How to Design with Vibrant Colors... and Make It Work!

We believe that color has the power to transform a wedding from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether it’s a lively welcome party bursting with bright hues or a romantic reception draped in jewel tones, thoughtfully curated color palettes tell a story that resonates with guests for generations. If you’re ready to move beyond the traditional neutrals and embrace a vibrant, bold aesthetic -- you're in good company! Here’s how we design a wedding where color takes center stage.

1. Set the Tone with Your Palette

A captivating color story begins with intention. Consider the mood you want to evoke—romantic and regal, playful and energetic, or sophisticated and moody. Opt for a base of two to three dominant shades and layer in complementary accents to create depth and variety. Rich jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue bring elegance, while sunset-inspired hues like coral and marigold infuse warmth and joy.

Pro Tip: Draw inspiration from your venue’s surroundings, the season, or even a favorite piece of art to establish a palette that feels authentic and cohesive. Adding this statement ceremony floral to the historic architecture of the University Club of San Francisco added rich color, texture and a dramatic backdrop to a romantic ceremony.

Photography by Kate Thompson Weddings. Florals by Duet Botanical

2. Layer Color Through Textiles and Textures

To create a dynamic and visually interesting space, go beyond florals and incorporate color through linens, napkins, and draping. Luxurious velvet table runners in bold hues or patterned napkins with unexpected pops of color can transform a tablescape. Don’t shy away from mixing textures—pairing matte finishes with metallic accents or smooth silks with rustic woven elements keeps the design feeling intentional and elevated.

Design Secret: Think beyond matching—contrast is key. Pair vivid shades with muted neutrals or add a hint of metallic to ground a bright palette. We loved pulling together different fabrics, textures and patterns for this bright sangeet at Blanco Urban!

Photography by Cameron Clark Photography

3. Embrace Statement Florals

Florals are the heartbeat of wedding design, and they’re the perfect medium to weave vibrant colors into your celebration. Go beyond the expected by playing with unexpected color combinations—think deep crimson roses paired with blush peonies or electric fuchsia orchids set against rich greenery. Clustered blooms in a variety of heights and vessels create movement and dimension, drawing the eye and captivating your guests.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to extend your floral palette to unexpected places—consider colorful blooms along staircases, suspended installations, or vibrant petals cascading across the bar. Amy West Floral knocked it out of the park designing this over the top floral garden display inside of Nestldown's historic barn last August!

4. Infuse Color in Unexpected Details

It’s the little details that make a wedding unforgettable, and vibrant color can elevate even the smallest moments. Consider bold escort cards, vibrant stationery with textured paper, or custom cocktails that match your palette. Colored glassware and bold chargers add dimension to your tablescape, while colorful lounge furniture or patterned pillows create cozy, conversation-worthy corners.

Design Tip: Don’t be afraid to break tradition—play with colorful attire for your wedding party or add a splash of color to your own look with bold shoes or statement jewelry.

5. Play with Lighting to Enhance the Palette

Lighting is a secret weapon in transforming a space and amplifying color. As the evening unfolds, warm candlelight can enhance deep hues, while strategically placed uplighting can wash walls in saturated color, creating a fully immersive experience.

Expert Trick: Opt for dimmable, ambient lighting that evolves throughout the night, guiding guests through different moods and moments. Testing the lighting patterns, colors and movement with Owl Vision for this after party was key to set the tone for an event that would go well into the morning hours at Rosewood Sandhill!

6. Balance Boldness with Thoughtful Curation

While bold color is stunning, balance is key to keeping your design elevated and cohesive. Anchor vibrant shades with neutral tones or natural elements to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming. Thoughtful curation ensures that each color feels intentional and purposeful, resulting in a harmonious and artfully composed celebration.

Let Color Tell Your Story

We're big fans of bringing rich color, bold design and emphasizing a palette that guests are absolutely WOW'd by. If we're speaking your language, we'd love to chat more with you about your wedding plans! Connect with us today to have a consultation.