How to Choose the Perfect Color Palette

I have to be honest. I know that I am all smiles and glittery rainbows over here but choosing my color palette for my wedding was beyond hard for me. I would look at a magazine and say, "Oooooo! I want those colors" and then ten minutes later stroll through a craft store and decided on a totally new palette. The venue selection came easy. The cake tasting was literally cake. But deciding whether to go with magenta or purple was hard. Just thinking about makes my throat close up and I am starting to have a twitch in my right eye.

Your color palette plays a big role in your wedding. Color adds contrast and dynamic while influencing your invitations, decor, bouquets, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen attire, accessories, cake and more! Have no fear because I have got a few tips and the perfect resources for picking the color palette of your wedding dreams.

Photo Source: The Perfect Palette

1. Remember your surroundings. Always keep in mind your venue. I got married outside at the beginning of fall. I didn't want my wedding colors to fight the changing leaves in the trees so I stuck with a fall color palette that suited my taste. If you are having your reception inside take notice of the carpet and drapes. These things do not have to dictate your color selection but keep them in mind. You want your decor and palette to compliment each other.

2. What atmosphere are you creating? If you want a romantic wedding soft hues are the way to go while bright, eye catching colors create drama and depth. Colors aid in setting the tone. Make sure the brightness or softness of your palette corresponds with the atmosphere you are wanting guests to feel.

3. Forget the rules. There is no bridal rule that you have to pick only two colors to plan your decor around. If you want two main colors with a few additional hues mixed in then go for it. This is your wedding and your chance to pick colors that make you smile.

I thought I would also point you to the best resources to help you choose the color(s) of your wedding dreams.

1. The Perfect Palette. Chrissy is a genius! That sentence is a big under statement to how talented she really is. She works one-on-one with brides to create the perfect color palette. Browse her site by color or palettes. She has tons of inspiration! You can visit her site by clicking here.

2. Inspiration Boards. I would encourage every single bride to create an inspiration board for their wedding. An inspiration board of your color palette gives you a better idea of ways to incorporate color throughout your wedding. It also helps when selecting other aspects of your wedding like decor, lighting, flowers and more.

3. Wedding Blogs and Websites. I cannot get enough of bridal blogs these days hence why I started my own. Blogs are full of color inspiration. Once you pick your colors, go back and look the blogs and websites over again. They have DIY projects, centerpiece ideas, floral inspiration and wedding gowns galore.

4. Bridal/Fashion Magazines. When I got married my matron of honor gave me a notebook with plastic covers. I would tear out what I liked and keep it filed in my notebook. This was also in the days before Pinterest. Yeah, life use to exist before Pinterest. Magazines both bridal and fashion have large amount of influence and inspiration. Get to it!

5. Paint Swatches. I recommend this! Visit your local hardware store and browse the paint swatches. They are free and perfect to carry around when wedding planning.

6. Craft Stores. Once I decided on my colors I went to Michael's (heaven on earth) and bought ribbon spools for my mom and I. We always had the exact colors in our purse and could pull them out to match up other items. It was a lifesaver considering we lived on two different sides of Arkansas while planning the wedding.

7. Pinterest. Duh! Pin it. Pinterest amazes me. Need an invite? Email me or comment below and I will send you one.

I hope that these things give you a calm outlet when it comes to picking out your wedding colors. You have inspiration all around you! Have you started looking for your colors? Do you have any fun plans for Martin Luther King Day?