Orange isn't your typical wedding color—and if it does appear, it's usually reserved for bouquets and other floral elements. But the bold hue, which became popular in the 1970s, is making a major comeback. Orange is often described as the color of creativity and joy, which proves that this shade is a very wedding-appropriate option. Beyond its symbolism, orange is also a color that is surprisingly complementary to many different wedding themes and venues.
Brides and grooms tying the knot in the tropics are often the first to include orange in their wedding color palettes, since the shade is already represented in many of this environment's natural elements, like sunsets, vegetation, and even wildlife. But other locales, like farms and deserts, can also handle orange—just use a burnt orange shade (like this groom, who wore a Topman suit, did) to speak to these modern, rustic, or bohemian themes.
If you're interested in making a statement by working orange into your big-day color scheme, we say go for it. So many other brides and grooms have taken that risk and experienced major payoffs. Ahead, we've collected some of our favorite orange wedding ideas from real celebrations—you may be surprised by the shade or orange décor element that speaks to you.
Sugar Kumquats
This three-tier cake by Megan Joy Cakes was decorated with faux kumquats made out of sugar, lending a bright pop of color to an otherwise neutral dessert.
Citrus Escort Cards
At this reception, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons creatively displayed escort cards calligraphed by Joya Rose.
Match Box Favors
These newlyweds sent guests home with orange boxes of matches customized with their names, wedding date, and a favorite song lyric.
Velvet Tablecloth
Country singer Kasey Musgraves is known for her retro aesthetic, which was properly represented through the orange velvet tablecloth on her wedding's sweetheart table.
Music Seating Chart
LB Events created this attention-grabbing orange seating chart, which was made up of records calligraphed by Kenzie of Details, Darling.
Ombré Florals
Merveille Floral & Design created this orange ombré wall out of fresh flowers. The display wowed the guests at this tropical wedding.
Getaway Bike
These adventurous newlyweds opted for a motorcycle instead of a getaway car. In lieu of a traditional "Just Married" sign, they decorated the bike with orange-hued florals by Thistle and Honey.
Orange Slices
This retro-glam tablescape was punctuated with sliced oranges; the fruits tied the floral centerpieces by Shindig Chic together with the acrylic table numbers.
Orange Clutch
Wildly Us fulfilled this bride's dream of a textile-inspired clutch by arranging a rustic selection of red, orange, and white blooms with branches and greenery.
Book Inspired Seating Chart
This bride's vision for a bright orange seating chart stemmed from the illustrations in her favorite childhood book, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble.
Modern Menus
This graphic designer groom created his own modern drink menus, which popped thanks to a vibrant orange font.
Vintage Table Settings
Orange napkins adorned with sprigs of greenery and berries by Urban Rubbish Weddings added a vintage feel to this simplistic tablescape, which was styled by Epoch Co+.
Terra Cotta Envelopes
My Lady Dye created terra cotta-colored envelopes for this invitation suite as a way of hinting at the upcoming wedding's earthy vibes.
Modern Vessels
Light orange vessels, which featured single dried sprigs from Open Road Florals, made for eye-catching, modern centerpieces.
Rusty Florals and Rugs
An assortment of rusty blooms and pampas grass by Shindig Chic adorned this wedding's altar, which matched the orange oriental rug.
Geometric Cookies
Jewel-shaped cookies by The Jewels of New York were decorated with a variety of orange and white frostings and passed out as wedding favors.
Bright Place Cards
For these bright cards, the color orange grabbed the attention of the guests, which made locating their seats a breeze.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Grilled peach and burrata appetizers by Catering by Design were served at this foodie couple's wedding. Since the dish matched the color palette of the evening, they also doubled as a décor element.
Artistic Confection
Nine Cakes brought this five-tier masterpiece to life with a mix of orange, pink, and yellow geometric cutouts and layers of textured frosting.