How to Choose the Right Color Palette for Your Wedding Florals
A wildflower feel for a summer wedding in the Hudson valley with view on the Catskills at Deer Mountain Inn.
Choosing your wedding floral colors is kind of like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—there are so many good ones, how do you even decide? (Spoiler: You can't go wrong, but we’re here to help.) Whether you’re drawn to timeless neutrals, bold and dramatic hues, or something totally unexpected, your color palette sets the tone for your big day.
Step 1: Consider Your Wedding Vibe
Before you start tossing paint swatches around like a mad artist, take a moment to think about your wedding aesthetic. Are you dreaming of a romantic garden party? A sleek, modern affair? A cozy rustic celebration where everyone ends up dancing barefoot? Your floral colors should complement the overall vibe, not clash with it like an awkward first date.
Step 2: Location, Location, Location
Where you’re getting married plays a big role in choosing the right hues. A beach wedding with deep burgundy florals? Maybe not. (Unless you’re going for a Game of Thrones aesthetic, in which case, carry on.) Think about the backdrop—if your venue already has a strong color scheme, your flowers should enhance rather than compete with it.
Step 3: Play with the Seasons
Let’s talk about Mother Nature’s mood swings—aka, the seasons. Each season brings its own natural color palette, and working with it instead of against it can make your wedding feel effortlessly beautiful.
Spring: Soft pastels, blush pinks, lilacs, fresh greens—think “just bloomed.”
Summer: Vibrant corals, yellows, and bold pinks because hello, sunshine.
Fall: Moody burgundy, burnt orange, deep mustard—cue the pumpkin spice.
Winter: Crisp whites, deep reds, emerald greens—basically, holiday magic.
A wildflower summer wedding at Troutbeck in the Hudson Valley.
Step 4: Monochromatic vs. Contrasting
Some couples love the sleek, elegant look of a monochromatic palette—think all yellow, all green, or all red florals for a cohesive, striking effect. (Bonus: It makes choosing easier, because let’s face it, decision fatigue is real.) Others prefer contrast, mixing bold and soft shades for more dimension. Both options work beautifully—it’s all about what feels right for you.
The Power of Monochromatic Palettes:
All Yellow: Think golden roses, fluffy ranunculus, and cheery sunflowers. It’s like a warm, happy hug in floral form.
All Green: Lush, elegant, and perfect for a natural, botanical vibe. Greenery, ferns, and subtle white blooms give an ethereal look.
All Red: Bold, passionate, and undeniably romantic. Picture velvety red roses, dahlias, and deep crimson peonies setting the mood.
Step 5: Factor in Your Attire
If your bridal party is rocking emerald green dresses, maybe neon pink florals aren’t the move. (Unless you’re going for a highlighter-chic aesthetic, in which case, we support your bravery.) Your florals should complement, not compete with, the colors your wedding party is wearing.
Step 6: Ask Yourself—Do These Colors Make Me Happy?
At the end of the day, wedding planning can feel like a giant puzzle, but your floral colors should spark joy (yes, we’re taking notes from Marie Kondo). Choose shades that make you feel excited, beautiful, and like yourself. Because this day is about celebrating you, your love, and the color-filled memories you’ll cherish forever.
No pressure, but… if you need a little help deciding, we might know a great florist.