Every Crayon in the Box?

Choosing a color theme for your personal style is hard enough------ deciding what colors to use for your wedding can be most daunting. Some rules to make (both) easier? Try a color board!

• Purchase a large black foam board (heavier than posterboard).
• Go through your stack of bridal magazines and pull out things you like based on color, style and just because the photo grabbed your eye. Cut out the individual item from the page and sort into stacks according to theme (color navy/pretty flowers/bridesmaids dresses/table decor).
• Determine if there is a theme, what do you think? Is there a predominant color you are led to? Are you following simple lines, lots of lace, overflowing bouquets, european style?
• Looking at this start, do you have some colors in mind?
• Head to the paint department of the nearest big box store and just take in the color. Don't rush. What colors do you love, what colors elicit a response?
  
• Pull colors (in the biggest color chips you can find) that you love. They're free, don't worry about not getting enough, you will edit your choices later. When you're done, put on your sunglasses and go home!

When you are relaxed at home, sort your colors by color wheel:


While there are rules about colors to some extent, for the moment play with color a bit. Are you initially drawn to a warm navy blue? What color makes it come alive? Do you like that color with a warm brown tone or a complimentary antique gold? Perhaps you like it with the very sophisticated black tone.

Pull colors until you have at least three top contenders. The first is your main color, the second your coordinating color and the last is your accent color. Of course you can have more than one accent color if you like. The idea is to have fun with this, enjoy the process. Take your time and at the end of the exercise you will arrive at a color palette that is totally YOU, the theme of your wedding, and be organized and ready to take it from there.

On your color board arrange your color chips, any photographs that still resonate with you after the color choosing exercise. You might have photos that have nothing to do with color as much as style- this is fine. Arrange them in such a way that is pleasing to you but leave room for other clippings and items to be added. Punch two holes for hanging in the top corners and run a pretty piece of ribbon through it------- you can now hang your color board up for reference and inspiration. Add to it when you talk to your florist, when you have chosen your gown. Incorporate bits of actual fabric from dresses, table linens, silk or pressed flowers, anything that inspires you.

You may find (as I do) that a color board is lots of fun as you get your personal wardrobe ready for every season---- especially fall.


Wedding design maven Vera Wang (whom we adore) has her color palette set for fall and it is spectacular.
Navy--Charcoal--Nutmeg--Antique Gold--Fig--Stone--Fog--Cafe--Ebony--Cactus

Veronica from Vera Wang in the fabulous Antique Gold

In Navy: Ashley (also Wang)

In Fig comes Carol, Vera Wang.

Have a great time choosing colors for your wedding, or your personal life and style! Remember, you don't have to use every crayon in the box! Me? I'm charcoal, ebony, merlot with some gold, eggplant and olive tossed into the mix........................