Struggling to Pick a Wedding Colour Scheme? You’re Not Alone, Lovely! 😹

If you’ve ever fallen down the Pinterest rabbit hole, glass of wine in hand, shouting “THIS is the one!” only to wake up the next morning and decide actually, no, maybe it’s THIS one… welcome to the club.

I recently saw a post in a wedding forum that felt so real I had to share:

“Hope everyone’s planning is going smoothly and not getting too stressful right now!

I’m completely stuck on choosing a wedding colour scheme. Every time I think I’ve made my mind up, I see another gorgeous palette and start second-guessing myself. I was sure I’d finally decided, but then I saw something similar at another wedding and now I’m back to square one.

Would love to hear what colours other couples are going for — I need some fresh inspiration!”

Sound familiar? Yeah. Been there. And I’m here to tell you — you absolutely can break up with the idea that your wedding colours have to be “once in a lifetime” unique. They just have to be you.

Use your venue as a colour scheme inspo! Are there colours and decor that would be amazing to highlight in your wedding?

Photography by Marni V Photography

First: Why the Colour Scheme Panic Happens

Whether you’re planning an intimate city celebration, a woodland elopement, or a vibrant, non-traditional wedding here in the North West, the pressure is real. Social media serves you mood board after mood board, all so pretty you want to marry them.

But here’s the truth:

Colour schemes aren’t binding contracts. You can change your mind right up until the flowers are ordered or the stationery is printed.

Nobody owns a colour. Yes, even if your cousin wore it last summer. If sage green and gold set your heart on fire, they can still be your colours.

Alternative weddings give you permission to do away with the “two colours only” tradition entirely. Why not rainbow? Why not six colours? Why not black and neon if that feels right?

Our couple Jade and Degsy had a multitude of colours as part of their colour scheme, with green and gold being the main ones. Jade even wore a green wedding dress, because she is that girl! She looks so amazing!

Photography by Holly Dwyer Photography

Colour Scheme Ideas for Inclusive & Alternative Weddings

Here are some palette ideas that work for couples of all genders, skin tones, cultures, and sensory preferences:

Pinks and reds are just gorgeous together! Don't be afraid to be bold! Me and their officiant friend definitely dressed to match the colour scheme! 😍

Photography by Embee Photography

🌈 1. The Joy Bomb

Colours: Hot pink, tangerine, sunshine yellow, turquoise, cobalt

Vibe: Festival wedding, backyard party, or an elopement with colourful street art as your backdrop

Sensory tip: Use bold pops in flowers and décor, but keep table settings neutral for guests who find busy patterns overwhelming.

🌌 2. Celestial Romance

Colours: Midnight blue, silver, lavender, dusky rose

Vibe: Gothic, witchy, stargazer weddings; perfect for BIPOC skin tones as the deep jewel shades pop in photos.

Accessibility idea: Use fairy lights and even, low lighting for a calm sensory atmosphere.

🍂 3. Modern Autumn

Colours: Burnt orange, mustard, deep forest green, plum

Vibe: Rustic barn or DIY woodland ceremony.

Inclusive twist: Incorporate fabric and flower choices from your cultural heritage — think marigolds for South Asian flair, proteas for African heritage, or native British blooms for a local touch.

🖤 4. Monochrome Drama

Colours: Black, charcoal, white, and one statement shade (like emerald or crimson)

Vibe: Alternative city wedding, black-tie without the stuffiness.

Queer-friendly twist: Swap “bride and groom” outfits for coordinated statement looks in your chosen accent colour.

White and black is a classic combo but make it modern!

Photography by Agnes Black

How to Actually Pick Your Colours Without Losing Your Mind

1. Look at your wardrobe. Which colours make you feel confident? That’s a good clue.

2. Test them in real life. Get swatches, fake flowers, or ribbon in your potential colours. Put them together in daylight.

3. Pick your neutrals first. Then add 1–3 accent colours that make your heart do a little happy dance.

4. Ignore the “it’s been done before” myth. It’s never been done by you.

💌 Final Reminder:

Your colour scheme is not the wedding. Your love, your guests, your dance floor energy, your playlists, your vows — that’s the wedding. Colours are just the icing on your gorgeous, multi-layered cake.

Speak soon!!

Clarissa ✨ thank