So, let me guess...you're dreaming about/considering/planning a summer wedding and don't know where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone. Soooo many couples choose this season to tie the knot, and for good reason. Between beach vibes and bright florals and picturesque outdoor venues, summer weddings are just plain dreamy. Of course, the wedding decor possibilities are truly endless for a summer soireé, and that can get stressful, which may or may not be why you're here. Fortunately for you, I've handled one part of the party planning inspiration part for you: the color scheme.
Whether you've already set an "I do" date, or you just have some free time to browse and fantasize about your future, you're about to get a taste of allll the gorgeous wedding color palette options this season has to offer. So, consider this my wedding gift to you: an extensive list of the best color schemes for any summer wedding. From classic neutrals to bright floral-inspired palettes, there's so much to love to go around. Pop a bottle of bubbly and get to scrolling.
1. Baby Blue and Pink
This soft and sweet combo really sets the tone for a warm-weather bash. Add a touch of greenery throughout, and you're all set.
2. Rose Gold and Hunter Green
Not only is it unexpected, but a stark color contrast really *pops* in summer months. Try incorporating a typical "autumnal" color like this deep hunter green that essentially acts like a neutral.
3. Pink and Burgundy
Doesn't this color combo just scream "romance"? Set the tone for your special day with eye-catching florals in an array of pink and burgundy hues, like the table arrangements seen here.
4. Poppy and Sage
If you’re getting married somewhere ultra lush (heyyy, tropical destination wedding), then poppy and sage is the way to go. Incorporate tropical tones and leafy motifs into table settings and bouquets to give your event more of an upscale, beachy feel.
TwistStationery Sage Green Envelopes — Set of 10
Vietri Stemless Wine Glass
5. White, Gold, and Green
Forget black and white—this color combo is quite possibly the most classic of them all. You can’t go wrong with a goes-with-anything neutral that's also just a tiny bit glam, if that's your desired vibe. Optimal for both a sleek, modern setting or a more rustic wedding, this color scheme looks ah-mazing on everything from invitations to floral arrangements.
Urban Stems The Manor
6. Cinnamon Rose
Pink has been a classic wedding fave for what feels like forever, but a new dusty rose color is taking over. For a look that's both elegant and enchanting, fuse brown hues and muted pinks. Cinnamon rose-inspired bridesmaid dresses plush a blush bouquet = an uber-romantic aesthetic, no matter the season.
Urban Stems The Sawyer
Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Coupe — Set of 2
7. Lilac and Lavender
Best for an outdoor wedding, these purple shades work well for bridesmaids’ dresses or accessories and will make any ceremony backdrop pop.
8. Classic Blue
Classic blue (which Pantone describes as "where the sea and sky meet at dusk," btw) is an of-the-moment shade that looks ultra-sophisticated. Incorporate it into your dinnerware, or let this color inspire everything from your ceremony altar to your signature cocktail (just be careful if you serve your guests Hpnotiq).
My Kitchen Linens Navy Linen Napkin
9. Pineapple, Orange, and Pale Pink
Nothing says summer like sunny yellows and playful pinks. These hues create a sweet sorbet perfect for legit any kind of hot-weather wedding. Elevate your cocktail hour by turning your drink table into décor with pops of orange—both the color and the fruit.
Urban Stems The Firecracker
10. Seaside Blues and Greens
If you're tying the knot oceanside, celebrate the natural beauty by incorporating elegant shades of blue and green. Commit to the theme with sea-inspired place cards and favors your guests can use the next time they hit the beach. Bonus: You already have your something blue.
Minted Marked Wedding Invitations — Pack of 100
11. Marigold and Floral
Lean into cheery summer vibes by pairing vibrant marigold with flowery patterns. Consider bringing the garden lewk to your bridesmaids’ dresses and asking your crew to wear bright floral prints, while also incorporating real (and/or fake!) blooms into your table settings.
Urban Stems The Gold Rush
Papier Dried Flower Bouquet Menu — Pack of 10
12. Dusty Blue and Burgundy
If you're getting married on or around the Fourth of July, you just found your color palette. These classic hues are on-brand for most mid-summer weddings, and are a nod to the holiday without screaming, "Happy birthday, America!" in, like, an annoying way. Experiment with deep cranberry napkins or petals, and line each guest's seat with a blue ribbon. Oh, and don't forget the most important part: The blue-and-white multi-tiered cake.
13. Pistachio and Rose
Did someone say roses and hydrangeas for the bouquet? Yeah, I did. Earth tones are calming, which TBH might be kinda nice considering how stressful weddings can be. (Sorry, but it's true.) Also, because these shades are pretty neutral, they're super easy to match with color accents, which is another plus.
Estelle Colored Glass Martini Glass — Set of 2
Ferry Morse Pistachio Green Terracotta Vases — Set of 4
14. Terracotta and White
If you wanna let your color palette show off your good taste, keep it simple with these warm hues. The sunbathed tones are perfect for hot temps and will add a subtle desert vibe to your reception. Consider dressing your bridesmaids in sand colors, too.
Artifact Uprising Colorblock Thank You Card
15. Peach and Gold
This is a low-key but super romantic option. Perfect for a barn or garden wedding, these shades look great against exposed brick or wood paneling, and can even match your signature cocktail. (Hi, bellini!)
Urban Stems The Juliet
16. Natural Woods and Neutrals
Bring an outdoorsy 'tude with lots of wood and neutrals. Ideal for nature-bound nuptials or to contrast an ultra-modern city setting, this combination will surely set your wedding apart. Want to go even more on-theme? Splurge on wooden invitations or handcrafted keepsakes for favors.
Maebeamcreative Modern Arch Table Numbers
MadeByRheal Concrete Hands Catchall
17. Yellow and Bright White
This sunny combo will make your wedding day feel full of life and love. Plus, the lighthearted theme means you can totally include lemons, daffodils, and/or sunflowers in your bouquet and throughout the decor. Cute!
Papier Limoni Place Card — Pack of 30
18. Pastels and Metallics
Yes, you *can* opt for both pastels and metallics. It's your wedding, you make the rules! This muted palette is at once lovey-dovey and crazy-cool, and I love that for you.
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
