How to Determine Your Wedding Style and Color Palette
If you are just beginning the wedding planning process, you're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the different styles, themes, designs and color palettes you see across the internet. Should you keep it simple and timeless, or go bold and trendy? What feels the most like you? If you are struggling to decide on a wedding design and color palette keep reading for a breakdown of common wedding styles and important factors to consider when curating a wedding that’s totally you.
What is the difference between a wedding Theme and a wedding Style?
A wedding theme refers to the specific criteria that unifies a design. Each component is carefully curated to fit the theme's aesthetic. Almost anything can be a theme including a color palette, a season, a trend, etc. This 70's themed wedding incorporated retro-chic details, bold colors, patterns, and disco balls. Every detail created an intentional, cohesive 70's feel.
A wedding style can be applied to almost any theme and refers to the actual elements that will be used. For example; modern, boho, and rustic are all common styles that we see across various fields of design. Styles can be mixed and matched, or attached to a theme for a completely unique concept. This "Modern Barbie-Core" wedding featured a hot pink palette, a ruffled wedding gown, and dramatic elements mixed with modern details.
Common wedding styles
Modern
A modern wedding style is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and asymmetry. Often utilizing a monochromatic or neutral palette with a possible pop of color, modern weddings typically have a minimalistic approach. Look for venues with lots of natural light, open concept and urban design like rooftops, industrial venues or hotels.
Clean Lines
Geometric Shapes/Asymmetry
Simple Color Palette
Intentional Pops of Color
Natural Light
Minimalistic Approach
Photo: Ashley Burns Photography, Venue: Malibu West Beach Club
Garden
Garden weddings utilize mother nature's beauty as the main element of design. They create a whimsical feel whether in a traditional garden space or indoor venue using lots of floral elements and greenery. Garden weddings often incorporate a romantic or pastel color palette and nature-centered decor. Backyards, greenhouses, vineyards or conservatories are optimal venues for garden themed weddings.
Outdoor Atmosphere
Nature Centered
Whimsical Feel
Floral Elements/Greenery
Romantic/Pastel Color Palette
Photo: Nicole Catherine Photography, Venue: Spanish Hills Country Club
Rustic
A rustic wedding style is characterized by a casual, outdoorsy vibe with aged wood elements, organic materials and earthy-inspired decor. While often associated with things like mason jars and burlap, if done right, rustic weddings can be very chic and romantic. While a wood barn would be the obvious choice of venue, a vineyard, ranch or anything with a mountain view/woodsy backdrop would be ideal for a rustic wedding.
Casual/Outdoor Atmosphere
Aged Wood Elements
Earthy Decor
Country Feel
Boho
Boho is a unique, eclectic style that incorporates lots of texture and natural elements. Think rattan/wood decor, vintage rugs, bold patterns and warm color palettes. Because of it's nature-focused design, forests/woodland, beaches, barns or conservatories are excellent locations for boho-inspired weddings.
Eclectic
Varying Textures
Natural Elements
Dried Florals/Greenery
Warm Color Palette
Photo: Amber Jean Photography, Venue: Topa Mountain Winery
These are just a few of the commonly used styles across the industry, but the options are truly endless! Whether you love a bold pop of color or vintage elements, the best part about wedding planning is making it feel like you. Mix and match styles or apply them to a theme for a uniquely custom design.
Important factors to consider when choosing your wedding style
1. Your Relationship as a Couple
Start by examining your relationship with your partner. What makes you unique as a couple? Do you have any shared passions? Maybe you both love the outdoors and nature - a rustic, natural wedding might be your preferred style. Maybe you met at a contemporary Italian restaurant and want to incorporate a modern, romantic style into your wedding.
2. Your Wedding Priorities
What event aspects are most important to you? List your top wedding must-haves to use as a guide. Is a longer dance party is at the forefront of your list? An indoor ballroom might be necessary for the reception.
3. The Location(s) of the Event
Where do you want the wedding to take place? Be specific! Narrow it down to the exact state, city, general surroundings and overall atmosphere. Is it important to stay close to family or are you dreaming of a destination wedding with a view?
4. The Venue(s)
Once you have your top priorities and location, you can begin researching local venues. Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding? Is there a certain type of architecture that you’re drawn to? If historic charm is your thing, maybe you book a private estate venue exclusive to one event per day.
5. The Timing, Season & Weather
The season can also affect your wedding style and/or theme. Spring and summer weddings typically have a more colorful palette, while fall and winter tends to be more moody and cool. However, make your wedding what you want - If that means a winter wedding with bold, warm colors, DO IT!
6. Family or Cultural Traditions
Are there any familial or cultural traditions that would influence the location, color scheme, or feel of the event? For example, an all white wedding in Chinese tradition is frowned upon - red and gold are traditionally highlighted in this culture.
7. Formality
Think about the formality of the event. What do you want your guests to experience at your wedding? Do you envision a formal ballroom, black tie affair with a plated meal and butler service or a more casual, outdoorsy vibe with a buffet/family style meal?
8. Color Palette & Branding
When searching for wedding inspiration, what colors, textures or design elements repeatedly catch your eye? Maybe you've always dreamed of a timeless blush palette or love the idea of monogramed initials to unify the design.
Still unsure about how to define your wedding style?
Book our New custom wedding design service
wedding design
Design Questionnaire & Initial Kick-off Zoom Call
Design Deck Deliverable
Branding (color palette, style and/or theme descriptors, stationery ideas)
General Vision for Main Areas (ceremony, cocktail, reception, wedding party attire & vision)
Decor Ideas including; florals, signage, rentals, dessert, etc.
One-hour Design Deck Discussion Meeting
One Round of Revisions to the Vision Board (if needed)
