How to Choose Your Wedding Aesthetic and Palette

One of the first (and most exciting!) steps in wedding planning is deciding on your overall aesthetic—the look and feel that will shape everything from your invitations to your reception tablescape. Think of your aesthetic as the “mood board” of your day, while your color palette is the set of tones that bring it all together. Here’s how to narrow in on both, without getting lost in a sea of Pinterest boards.

1. Start With Your Story

The best wedding aesthetics aren’t copied—they’re curated. Think about what feels authentic to you and your partner. Do you spend weekends hiking in the mountains, or do you love sleek city nights? Your lifestyle and shared interests can hint at the vibe you’ll want to create, whether it’s earthy and organic, timeless and classic, or bold and modern.

2. Look to Your Venue

Your venue sets the stage. A mountain lodge pairs beautifully with warm, natural textures, while a modern gallery space might call for clean lines and minimalist florals. Instead of fighting against the backdrop, choose an aesthetic that highlights it.

3. Build Your Palette with Purpose

Once you’ve chosen your vibe, it’s time to land on colors. A good palette usually has:

• One to two anchor colors (the main tones, like navy, sage, or terracotta)

• One accent shade (to pop, like mustard, coral, or metallics)

• One neutral (white, ivory, gray, or black to ground the look)

Stick to four or five tones max. This makes everything—from floral design to linens—feel cohesive without overwhelming the eye.

4. Think About Season and Mood

Colors evoke feelings. Deep jewel tones feel cozy for fall and winter. Soft pastels are fresh for spring. Bold, saturated hues bring energy to a summer celebration. You don’t need to be locked into “seasonal rules,” but choosing tones that complement the time of year will make your day feel harmonious.

5. Pull It All Together

Once you’ve defined your aesthetic and palette, bring them into the details: attire, stationery, florals, table décor, even lighting. Repeating colors and textures in subtle ways (like velvet ribbon on menus that matches the bridesmaids’ dresses) creates a thoughtful, elevated look.