Traditionally, most American weddings are full of whites and neutrals from clothes to flowers to decor. Does that palette make you feel less than excited? Maybe all white everything just doesn’t feel authentic to who you are. A colorful wedding can be creative, beautiful, and fun! There are so many ways to make your wedding day joyful and bright.

5 Ways to Have a Colorful Wedding

Check out these ideas for having a more colorful wedding.

1 Linens and Tableware

Bright table linens can liven up a reception space. A table draped with vivid colors just feels more inviting than sterile white tablecloths. Use cloth napkins to create layers of color. You can stick to a limited palette or embrace the whole rainbow.

Patterned fabrics bring some whimsy to a colorful wedding. Check out these paisley tablecloths at this wedding at Martha. Even though floral can look outdated in some contexts, these hues make the pattern feel playful and festive.

Dishware and vases can bring a splash of colo as well as linens. These deep blue dishes make the food even prettier to look at and feel celebratory. How often do you dine off blue glass? If you are supplying your own dishware, it’s a great opportunity to thrift some cool pieces. Your guests will love having eclectic reception decor to admire.

2 Colorful Chairs for the Ceremony and Reception

When people rent chairs for their ceremony and reception, they often default to neutral hues. Getting a variety of colors adds an unexpected and interesting visual element to your day. Worried it will look too busy? Once your guests fill in, they’ll tone down the look so pops of color come through around their shoulders and legs. 

For people interested in DIYing a colorful wedding, you could spruce up older chairs and benches. Get a bunch of paint samples, and have fun! 

3 A Mix of Natural and Synthetic Materials

Mix natural and synthetic materials for a more saturated palette. Ribbons are commonly tied around bouquets. You can make floral arrangements even more interesting with feathers, fabric, and upcycled jewelry.

Your colorful wedding decor can play with natural and synthetic materials too. Mirror balls, flowers, fruits, and books all can be used for unique arrangements. Materials that catch the light add a lot of dimension and will reflect any colored lights in your venue.

4 Bright Wedding Attire

White dresses and black suits have been the norm for a long time, but breaking this tradition is a sure way to have a colorful wedding. Embrace bright wedding attire! Seasonal colors and bold patterns are perfect for lively portraits. They set such a confident, lighthearted tone. 

One way to add color to wedding attire is with appliqué. Check out this wedding dress covered in rich floral appliqué. It’s sophisticated but unique with its summer garden energy.

If you want a more traditional look for yourself, you can ask your guests to wear bright clothing. Everyone loves a clear dress code. Don’t be afraid to tell people to show up in their festive finest. You could lay out a specific palette or let them get creative with their interpretation.

5 Vibrant Florals

Of course, wedding florals are one of the easiest ways to make a colorful wedding. Bouquets and boutonnieres are popular wedding accessories. Why not choose flowers that bring life to your attire? If you’ve gone for bright wedding attire, the flowers you carry or wear can add another layer to your palette. 

You don’t have to feel limited to bouquets and boutonnieres. In many cultures, floral headpieces and necklaces carry significance and add a sense of vibrance and joy. Flower crowns can have trendy festival vibes, but their roots are deep. If it feels right for you, you can choose your flowers based on their symbolism.

There are so many ways to use vibrant florals in your ceremony and reception decor as well. You can hang garlands from an arch or chuppah. Floral installations make great conversation pieces, and you can often use them in both your ceremony and reception. Even simple but colorful centerpieces go a long way in creating a warm, happy atmosphere.  

Did you find these tips for having a colorful wedding helpful? Check out more wedding planning advice, including 5 Ideas for a Backyard Wedding and 10 Small Wedding Venues in Philadelphia!