We frequently get asked how to create a workable colour scheme that translates throughout the wedding theme. Getting the colours wrong will not only be an eyesore for your guests, but it will also ruin your wedding theme. Rest assured, we are here to guide you in getting it right.
Cast your minds back to primary school, where we were first introduced to primary, secondary and tertiary colours.
- The primary colours form the basis of all colours. These are red, blue and yellow.
- The secondary colours are a combination of the primary colours. Orange (red+yellow), purple (blue+red) and green (yellow+blue)
- The tertiary colours are a mixture of primary and secondary. These are Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue–Violet, Red–Violet (Usability.gov, 2021)
We were also introduced to colour temperatures.
- Warm colours include the primary colours red and yellow, with orange falling in the middle.
- Cool colours include the primary colour blue and variations of secondary colours green and purple. Greens take on some of the attributes of yellow, and purple takes on some of the characteristics of red. (Usability.gov, 2021)
Source: Usability
Warm Colours
Cool Colour
The Colour Wheel
A colour wheel helps compliment between the primary, secondary and tertiary colours. It is an effective tool in being able to develop a colour scheme that works.
There are many variants of a colour wheel ranging in complexity. Below is a summary of a simple colour wheel. These include:
- The primary, secondary and tertiary colours are identified.
- The colour temperatures have been divided, showing warm on one side and cool on the other.
- The two complementary colours are opposite, for example, orange and blue or violet with yellow. The warm colours are orange and yellow, and the cool colours are blue and violet.
- To add a third colour, look at the adjacent colour to each other on the wheel. An example would be orange + blue +red-orange or orange+blue+blue-green
- Incorporate neutral colours to create a subtle colour scheme. The frequent neutral colours for a wedding are silver, gold, ivory and white.
Source: Pinterest.com
Colour Tones, Tints and Shades
Colour tones, tints and shades play a factor in deciding your colour scheme. A colour tone refers to when a hue (primary, secondary and tertiary) colours are mixed with grey. The colour tends to be duller; a tint is when white is added, brightening the colour hue, and a shade is when black is added, darkening the colour (Beach Painting Contractors, 2021).
Source: https://www.beachpainting.com/blog/color-hue-tint-tone-and-shade/
Tips in choosing the right colour scheme
Use a colour wheel for inspiration to select a wedding palette. Follow the guidelines mentioned above, use complementary colours, possibly analogous colours, if you want to be bold. Do not forget to add neutrals as they can soften a colour scheme. Be aware of the tones, tints and shades within the hues.
Art supply stores tend to sell colour charts. Alternatively, some hardware stores offer complimentary paint selector guides, which can help fine-tune colour preferences. There will be a variation in hues when comparing different materials. Once you have narrowed down your selection, go to a fabric store and find the closest hue. Most fabric stores can cut a small swatch which you can begin constructing your fabric colour wheel.
Tones, tints and shades within hues differ amongst fabric types (i.e. silk, chiffon). Therefore, when selecting your colour scheme, include fabric material.
Accessing websites is another effective tool in developing your colour scheme. Pantone® who are experts in colours have a colour finder. (https://www.pantone.com/color-finder).
The colour finder offers numerous tones, tints, and shades within a particular hue. It also allows you to select a colour library that you can liken to a season, such as pastels and metallics. We would recommend starting with a primary colour, add a neutral then build your colour scheme from there.
Using the colour finder tool is a great way to play around with colour and get a feel for what works and what does not. And it is free unless you opt to purchase that particular colour library and hue.
Source: Pantone
Vision Boards
As we have mentioned in one of the previous blogs, vision boards are a great way to visualize ideas. Add various colour scheme and fabrics to get a feel with what works and what appeals.
Seasonal Colour Schemes
Different seasons tend to gravitate towards varying colour schemes. I got married in summer, where my colour scheme was blush pink and gold. I opted for warmer temperature colours.
Following seasonal variations along with a colour wheel can assist in developing your colour schemes. During the warmer months, colours tend to be bright and more audacious; therefore, brides can experiment with colours and create contemporary colour schemes. In the cooler months, particularly in winter, colours tend to be bolder such as red, green, metallic. Pairing bold colours with heavier fabrics will no doubt be an eye-popper.
Source : Pinterest.com
Bridesmaid and Accessories
It can be challenging to translate the colour scheme to the bridesmaid dresses due to the bridesmaids’ individuality of hair and skin tone. Adjusting the tone, tint and shade of the hue will address the differences in hair and skin tone without affecting the colour scheme.
When carrying the colour scheme across to accessories such as flower arrangements, table centrepieces carry a small amount of the dominant hue across.
Source: Pinterest.com
Latest colour trends
Most colour trends are influenced by the Pantone® color of the Year. I also tend to check out what is trending on pinterest along what fashion designers are using for their collections each season. These will definitely give you some ideas of what colours you can choose.
Selecting a colour scheme is a process that can be overwhelming. Take your time with it. The colours chosen should represent the style, mood and ambience of the wedding. Utilize the tools available to you. Enjoy creating!
Main Image Source: Pinterest.com
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