I'm sure most of you remember (or at least slightly recall) color theory and the color wheel from grade school. Now that it's time to put that knowledge towards picking your wedding colors, you may be trying to feverishly recollect what it was Mrs. Ames from 5th grade said about ROY-G-BIV. Don't fret. With this short color matching 101, you'll learn how to find you perfect wedding day palette in just a few quick steps.
A circle of color. This is what we know today to be a traditional color wheel. It is made of 3 main colors (or primary colors as they are also known); red, yellow, and blue. All other colors are just mixes of those three main colors. But how do you figure out what complements what? First you must become familiar with these 3 types of color schemes:
1) Monochromatic: One of the easiest color schemes to get right. Monochromatic palettes are shades (darks) and tints (lights) of the same color. Example: Different colors of blue. This palette is considered by most to have a relaxing and soothing effect.
2) Analogous: These colors are side-by-side on the color wheel and are considered pleasing to the eye. This color scheme is a great opportunity to use one main color with multiple accent colors. Example: Yellow paired with yellow-green and green or Blue paired with bluish-violet and violet.
3) Complementary: These colors are directly opposite each other on the color wheel and give off an energetic and dramatic feel. Example: Blue with orange or Purple with yellow. To be sure your palette isn't overwhelming, consider using one of the colors as an accent. One example of this would be navy blue and cobalt blue accented by pops of yellow or orange.
When on the hunt for the perfect wedding day color palette, do your research. Visit your local paint store and your local cosmetic store. Paint swatches are free and are already put together in a monochromatic palette. (If this is the type of color scheme you are going for then your work is already done for you.) Eyeshadow sets are another great resource for seeing how certain colors go together and are also already paired in complementary color schemes. A great website to help in the hunt for the perfect palette is allmyinvites.com. Their color tool lets you mix your own colors and immediately shows you what colors will work best together. Check it out here. Once you've decided on a color scheme, look for pictures and inspirational photos that include the colors you are using. Set your photos next to each other to create a collage. Creating your own collage is the final step in finalizing your wedding day colors and will really help you see how your wedding vision will play out on your big day.
Happy Planning!
Allie
