12 Tips for Planning a Monochromatic Wedding That Isn't Just White

An all-white wedding is perfect if you’re trying to keep it old school. It sets the tone for a traditional ceremony and reception, and is the go-to style of choice for couples looking to carry on with the classics. From a bride’s bleach white wedding dress and white décor, to white florals and centerpieces, nothing represents tradition more than the tried and true all-white celebration.

While throwing an all-white wedding is definitely on trend, color is beginning to make a serious comeback. In fact, colorful celebrations are back and better than ever this wedding season. Whether you want to add a pop of color to help set the theme for the rest of your ceremony and reception or bring in the entire rainbow, it's important to make sure you’re adding colorful elements in the right way. It can be easy to go overboard, taking a level of sophistication out of your day. But that doesn't mean you have to choose all-white flowers and décor in order to throw a chic and elevated party. Here, experts share their tips on how to incorporate color in our favorite way: With a monochromatic palette.

Go Bold with Your Bouquet

"Hold a fun bouquet with a few big, bold, colorful blooms. This modern interpretation on a bridal bouquet will bring a pop of color to an otherwise neutral fashion color palette." —Michelle Edgemont, Owner, Michelle Edgemont

"Ditch the strict 2-4 color palette rule as it can become too 'matchy matchy' and instead layer different shades of colors and textures with both your hard and soft goods, like these flowers from Florenta, to create a much richer looking event." —Kristin Alexander, Owner, Esoteric Events

"While ruby red roses are typically thought of as a winter flower, they can work for a summer wedding bouquet too, as seen here from Amaryllis Inc. Floral + Event Design. They add timeless taste and a hint of high pigmentation against a palette of whites and champagnes. A flower of romance, roses are fit for all seasons." —Jen Stiebel, Founder, SoCo Events

"Escort cards are a great opportunity to be creative and add color to a wedding. Colorful escort cards are eye catching and add your personality to the wedding." —Lindsey Nickel, Owner & Event Planner, Lovely Day Events

"Utilize your caterer to create a menu that will add wonderful and unexpected pops of color to your reception. How about a wooden tray passed with three kinds of Summer Gazpacho—Classic Red, Tomatillo Green and Yellow Tomato. We also have clients this spring who will have a preset chilled spring pea soup infused with Vermont crème fraiche and garnished with fresh pea tendrils—imagine the bright green on crisp white linens—the room will be dazzling!" —Missy Wright Scroggins, Catering Sales Director, Blue Plate Catering

"If you are going to incorporate bold colors into your floral design, we suggest keeping the rest of your decor very clean, simple, and light to keep the contrast high and the distractions minimum." —Alise Davis, Owner & Principal Designer, Olive Willow Designs

"Not everyone can get married outside so make sure the colors you choose complement your setting. Red holds up well in dark space and for an additional dramatic effect think about adding red uplighting, as seen here in this design from Lewis Miller Design." —Jennifer Zabinski, Founder & President, Jennifer Zabinski Events

"Your ceremony aisle is a place where incorporating a bold color statement can be an unexpected and whimsical spin on the traditional walk to the altar. We brought Lilla Bello in to provide a mass of beautiful bougainvillea blooms for this aisle."  —Kristin Banta, Creative Director, Kristin Banta Events 

"Adding color to your wedding cake can make a bold (and sweet!) statement, as seen here in this cake from Wow Factor Cakes." —Ashley Culicchia Cash, Creative Director, The Graceful Host

"Linens are a great way to bring in both color and texture to your wedding! Instead of a white linen, consider using a fabric with a bold color or print. This is perfect for cocktail hour tables and your dining tables. If you'd just like a splash of color, a fun table runner can really dress up your table!" —Candice Coppola, Owner & Creative Director, Jubilee Events

"If you are shy about fulling embracing color in your décor, ask your florist to interject some color to a room that is mostly white. It adds a burst of joy and personality." —Denise Fasanello, Creative Director, Denise Fasanello Flowers