Wedding trend forecasters agree – maximalism is back! Honestly, I love a colorful wedding. There are so many ways to get creative while maintaining a memorable, elevated experience. As a wedding photographer, these weddings are some of my favorites because they allow me to get artistic images that represent love’s many aesthetics.
7 Colorful Wedding Ideas
I’ve rounded up seven colorful wedding ideas based on the boldest weddings I photographed in 2021. These marriers brought unique takes on using big, bright colors.
1. Choose a funky venue.
People put a lot of energy into their wedding decor. Sometimes the easiest way to bring color into your wedding is by choosing a maximalist venue. A venue with a big personality might feel like a commitment, but it’s one that will infuse your wedding with fun. Even if you’re having an elopement with just you and your boo, a colorful venue can change the whole feeling of your day.
Choosing a funky venue is one of the best ways to make your wedding memorable for your guests too. Vibrant hues set a tone that encourages people to explore and experience a space. Get the festive feelings flowing from the start!
2. Incorporate bright accessories.
Even when people choose to stick to more traditional colors for their wedding clothes, they can add pops of color with accessories. A blue shoe peeking out from the hem of a dress can add an unexpected twist. I also love when marriers wear colorful takes on masculine shoes to make their outfits uniquely their own.
Shoes aren’t the only places you can add color to your wedding attire. Jewel-toned ties are underrated. Many cultures incorporate colorful jewelry for wedding ceremonies too. A little sparkle goes a long way.
3. Opt for vibrant florals.
Vibrant florals can transform any space from serious and subdued to lush and festive. Bouquets and boutonnieres are always lovely, but huge floral installations add another level of magic to a wedding ceremony. Pillars of red, gold, pink, and cream florals with fluffy greenery make a renovated church feel like an enchanted forest.
Bright florals don’t have to stop at the ceremony. Other colorful wedding ideas take flowers to places you might not have thought to put them. If you have a cake, consider decorating it with flowers similar to those elsewhere at your wedding. It creates an elevated, cohesive look for your dessert table.
4. Elevate your reception decor.
Bold colors bring incredible energy to your wedding reception. You can incorporate color everywhere in your tablescape. Think stunning linens and unique centerpieces. They all offer opportunities to make your dinner a whole sensory experience.
When done with consideration for your photography, colored lights add a dynamic element to your reception decor. In the photo below, blue lights reflect off the shiny surfaces of this hall in a way that’s compositionally interesting but also adds to the energy of the space. Custom neon signs are another popular way to add a burst of color to your reception.
5. Dress your wedding party in bright hues.
This is a colorful wedding idea that helps you embrace the season too. If you’re getting married in the fall, you might dress your wedding party in a warm palette of oranges, reds, and golds. Saturated colors look festive on a wedding party at any time of the year.
If you choose to dress your wedding party in a more subdued tone, you can still add richly colored accessories. Ties, pocket squares, and florals create a sense of occasion and cohesion with vibrant decor. Remember that the world is your oyster when it comes to what your wedding party wears.
6. Get married in a colorful neighborhood.
Wedding portraits aren’t restricted to your venue! When photographing weddings in New Orleans, I often walk around the French Quarter and Marigny neighborhood with couples. The bright houses immediately liven up images. Pink and blue houses with striking shutters make for distinctive images.
Getting married in a colorful neighborhood gives you the opportunity to incorporate street art too. Your images should reflect who you are and what you love about a place. If you have a favorite mural, why not take portraits in front of it?
7. Take cool night portraits.
Full disclosure, I love taking night portraits at weddings. They’re artistic, intimate, and romantic. If you’re getting married in a city, there are so many amazing ways to take advantage of the ambient light. There’s color everywhere! This photo was taken in the entryway to a parking garage.
Another perk of night portraits is that you get to enjoy the full effect of iconic landmarks and signs. They add a colorful glow to photos while situating you so specifically in the place you got married. There’s something really special about that sense of place being so evident in your images. Big neon signs give off a steamy after hours vibe too.
Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I would love to capture your memories. Reach out and tell me about your vision!
