Find Your Event's True Colors

As innovative visual aesthetics become increasingly important in the event world due to the fast-paced demand of new internet content, your event’s design needs to be top-notch. And while some of that inspiration can come from new, exciting creative ideas, there is value in going back to the basics of artistic design. 

A split theme for a wedding at the Four Seasons Atlanta. Event by By BrianGreen. Photo courtesy Andre Brown Photography

Enter color theory.

“Color theory is the study of how colors work together and how they affect our emotions and perceptions,” states The Interactive Design Foundation. “It's like a toolbox for artists, designers, and creators to help them choose the right colors for their projects. Color theory enables you to pick colors that go well together and convey the right mood or message in your work.”

In his well-attended session at Catersource + The Special Event 2024, Applying the Principles of Color Theory to Elevate Your Events, industry pro Brian Green (By BrianGreen) broke down the basics of color theory, defining it simply: “Color theory is both the science and art of using color.”

Canva's Color Wheel tool allows designers to plug in colors and test out different palettes.

The study of color has existed for centuries, since Sir Isaac Newton developed the color wheel (more on that in a bit). Since then, artists and designers of all kinds have played with the relationships of color, working to understand why certain colors have certain effects. In event design, understanding color theory is a must. Here are the basics of what you need to know.

Head over to Special Events for a deeper look into the concept of color theory. 

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