How to Plan a Colorful Wedding (That’s Not Too Over the Top)
If you’ve been going back and forth like, “Wait… can I actually do color at my wedding!?” Yes. You absolutely can. If you’re a color-lover… Same. And as a SoCal wedding photographer, I’m allll about self-expression in weddings! So if the question is to design a colorful wedding, my answer? It’s ALWAYS yes. There’s a way to plan a colorful wedding that still feels elevated, intentional, and very you, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite types of weddings to photograph.
Who a Colorful Wedding is Perfect for
This is for the couples who don’t want their wedding to feel like a copy-paste Pinterest day. The ones who care more about how the day feels than checking every “traditional wedding” box. The ones who want something fun, intentional, and a little different… But still REALLY good.
So if you’re someone who’s…
A little non-traditional (and maybe even a little funky, in the BEST way)
All about prioritizing experience and whimsy
Bright, bold, and bubbly
Probably running around the beach more than sitting at home
Really into fun, upbeat music (like, Lover is probably your fave Taylor Swift album)
… Then I think a colorful wedding is probably made for you!!
Colorful Wedding Ideas That Are Super Fun!
As someone who sees a lot of weddings, I basically have wedding ideas crawling in my head all the time. So if you need some help planning a colorful wedding that doesn’t overdo it, I’ve got you covered!!
Wedding Color Palettes That I Can’t Get Enough of
Okay, as a SoCal wedding photographer… Of course I love aesthetics. That being said, I’m scrolling on Pinterest ALL the time and seeing tons of wedding inspo. And there are some color palettes I literally cannot stop thinking about lately:
Baby blue + cherry red
Chartreuse + pink
Anything monochrome
Butter yellow + olive green
Bright yellow + baby blue
If none of these speak to you, though, go with what feels true to you! Maybe you can start by narrowing down your and your partner’s favorite colors and see what you can mix together or create there!
Colorful Wedding Attire
Nope, you don’t have to wear white. In fact, colorful wedding dresses have been trending everywhere, and I’m SO here for it. Something like After the Storm by Hayley Paige is a bridal dream, but you could also always go for something with just a pop of color, like Radiance by Sottero and Midgley.
That’s not just for the bride, either. Colorful groom suits (baby blues have my heart!!), mismatched bridesmaid dresses, and even colorful accessories can make a really unique, unforgettable wedding look.
Unique Wedding Venues
I’m a sucker for a unique wedding venue, and a colorful wedding is just asking for a funky place to live!! Whether it’s a venue with retro vibes, a venue that’s already full of color itself, or one that’s a blank slate that’ll let you give it your own color… It’ll be perfect.
Here are a few of my absolute favorite unique wedding venues in California that would work really well for a colorful wedding:
Bob Baker Marionette Theatre – for really funky, retro vibes. Don’t miss this wedding day I captured there!
The Valentine – this one has murals on the walls and striped furniture that lives rent-free in my brain. This wedding here tells you everything you need to know about it.
On the beach – because… Duh. Here’s exactly how to elope on the beach.
Looking for LA-specific unique wedding venues? Here are 5 spots that are SO good.
Incorporate Statement Florals
Statement floral arrangements + fun colors = a wedding that’s fun and luxe all in one. And isn’t that the goal??
Seriously, though, I’m a firm believer that florals should go everywhere. Hanging from above, lining the table, lining the aisle… Because I’ve never once looked at a wedding and thought, “Wow, too many flowers.” Not a thing.
Vibrant Bases
An idea that I cannotttt get enough of for a colorful wedding is having bold bases all around. Your dance floor? Let’s add some color to it. Tablecloths? Bold hues, pleaseee! It looks super elevated and chic, all while still giving you that personality that I know you’re craving.
Give Your Guests a Dress Code
Guest dress codes have gotten popular, and honestly, I LOVE it. It not only makes pictures look SO cohesive, but it just adds a little something special to your day! And for a colorful wedding, having everyone wear bright colors is SO the move!!
Best Colorful Wedding Ideas That Photograph Well
This is one I see all the time: some ideas look amazing in theory… And then don’t translate the same in photos. These are the ones that always do, though:
Layered florals
Bold linens
Color-blocked bridesmaids
Textured decor
How to Keep a Colorful Wedding From Feeling Overdone
The key to a colorful wedding isn’t adding more; it’s choosing the right colors and letting them show up intentionally. Here are a few tips to keep your colorful wedding from being over the top:
Limit your color palette
Repeat colors meaningfully
Mix neutrals
Choose one focal moment
This will give you a look that’s colorful but still sleek, that shows that you have an eye for design but also know how to have a good time.
Chelsea and Nate’s Colorful Wedding
Chelsea and Nate’s wedding grabbed my heart and hasn’t let go since. They did a colorful wedding SO well, and it was the bright, lively wedding of my dreams!! Their color palette had major main character energy, and the sunlight was a paid actor. I mean, the way it was sparkling on the water during Chelsea and Nate’s first look?! I was fully losing my mind.
Every detail was perfect, and you can totally tell how much intention went into their design. Chelsea’s wildflower bridal bouquet, the super bold waterfront ceremony, the color-drenched wedding guest attire, and the ultra-bright table settings are fighting for my favorite part of the day.
Why La Jolla Cove Rooftop Made the Perfect SoCal Wedding Venue for Their Colorful Wedding
These two chose to have their colorful wedding at La Jolla Cove Rooftop, and I genuinely can’t picture a better setting. It’s one of those that’s vibrant all on its own because of the natural scenery, and that fit Chelsea and Nate’s day SO well.
The fact that La Jolla Cove is in a crowded, touristy area might deter some people, but Chelsea and Nate made the most of it, and that fit the energy of the day SO well. They were waving to guests from the park below the venue while the waves were crashing around them, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. We genuinely had so much fun, and those are my favorite kinds of days.
One thing that I cannot stress enough as a SoCal wedding photographer is that your vendor team makes a huge difference in how your day feels. So if you want a colorful wedding that feels super easy to stay present in, I highly recommend this DREAM team!!
Florals: Emerald and Ivy
Cannoli Bar: The Goods Bake Co.
Day-of-Coordinator: Wedgewood Weddings
Makeup Artist: Elizabeth Root Makeup
Signage: Wink & Whimsy Designs
Cambria Shelley | A Vibrant, Nostalgic SoCal Wedding Photographer
My last tip? Your colorful wedding deserves to be documented in a day that’ll let its true tone shine. And my vibrant and totally personal approach to wedding days fits weddings like this well. To inquire about booking me as your SoCal wedding photographer, inquire here!! I can’t wait to hear all about your vision.
