White is the quintessential color associated with modern weddings, but it hasn’t always been that way. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria donned a white lace gown for her 1840 wedding that white really took off, sparking a centuries-long influence on the industry.
Today, white weddings remain popular with couples seeking a clean, elegant design. While trendy colors come and go, it seems white will never go out of style!
“White weddings provide a pristine aesthetic, evoking a classic look that feels both timeless and dreamy,” explains Kawania Wooten of Howerton+Wooten Events.
Sarah Blessinger of Kindred Weddings and Events agrees with Wooten, adding that white is “also a strong choice to promote and encourage feelings of peace, harmony, and cohesion on a wedding day.”
In addition to wedding day vibes, Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs notes that white is an easy color to plan around — so if you’re not inclined to stress over colors, you can’t go wrong with white! “Being a tried-and-true classic, selecting white as the focal point color can help couples avoid having to color match or select a shade that will be dated and fall out of favor as the trends change,” she confirms.
However, the popularity of this classic look doesn’t mean white weddings have to feel like a dime a dozen. You can add your own flair to your big day while enjoying the crisp and timeless look of an all-white wedding. Here are three ways to put your spin on your celebration!
Incorporate soft touches of color
White pairs beautifully with every color, so you can give your day a personal touch with soft hues that complement (but don’t overshadow) the white accents.
“White needs another color to ‘pop’ against,” Rachel Ceaser of Savoir Fête explains. “Even if white is the dominant color in your palette, consider the supporting colors in the design: accents of black and cool grey will feel very different than light blue and blush.”
An expert eye for design can help you find a happy balance between honoring your “white wedding” vision and creating a fresh, one-of-a-kind design for your big day. Work closely with your planner or florist to explore subtle color palettes that let white shine.
Mandy Hess of MJM Designs agrees, noting that “a smidge of color, like butter, yellow, or blush, adds great depth and uniqueness to the white and green color palette focus.”
Or, if you love traditional white but prefer warmer tones, Wooten recommends “embracing the subtle appeal of varying ivory shades.” By breaking out from the crisp, colder whites, “these nuanced tones not only add a touch of warmth but also lend rich texture to your wedding design, elevating its overall aesthetic appeal,” she explains.
Another way to add color and depth to the theme is by playing up your second look, notes Jose Sotelo of Story Alley Photography. “This is the perfect situation to infuse your personality and make a spin on the whole white wedding theme. That’s why it’s a great idea to consider a second wedding reception dress. Soft hues like peach, pink, and pale blue are great color choices but still have a romantic vibe.”
Greenery, metallics, and pastels are all excellent ways to add tints of color to your wedding day while still adhering to the time-honored simplicity of a white wedding.
Go big with florals
Floral design defines a wedding’s theme and color palette, so all-white blooms naturally fit the bill! According to Blooms by the Box’s Joan Wyndrum, there’s no better flower color to represent a couple turning the page on a new chapter together.
“White flowers, which symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings associated with marriage, embody the beauty and purity of their love,” she reveals.
To go above and beyond the usual white bouquets and centerpieces, Juls Sharpley of Juls Sharpley Events encourages couples to get creative with floral construction. “Look for florists who are creating architectural and natural arrangements so that when the color palette isn’t making a statement, the construction is,” she says.
If you’re wondering what that could look like, Wyndrum offers a few ideas. “Consider suspended floral chandeliers wrapped in white florals, cascading floral arches, or lush backdrops for photo booths and ceremony altars,” she suggests.
Floral installations provide an opportunity for complete creative control, allowing you to infuse your wedding day with personality while coming together for a cohesive display. Not to mention, your guests will love snapping photos with your eye-catching blooms!
Elevate the design with texture
Textures are another way to add a fresh take to a white wedding, as wedding pros encourage couples to think outside the lace and chiffon box.
“Incorporating lots of texture and various materials into your reception tablescape through floral design, linen choices, and rental items can create a stunning setting for your guests with minimal color influence,” Blessinger confirms.
Enhancing your white wedding with texture can be as simple as choosing upgraded linens, using lots of greenery, or incorporating natural elements as decor, like wood, stone, rattan, shells, or even fresh fruits. For more ideas, Wooten recommends “drawing inspiration from interior designers, who infuse character into all-white kitchens with earthy textures.”
It’s worth noting that texture isn’t just for livening up the big day! Nudo notes that “white wedding invitations should lean into texture and shape, involving high-end finishes and materials to set them apart from run-of-the-mill minimalistic invites.”
White weddings may be timeless, but they are far from one-size-fits-all! By thoughtfully incorporating subtle hints of color, playing up florals, and experimenting with textures, you can transform a classic white wedding into a celebration that is uniquely yours.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.