Have you ever gone to a wedding reception and felt like something was off? The couple’s poor choice of wedding colors is probably to blame.
The color scheme is one integral aspect in wedding planning. Colors have the power to create the mood and complement the particular theme or unique aesthetic you envisioned. Like the choice of fabrics, decorations, and venue, the colors that have to be mixed and matched have to be planned and situated well. They have to be cohesive. They have to suit your personality. They have to be able to evoke the right emotions. And most importantly, they have to please the eye.
Unfortunately, it’s easy for couples to mess up their wedding décor with the wrong choice of wedding colors. Here are eight ways you’re making wedding color mistakes and some ways to avoid them.
1. Using too many colors
Unless you’re going for a rainbow-inspired, festive wedding theme, you might want to go easy with your color palette. When the colors aren’t harmonized, the color clash can look confusing and messy, and even hurting for the eyes.

- The fix: Narrow your wedding hue to three to five colors that go well together. Stick to these colors throughout your wedding to create a cohesive flow. Then, add neutrals, like shades of whites, grays, and browns, for balance.
2. Sticking to a strict dual tone rule
While using too many colors can ruin the look, having a strict two-color palette rule can also look as dreadful. It looks forced and unnatural.

- The fix: There are three commonly used remedies. Firstly, inserting more than one neutral, like ivory, cream or taupe, can make all the difference. Think of adding woodsy elements. Secondly, you may include metallics like gold, silver, or copper. Lastly, you may go for multiple shades of the same hue/s to create a tonal scheme. Adding peach and sage into your strict coral-lime green palette does the trick.
3. Using dominant colors equally
Balance is key, but do not take this literally; the colors you pick don’t necessarily have to have a fair share in the décor. It can be distracting.

- The fix: Decide which color will take center stage and which shade will act as the secondary or accent color. Generally. it’s nice to pick one bright and bold color then pair it with a rather muted shade. Take emerald and melon for instance. Having emerald as your dominant hue and melon as your undertone creates a luxurious setting; having melon as the dominant one and emerald as the accent creates a low-key chic vibe.
4. Forcing “trendy” colors
The latest wedding photos on Instagram screams “rose gold” but if you were never a fan of metallics, don’t force it.Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’d be the right choice for your wedding.

- The fix: Don’t close your options to trends – think of a scheme that would stand the test of time. Think of something you wouldn’t be tired of looking at when you see your framed photos and wedding albums. You can also try unique color combinations which will set your wedding apart.
5. Innocently implying wrong connotations with colors
What comes to mind with red and green? Yes, Christmas. How about orange, purple, and black? Perhaps, a trick or treat party. Some wedding color combos remind guests of a holiday, a brand, and other things that have nothing to do with your wedding – which is the least you’d want to happen.

- The fix: Tweak the shade a little bit. For example, instead of using bright red and green (which connotes a holiday-themed wedding) use peach and sage. You may also refer to #3 and choose which color to emphasize. Additionally. you may add one hue to break the wrong connotation, like adding burgundy to your orange and purple mix to make it look like an autumn-inspired matrimony rather than a Halloween-themed party.
6. Picking hues that don’t fit the mood
The atmosphere, as well as the emotions you want the celebration to evoke, are top considerations. Do you want a relaxed daytime gathering? A cheery, festive soiree? Or a regal and elegant ballroom affair? Color schemes do the trick in setting the tone and the mood.
Bright pops of yellow and tangerine just don’t make the cut for a formal winter wedding. Or do they?

- The fix: You don’t have to change the colors. If you’re set on a color but you think it wouldn’t work for the atmosphere you’re trying to create, then rethink your accent hues. You can pair your dominant color with sultry jewel tones and metallics like gold to create a more refined and formal atmosphere or pair it with white or pastel to take it in a more laidback direction.
7. Not showing visual pegs to wedding vendors
Don’t just say pink. Say if it’s vivid, like hot pink or fuchsia, if it’s pastel or muted, like rose and blush. Say if it’s veering more on the orange side, like salmon and coral, or on the purple side, like magenta.

- The fix: We’re not saying you memorize all the confusing names. Draw inspiration from the weddings you like, use interactive color wheels, and if you can, access a Pantone color book. Narrow down colors to exact shades and find swatches to a style so it’ll be easier to communicate your vision with your wedding planners.
8. Neglecting the venue
Most venues have a neutral interior which allows the wedding décor to paint the room. Some venues, on the other hand, are already embellished with charming details that would either make or break your design.


- The fix: “Venue then color” v.s. “color then venue” – these are two things to keep in mind. You may keep your color options open until you find a venue you love and use your venue’s décor as a guide when picking out tones. Or, if you have a color scheme in mind, make sure the venue’s design is either neutral or complementary to your vision.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the enthusiastic writers for Jennifer Regan, a shop in Sydney that caters to women who are looking for the perfect bridal dress to wear as they walk down the aisle. Her articles mainly focus on fashion and beauty, which help soon-to-be-brides prepare for their wedding day.