Copper and White Color Palette Ideas to Add Shine to Your Wedding Celebration

Light up your soirée with this striking duo of hues, which combines the elegance of white with the warm glow of copper to create one standout statement on the big day.

Stunning in their shiny simplicity, these copper mugs traditionally hold icy Moscow Mules, a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Their metallic surface isn’t just for show: it retains a drink’s chill longer than glass does, making it a smart choice for a warm-weather wedding. Just present mugs with a matching punch bowl for easy—and elegant—self-service. You’ll use them long after your day is done.

The Details: Punch bowl, $70, ladle, $20, and mugs, $18 each; alchemade.com.

This striking foil-stamped suite, by Karr Graphics, is proof that your invitations don’t need a rainbow of shades to impress. With a spare, calligraphed script, lots of white space, a coordinating envelope liner, and eye-catching edging, the invites achieve maximum impact while retaining a minimalist sensibility. Understated has never looked so swank.

You’ll be radiant with excitement on your wedding day. Play up that glowy vibe with makeup in copper and bronze tones. Metallics flatter any complexion, according to New York City makeup artist Moani Lee, but the trick is not to overdo it.

For Eyes

“Choose a sheer wash of color all over the lids or a coppery eyeliner without shadow,” Lee advises. “Either will add just the right amount of warmth.” Try Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione, Europa, or Himalia ($29) or Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Scorch ($20).

For Lustrous Lips

Packed with chamomile and sunflower extracts, Lipstick Queen Queen Bee Lip Treatment plumps parched lips, leaving behind a hint of metallic gloss ($22).

For a Glowing Face

Dust on light-reflecting Lancôme Star Bronzer Powder for extra brilliance (shown in Metalique, $35).

For Sun-Dappled Skin

Lightly scented with bergamot and mandarin, a few spritzes of Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Shimmering Body Oil Spray will impart a subtle sheen on bare shoulders and arms ($40).

The Details: Bliss by Monique Lhuillier dress, $2,300; kleinfeldbridal.com. Pamela Love “Five Spike” earrings, $6,000; barneys.com. Jennifer Fisher choker, $200; jenniferfisherjewelry.com. 

Your ring bearer will positively beam down the aisle toting one of these burnished vessels. Options abound for buying copper containers in various styles, like the round canister (top) and glass pyramid (bottom) shown here. But if you’d like to bring a little DIY magic to your day, follow our lead and embellish a small kraft box (middle). Pick up a customizable desktop embosser, then just press your monogram onto a metal sheet and cut slits at the corners to fold it around the lid ($52.50).

Any number of copper elements will jazz up your reception tables. For the most arresting effect, display them against pristine white linens and dishware, and keep centerpieces simple, like these bud vases of sweet peas and ranunculus. Keep in mind copper’s versatility—some of the stylish items here, for instance, come from the humble hardware store. Napkin rings are actually copper pipe fittings (we also used them to elevate the little bowls holding the sienna-colored sweet peas). And the table number is, in reality, a house number. Moral of the story: you don’t have to go ritzy to get a little glitzy.

The Details: 1 1/4-inch copper pipe fittings, $4 each; homedepot.com. Copper half balls, $8.25 each; necopperworks.com. 4-inch house number in antique copper, $8; homedepot.com. Duna by Cutipol flatware, $120 for a 5-piece setting, and salt-and-pepper shakers, $78; abchome.com.

Show your thanks with one of these takeaway ideas. Clockwise from top left: To elevate a basic white box holding truffles, apply Mylar tape that’s been cut at an angle. Present graceful orchids in a polished planter—no packaging required. Give affordable copper cuffs engraved with guests’ names to make a personal statement. Or, for a charming way to get your point across, replace standard favor tags with string-tied medallions. Another sweet send-off: hazelnut candies slipped inside a sleek sliding box.

The Details: Metalized mylar tape, $30; uline.com. Copper shell, $8.25; necopperworks.com. Bracelets, $2.75 each; metalliferous.com. Copper circles, 85¢ each; metalliferous.com. Gianduja candies, $28 for 8 oz; eataly.com.

A candle is apropos for acknowledging those friends who light up your life. Housed in a brushed copper vessel with a solid marble lid, this peppery, woody-scented made-in-London version is sure to warm your bridesmaids’ hearts ($160).

A towering cake isn’t the only way to add drama to dessert. A single glittering tier can also capture the spotlight. This chocolate-and-caramel treat is iced in glossy fondant and topped with a smattering of edible luster dust. Big wedding? Group several together for a decadent spread, or provide each table with its own confectionery centerpiece.

The Details: Copper luster dust, $5 for 2 oz; nycake.com. Mesh ribbon in copper, $4/yd; mjtrim.com.