When planning an outdoor wedding, choosing the right colour scheme is key to enhancing the beauty of your surroundings and creating a cohesive atmosphere.
The natural setting already provides a stunning backdrop, so your colour choices should complement and enhance this environment.
Here are some of the best colour schemes for outdoor weddings, tailored to different venue types and styles.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Choosing the right colour scheme for your outdoor wedding enhances the natural beauty of your venue. Neutral palettes offer timeless elegance, while warm, earthy tones create a cosy, rustic feel. Opt for vibrant hues or go soft and romantic with pastels for a fun, bohemian vibe.
Modern and fresh schemes use crisp neutrals with bold accents, while earthy and bohemian palettes evoke a relaxed, natural atmosphere. Beach and lakeside venues pair beautifully with sea-inspired blues and sandy neutrals. Incorporate your chosen colours through decor, attire, flowers, and table settings for a cohesive look.
Neutral Elegance
A neutral colour palette offers a timeless, sophisticated look that blends seamlessly with any outdoor setting. Whites, soft greens, and greys can create a serene, elegant atmosphere while allowing the natural surroundings to take centre stage.
Best For
- Gardens, vineyards, or beach weddings.
Complementary Accents
- Metallic accents like silver or gold for a touch of glamour.
- Lush greenery or white flowers to highlight the neutral tones.
Additional ideas
- White, beige, soft greys
- Add pops of metallics: silver or gold.
- Natural green accents like leaves or plants
Warm And Rustic
Warm, earthy tones like rust, tan, and camel create a cosy, inviting atmosphere perfect for outdoor weddings in the autumn. These colours reflect the season’s natural beauty and blend beautifully with outdoor settings like barns or forests.
Best For
- Countryside venues, rustic barns, or forest settings.
Complementary Accents
- Deep brown or black for added depth.
- Ivory or cream to soften the palette.
Additional Ideas
- Tan, camel, rust shades
- Add deep browns or blacks for contrast.
- Lighten with ivory or cream tones.
Vibrant And Bohemian
For a fun, laid-back atmosphere, consider a vibrant colour scheme featuring bright berries, deep purples, and bold oranges. These lively tones stand out against natural greenery and are perfect for bohemian-style outdoor weddings.
Best For
- Garden weddings or bohemian-inspired outdoor events.
Complementary Accents
- Bright florals in shades of fuchsia, purple, and orange.
- Mixed textures like wood and natural fibres for a boho vibe.
Additional Ideas
- Bright berry colours: fuchsia, plum, orange
- Use lots of bold, colourful florals.
- Combine natural wood and fabrics for texture.
Soft And Romantic
Soft pastels like blush, cream, and dusty blue create a romantic, dreamy atmosphere for an outdoor wedding. These muted tones work well for spring or summer weddings, complementing the soft natural light and greenery.
Best For
- Beach weddings, garden ceremonies, or intimate outdoor settings.
Complementary Accents
- Light blues or greens for a subtle pop of colour.
- Gold or rose gold accents for a hint of luxury.
Additional Ideas
- Blush pink, cream, light blue tones.
- Pair with gold or rose gold accents.
- Mix in soft greenery for a romantic feel.
Fresh And Modern
A fresh, modern outdoor wedding pairs soft neutrals like white, beige, and pale grey with crisp accents of colour like black or dark green. This sleek, minimal colour scheme creates a chic, polished look for your outdoor wedding.
Best For
- Contemporary or minimalist outdoor venues.
Complementary Accents
- Black or dark green for a modern contrast.
- Minimalist decor with clean lines to keep the look fresh.
Additional Ideas
- Soft neutrals: white, beige, grey
- The sharp contrast with black or dark green
- Minimalist design elements for a clean look
Earthy And Bohemian
If you plan a laid-back, earthy wedding, choose a palette with warm browns, soft greens, and muted blues. These colours work perfectly for outdoor settings like beaches or rustic fields, giving the day a relaxed, natural vibe.
Best For
- Beach weddings, desert landscapes, or rustic outdoor locations.
Complementary Accents
- Soft beige or taupe tones for balance.
- Wicker furniture or natural decor elements to enhance the bohemian style.
Additional Ideas
- Earthy tones: brown, beige, taupe, soft green
- Add wicker and wooden furniture.
- Muted blues for a beachy, relaxed feel
Colours Of The Sea
Nothing captures the natural beauty of beachside weddings better than a palette of blues, teal, and sandy neutrals. These colours evoke the sea and sky, providing a calming, serene setting for a seaside ceremony.
Best For
- Beachfront or lakeside weddings.
Complementary Accents
- Pops of yellow or coral to add vibrancy.
- Light, airy fabrics complement the ocean breeze.
Additional Ideas
- Sea-inspired tones: teal, light blue, sandy beige
- Use natural elements like driftwood or seashells.
- Add coral or yellow for a summery pop.
Rustic Barn Elegance
For a barn wedding, consider a palette of earthy tones mixed with soft neutrals like ivory and beige. This scheme brings a touch of elegance to a rustic setting, perfect for couples looking to combine sophistication with a laid-back vibe.
Best For
- Barn weddings or farm venues.
Complementary Accents
- Rich burgundy or deep greens for added elegance.
- Incorporate wood and burlap to highlight the rustic theme.
Additional Idea
- Earthy shades: beige, ivory, tan
- Rich colours like burgundy or deep green
- Use wood and natural fabrics like burlap.
Lakefront Charm
A palette of cool blues, soft greens, and blush pinks complements the natural beauty of a lakeside venue. These colours perfectly create a tranquil, romantic setting, ideal for a lakeside or mountain wedding.
Best For
- Lakeside or mountain weddings.
Complementary Accents
- Soft pinks and peaches for a gentle pop of colour.
- Light fabrics and soft lighting enhance the romantic feel.
Additional Ideas
- Cool blues and greens
- Add soft pinks for charm and elegance.
- Light, airy fabrics to capture lake breezes
Incorporating Your Colour Scheme
Once you’ve chosen the perfect colour scheme, it’s important to incorporate it seamlessly throughout your wedding day.
Here are a few ideas on how to bring your colour palette to life:
- Stationery: Use your colour scheme in invitations, menus, and table settings to set the tone. Consider incorporating watercolour designs, foil accents, or even a custom monogram in your colours for a personalised touch. When your guests receive the invite, they’ll get a feel for the atmosphere you’re creating.
- Bridal Party Attire: Dress your wedding party in complementary shades to reflect the colour palette. You can mix and match different shades of your colour scheme for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and flower girls, creating a visually interesting and cohesive look in photos. Consider ties, pocket squares, and accessories for an added coordination layer.
- Flowers: Incorporate matching blooms that align with your chosen colours. Use your colour palette for bouquets, boutonnieres, and ceremony arches. Consider combining different shades within your palette for dimension and depth in floral arrangements, from bright centrepieces to elegant aisle markers.
- Table Settings: Use coloured linens, glassware, and tableware to bring the colour scheme to your reception. Napkins, charger plates, and even chairs can be chosen to reflect your theme. Don’t be afraid to layer colours and textures to create a rich, visually stunning tablescape that matches your overall aesthetic.
- Decor: Add pops of your chosen colours to chairs, lounges, and other furniture pieces. This could extend to drapery, pillows, or even candles in your accent colours. Creating lounge areas or focal points with your colours can add warmth and cohesion to your reception space.
- Cake: Design your cake with frosting or floral accents that match the palette. You can opt for ombré layers, painted designs, or fresh flowers that mirror your floral arrangements. Small details like the cake stand and dessert table can be styled to match, creating a show-stopping centrepiece.
These details will create a unified, beautiful experience for you and your guests, ensuring that your outdoor wedding is as stunning as the natural backdrop.
Conclusion
Choosing the right colour scheme for your outdoor wedding is essential to creating a harmonious and memorable experience. Whether you opt for soft neutrals, warm rustic tones, vibrant bohemian hues, or romantic pastels, the key is to complement your natural surroundings and reflect your style.
By thoughtfully incorporating your colour palette through your decor, attire, flowers, and other details, you can enhance the beauty of your venue and set the perfect tone for your special day. Remember, the best colour schemes are those that not only elevate the aesthetic but also resonate with the mood and atmosphere you want to create for both you and your guests.
FAQs About Outdoor Wedding Venues
Can I Use Bright And Bold Colours For My Outdoor Wedding Or Stick To Soft Pastels?
You can use bright and bold colours! While soft pastels are traditionally popular for outdoor weddings, especially in spring and summer, vibrant colours can make a dramatic and joyful statement.
Consider the intensity of outdoor lighting and the natural colours at your venue to ensure your bold choices complement rather than compete with the environment. For instance, a sunset ceremony could be enhanced with rich oranges and reds, while a lush garden setting might pop with bright pinks and greens.
How Many Colours Should I Include In My Wedding Colour Scheme?
A good rule of thumb is to choose one or two main colours and one or two accent colours. This keeps the palette cohesive and manageable.
Your main colours will guide the larger elements, like bridal party attire and floral arrangements, while accent colours can be used in details like invitations, table linens, and decor accents. Keeping to a few select colours ensures a unified look that beautifully ties the event together.
What’s The Best Way To Ensure The Colours Look Good Together?
Use a colour wheel to find complementary, analogous, or monochromatic colour schemes. Complementary colours are opposite on the wheel and offer a vibrant contrast. Analogous colours are next to each other and create a harmonious look.
Monochromatic schemes focus on different shades of the same colour for a subtle and cohesive palette. Creating a mood board with fabric swatches, photos, and other colour inspirations can help you visualise how the colours work together in different elements of your wedding.
How Can I Incorporate My Colour Scheme Into My Outdoor Wedding Venue Without Overshadowing The Natural Beauty?
Balance is key. Use your colour scheme to enhance rather than dominate the venue’s natural beauty. Select flowers that complement the venue’s flora for floral arrangements and bouquets.
Choose decor and accents that blend with the landscape, such as wooden signs for a rustic setting or glass and metal for a beach wedding to reflect the surroundings. For table settings, opt for linens and centrepieces that echo the venue’s natural elegance. Remember, the goal is to harmonise with the outdoor setting, allowing your chosen colours and the venue’s natural palette to shine.
Are There Any Colour Schemes Suited For Spring And Summer Weddings?
Pastel tones like blush pink, light blue, and cream work beautifully for spring or summer outdoor weddings. These soft colours create a romantic and dreamy vibe.
