Choosing the best colours for a Spring Wedding
Spring is a season of renewal, with nature bursting into life after the winter chill. For many couples, it’s the ideal time to celebrate their wedding day. The soft pastels, vibrant florals, and fresh outdoor settings make spring weddings feel light, romantic, and full of possibilities. As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the beauty of spring weddings from all angles, and one of the most exciting aspects is the colour palette. The right colours can set the tone for your entire celebration, influencing everything from the floral arrangements to the attire and even your wedding photos.
But how do you choose the perfect colours for your spring wedding? Below, I’ll walk you through some of the best spring wedding colour ideas and offer tips on how to create a harmonious, memorable look that will shine through in your wedding photos.
1. Soft Pastels: Timeless Elegance
Pastel colours are the quintessential spring wedding palette. Soft hues like blush pink, lavender, baby blue, mint green, and pale peach evoke a sense of gentleness and romance, making them perfect for this season. These colours also photograph beautifully in natural light, especially when used in delicate fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and satin.
For a cohesive pastel look, consider using one or two main colours for your bridal party, and incorporate a third colour in your floral arrangements or table settings. For example, blush pink bridesmaid dresses paired with lavender flowers create a harmonious, timeless effect.
Photography Tip: Pastels are excellent for creating dreamy, soft wedding photos. These colours pop against the natural greenery of spring and add a light, airy feel to your images.
2. Earthy Tones: A Connection to Nature
Earthy tones are another fantastic choice for spring weddings, especially if you’re planning a more rustic or outdoor celebration. Think terracotta, sage green, olive, mustard yellow, and soft browns. These colours mirror the earth’s natural beauty and pair wonderfully with natural textures like wood, stone, and linen.
Earthy tones create a warm, inviting atmosphere, and they work well in a garden setting or barn venue. The beauty of these hues is their versatility — you can use them for both your wedding attire and your décor. For instance, sage green bridesmaid dresses can be paired with golden table settings, while terracotta accents can complement rustic floral arrangements.
Photography Tip: Earthy tones help create rich, textured photos. These colours look stunning in natural light, and they also stand out beautifully against the lush greens of spring foliage.
3. Vibrant Florals: Celebrating Spring’s Full Glory
Spring is synonymous with blooming flowers, so why not take advantage of the season’s natural beauty by incorporating vibrant floral colours into your wedding palette? Rich shades of coral, fuchsia, violet, and sunflower yellow bring energy and excitement to your wedding day. These colours are especially ideal for couples who want a bold, lively celebration.
You can use vibrant floral colours in your wedding bouquet, centrepieces, and even in your wedding attire. A coral wedding dress or a bright floral arrangement will give your wedding a playful and fresh feel.
Photography Tip: Vibrant colours can add dynamic pops to your wedding photos, especially when surrounded by the green of spring. The contrast between bold florals and natural backdrops results in stunning, eye-catching images.
4. Neutral Shades: Understated Beauty
If you prefer a more minimalist approach, neutral shades like ivory, champagne, soft grey, and white are timeless choices that never go out of style. Neutral colours have the ability to complement almost any venue, from grand ballrooms to intimate garden ceremonies.
An all-white wedding gown, paired with ivory or soft grey bridesmaid dresses, creates an elegant and sophisticated look. Neutral colours also provide a blank canvas for accent colours, such as gold or silver, to shine in your décor, floral arrangements, and accessories.
Photography Tip: Neutral colours photograph exceptionally well in both black-and-white and colour images, making them a great choice for couples who want a timeless, classic aesthetic. Soft neutrals allow for flexibility in your photo editing while maintaining a chic look.
5. Dusty Blues and Greens: Calm and Serene
For a spring wedding, dusty shades of blue and green are both calming and sophisticated. Dusty blue, in particular, has been gaining popularity in recent years for its cool undertones, which work wonderfully with both traditional and contemporary wedding themes. Paired with muted greens, this colour scheme evokes a peaceful, serene vibe perfect for springtime.
Dusty blue bridesmaid dresses, for example, complement soft white florals, while dusty green table settings bring a touch of nature indoors. These colours are ideal for a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
Photography Tip: Dusty blue and green tones are particularly stunning in outdoor settings. The combination of muted hues and natural light creates soft, dreamy wedding photos that feel peaceful and refined.
6. Romantic Reds and Pinks: Classic Passion
For couples who want to bring passion and romance to their spring wedding, a palette of reds and pinks is a beautiful option. While deep red may seem more suited to autumn or winter, soft rose, raspberry, and coral shades are perfect for spring.
This colour scheme works wonderfully for floral arrangements, bridal bouquets, and bridesmaid dresses. A red wedding bouquet with pink accents creates a striking yet romantic look, and it photographs beautifully against a backdrop of fresh spring blooms.
Photography Tip: Red and pink are bold colours that stand out in photos, especially when paired with a natural or white background. These hues are perfect for capturing the romantic energy of your wedding day.
7. Golden Accents: A Touch of Glamour
To add a bit of sparkle to your spring wedding, consider incorporating golden accents into your colour scheme. Whether it’s gold tableware, metallic shoes, or gilded floral arrangements, gold complements any spring palette and adds a touch of glamour and sophistication.
Gold pairs beautifully with pastels, neutrals, or even darker tones like navy blue or emerald green. If you’re aiming for a vintage-inspired or elegant look, a hint of gold can elevate your wedding décor and tie everything together.
Photography Tip: Gold accents will catch the light and add a glamorous touch to your wedding photos. This reflective element can enhance your images, especially in a sunset or evening setting.
8. Bold Blues and Yellows: Bright and Cheerful
If you want to make a statement and celebrate the vibrancy of spring, a combination of bold blues and yellows is an excellent choice. These colours radiate energy and optimism, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for your wedding day.
A rich navy blue paired with bright sunflower yellow creates a striking contrast, while lighter shades of blue with soft yellow bring a cheerful yet relaxed vibe. This palette is perfect for a modern or whimsical spring wedding.
Photography Tip: Bold blues and yellows create a lively contrast in photos. These colours pop in both outdoor and indoor settings, and they’ll make your images feel energetic and joyful.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right colours for your spring wedding is an exciting part of the planning process. Whether you prefer soft pastels, earthy tones, or bold, vibrant hues, there are endless possibilities to make your day uniquely yours. As a wedding photographer, I can tell you that the colours you choose will play a significant role in how your wedding day is captured, so take the time to select a palette that reflects your style and enhances your venue.
Remember, spring is all about new beginnings, and the colours you choose should celebrate the beauty and joy of the season. Whatever palette you decide on, your wedding will be a stunning reflection of your love and the beautiful springtime setting.