We Can’t Get Enough Of These Unexpected Color Combos

Get inspired for your 2018 affair with these sharp shade pairings.

March 2, 2018

Natalie Schack,

PHOTOs: AMBER SCHONIWITZ OF SCHYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Not that we don’t love a classic rose-pink and peach wedding, but the new year’s got us musing on ways to shake things up in the shade department. Maybe it’s the promise of leaving 2017 in the dust, or maybe it’s the excitement that comes with knowing we’ll be turning over one of the biggest new leaves of our lives this year (hi, marriage). Either way, we’re thinking past purely pastel palettes and getting excited for the bold, the romantic, the unexpected and the glamorous. Hey, fits us to a T, right?

All greens

Think outside the flower boxes of yore and opt for a restrained organic look by going green. Instead of just being the support system for your basket of buds, a myriad of green shades can make a clean and fresh or even contemporary-industrial statement, especially when you add other textures and media to the mix: woodgrains, mercury glass or brushed pewters, for instance. We especially like to look for dusty greens, which have a more subdued, romantic vibe, like the frost edges of silver dollar eucalyptus. A variety of textures and shades can also add depth: Try unusual palms and fronds with stand-out patterns, and unexpected additions such as lotus pods.

Playful ultraviolet and aquamarine

In case you’ve been living under an internet rock, Pantone released its color of the year for 2018: an electric sounding “Ultra Violet.” While the hue itself is a bit less neon than expected, we like this latest take on nuptial pale purples—and our eyes are always peeled for ways to make hot new trends our own. We think Ultra Violet is best as a sober sister to a punchier complementary shade, like playful aquamarine. It’s the perfect combo for fun, modern brides who want to start on an energetic note. Think bright purple blooms with chipper teal satin sashes, layered linens and patterned invites.

Crisp, clean white

When it comes to the bride being the only gal donning a frosty shade, that’s one trend we love to buck. Now, you’re apt to spot a sea of ’maids in pure white frocks; crisp tablescapes of all-white linens, décor and flowers; and elegant all-white invites. With such a minimalist palette, feel free to play with textures to your heart’s content. Try alternating between guipure, eyelet or Chantilly laces for your wedding party, adding white feathers to your flower bouquet, or tucking in unexpected stationery add-ins, such as vellum sheets and laser-cut covers.

Vintage metallics and unexpected pops of muted black

We know, we know: black for a wedding? Say what? We were thinking the same thing until we saw what some modern, ultra-chic brides have been pulling off with black. Pops of faded matte blacks (or are they dark grays?) paired with antique coppers or bronzes, rich woods, natural fibers (jute and twine, we’re still here for you) and sprigs of greens can easily take your tables to elegant rustic town (and leave Halloweentown in the dust, we promise). Plus, talk about something your guests haven’t seen before!