6 Unexpected Color Palettes for a Summer Wedding

Updated 03/23/20

Bride with bridesmaids — Photo by A Heart String

Summer weddings are a forever favorite amongst brides and guests thanks to warm-weather trademarks like sun-drenched ceremony sites, abundant greenery, and vibrant wedding color palettes.

When planning summer weddings, many brides look to bright oranges, bold yellows, and cheerful blues for their color scheme. But don't be afraid to color outside the lines! Punchy primary hues, tropical greens, and rustic neutrals are all unexpected hues that'll look right at home at summer weddings. For a seasonal soirée that breaks the bridal mold when it comes to your typical wedding color palettes, we tapped the experts for shade suggestions that will make any summer wedding standout.

Read on to see how you can integrate these unique summer wedding color palettes into your own seasonal celebration.

01 of 06

Navy Combinations

While you'll often see hues of soft blues at summer weddings, navy is a darker, unexpected alternative. “Think navy blue with pink, orange, red, and white,” suggests Shannon Wellington, Owner of Shannon Wellington Weddings & Events, who suggests marrying navy and vibrant colors for a seasonal twist. Play with patterns and different floral elements to create a tablescape full of color, pattern, and texture.

02 of 06

Neutral, Tropical-Inspired Color Stories

“When designing a light and breezy, tropically inspired wedding, we like to start with neutrals and naturals, letting the textures of woven grasses, rattan, linen, rock, and wood serve as a rustic, earthy foundation,” says Melissa Paul, Marketing Director at Elena Damy. Layer on glossy green foliage like palm fronds, banana leaves, and ferns for lushness, finishing with fragrant flowers in soft shapes and cool shades.

03 of 06

All-White Everything

“There’s something to be said about the sophistication that embodies an all-white color scheme,” notes Jenny Schneider, Owner of Jenny Schneider Events. “Every element of this alfresco day was simple and refined thanks to subtle color moments, like the tan detailing on the outdoor bar,” she adds.

04 of 06

Brunt Orange and Coral Combos

“Bright orange is no strange to a summer color story but going with a darker shade, or even burnt orange, can add originality to your seasonal soirée,” says Caitlin Campbell, Senior Event Coordinator and Designer at True Event. A subtle blend between peach, coral, and orange created just enough color contrast throughout this waterfront ceremony.

05 of 06

Primary Color Pairs

“The bright design on this menu crafted by Laura Shelby Murphy provided a modern take on primary colors at this vibrant wedding," explain Jane and Michael Shauck, Owners of IRIS Photography, who captured this bold place setting detail. Vibrant calligraphed elements can add to the impact of a spirited summer wedding color palette.

06 of 06

Vibrant Greens

“A ceremony under a grand tree sets the stage for a fresh wedding with vibrant greens,” explains Lisa Newberry, Assistant Director of Catering & Events at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, when describing a unique way to add green to your summer day. “Incorporate a modern and timeless twist on a classic green and white color scheme with flower crowns, real flowers on your cake, and emerald-stone accessories,” adds Newberry.