These 7 Wedding Colors Will Be Everywhere in 2021

Your wedding colors are some of the most important details of your celebration. They have the power to set the tone for the entire day, which is especially crucial by today’s standards when weddings have had to take on many different (and unexpected) forms over the last several months. A color palette can go a long way when it comes to affecting the mood and look of your wedding—even if it’s a micro wedding, Zoom wedding, or elopement. If you’re in the process of planning your wedding, your color scheme is one of the first things you’ll want to finalize, since it influences everything from the invitations to the decor, attire, and flower arrangements. Wondering where to start? We asked industry experts for the inside scoop on the 2021 wedding colors that will be trending in the months to come.

The short of it: light and uplifting colors are in. “I think couples are hitting pause on ‘moodier’ celebrations and seeing new life breathed into weddings with pale blues, sage greens, and (of course) classic ivory,” says Ashley Lachney, owner and lead planner of Alston Mayger Events in Kelso, Washington. “Colors are taking on a more muted stance so we get that really light and airy feel through photos.”

And if bright, unique wedding colors that make a statement are what you had in mind, you’re in luck. “There will also be a surge in bold colors that have traditionally not been popular, like yellow,” says Jawana Onieé, owner and principal designer of Onieé’s Engagements in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also expects to see the return of shimmering metallic tones, like rose gold and copper, which are versatile accent colors for all types of palettes. Here are the 2021 wedding colors you can expect to see everywhere (maybe even at your own wedding!).

close-up of wedding escort card display with light blue tassels wedding colorsLVL WEDDINGS & EVENTSSHANNON KIRSTEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Powder Blue

Pretty powder blue will be coming back into the mix for 2021 wedding colors, and the best part is that this color is seasonless and versatile for all types of aesthetics. From ultra-formal ballroom weddings to laid-back rustic dinners, it’s practically impossible to go wrong with this pastel tone. It’s saturated enough to stand on its own in an otherwise neutral palette, but it won’t be overpowering if you want to pair it with another statement color, such as pink or yellow. Incorporate powder blue into your wedding colors through details like bouquet ribbons, shoes, flowers (delphinium and hydrangeas, for starters), or even a pop of blue eyeshadow.

close-up of two mixed drinks in purple wedding colors with pink roses in the background JESSICA HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Lilac and Lavender

Purple is another trendy wedding color we expect to see getting a refresh for 2021. Instead of dark plum and amethyst, lighter versions of this hue—specifically lilac and lavender—are on our radar to be some of the most popular wedding colors in the coming months. Both are whimsical yet sophisticated (and they complement each other beautifully), making this pairing a stylish choice for garden weddings and springtime celebrations.

fruit centerpiece showcases 2021 wedding colors, sliced papaya, cantaloupe, grapefruit, pear on a blue tableclothTERRIE IMAGES

Papaya Orange

One of the 2021 wedding colors we’re most excited about right now is papaya orange. If you’re not convinced quite yet, hear us out on this one. Over the last couple of years, orange tones (especially dark orange and rust) have continued to grow in popularity for bohemian and rustic weddings. This pastel alternative is just as unique and eye-catching, with a slightly more playful vibe. Think of papaya orange as the new accent color for tropical wedding themes, beach elopements, or any summer event. When you pair it with other vibrant hues, like fuchsia, lime, and teal, the color palette is an instant mood-booster.

colorful wedding ceremony backdrop 90s wedding colors 2021 wedding color trends case MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Venue and planning by The Bridal Finery, floral design by Bluegrass Chic, custom backdrop by Treasury Rentals

‘90s-Inspired Wedding Colors

Call us nostalgic, but we’re so into these fun, bold wedding colors and can’t wait to see more of them in 2021. For this trend, it’s not about a single color, but rather a collection of colors that create a rainbow-style palette—perhaps one inspired by your favorite Caboodles case or color block windbreaker. Some of the colors you can use for your ‘90s-inspired color scheme include cherry red, fuchsia, cerulean, teal, and purple. These bright hues are an excellent match for other statement wedding trends, like balloon backdrops, neon signs, and ombré floral arrangements.

close-up of green tea matcha wedding cake topped with cranberries blueberriesJUTHAMAS CHAIMUEANG/SHUTTERSTOCK

Matcha Green

Green is already an unsung hero when it comes to wedding colors (just think of how many trendy floral arrangements and bouquets rely on leafy greenery), and in 2021, it will have its own moment to shine. But rather than dark emerald and juniper tones that give off a moody vibe, lighter greens will also come into play. “We have been planning with more greens lately—hunter, mint, and sage to name a few. We are just loving this masculine yet feminine color,” says Erica Trombetti of Infinite Events in Newport, Rhode Island. Brighter greens will bring an energetic and fresh feel to your wedding color palette, but you can also use them to create a bohemian chic look. Colors like matcha green (our current fave), olive, and pistachio are straight out of the 1970s—and perfect for achieving a retro-cool effect.

bride with bridesmaids wearing black dresses carrying bouquets white pampas grass with dried greeneryFLAURA BOTANICA

Earthy Neutral Wedding Colors

If bright palettes aren’t your thing, you’ll be relieved to know that neutral wedding colors are still on track to be extremely popular in 2021. Colors like ivory, taupe, gray, and cream will be trending for wedding decor and attire, but they’re also going to be a huge trend for floral arrangements. “Using all-white flowers in a natural, organic fashion seem to be quite popular as of late, and we've had a lot of clients request black and white color palettes with earth tone nudes as accents,” says Brooke Avishay of Orange Blossom Special Events in Van Nuys, California. When you’re working with a neutral wedding color palette, the texture becomes more important than ever since it will keep the monochromatic tones from falling flat. Accent these 2021 wedding colors with details like dried flowers, pampas grass, and bleached greenery for a minimalist chic look.

yellow wedding color scheme vow books tied with yellow silk bowsLIEB PHOTOGRAPHIC LLC

Tuscany Yellow

Last but definitely not least, this hue is in the running for the boldest wedding color of 2021. Even the smallest dose of yellow packs a punch, and since it’s not a traditional wedding color, it’s perfect for couples who want to create a palette that’s luxe and unique. We're calling it Tuscany yellow because the rich golden tones of this particular shade will immediately give your wedding aesthetic a warm, sun-kissed feel—ideal for eliciting visions of a pastoral European setting, even if you can’t be there in person.