How to pick a wedding color scheme?

Short answer

Start with your venue, season and personal taste. Look at the fixed colours in the room, think about the time of year, and gather inspiration from things you already love. Then narrow your choices to two or three colours that work together.

Begin with your venue. The walls, floor, ceiling and any permanent décor will stay the same, so your colours need to work with them. A light stone barn suits earthy tones. A grand hotel with gold details calls for richer shades. Take photos and look at them in daylight and evening light.

Next, think about the season. Spring and summer often suit lighter, fresher colours. Autumn and winter can take deeper, warmer tones. But you are not bound by the calendar. If you love deep burgundy in July, use it. Just consider how it will feel on the day.

Then look at your own life. Your favourite outfit, a painting you love, a scarf from a holiday. These personal anchors often lead to a scheme that feels genuinely yours. Collect images and swatches, then lay them out together. See which combinations keep appearing.

Narrow it down to a main colour, a secondary colour and an accent. That keeps things simple. Use the main colour for large surfaces like tablecloths and drapes. Use the secondary for flowers and bridesmaids' outfits. Use the accent for small details like napkins, ribbon and signage.

Finally, test it. Buy small paint swatches or fabric samples and look at them in the venue if you can. Lighting changes everything. Give yourself time to sit with the choice before you commit.