach, and coral—or mint, powder blue, and sky.

Complementary

These are opposite each other on the color wheel (like red and green, or purple and yellow). Bold, vibrant, and great for high contrast.

Triadic

Three colors equally spaced on the wheel—like grass green, coral, and lavender. Fun, cheerful, and full of personality!

Tetradic (Double Complementary)

A rich and balanced four-color scheme. Think purple, yellow, red, and green—perfect for couples who love bold palettes.

A Few Final Tips

• Choose one dominant color and one or two accents. Too many equal-weight colors can feel chaotic.

• Use lighter tints of a bold color if your wedding is in a season where the full version feels out of place.

• Avoid “color overload.” You can repeat a color without making it look identical in every detail.

• Carry a swatch card (or 3x5 index card) with samples of your chosen colors. Give copies to vendors, bridesmaids, and helpers to keep everything consistent.

Let Your Colors Tell Your Story

At the end of the day, your wedding color palette should reflect who you are as a couple and the spirit you want to share with your guests. Whether it’s elegant neutrals, romantic blush tones, or a vibrant mix of complementary hues, choose colors that speak to your heart.

Need help choosing colors you’ll love? Get my Wedding Color Guide here:
Wedding Color Guide