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Wedding Colors

Your choice of wedding colors tends to be a subconscious reflection of your personality and an indication of how you imagine your future marriage will be.

You may have decided on your color, or colors, years and years before your wedding, but it will still reflect your personality traits.

Your choice of colors may be in your wedding invitations, your table decorations, your flowers, your bridesmaid dresses or your wedding gown.

Of course some brides will choose their colors based on the theme of their wedding, for example a beach wedding, a garden wedding, a vintage theme, a black tie event, or a traditional theme.

Some will choose colors to fit in with the time of year, such as soft pastel colors for summer, deep, rich, jewel colors for winter, bright contemporary colors for spring or muted tones for autumn or fall.

Some may choose simple and elegant combinations of black and white or cream, navy and white or simply an all white theme.

Others will plan their wedding colors around the venue they have chosen.

Whatever your situation you can usually incorporate your favorite color, or a tint or shade of that color, into your wedding plans.

For example, if your venue has blue in its decor, but you want pink, just use a small amount of the blue in your pink color scheme to tie it all together.

Where Do You Start in Making Selections for Your Wedding?

Begin by creating an inspiration board with pictures of items you would like to incorporate into your wedding.

Go through bridal magazines and read articles on weddings to find the things you love. This could include colors, invitation ideas, flowers, wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, bonbonniere, honeymoon destinations etc.

Then look at your board and see if there is some sort of color theme evolving.

How Do You Choose the Best Colors for You?

My advice is to choose a color you really love for your primary wedding color – you can’t go wrong. Then choose a second color you love and find a way to make those colors work together.

Choose a maximum of three colors and have them in unequal proportions – the main color (about 65 to 70%) plus a supporting color (about 25%) plus an accent color (about 5 to 10%).

Remember, the greater the quantity of a particular color, the more the psychological impact will be.

If you only use a very small amount of a color, then its impact will be minimal.

So Now You've Chosen Your Wedding Colors, What Do They Say About You?

White

White is color in its purest form, representing innocence, wholeness and perfection. It is the blank canvas waiting to be written upon, opening the way for the creation of anything the mind can imagine.

Using a lot of white amongst your wedding colors will create a mood of peace and comfort.

If you have chosen all white for your wedding color, you are looking to recreate the purity and innocence and simplicity of your youth.

You see your wedding as a new beginning, that of a shared future together.

You are independent and impartial with a neutral outlook on life and you like everything to be perfect – this goes for your wedding as well.

You like order and efficiency in your life because that creates a sense of peace and calm, comfort and hope.

In your marriage you will want to remain independent and self-reliant, creating a life of simplicity and order with as little stress as possible.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of white or your personality color white.

In other cultures white is traditionally related to death and mourning. In these cultures death usually means the end of one life and the beginning of another, moving forward to a new life, so the color psychology meaning of new beginnings still holds.

Ivory

Ivory is a softer version of white with a small touch of cream and brown in it. Traditionally it was regarded as tainted white, but this view is considered old fashioned and not relevant in the contemporary world. Today it is a modern color often used for wedding dresses because it is flattering to most skin tones.

Ivory is a neutral color, which means that it evokes a level of impartiality. Although similar to white, it is a warmer, richer and more elegant color. While pure white is stark, ivory is soft; white stands aloof, while ivory embraces.

Its meaning in color psychology for weddings is calming, yet encouraging, with a feeling of simple elegance and sophistication. It often has an old-fashioned feel to it.

Using ivory as a main color for your wedding will create a warm, quiet, soothing and sensual atmosphere, surrounding your guests with a feeling of calm and comfort, luxury and quality.

Choosing ivory among your wedding colors shows you as a very genuine and honest person, with a balanced, loyal and friendly personality; you are gentle, thoughtful and loving.

You are somewhat traditional, with an elegant and classic style.

You love quality and luxury in everything, from your surroundings, to your clothing, to your food, and you won’t settle for anything less.

You are patient and strong with a sense of superiority, although this is mainly a reflection of your self-confident attitude rather than a need to ‘lord’ it over others.

You need a sense of order in your life so you feel calm and in control at all times. A stress-free life is a necessity for you – any sense of chaos will unsettle and distress you. Therefore your wedding must be well organized and as stress-free as possible

While you love quality and luxury, you are quite practical and down-to-earth with your feet planted firmly on the ground.

In your marriage, fidelity and commitment will be extremely important to you.

You will need to be surrounded by elegance in your home and your clothing, as this will be important to your self-confidence.

Your husband may need to reassure you that all is well from time to time.

Red

Choosing a Red themed wedding, from a color psychology perspective, creates passion, energy and excitement.

Red will create a warm and stimulating mood at your wedding with high energy and lots of action.

Choosing red for your main wedding color identifies you as extroverted, confident and optimistic.

It is an attention-seeking and an attention-getting color so whichever way you look at it, you like to be noticed and love being the center of attention – which of course is perfect for your wedding.

You are action oriented with a deep need for physical fulfilment and to experience life through the five senses – this will be evident in your wedding with music, dancing, good food and a great visual experience for everyone.

You will want to be in control of all aspects of your wedding, but be aware that you may come across as being bossy at times and your aggression may upset others involved in your wedding planning.

You will demonstrate a vibrant enthusiasm for life throughout your marriage as you discover and pursue new physical directions and goals – you will need a like-minded marriage partner to keep up with your energy levels!

Click here for more information on the color psychology of red or your personality color red.

Variations of Red

The deeper the red, the more subdued the energy and the more sophisticated it is.

Burgundy, which is red with some black or dark purple in it, is controlled passion and energy.

Maroon, which is red with blue in it, is a more conservative color involving thoughtful action and passion.

Superstitions Around Red

There are some old English superstitions around using red and white for wedding colors. These superstitions say that any combination of red and white, including flowers, should be avoided because they represent blood and bandages–not the best symbols for a wedding. If you are not superstitious then take no notice of this.

Orange

Orange is an uplifting, optimistic, positive and motivational color which exudes warmth and happiness.

Orange in your wedding colors will create a friendly and social mood with lots of chatting amongst the guests, laughter, fun and enthusiasm.

Choosing orange among your wedding colors means you are independent and competitive, assertive, extroverted and uninhibited, and always on the go.

You are a people person and will have a large and active social circle, enjoy partying and planning all types of social events - orange people are the life of the party, the uninhibited performer! So planning your wedding will be a great deal of fun for you!

Your life together will be stimulating and social, one of spontaneity, fun and adventure with a great enthusiasm for life – you really dislike everyday routine.

Being a free spirit with a great sense of adventure, your marriage will be full of new challenges as you explore the world around you. You will move on easily from any setbacks you encounter.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of orange or your personality color orange.

Variations of Orange

Paler versions of orange, such as peach and apricot, are softer and gentler in their energy, stimulating conversation yet putting people at ease.

Dark versions of orange can suggest selfishness and over-confidence.

Yellow

Yellow is illuminating and uplifting, relating to the mind and the intellect.

Yellow in your wedding colors will create a warm, welcoming, cheerful and happy mood which will lift up the spirits of your guests.

If you have chosen yellow as your wedding color, you are creative with many original ideas and thoughts, but with much practicality – this is not the color of the fantasy dreamer, more the practical idealist.

You are a good communicator and make decisions clearly and easily, which will help you in the planning of your wedding. However your head usually overrules your heart and you can be overly analytical and self-critical which will need to be controlled or you will become very anxious as you make your plans.

Your downfall can be that you are impulsive and spontaneous rather than thinking things through before you act.

You will have a close circle of good friends and may prefer a smaller intimate wedding rather than a large extravagant event.

You have a good sense of humor which will guide you through the many ups and downs of married life.

In your future together your partner will need to allow you your independence as this is an important aspect to your personality. You will also need logical and practical order in your everyday life to allow you the space to inspire and create new ideas.

During your marriage you will have to be careful you don’t waste money on unnecessary and frivolous items as money sometimes slips through your fingers very quickly.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of yellow or your personality color yellow.

Be aware in choosing yellow for your wedding colors that being surrounded by too much yellow can cause anxiety and cause people to feel agitated.

Variations of Yellow

Dark yellow relates to the cynic and the complainer.

Lighter yellows, increase our sensitivity to criticism.

Others, such as citrine, can imply fickleness and relates to the serial relationship hopper.

Green

Green is a color of rebirth, renewal and growth and it balances the emotions.

Green in your wedding colors will create a calming and restful mood with enough warmth to encourage a feeling of unity and togetherness among the guests.

If you have chosen green for your wedding color you are a very nurturing and compassionate person, loving yourself and others unconditionally – you will plan your wedding for all your family and friends as much as for yourself.

You crave peace and contentment above all else and a life free of conflict – any stress or disagreements during the planning of your wedding will cause you much anxiety.

Detail bores you so you will most likely seek help with planning your wedding – someone to take care of the finer details while you create the big picture of what you want your wedding to be.

In your marriage you will be a loyal and faithful partner, although not highly passionate. You prefer balance and calm to action.

You have to be careful not to become too content and complacent during your marriage, forgetting about your own dreams and goals – don’t get ‘stuck in a rut’ as that will eventually lead to you becoming bored and discontented.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of green or your personality color green.

Blue

Blue is conservative and reserved. It is a safe and non-threatening color, loved by most people throughout the world.

Blue for your wedding color will create a relaxing and peaceful mood for your wedding in which everyone will feel contented and happy.

If you have selected blue as one of your wedding colors, you tend to be very reliable, with a need for order and direction in every endeavour – this will help you with the planning of your wedding – you take your responsibilities seriously and would aim to create a perfect wedding for all your guests.

You can be devoted to various causes, including family and work, and this will also be the case with your wedding – it will be all consuming until you are happy with your choices.

You don’t particularly like change and carefully consider any decisions before making a commitment – you think things through very carefully before coming to a conclusion.

Trust is important to you – you make a great friend but become deeply hurt if your trust is betrayed – loyalty within your marriage will be of utmost importance.

You will be hoping for a marriage based on harmony and serenity – you don’t like confrontation, preferring one-on-one verbal communication to resolve issues.

It indicates a need for tranquility in your future and to be able to live your life according to your own ideals and beliefs without having to change your inflexible viewpoint of life to satisfy others.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of blue or your personality color blue.

Variations of Blue

The darker the blue, the more conservative, serious and professional it is and the more masculine it becomes.

Navy blue is a great alternative to black – softer and more traditional. It looks great with white, ivory, champagne. Add pink in the bouquets, or lime green or soft yellow

Pale Blue: Pale blue is a color of freedom and creativity. It inspires tranquillity.

Sky Blue: This is a non-threatening color loved by most people all over the world. It is the color of the healer and indicates a helpful and selfless nature.

Azure Blue: This is a color of contentment that inspires ambition and determination to achieve.

Dark Blue: Dark blue is conservative and responsible but it can be pessimistic and hypocritical times. It is the color of the non-emotional worrier.

Indigo

Indigo, a combination of deep blue and violet, inspires a sense of fairness and justice, along with deep sincerity.

Indigo among your wedding colors will create a dignified mood with a degree of tradition being an important part of the wedding ceremony.

If you have chosen indigo as one of your wedding colors, you love traditions and rituals so a conventional wedding will be on the cards.

Order and structure is important to you and will be essential in the organization of your wedding, as well as carrying over to all parts of your life.

Be careful with the planning of your wedding as minor upsets and stress could bring out the “drama queen” in you.

Integrity and honesty will be very important to you in your married life.

Devotion to your family is a beautiful part of your personality but you may take this to extremes as you also have an addictive personality – this addiction can be in many different forms, from family, to work, to gambling, to sport, to getting qualifications.

In your marriage you will need your partner to accept you as the aware and intuitive spiritual being that you are.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of indigo or your personality color indigo.

Purple

Purple is an introspective color. It stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideals.

Choosing purple as your wedding color will create a mood of individuality, mystery and fantasy.

If you have chosen purple as one of your wedding colors you are unique, individual and independent, definitely not one of the crowd, so your wedding will need to be unique in some way, and different to the usual run-of-the-mill weddings - you are creative and love the unconventional and this will show in any event you design.

You are a sensitive and compassionate person, supportive of others and putting their needs before your own. This is your wedding so your needs should be the most important at this time – forget about the expectations of others.

You are a gentle and free spirit. Your feelings run deep and you can be quite sensitive to hurtful comments from others, although you would never show it. Choose people for your wedding party who love and accept you for who you are.

Used solely on its own, purple can lead to depression in some people so be careful to add another color, such as pink, turquoise or green, when using it for your wedding.

In your marriage you will be looking for emotional security. You will also need to be able to create a sense of order in all parts of your married life – taking on too many projects at once can overwhelm you.

You seek spiritual enlightenment and need a supportive partner in your search for the meaning of life.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of purple or your personality color purple.

Variations of Purple

The darker shades of purple were linked with nobility in the past and imply sensuality and individuality.

The lighter shades are more romantic and feminine, and a perfect choice for your wedding colors.

Lavender: With a slightly bluish tinge, lavender is sensitive, fragile, feminine and nostalgic.

Lilac: This color has a slightly pinkish hue to it. It is immature and superficial, inspiring glamour, romance and vanity.

Amethyst: This is the color of the evolved soul.

Plum: Plum is a reddish purple. It can appear old-fashioned, but it is honorable and linked to family traditions.

Deep Purple: Dark purple is related to nobility and higher spiritual attainment. A powerful color, it can also indicate arrogance and ruthlessness.

Turquoise

Turquoise controls and heals the emotions. It is a happy and friendly color which opens the lines of communication between the heart and the spoken word.

Turquoise will create a refreshing, friendly and happy mood at your wedding.

If you have chosen turquoise among your wedding colors, you exhibit a confident and independent personality.

You are good at multi-tasking - focusing on one thing at a time bores you. However, be careful that you don’t become scattered in your thinking, particularly when you try to accomplish too much at once. This can overtire you and you become emotionally out of balance.

This is a color which recharges our spirit during stressful times and is a great color in times of crisis as it aids clear thinking and decision making – this will assist you as you make plans for your wedding. Be aware that turquoise can also heighten your sensitivity which could increase your stress levels when things go wrong in your plans – weddings are notorious for causing stress and anxiety.

It is calming to anyone making a speech and assists with clarity of thoughts, so it’s a good color to print the groom’s or best man’s speech onto!!!

In your marriage you will need to ensure that you have emotional balance on a day to day basis. You will need a marriage partner who will support you in expressing your hopes and dreams no matter how idealistic they may be – and one who will encourage you to make your own way in the world under your own terms.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of turquoise or your personality color turquoise.

Pink

In color psychology pink relates to unconditional love and understanding, and the giving and receiving of nurturing. Pink calms the physical passion and power of red making it a more gentle and loving energy.

Pink as one of your wedding colors will create a mood of gentle warmth, love and thoughtfulness.

Choosing pink for your wedding color shows you are loving, kind, generous and sensitive to the needs of others. You are friendly and approachable with a warmth and softness others are drawn to.

You are disciplined and organized, although you can sometimes be rather flippant when the immature girly side of pink appears.

Pink is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay in the end. And this is what you are hoping for with your wedding and marriage.

Your marriage partner will need to love and accept you unconditionally and show sincere appreciation for the loving things you do each day.

Combining pink with other darker colors such as dark blue, dark green, black or gray, adds strength and sophistication to pink.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of pink or your personality color pink.

Variations of Pink

Hot Pink: Contemporary and modern for a wedding, yet romantic and fun, it radiates a more passion than pale pink. It inspires sensual love and a love of life.

Rose Pink: This is a more mature pink, but still feminine and romantic; the pink of universal love.

Salmon Pink: This variation of pink contains a touch of orange. It encourages the flirt, and can be a sign of the shy lover, all talk and no play.

Orchid: This is more of a lavender-pink and relates to the unusual and the individual doing his or her own thing. It is the non-conformist.

Blush: This is a very pale pink with sensual and sexual undertones. It is non-threatening but lacks enthusiasm, excitement and energy.

Magenta

Magenta represents universal harmony and emotional balance. Spiritual, yet practical, it creates a balanced outlook on life based on common sense.

Magenta will create a mood of compassion, kindness, support and cooperation along with innovation and individuality.

With a vivid imagination and creative ability, choosing magenta as your wedding color means you are a non-conformist who sees life from a different point of view. This will affect how you plan your wedding, and your guests will expect a unique wedding experience from you.

You are a free spirit, cheerful and optimistic, who dislikes being restricted by rules but you do use common sense in making most of your decisions. Despite being impulsive and innovative, you are still practical and like to live a very organized life.

In choosing magenta for your wedding, you seek harmony and balance on this special day; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Magenta helps to release old patterns of thinking and behaving that no longer serve you – it will help you to grow and move forward in your married life and to find greater balance in all areas.

Using your intuition and psychic ability during stressful times will assist you to rise above the everyday dramas of your daily life during the planning of your wedding and in your future married life.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of magenta or your personality color magenta.

Brown

Brown is a serious, down-to-earth color signifying stability, structure and support.

Brown among your wedding colors will create a mood of stability and comfort, making guests feel at home.

Choosing brown as your wedding color means you are honest, down-to-earth and wholesome, with both feet planted firmly on the ground. You are also friendly and approachable, genuine and sincere, and your wedding will show this side of you.

Steady and reliable, with a keen sense of duty and responsibility, you take your obligations seriously. While you prefer to stay in the background, (you are never the life of the party!), your wedding is the time for you to shine.

Everything you do is done in moderation and with restraint – you are not self-indulgent, frivolous or extravagant but you do like quality and simplicity. Your wedding will reflect this.

In fact, you love quality in everything - a comfortable home, the best food and drink and loyal companionship. These will be essential for happiness in your marriage.

You are a home body with a strong need for security and a sense of belonging, and this will be of utmost of importance in your married life.

Your marriage will need to cocoon you in your own safe little world as you don't like your life to be upset by anything - close relationships with family and friends will be a support and comfort during the difficult times that are a normal part of life.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of brown or your personality color brown.

Gray

Gray is a color of compromise - an unemotional color – detached, impartial, neutral and somewhat indecisive. It can be dull and boring on the one hand or elegant and formal on the other.

Gray as one of your main wedding colors will create a mood of isolation and neutrality – guests will not feel as involved with too much gray. A warm gray will be more involving and connecting for your guests.

If you have chosen gray for your wedding color, you tend to be neutral and objective about life, often to the point of being indifferent. You are the fence-sitter who doesn’t like to take sides, always compromising and cooperating.

It is important for you to maintain the status quo - you prefer a safe, secure and balanced existence and never desire much excitement. You will usually compromise in order to keep the balance and stability you so desperately seek.

You are practical and calm, do not like to attract attention and are simply seeking a contented life. You tend to conform just to keep the peace.

You are the middle of the road type, cool, conserved, composed and reliable.

In your marriage you will seek respect from your partner and will need to feel a deep sense of belonging in your family unit. You need a partner who is happy to make the decisions in your family.

You often add a splash of color to your grey look, to show that you aren't all that dull.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of gray or your personality color gray.

Variations of Gray

The darker the gray, the more dramatic and mysterious it becomes.

The lighter the gray the more illuminating and lively it is.

Rarely is gray a perfect mix of black and white - it often has elements of other colors such as blue, green, pink, mauve or yellow within it which lift it and energize it.

Black

Black is a color of power and control, prestige and dignity and it can be intimidating and unapproachable. It can also imply submission to another (including a sexual partner), similar to the priest wearing black robes in submission to God.

Black as your wedding color will create a mood of elegance, protection and mystery.

Choosing black as your wedding color indicates that you may be conventional, conservative and serious, or sophisticated, elegant and dignified.

You may be too serious for your own good - bring some colour into your life to lighten you up - life should be fun. Don’t be dictatorial when planning your wedding as this is intimidating and generates a mood of fear around you – not a good omen for what should be a happy and memorable event.

In planning your wedding you will be methodical and organized, making sure everything is in order down to the last detail. You like to be in control!!!

In choosing black for your wedding, you may be trying to create an aura of mystery and intrigue, as in the sexy black negligee, or an air of sophistication, as in 'the little black dress', or 'the black tie event', or simply giving an impression of success and affluence.

You will want to have power and control in your marriage in order to protect your emotional insecurities - this could cause conflict and arguments with your partner. Just make sure you don’t suppress your own desires and aspirations while protecting your own vulnerabilities.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of black or your personality color black.

Silver

Silver has a feminine energy; it is related to the moon and the ebb and flow of the tides - it is fluid, emotional, sensitive and mysterious, soothing, calming and purifying.

Silver among your wedding colors will create a mood of elegance and femininity.

If you have chosen silver as your wedding color theme, you have a modern and dignified, yet somewhat glamorous, outlook on life. You tend to have an understated air of sophistication and classiness about you and this will be reflected in your wedding ceremony.

You are imaginative and creative, particularly in expressing yourself with the written word, and may choose to write your own wedding vows.

As silver illuminates and reflects the energy of those colors that surround it, choose carefully the colors you put with it for your wedding - almost any color will work with silver but be sure to choose a color that has the energy you want to convey. While there are similarities between silver and gray, silver is much more light-hearted and optimistic.

You need simplicity in your life and to be independent and self-reliant so you do not need to depend on anyone else – your partner will need to understand this is part of who you are and not take personal offense at it.

Click here for more information on the color psychology of silver or your personality color silver.

Gold

Gold is the color of success, achievement and triumph. It implies luxury and quality, value and elegance, affluence, material wealth and extravagance.

Gold will create a mood of elegance, affluence and luxury.

You radiate charisma, personality and confidence, making others feel relaxed and valued in your company. With your optimism and warmth you add richness to the lives of those with whom you come in contact.

If you have chosen gold as your wedding color theme, you are most likely planning a fairly traditional and upmarket wedding and you will relish the attention you receive.

You love luxury and the best quality in everything - luckily you tend to be very successful, seeking and acquiring material wealth throughout your lifetime. Your wedding will reflect your financial success.

You appreciate life completely - with your optimistic attitude you are not happy to passively sit back and wait for things to happen - you must be an active participant and your partner will need to have this attitude also.