Winter Bridal Guide: Selecting Your Wedding Colors By Tanya W. Porter of Weddings, Etc.

It's hard to believe that summer has ended and Thanksgiving is around the corner!

Along with the changing of the seasons comes engagements and wedding planning. One of the most important first steps is choosing your wedding colors as it'll help you decide locale, floral, dresses, décor, food, etc.

As someone deeply involved in the world of weddings as a wedding designer/coordinator, I have found top 2011 colors to be: apple green, mauve, lilac, hot pink, slate grey, celadon, aged gold, coral, red, violet purple, navy, browns in mocha and chocolate, greens in emerald, pine and dark cyan, Clementine orange and last, but not least, yellow.

If you are a bride-to-be or know someone who is, here are some tips to follow when choosing colors for your special day:

• You can utilize your favorite colors in different intensities.  For example, if your color is purple, for a fall/winter wedding, use a royal vs. lavender purple.

• Base your color choice on what you like, not what magazines dictate. 

• Keep in mind what colors will look good on your attendants (not everyone can wear orange!).  If you want to do something different, dress each attendant in a different color.  In the past, the Maid of Honor wore a different style or color from the bridesmaids.

• Pick bridesmaid dress colors in colors that can possibly worn again. Find a color and material that works for a dressy function beyond just your wedding.

• If you aren't sure how colors will look together, visit a local hobby/craft shop and play with the silk flowers, putting different color combinations together.  This will give you an idea of how a color scheme can come together. 

• When shopping for bridesmaid dresses, keep things simple. Only ask your maid/matron of honor and your mother to go with you to select the dresses. This way, you have someone to try on different styles and colors and only two opinions to contend with. 

Above all, enjoy the planning process and remember that a good wedding coordinator can help you plan all these special and important details.  Happy planning!

Tanya W. Porter is a wedding designer/coordinator and the Owner/Managing Partner of Weddings, Etc. (link to www.weddingsbytanya.com) in Englewood, CO. With over 20 years of experience, Tanya says, When you hire me, you get a little of my soul, a little of my heart and A LOT of dedication." She is also the author of Wedding Planning Guide, A Bride's Workbook and The Art of Wedding Coordination course.

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