18 Summer Wedding Colors We Love

Updated on 08/02/21

Blush reception overlooking lake — Photo by Sergio Sandona; Event Planning by Julie Lindenman Events; Floral Design by Jenevieve Peralta Events; Rentals by Borrowed Blu, Events Unlimited Party Rentals, Nuage Designs, Party Rental Ltd, Rent Patina & Stortz Lighting

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 tones that'll look right at home at summer weddings. For a seasonal soirée that looks just as good in person as it does in photos, we tapped wedding planning experts Shannon Wellington, owner of Shannon Wellington Weddings & Events; Jenny Schneider, owner of Jenny Schneider Events; Lisa Newberry, former assistant director of catering and events at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows; and Caitlin Campbell, senior event coordinator and designer at True Event for shade suggestions that will make any summer wedding stand out.

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

01 of 18

Navy

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,” says Wellington who suggests marrying navy and vibrant colors for a seasonal, preppy twist.

Play with patterns and different floral elements to create a tablescape full of color and texture.

02 of 18

Blush

Blushing brides we've got you covered with the season's favorite wedding hue: blush. The pinky-neutral tone is the perfect combination of warmth and femininity, often mimicking the season's more demure florals. Pair with soft earth tones, candles, sleek stemware, and fluffy blooms for a romantic palette that blends into the great outdoors.

03 of 18

White

“There’s something to be said about the sophistication that embodies an all-white color scheme,” says Schneider. “Every element of this alfresco day was simple and refined, thanks to subtle color moments,” she adds. Regardless of your wedding style, one thing is certain: You can never go wrong with summer whites.

04 of 18

Orange

While you may not want to go all out with the color (unless, of course, you do!), we love this citrusy hue for an all-over accent color. Utilize an array of colorful vehicles like copper mugs, tinted glassware, vibrant blooms, and bright fresh fruit to inject the hue throughout an otherwise natural tablescape.

05 of 18

Champagne

Ethereal Taupe reception — Photo by Plum & Oak Photography; Event Planning by Fawn Events; Floral Design by Penelope Pots Floral Design; Rentals by Borrowed Blu, Collective Rentals, Hostess Haven, La Tavola Fine Linen & Premiere Party Rents

What better way to celebrate your nuptials than with champagne—tones that is. (But we won't fault you for popping some bubbly, too!) The hue runs the full spectrum of taupe shades, but we think erring on the warmer end is absolutely divine for summer soirées. This neutral color palette pairs beautifully with a tonal mix of linens, light chairs, and dreamy drapery punctuated by flowing greenery and blooms. The aesthetic is earthy and ethereal all at once.

06 of 18

Green

“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,” says Newberry. For an ultra-unique way to pay tribute to the color and the season, Newbury suggests exchanging vows under a grand tree to set a fresh and vibrant tone. Or, replacing a traditional table runner with a verdant one of palm fronds or greenery.

07 of 18

Red

Red and white reception — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography; Event Planning & Floral Design by Shannon Leahy Events

Who doesn't love a summertime backyard picnic vibe? Look to bright, primary reds and simple styles to recreate the same wholesome feel on a grander scale. Pair printed red tablecloths (gingham! florals!) that have a cottagecore appeal with centerpieces of potted plants in matching hues, and you've got a theme as homespun as apple pie.

08 of 18

Mauve

If cherry-red just missed the mark for you, why not consider an elegant mauve? The rich, romantic color tends to come out more in the fall season, but we think it translates beautifully to summer. Pair with bare tables, rustic ceramics, and accents of rust and dusty rose for a sophisticated, laid-back appeal that will give your guests all the nostalgic camping feels.

09 of 18

Fuchsia

Megawatt color payoff coming through! Fuchsia is a color that packs a serious punch and couldn't be more perfectly suited for the most vibrant season of all. With its bold presence, we would suggest pairing it with more understated neutrals to keep your guests from suffering visual fatigue. These statement-making fuchsia bougainvillea, rose, and hydrangea arrangements look oh-so chic accompanied by natural wood and ornate blue porcelain

10 of 18

Violet

We'll spare you the Willy Wonka reference and get straight to the point: Vivid violets are a bold yet refreshing summertime staple color. The cooler undertones make it a palatable shade, and we absolutely adore it with more natural and organic textures and tones. Case in point: the violet of these Muscari and anemone blooms atop the humble semi-naked wedding cake.

11 of 18

Beige

Escort card display with dried pampas grass, palm fronds, and orchid arrangement — Photo by Logan Cole Weddings; Event Planning by Allison Mossler of Always Fun Events; Floral Design by The Bloomin Gypsy

Beige sounds dull; we get it. But it's anything but when it shows up in wild eclectic textures and takes on a more organic vibe. Bleached, dried grasses like pampas, bunny tails, palm fronds, and foraged wildflowers have become a wedding mainstay. It's to the point that they've created a color palette all their own: the au naturel. If you're looking for some boho inspiration or planning a desert-chic fête, take note.

12 of 18

Black

Hear us out: With all the levity of the usual, easy-breezy summertime color suspects, you may want something a bit more robust to anchor the mix. Rich, velvety black is a bold accent that will add some much-needed depth to the airy color palette. So if you've got a mood board filled with whites, blushes, greiges, and neutrals and find yourself in need of a little palette cleanser, look no further. Black has got your back.

13 of 18

Yellow

Sunflowers on checkered tablecloths for lobster bake reception — Photo by Kate Headly; Event Planning by A Day in May Events; Floral Design by Bloom Floral Design & Compass Floral

Add a little sunshine to your summer wedding day. Bright, cheery yellow will no doubt lighten any mood and put a smile on everyone's face. And what better way to incorporate the happy hue than through arrangements of sunflowers? Mix with primary colors like reds and blues for a decidedly Americana approach.

For a more European summer vibe, swap out bright sunflowers and a patriotic palette with refreshing lemons and elegant blue hues.

14 of 18

Peach

Nothing says summer quite like a bushel of freshly picked peaches. So let's translate that juicy color, and all the summertime feels that come with it, into a wedding color scheme. This peachy-keen, frilly wedding cake couldn't be more delectable or more summertime fine.

15 of 18

Baby Blue

There are so many different shades of blue that it's hard to know where to start. But nothing says clear summer skies and refreshing dips like baby blue. From tinted goblets and painted porcelain to pooling linens and pastel blooms, there's no shortage of ways to incorporate the hue into wedding decor. We love it paired with raw wooden chargers and gold-rimmed glassware for an elegant tablescape here. For a simpler and more nautical theme, consider a blue-and-white combo punctuated with bright blooms in primary colors.

16 of 18

Gray

When people think of bright summer linens they tend to default to quintessential white, but sometimes the visual impact of all-white can be a bit overbearing. In comes gentle gray. Unlike deeper hues like slate or charcoal, this delicate shade still maintains a light and airy persona. Paired with blond wood and tons of lush greenery, it makes for a stunning dimensional base—especially under a stark white tent.

17 of 18

Pink

When you're in love and just can't get enough, say it loud and say it proud with millennial pink. Rest assured that there is a way to double-down on the feminine hue without all the Barbie connotations. When injected through organic natural textures like dyed baby's breath, pampas grass, roses, and woven textiles, the color has a more sophisticated presence. Mix in some neutrals and earthy tones for a color scheme that's undeniably pretty in pink.

18 of 18

Burnt Orange

“Bright orange is no stranger to a summer color story, but going with a darker shade or even burnt orange can add originality to your seasonal soirée,” says Campbell. A subtle blend between burnt orange, peach, mustard, and sepia tones created just enough soft color contrast throughout this rooftop ceremony.