:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/springweddingpalettes-285c1e7187b04819982c18002fb6cee0.jpg)
Photo by Mallory Dawn Photography
Spring may call to mind budding flowers and April showers, but in the wedding world, it’s all about the fresh colors that represent new life and a new union. Spring is also the start of wedding season, when it's the prime time for couple to host a nuptial celebration. Choosing your color scheme will be one of your first tasks when it comes to planning your wedding, and springtime hues are just the thing to give your bash a fresh look.
There are plenty of seasonal color palettes on the rise, but there are also plenty of unique color combos that have been established for spring nuptials. And since trends do come and go, we turned to some stellar planners and event designers to find out what’s new and what’s here to stay.
Meet the Expert
- Danielle Couick is the creative director of Magnolia Bluebird Design and Events.
- Tracy Taylor Ward is the president and principal designer of Tracy Taylor Ward Design.
- Erica Taylor Haskins is the founding partner of Tinsel Experiential Design
Ahead, see 20 beautiful spring color palettes from real weddings to inspire your own seasonal décor.
Soft Jewel Tones
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/studiothisis-d98ab5539cbe4c20b45474497fcabd3e.jpg)
Photo by Studio This Is
Winter’s moody gemstones are getting a new look for spring: their pastel-hued counterparts. Think lavender instead of deep purple, spring green instead of emerald, and hints of burgundy, explains Danielle Couick, creative director of Magnolia Bluebird Design and Events. It’s like wearing a blue topaz instead of a sapphire—both are gemstones, but one certainly has a different feel than the other. Even blush tones that accent deeper jewel tones have a richness to them that enhances the luxurious vibe of an event, Couick adds, noting that her favorite combination is spring green and ivory.
Pops of Green
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__16__5c3fa76a8bf5db083c169fe0_molly-and-kirk-wedding22-edbe110e685c498b950d4ffb22741b65.jpg)
Photo by Anna Marks Photography
Say hello to green, even if you’re sticking to a neutral color palette. Green is everywhere, from greenery-based floral arrangements to hints of green on stationery and tabletops. Even an accent like a green velvet couch can really energize a lounge setup. Planner Tracy Taylor Ward is seeing more and more couples incorporating bold pops of green into their classic aesthetics, especially through the use of flowers and accent decor. “Playing with the colors found in nature is an excellent source for inspiration to achieve timeless designs that are still fresh and modern,” she says.
Denim Blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/twahphotographyPrivate-Wineryclassicevents091-93b4fdbbdce048ac8946712772fce20b.jpg)
Photo Twah Dougherty
Who knew your favorite chambray shirt could inspire your wedding day? Shades of blue commonly found in denim jeans are finding their way into reception linens, glassware, and specialty decor. “From Chinoiserie to Shibori, the indigo hues are still in,” says Couick, who often mixes patterns and color tones to bring a charismatic quality to a place setting. Blue has the added benefit of being particularly meaningful at weddings: the color signifies loyalty and strength, two things many of us look for in our relationships.
Iridescent Details
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mireya-ari_25-714535601eb34ca09979d04bfc976612.jpg)
Photo by 2digitalbodas
All your Lisa Frank dreams may have just come true: Iridescent fabrics, glassware, photo booth backdrops, stationery, and even florals are here for spring—and beyond. “This love affair with iridescent and pearlescent surfaces feels like a grown-up nod to our childhood unicorns and mermaids,” explains Erica Taylor Haskins, founding partner of Tinsel Experiential Design. Her team has employed this idea by using modern mylar runners for tabletops as well as shimmery linen napkins. Lighting also plays a role, giving off blue, pink, and golden hues that reflect off the luminous surfaces. Couples can even source iridescent flatware and wine glasses to add to the lustrous atmosphere.
Bold Hues
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kristina-alex_21-ef57e2eee59f430d8195813959fde370.jpg)
Photo by A Bitter Orange Photography
Couples are no longer shying away from bright hues when it comes to color palettes for spring weddings. Instead, they are accenting their celebrations with vibrant shades such as hot pink, mustard yellow, cerulean blue, and even orange. There is, after all, something dynamic and fiery about intense colors. “Our brides and grooms are embracing color in a big way, which makes me so happy,” Haskins says. “It’s a striking departure from ‘blush and bashful.’” It’s especially impactful amid minimalist or blank space venues where the white space juxtaposes the vivid colors. Haskins adds that it’s “very modern and city chic.”
Earthy Neutrals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Kenzie-Jake_24-b2a01933a9354f84a5db42db72201f0c.jpg)
Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography
You don’t have to say goodbye to earth tones and neutral palettes just quite yet, admits Couick. She plans to see plenty of neutral hues—ivory, cream, champagne, beige—throughout the spring season, and with good reason: She believes the continued trend is reflective of our current political and social climate. “Couples are gravitating toward a calmer environment with so much noise and distraction in the world,” she explains.
Shades of Blue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/recirc-06abf27ca10b4540a5aee3e249af852f.jpg)
Photo by Bo Shim
Blue tones ranging from deep indigo to baby blue can create a dreamy effect throughout a wedding ceremony in spring.
Barbie Pink
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kellywedding_00889-568bb7db25bd4472bd5d4bbb06e07aa3.jpg)
Photo by Ninety Three Creative
Embrace shades of pink at your wedding with beautiful displays of florals and rosy accents. Your linens, décor details like candles, and even designs on a custom dance floor can bring your palette together.
All-White
Photo by KT Merry
You can't go wrong with hosting a timeless all-white wedding in the springtime. Just adjust your décor details to make it a more traditional or modern affair.
Pretty in Peach
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrannanBrian_26-a37c506a8ce945c7b30d181607c9d109.jpg)
Photo by Beatrice Howell
For a more muted spring look that still has plenty of color, embrace a peach palette. Seasonal roses can help tie in the shades, along with other decorative items on your tablescapes.
Orange and Navy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HannahJake_27-28e6337e157d4e5084660da4e9aaf6d0.jpg)
Photo by Jake Anderson
Want a bolder set of hues in your palette? Include a pop of orange in your design. Paired with navy creates a unique color contrast that is fun and elegant. You can also use citrus fruits to enhance your design.
Ombré Pastels
Photo by KT Merry
Bring your palette of spring pastels into your wedding in a unique way. This celebration in France embraced ombré to create a gorgeous pastel gradient throughout the ceremony and reception.
Soft Gray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/claudia-mark_24-cb83622a56b2490bad3e96887ba3bef4.jpg)
Photo by Carl S. Miller
Gray is an excellent shade to incorporate into your wedding day palette to create a soft neutral tone to your designs. Use gray and silver dinnerware as a chic complement to white florals for a clean, minimal look.
Terracotta
Photo by Sarah Anne Photography
Bring warmth to your spring palette with terracotta hues. This rust-inspired shade looks beautiful with ceramic accents, wood, and orange, yellow, and white blooms.
Rainbow
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Erik-Jonathan_19-113dd6b70cfe4d26966dbcc28bcb6032.jpg)
Photo by Anée Atelier
Want your celebration to be full of life and color? Host a wedding with a rainbow palette. A gradient of the shades found in a rainbow are perfect for a spring wedding outdoors. Hopefully there won't be a chance of rain to pair with this palette.
Bright Sunset
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Agee-Alex_20-41097bdd752f4698b3f78283f0245322.jpg)
Photo by AGP Collective
A sunset is another gorgeous phenomenon in the sky that can inspire your wedding palette. Pull together bright blooms in yellows, pinks, and oranges to create a stunning ceremony design like this Colorado wedding.
Pastel Sunset
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/claire-josh_22-a3d3844c4fdc4c64bea5b3f46ea7bd58.jpg)
Photo by Peyton Byford
If bold and bright isn't your thing, you can still channel a sunset in your celebration. This muted palette of pastel shades at a Texas wedding is a softer take on the color combination.
Lovely Lavender
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__03__14__5c8a79c499b6952dec548ee9_alex-and-ryan-wedding17-7570849616024a30aadf27928a57d68f.jpg)
Photo by Amy & Stuart Photography; Planning & Design by Alison Bryan Destinations; Paper Products by Karli Strohschein Art
Purple hues can bring a gorgeous and elegant feel to a wedding design. Wisteria and lilac blooms are at their peak in the spring, and can bring lovely color and movement to your floral designs.
Glowing Gold
Photo by Brian D. Smith Photography
Add a touch of glam to your spring celebration with golden décor. Gold linens and reflective surfaces bring a unique touch to your reception, like at this backyard wedding.
Sunny Yellow
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/michelle-pete_18-0cdb0b07f3034734be64f0ff4dbe3665.jpg)
Photo by Michelle Scott Photography
Welcome the sunny weather of the season with cheery yellow shades in your blooms, linens, and other décor items.