Trend Alert: Romantic Wedding Color Palettes

With over a year in quarantine, there’s one thing that’s clear as we step back into the sunlight: Romance is in the air! With people reuniting and hugs becoming a thing again, we are excited to see weddings pick back up.
Of course, upcoming weddings of 2021 and 2022 don’t look the same as pre-pandemic weddings. As COVID brought to light the importance of love and family, many couples are opting for romantic, low-key celebrations instead of the bold and busy weddings of 2019 and early 2020. 

Photo courtesy Victoria Baker Weddings

“Romance is back!” confirms celebrity event planner and co-owner of Mad About Weddings, Mindy Weiss. “And romantic colors are on the rise. One hue that is hot this year is mauve. Try mixing hellebore with roses for a unique and glamorous look.”

It’s not just mauve, though. There are plenty of different ways to curate a romantic and intimate atmosphere for the weddings that lie ahead. Here are a few color options to inspire your creativity.   

Ultimate Gray + Illuminating

It wouldn’t be a color roundup without a look at Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2021! Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are two colors that represent our industry’s journey in finding the light switch after a very dark period of uncertainty. The contrasting hues pair well together but also shine alone within their own color family. 

Photo courtesy Adrian Wood Photography

Consider diving in with a breathtaking collection of gradient shades – from marigold flowers, goldenrod velvet table runners, and sunshine-yellow glassware and food garnishes. Alternatively, think of how lovely matte, slate gray dinnerware would look when coupled with charcoal stationery, or subtle graphite accents such as tapered candles.

Ocean Vibes

Now that vacations are no longer a thing of the past, many couples are finding inspiration in the soft and calming romance of a beach getaway. As a result, oceanic and sandy shades are coming together for a beautiful marine-inspired palette. Not to mention, L’Officiel’s Color of the Year, AI Aqua, is a perfect fit for this theme!

“Think of a soft refreshing breeze or a deep breath of fresh air,” says Eddie Zaratsian, owner of Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle & Design. “Aqua blues paired perfectly with colors like oatmeal, beige, sand, and various flesh tones is something I expect to see in the upcoming year.”

Photo courtesy The Seiter Woodhouse

Pamella Dunn, owner of Pamella Dunn Events, agrees: “Crisp white with soft tones of barely-there blues remain a firm favorite as we’re inspired with an electric shade of blue in AI Aqua.”

Colors of Love

Red and pink have always been associated with love, and it’s time they made it past the Valentine’s Day aisle! These lush hues are going to put romance in the spotlight in upcoming weddings, and we are here for it.

“The fine art style is looking brighter with vibrant tones of reds and pinks in the flower arrangements and table wear,” affirms Clémentine Ward, wedding planner and founder of Awardweddings. “This reflects the strong desire for happier times. We are all craving joyful emotions and it’s coming out in the styling. Color schemes are becoming very engaging with gorgeous deep tones.” 

Romance looks different for everyone – while some see it as light and airy, others may picture it as rich and sultry. That’s the beauty of colors: It’s all in the eye of the beholder! You can get creative from either end of the spectrum, knowing that the final result will be an intimate and romantic experience.