5 Tips for a cohesive colour palette.
Katy Melling Photography
Why is it so important?…
Creating a beautifully styled wedding that feels harmonious and thoughtfully curated, often comes down to one essential element: a cohesive colour palette. Colour has the power to set the mood, tell your story, and visually tie every element of your wedding together. From the florals and stationery to the linens, candles, and even your bridesmaids' dresses.
For couples in the early stages of wedding planning, the idea of finalizing a colour scheme can feel overwhelming, especially without expert guidance. But the truth is, defining your colours early and carrying them through all aspects of your styling is the secret to achieving a polished, stylish look.
Here are my top five tips to help you create an unforgettable wedding aesthetic.
1. Confirm your colour palette early on and share it with your suppliers
Selecting a colour palette should be one of the first creative decisions you make, when planning your wedding. Your chosen shades will influence everything from the florals and décor to your bridal party attire and table settings.
Once you’ve settled on a colour scheme, communicate it clearly with all your suppliers (If you have a planner involved they will do this for you) from your florist, stationer, cake designer and stylist. This ensures a cohesive design across all elements and prevents clashing tones or unexpected surprises. Sharing a mood board or swatch collection can also be a helpful tool to convey your vision visually.
Pro Tip: Choose no more than 3-4 core colours, with one or two statement hues and softer complementary shades to balance the palette beautifully.
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2. Incorporate colour beyond florals
While florals are often the first design element people think of when considering colour, don’t overlook the impact of other styling details. Linens, candles, tableware, and even chair cushions can all play a key role in reinforcing your chosen palette. Keep referring back to your colour palette when confirming decisions and use it as the foundation for creating polished, harmonious look throughout different spaces of your wedding.
3. Don’t overlook your stationary
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests get into the style of your big day, making them a perfect place to start introducing your colour palette. From save-the-dates to place cards and menus, a well-designed stationery suite, that echoes your core colours sets the tone for a cohesive event.
Consider using elements like hand-painted floral details, coloured paper stocks, or custom wax seals to further enhance the aesthetic. By repeating the same hues across both your paper goods and décor, you’ll create a seamless transition from invitation to reception.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key — consider asking your stationer to create matching day-of signage or custom details like escort cards in your wedding colours for a polished finish.
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4. Dress your bridal party to match your vision
Bridesmaid dresses and even groomswear offer another fantastic opportunity to extend your colour scheme. Whether you choose matching dresses in a single shade or opt for a mix-and-match look with varying tones from your palette, dressing your bridal party in coordinated colours can have a significant visual impact.
Beyond the bridal party, you could extend this idea further with a suggested dress code for guests. Themes like black-tie, or a relaxed summer garden party, not only help your guests feel aligned with the event’s aesthetic, but also ensure your professional photos feel more curated and intentional.
Pro Tip: If your colour palette includes softer hues, consider having the bridal party wear a stronger accent shade for contrast while keeping florals and table décor more muted.
4. Attention to detail is key
The magic of a truly cohesive wedding design often lies in the subtle, thoughtful details. While larger elements like florals and linens make a statement, smaller accents can elevate the entire atmosphere.
Think about using coloured ribbons tied around napkins, fresh petals scattered along the aisle, or colour-matched candles placed in various heights throughout the venue. These intentional design touches create layers of interest and make your wedding feel artistically curated, without overwhelming the space.
Pro Tip: Work with your florist or planner to ensure these smaller details tie into the overall vision, ensuring the colours remain consistent and balanced.