Color theme for reception - Need help/advice

linzy85 · December 2012

I need help/advice on choosing the color theme for my wedding.

I had always envision my wedding colors to be a dark/royal blue and a persian green. Green is my favorite color.
I never really had a set vision, though, of how those colors would be specifically put together (ie. blue or green flowers or blue or green dresses or which aspects of the reception would be which color).

My honey and I just got engaged 2 weeks ago! :-) We have been together for many years. Well in the last 2 weeks I've been really thinking about the colors of our wedding and trying to decide what colors to choose. I started thinking that I wanted to have a more rich and elegant and deep color for the wedding (instead of the blue and green combo that I originally thought of).
So I asked my honey last week for his opinion on what our wedding colors should be. I wanted his input on what his thoughts and opinion was for our wedding colors.
He suggested a merlot shade of red. I pictured it in my mind and instantly loved it. So him and I talked about it a little bit more and thought about doing merlot red with a cream color as the complimentary color. Ever since he suggested merlot red, I have really come to love the idea of those colors. I wanted a more rich and deep color for the wedding and so merlot red + cream sounds very elegant and I like it.
The problem is, I can be very indecisive at times. I have tried to think about how I can incorporate the green into it since I had originally always envisioned green in my wedding.
I'm having a really tough time figuring out what our wedding colors should be.
Some friends have suggested incorporating spots of the green in the wedding while having the red be the main color.
This sounds like a good idea, but I'm still struggling on making a definite decision on this.
Internally, I keep battling with myself and trying to figure out if I want to go back to my original vision of having the green as the main color.
I don't know what to do.
I have always thought green would be the main color of my wedding, but now I also love the idea of the merlot red. I'm not sure which color I should do or if I should do both colors. And if I do both colors, I'm not sure which color I should choose to be the main color and which to be the 2nd/complimentary color.

Help!! :-)

I appreciate all help/advice!

unchatenfrance · December 2012

Have you found a venue yet? Don't settle on colours until you have picked a venue - see what works best with it.

linzy85 · December 2012

We haven't chosen a venue yet.

beardownbchs · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:8b6a001a-1b13-4696-98d6-ab998ecb21cb">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you found a venue yet? Don't settle on colours until you have picked a venue - see what works best with it.
Posted by unchatenfrance[/QUOTE]

This. I'm having almost the same exact issue. I'm probably going to go with a deep red/cream/gold combo or a chocolate/aqua/cream but that depends on my venue.

You may have your heart set on a color combo and then it totally clashes with your venue. The venue should really be the first decision you make. It sets the tone for the colors, formality and pretty much everything.

EDIT: Venue should be first deposit. Obviously you'll want to think about the budget, guest list and stuff like that first...

unchatenfrance · December 2012

Yeah, I had a close call with this. I totally rushed ahead and picked colours that didn't really work with the venue (they didn't clash, but they didn't "go" either). At the last minute, coloured tablecloths and some very fortuitous renovations at the venue salvaged the situation for me!

OwningAHome1981 · December 2012

When's your wedding? Some people like to pick colours that go with the season- although you don't have to.

Red or green are nice- we are doing a colour a little lighter than Hunter Green.

personally, I'm not a fan of black or navy on BM's- to close to the black of the tuxes, I like colours that will make the pictures pop.

[Deleted User] · December 2012

go to a fabric store and grab some fabric or ribbon in the merlot color you like. Then start holding it against other colors (ribbon department will probably be easiest to do this) and see what catches your eye with the different shades of green. Depending on the time of year, you may not want to go too dark green unless your a big christmas fan. With the red merlot color you could add a variety of jewel tones such as gold, sapphire, dark purple, or emerald. Also your florist might be able to bring in green in the flowers in a great way too. Don't forget using your flowers to add a punch of color.

linzy85 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:2aa7d063-9d0b-477e-8042-03ba0e80ed64">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]When's your wedding? Some people like to pick colours that go with the season- although you don't have to. Red or green are nice- we are doing a colour a little lighter than Hunter Green. personally, I'm not a fan of black or navy on BM's- to close to the black of the tuxes, I like colours that will make the pictures pop.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

Our wedding date is 02/01/2014

linzy85 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:3a390134-82b8-423f-9796-b095de1a38fc">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]go to a fabric store and grab some fabric or ribbon in the merlot color you like. Then start holding it against other colors (ribbon department will probably be easiest to do this) and see what catches your eye with the different shades of green. Depending on the time of year, you may not want to go too dark green unless your a big christmas fan. With the red merlot color you could add a variety of jewel tones such as gold, sapphire, dark purple, or emerald. Also your florist might be able to bring in green in the flowers in a great way too. Don't forget using your flowers to add a punch of color.
Posted by Erikan73[/QUOTE]

Thank you. I didn't think of going to a fabric store. I'll definitely have to make time to do that.

linzy85 · December 2012

Thanks for all your inputs.

It makes sense to wait until we have chosen the venue, however, I'm not sure when a venue will be chosen. My honey and I have to find the time soon to go look at a couple of venues to choose from. We also have to save up for the deposit.

It's hard to do most of the wedding planning without having the color theme in place such as bridesmaids dresses and the colors/design of our wedding cake...etc.

unchatenfrance · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:70801c1f-d2f5-4d46-a4cf-344528376caf">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for all your inputs. It makes sense to wait until we have chosen the venue, however, I'm not sure when a venue will be chosen. My honey and I have to find the time soon to go look at a couple of venues to choose from. We also have to save up for the deposit. It's hard to do most of the wedding planning without having the color theme in place such as bridesmaids dresses and the colors/design of our wedding cake...etc.
Posted by linzy85[/QUOTE]

<div>The cake, BM dresses, etc. you don't usually do very far in advance anyway. Go in order of logical priorities - venue first, cake and flowers later. I know you got engaged two weeks ago and in the initial excitement you can't help but think about all the details, but that will wear off after a while. There's no need to worry about the smaller things just yet.</div>

unchatenfrance · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:124c2cb6-466b-40d9-b30b-a2845f0c3b5f">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]"Official colors" aren't "required" at all. There are no wedding police. Nobody will show up and invalidate the marriage if the colors don't coordinate with the venue carpet or ceiling. Nobody but the bride thinks to notice that stuff. Use what you LIKE. The colors don't have to coordinate with the season, the setting, the holiday or the venue. If you love it, then you've got what you need.
Posted by RetreadBride[/QUOTE]

<div>But the problem is, OP doesn't know what she loves. She says she can't decide between the options she has in front of her. Therefore, to help her decide, she might consider the season, the venue, etc, or go to the fabric store to look at swatches to see if there are ways she can combine green (her favourite) and red (FI's suggesion that she says she also loves) that won't make her wedding look Christmassy or Little Italy-ish.</div>

linzy85 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:7db5f636-5f80-4b0e-b83b-111b2ef21953">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice : But the problem is, OP doesn't know what she loves. She says she can't decide between the options she has in front of her. Therefore, to help her decide, she might consider the season, the venue, etc, or go to the fabric store to look at swatches to see if there are ways she can combine green (her favourite) and red (FI's suggesion that she says she also loves) that won't make her wedding look Christmassy or Little Italy-ish.
Posted by unchatenfrance[/QUOTE]

Exactly!! (on the Christmas point) I definitely don't want my wedding looking Christmassy.

daveANDkristen · December 2012

Take a deep breath. Remember that the most important things to take care of in the beginning are guest list (even if it is a rough idea) and venue. Once the venue is secured, you can start to worry about things like this. It is absolutely not necessary for your centerpieces, wedding party attire, etc. to match one another or to match the venue. However, it's fine if that is the look you are going for. Just don't stress yourself out too much over it. Please also wait until you are within 6-9 months of your wedding to worry about BM dresses. There is no reason they need to be ordered earlier than that, and styles/your and your BMs' tastes will change.

All that being said, I think you can easily use the colors you have mentioned together. You should consider, rather than a "wedding color", jewel tones in general. Here is a good picture that shows several jewel tones together.

Think how beautiful these deep colors would look all together in your bouquet or centerpieces. If you like this color palette, when the time comes you could discuss these colors with your BMs and find out which they would like to wear. Maybe they would all like to wear a sapphire or ruby color, or maybe they would each like to wear a different color, like this:

linzy85 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:3d0bfa9a-34ec-4a0b-8051-7aae0c51f84d">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]Take a deep breath. Remember that the most important things to take care of in the beginning are guest list (even if it is a rough idea) and venue. Once the venue is secured, you can start to worry about things like this. It is absolutely not necessary for your centerpieces, wedding party attire, etc. to match one another or to match the venue. However, it's fine if that is the look you are going for. Just don't stress yourself out too much over it. Please also wait until you are within 6-9 months of your wedding to worry about BM dresses. There is no reason they need to be ordered earlier than that, and styles/your and your BMs' tastes will change. All that being said, I think you can easily use the colors you have mentioned together. You should consider, rather than a "wedding color", jewel tones in general. Here is a good picture that shows several jewel tones together. Think how beautiful these deep colors would look all together in your bouquet or centerpieces. If you like this color palette, when the time comes you could discuss these colors with your BMs and find out which they would like to wear. Maybe they would all like to wear a sapphire or ruby color, or maybe they would each like to wear a different color, like this:
Posted by daveANDkristen[/QUOTE]

Thank you :-) I'm just anxious to choose the color theme I suppose. Actually I think the anxious part just comes from me being an indecisive person to begin with :-) />
I like that color palette. I may use that as a reference.

daveANDkristen · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:52e2d21c-ba66-49a6-b9ed-b3a4eae13611">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice : Thank you :-) I'm just anxious to choose the color theme I suppose. Actually I think the anxious part just comes from me being an indecisive person to begin with :-) /> I like that color palette. I may use that as a reference.
Posted by linzy85[/QUOTE]

I understand. My H and I decided on a ceremony venue without too much trouble, and went with the first reception venue and caterer that we saw. But when it came to the small details like centerpieces and linens, I changed my mind a bunch of times. There is a lot to choose from! That's why I suggest not focusing so much on matching everything. Our "wedding color" was blue I suppose, but the blue was only found in small touches - it was not a matchy-matchy wedding. IMHO, it was the prettiest wedding I've been to.

MrsGandthebeag · December 2012

I like the idea of the merlot and creme, especially since it'll be close to Valentine's day. I'd scrap the green altogether. Unless, the only thing I can think that would work and not look like Christmas, would be the centerpieces. If you chose to do flowers, you can have a green leaf wrapped around the inside of the vases. We did this and it was really pretty. Then have red/white flowers inside.

AlisonIngeK · December 2012

Merlot would make a great main colour, green as a secondary or filler colour and cream as an accent colour. For example when if comes to flowers you could take the usual red roses and use some greenery of salal and accent colours of cream in spray roses. If you prefer more of a monochromatic look go just for red, and your BMs can hold cream roses but with accents of red and greenery of salal again.

For secondary colours of green when it comes to ceremony flowers your can always use garlands of greenery. There are many places that will wire fresh garlands for you.

As for centerpieces you can float cranberries in water with some tea lights in tall vases. Or one green cymbidium orchid in another tall vase red cymbidium orchids... something simple..

For February another flower you can use is amarylis. You can even grow them yourselves... They'd be great things to give away.. they also look good in arrangements.

Also they come in many colours ranging from red to cream and they have large blooms so you'd only need a few of them.

linzy85 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_color-theme-for-reception-need-helpadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:66a0ed93-09a9-4a3f-bf82-90a5de50c7eePost:f7385f08-6bd1-4353-994d-203a3914299b">Re: Color theme for reception - Need help/advice</a>:
[QUOTE]Merlot would make a great main colour, green as a secondary or filler colour and cream as an accent colour. For example when if comes to flowers you could take the usual red roses and use some greenery of salal and accent colours of cream in spray roses. If you prefer more of a monochromatic look go just for red, and your BMs can hold cream roses but with accents of red and greenery of salal again. For secondary colours of green when it comes to ceremony flowers your can always use garlands of greenery. There are many places that will wire fresh garlands for you. As for centerpieces you can float cranberries in water with some tea lights in tall vases. Or one green cymbidium orchid in another tall vase red cymbidium orchids... something simple.. For February another flower you can use is amarylis. You can even grow them yourselves... They'd be great things to give away.. they also look good in arrangements. Also they come in many colours ranging from red to cream and they have large blooms so you'd only need a few of them.
Posted by AlisonIngeK[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much for your input! I looked up that amaryllis flower...it's beautiful!
Thanks for all the ideas.

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