Trend Alert: Ultra Violet

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet, a shade of blue-purple that Pantone calls “inventive, imaginative, complex and contemplative.” The designers behind the color of the year were inspired by something ethereal this year, declaring that Ultra Violet has “long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance.”

How will we see Ultra Violet applied to event and wedding design? Louise Beukes, Editor in Chief of B.LOVED predicts that, “Love it or hate it, (Ultra Violet) is sure to have an influence on styled shoots, and therefore weddings, throughout the year.” She adds that, “the challenge here is creating something fresh and modern (that doesn't look like a Cadbury factory explosion!).”  Beukes acknowledges that the color is celestial and that many people will choose to use it in a starry night context with twinkling fairy lights.

Vaishali Shah of Ananya Cards suggests pairing Ultra Violet with crisp white, saying that it will show off the purple shade beautifully. “Silver and gold tones would add a really, regally dramatic effect,” says Shah. “Soft tones of grey, pale pink or cream would also look wonderful.”

Mennat Al Hammami of Cloud Nine Events, however, suspects that “the color will be paired with darker, more serious tones like buttercream, wood rose, greyed jade, burnt orange and misted yellows.”

"With Pantone predicting a much darker color palette for 2018,” according to Krysta Smith of For the Love of Weddings, “stronger and richer tones featuring 'Ultra-Violet' will be incorporated into the overall wedding theme to create a bolder, dramatic and daring finish.” Smith feels that striking floral prints will play a big role in décor, “especially with black backgrounds playing a vital role against saturated purple hues."

Photo courtesy Michelle Ramirez Photography

Redamancy Wedding Planning’s Charlotte Spain believes that “Florals are going to be huge for 2018!” She thinks that it will be difficult to avoid the Ultra Violet influence, and expects to see springtime colors dominate design. “I believe this is where Pantone's color influence could be featured, with florals selected in all sorts of purple hues, possibly to tie in with the shade of the bridesmaid dresses."

A variety of flowers can be used to bring Ultra Violet into floral design. Hyacinth, anemones, sweet pea, certain tulips, allium, stock and irises are some of the varieties that naturally come in a shade of Ultra Violet. They are all stunning in floral design and should make this year’s trends come alive.

How do you feel about Ultra Violet? Do you see it as a deep reflection of the soul inspired by our fascination with the cosmos? Do you find it a natural springtime garden touch? All we know for sure is that Ultra Violet is here and ready to make its mark on the 2018 events design world.