Themes by Color

Once upon a time, 'chocolate brown' went by a variety of names in bridal world: cocoa. Espresso. Now, however, it's like the most visible Hilton heir: Paris (just Paris). Everyone knows who you mean.

Over the last few years, brides have waded knee-deep into C-O-L-O-R. But now that we're here, something novel is happening. To wit, brides are reclaiming white.

Brides who want a fresh and trendy look for summer are flocking to pink and green in droves. And that's no surprise: for many of us, these two hues are pretty much the ultimate when it comes to a look that's playful and contemporary, feminine yet still flexible enough to fit fifty subtly different moods.

Looking for a wedding palette that's romantic yet classic, sweet yet dignified, that couldn't be a better fit for early spring? Pale pink and champagne make for a gorgeous start.

Still at the start of your wedding planning process? Ever wish you had a guide to help narrow down the themes and colors that really suit the time of year you're holding your wedding? Here, we try to do just that.

In many parts of the country — and in our storybook New England vision of the seasons — November's a funny month. And as a period all its own, it poses a special challenge when it comes to designing a wedding that's informed by the natural world.

When brides are struggling to pick colors at the beginning of the planning process, one thing they wonder is, what do the colors "mean?" What vibe do they give off? What traditions and sensiblities are they grouped with?

It might say beach. It might say Fifth Avenue. Either way, the aqua blue wedding (often paired with the most classic of supporting acts, like silver, pearls and creamy roses) is a feast for the imagination ... and the eyes.

Purple has always had its passionate admirers, not least among brides. But we're likely to see even more of it ... especially as fall layouts and design collections induce the rest of us to bow down to its many charms.

When you hear people talking about the color green and its "energy," you hear things like groundedness, growth, connection to the earth. But when it comes to weddings, the color green's got a feel all its own.

Marrying on Valentine's Day? You've probably been called a romantic. And yet, your engagement date's probably not what drove you to tie the knot on this heady day of the year ...

Ah, pink. Some say a woman's life-long love for pink is biological. Others say it's nothing more than sweet free will. Either way, for many brides, a wedding isn't the lifelong dream it should be without a hefty dose of pink.

The black and white wedding theme hummed along for years, occasionally dipping just below the radar. But as every wedding planner knows, it never really left us — and it's coming back up in a big way.

The cherry blossom theme's a bit of a find (much like that man of yours). You won't find it dominating back-to-back receptions from June to August — yet it draws on color and thematic trends that couldn't be fresher.

Let’s talk about choosing wedding colors — that item on the “to do” list that drives brides crazy.

I'm getting married in June of 2007 and I really like the idea of combining fuschia with some kind of orange. But I'm having trouble finding the right flowers if I dress my bridemaids in that color.

There's no question: choosing wedding colors is one of the earliest, trickiest tasks a bride has to cross off the list.