Trending Summer Wedding Color Palettes
At L’Relyea Events Guide to Curating a Celebration That Feels Like You
Choosing your wedding colors is one of the first magical steps in the planning process; it's where vision becomes emotion, and emotion begins to take shape. Whether it’s a color inspired by your favorite memory together or a hue that stirs your heart, your palette is more than décorit’s a feeling. At L’Relyea Events, we believe your wedding colors are the soul of your celebration. They set the mood, elevate the details, and create a story that guests can see, feel, and remember.
As we bring to life designs more than ten months in the making—while also curating visions for next summer’s weddings—we’re reminded how much we love guiding couples toward color palettes that evoke true emotion and sensory appeal. Whether serene and minimal, moody and luxurious, or joyful and bold, color has the power to define the entire experience. We’ve highlighted six standout palettes that feel both timeless and of-the-moment, each curated with intention, artistry, and heart. And because every palette deserves thoughtful styling, we’ve paired each with expert design tips to help you bring the look to life with balance, harmony, and depth.
Sun-Washed Neutrals
Sun-washed neutrals offer a soft, natural elegance that never goes out of style. This palette includes sandy beige, creamy ivory, pale oat, and soft blush tones that feel like light itself. Ideal for vineyard weddings or open-air venues, this look captures the warmth of golden-hour sun, creating an atmosphere of understated refinement. It’s the kind of beauty that speaks in whispers subtle but incredibly impactful.
What makes this palette so versatile is its ability to let materials and textures do the talking. Incorporating woven fabrics, ceramic vessels, handmade paper, and dried florals allows each tone to feel textural and tactile. These hues also photograph beautifully in both direct light and shadow, creating a timeless visual tone across your entire wedding day.
Styling Tips:
Use a mix of natural textures like raw linen, wood chargers, and ceramic bud vases to create depth.
Opt for dried floral elements such as bleached ferns, bunny tails, or grasses for soft movement.
Choose attire in tonal neutrals for a cohesive, editorial aesthetic (bridesmaids in mismatched sand and ivory gowns are stunning).
Keep signage minimal and use natural materials that play into your vibe- like fstone, fabric, or wood.
2. Citrus & Clay
Infused with the spirit of Mediterranean summers, Citrus & Clay combines the joyful energy of blood orange, lemon zest, and grapefruit with grounded tones like terracotta and sienna. This palette is full of warmth, zest, and earthiness perfect for a wedding full of life, sunshine, and flavor. It’s bold without being overpowering and ideal for outdoor settings like olive groves, villas, or destination wineries.
The visual richness of this palette comes from its balance: juicy color meets organic texture. Pairing citrus hues with clay pottery, neutral backdrops, and olive green foliage allows the palette to feel curated and organic. It evokes celebration and summer at every glance—ripe, sun-kissed, and soulful.
Styling Tips:
Use real citrus fruit in centerpieces, escort cards, or drink garnishes.
Mix matte clay vases with soft linen runners and european tablescapes.
Bring in olive branches, fresh herbs, or terra cotta table numbers to enhance the earthy feel.
For attire, consider terracotta bridesmaid dresses or warm-hued floral ties for groomsmen.
3. Modern Pastels
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Styling Tips:
Incorporate matte gold flatware or velvet ribbons to add luxe texture.
Try a tone-on-tone pastel floral arch or ombré effect in bridesmaid dresses.
Use minimalist stationery with soft watercolor accents.
Bring in pastel-tinted glassware or iridescent chargers for extra dimension.
4. Jewel-Toned Summer
Who says deep, dramatic colors are only for fall? Jewel tones emerald, sapphire, amethyst, garnet are making a stunning entrance for summer, especially for sunset weddings and evening celebrations. These hues exude elegance, drama, and depth. They create a luxurious and moody mood that’s unforgettable when paired with ambient lighting, architectural settings, or rich florals.
Using jewel tones gives you the opportunity to bring old-world glamour to even the most modern venues. Whether in velvet napkins, moody candlescapes, or lush table runners, these colors make a bold impact. The trick is to balance with neutral bases and soft lighting, so the deep tones glow rather than overwhelm.
Styling Tips:
Mix dark florals with lighter blooms to add depth and balance.
Choose velvet or satin napkins, vintage glassware with modern flatware, or antique touches balanced with modern typeset menus.
Use dim, golden lighting—candles, chandeliers, or uplighting to create mood.
Incorporate jewel-toned stationery with foil details for a touch of luxury
5. Blue Hour Tones
Named for that mystical moment just after sunset, Blue Hour Tones feature soft periwinkle, icy lavender, misty gray-blue, and pale teal. This palette is ideal for couples who love a quiet romance and want their celebration to feel dreamy, calm, and transportive. It’s ethereal and perfect for evening garden weddings, mountaintop elopements, or waterfront venues.
These tones work especially well when layered in a gradient effect or paired with translucent textures like chiffon or frosted glass. Blue hour colors are reflective of sky, water, and emotion and they translate into stunning photos at twilight. Paired with soft lighting, the whole palette feels like a deep exhale.
Styling Tips:
Use fog-colored drapes or flowing fabrics for a romantic, windswept vibe.
Incorporate frosted glass chargers or sheer paper goods.
Keep floral arrangements loose and ethereal, think tweedia, delphinium, or blue thistle.
Illuminate the palette with votives, fairy lights, and lanterns at dusk.
6. Floral-Forward Brights
Nothing says summer like bold, joyful blooms. From hot pinks and poppy reds to punchy oranges and vibrant corals, this palette centers around color-forward florals that steal the show. It’s playful, confident, and perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a celebration of creativity and joy. Floral-forward brights are bold but balanced when used strategically.
Let the flowers lead and keep everything else minimal. Use neutral tablecloths, sleek place settings, and clean signage to let the color speak. Whether through a dramatic arch, lush tablescapes, or a cascading bridal bouquet, this palette lets you embrace your love of color in a sophisticated way.
Styling Tips:
Anchor bold florals with neutral backgrounds white linens, black chairs, or modern backdrops.
Use statement arrangements (floating installs, flower walls, or dramatic bouquets).
Keep other elements clean and graphic minimalist fonts, acrylic signage, and structured seating plans.
Let your florals do double-duty: repurpose ceremony blooms for your head table or lounge area.
Curate with Intention: Your Wedding, Your Story
Color isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s emotional. It’s about how you want your wedding to feel, not just how it looks. At L’Relyea Events, we approach color as part of your wedding’s larger narrative. From your first mood board to the final floral stem, we ensure every hue supports your story and brings your vision into beautiful harmony.
Whether you gravitate toward grounded neutrals or bold, expressive brights, the key is choosing what speaks to you. These palettes are starting points not rules. And we’re here to transform your inspiration into a cohesive design filled with artistry, heart, and timeless beauty.
Start the journey with us – Contact L’Relyea Events
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