Wedding color meaning is baked into the tradition of matrimonial ceremony.
When David and Victoria Beckham traded their traditional white ceremony duds at their 1999 wedding for coordinated bright purple couture ensembles midway through their reception, chances are there was an audible gasp. What did this mean?
Recognized as one of, if not the, world’s most fashionable couples at the time, the move showed that wedding colors, and how they’re executed, can make a big impression.
Popular trends for wedding colors are said to be reflective of a new era of optimism. With so many weddings postponed, canceled, or drastically downsized in 2020 due to COVID-19, warm tones, happy hues, and interesting textures are all the rage.
Here are some of today’s trends that experts predict will extend into the wedding colors of 2022. We’ll also explore what these colors mean for couples.
Soft Blues
Blue has long been one of the most popular wedding shades. During the Medieval and Renaissance eras, brides almost never wore white.
They instead opted for rich colors and sumptuous fabrics that symbolizes wealth, and blue gave that air. When it comes to wedding color meaning, blue was said to suggest femininity and purity.
Today’s shades of blue are plentiful. French, cornflower, dusty, and periwinkle are among the most sought after blues for many reasons, and if you can choose, there’s good news: multiple blues can work together. Consider dressing your bridesmaids in differing shades of light blue. It invites your nearest and dearest gal pals to express a little individuality!
Light blues also complement a bevy of other shades, especially other light and pastel shades. At the same time, light blue contrasts beautifully with white, off-white, peach, and dusty yellow.
Navy blue has long been a constant, especially in weddings that take place close to the sea, but experts are seeing the hue used frequently today as an accent color. Consider using navy in interesting patterns, for example in toile table linens, invitation details, bouquet wraps, table assignments, and even place setting chargers.
Navy blue also pairs well with contrasting colors including pink, bright yellow, coral, and nearly every metallic. It’s become a handsome alternative for the traditional men’s black tuxedo or can be a lovely accent in groomsmen’s ties.
For fashion forward brides, the ideal navy blue accent is a pair of Manolo Blahnik stiletto. Which are just like the ones Sex and the City icon Carrie Bradshaw for when she actually didn’t say “I do.”
Tropical Oranges: Papaya, Cantaloupe, and Mango
There’s nothing like a little tropical inspiration to lighten the mood! Orange has long been linked to joy, creativity, success, enthusiasm, and adventure.
No wonder it’s been one of the most trending colors for today’s weddings and 2022 nuptials. Oranges offer a punchy and upbeat wedding color meaning.
Tropical interpretations of this happy shade in particular are in demand. Papaya orange adds a stunning pop of color when working with otherwise neutral shades.
Weddings with a bohemian vibe, complete with large, whimsical arrangements or beautifully draped across the nuptial arch can weave in papaya shades with textural elements including pussywillow, dried wildflowers, pampas grass, sage, and eucalyptus branches.
Cantaloupe is another tropical orange destined to be a wedding color trend in 2022. This shade leans into its pink-peach base and contrasts beautifully with greens like sage and mint. Your couples may look for advice on how to incorporate this vibrant hue.
Clients looking to present a pop of color in an otherwise neutral palette can use cantaloupe-hued flowers — real or sugar — to liven up a simple, white tiered cake.
Melon, an equally uplifting shade, is winning over many couples. As you help plan their wedding, share with your clients the different areas in which colors can be incorporated, whether overtly or subtly. Remember: the save-the-date and/or introduction of the wedding website is typically the guests’ first impression of the main event and the best time to debut the color palette.
Earthy Greens
Green symbolizes prosperity, an idyllic shade to associate with wedding color meaning. Nature, rebirth, springtime renewal — all of these ideas connect back to green. You’ll likely see clients selecting this as a wedding color into 2022 and beyond.
“Earthy” greens include shades of green that occur in nature and are more often subtle, muted, soothing hues that provoke calm. With its grey undertones, sage green evokes a vibe of being grounded. This is a welcome feeling when considering the hectic stresses of wedding planning!
Sage green is equally versatile. It can be paired with a spectrum of shades and works unbelievably with varying textures. This allows you to work with your clients to create a specific mood throughout the wedding festivities.
Greens are also season-neutral. Unlike the punchy pastels associated with springtime or the bright colors typically associated with summer, earthy greens work the whole year through.
Often, earthy greens add an airy and ethereal vibe, perfect for couples seeking a boho chic fête or whimsical affair, but they can be woven beautifully throughout any aesthetic. Other earth greens to consider include matcha green and olive green.
Lilac and Lavender
Both of these beautiful hues are rooted in purple, the color that has been tied to kings and queens as far back as ancient times. As such, today the wedding color meaning of purple is royalty and nobility, wealth and luxury, power and ambition.
Lavender in its natural state is a perennial herb. It is associated with the French countryside in Provence, where it grows prolifically. Known for its fragrant, gentle aroma, lavender is a staple in early summer gardens. As such, it is a popular summer wedding shade, though it can be appropriate any time of year.
Both lavender and lilac are likely to continue to be in-demand wedding colors in 2022. Though in the purple family, they are not the same nor are they interchangeable. Lavender tends to err on the side of blue tones, while lilac is a pastel with subtle hints of pink, which make it an ideal pairing with various shades of that color.
Lilac, which of course gets its name from lilac flowers, is considered a warm tone. It’s a soothing shade with mass appeal and will almost certainly be seen as a 2022 wedding color trend.
Incorporate lilac into weddings where couples seek a monochromatic palette. It also works well in contemporary weddings, pairing seamlessly with muted greys for a cohesive look, or creams and crisp white for balance.
Bold, Bright, and Buttery Yellows
Yellow just makes people happy. From sun-kissed shades to rich, burnt hues, yellow’s versatility makes it a trusted wedding color as we look ahead to 2022. Traditionally the color that symbolizes optimism, happiness and joy, yellow is the shade of sensory delights.
Some of the boldest yellows you’ll find are at Hindu weddings, where marigolds are a tradition. Hundreds or even thousands of the flowers festoon the altar in generously draped garlands.
When Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wed at a palace in Jodhpur, India, their customary Sangeet, a Hindu wedding ceremony, included thousands of marigolds throughout. The shade paired remarkably well with the other bold pinks, oranges, and purples.
One of the trending wedding design elements this year, expected to be continued through 2022 and beyond, is lemons.
With their happy hue and fresh appeal, lemons are being integrated into all facets of reception decor. This includes centerpieces, invitations, place cards, garnishes, and signature cocktails. They can also be the inspiration for bridesmaid dresses and uplighting, offering a light and refreshing vibe throughout.
Lemons and lemon yellow can easily transform a conventional reception setup into a trendsetting one. The shade works deliciously in its natural state with greenery. As well as with other citruses including grapefruit and oranges. Lemons contrast exquisitely with multiple blues ranging from powder blue to navy.
Wedding Color Meaning: Hard Color Choices Made Easy
Working with your clients to determine wedding day colors and how you’re going to incorporate them is a monumental decision.
The color palette immediately sets the tone. It teases wedding guests on what kind of wedding they should expect to experience. Exploring each wedding color’s meaning helps steer that conversation to get to decisions your clients will cherish for years to come.
