Summer weddings have it all – golden sunshine, gentle breezes, and gardens in full bloom. It’s the perfect backdrop for your special day. When you’re picking your wedding colors, you’re doing more than just choosing what looks pretty – you’re setting the whole mood of your wedding. These colors will live on in your photos and memories for years to come.
I’ve helped many couples pick their colors over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand how certain color combos truly capture summer’s magic and create unique feelings. Here are 7 fresh summer wedding color palettes that might be just what you’re looking for.
1. White and Blue: Timeless Tranquility
White and blue has grown way beyond just nautical themes. This combo creates a calm, elegant feel – perfect for couples who want a timeless look with a touch of serenity.
The best part is mixing different blues together instead of using just one shade. Light blue tablecloths make blue-patterned plates pop, and adding gold cutlery and crystal glasses brings warmth to those cool tones. I love watching what happens as evening falls – candlelight turns these cool colors into a warm, cozy glow that feels both classy and intimate.
For your bridesmaids, different blue shades create a beautiful gradient effect that looks amazing in photos against summer backgrounds. To get this look right, use your main blue for about 60% of your design, a second blue for 30%, and a touch of gold for the final 10%.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
2. Yellow and Blue: Joyful Sophistication
This combo balances brightness with elegance to create a joyful vibe that still looks put-together. Blue hydrangeas next to sunny yellow flowers make your arrangements stand out, while cream ribbons soften what could be too stark a contrast.
I’ve noticed at many summer weddings that with yellow, less is definitely more. It works much better as an accent than as your main color. Make blue your lead color and add yellow touches in your flowers, ribbons, or small decorations. This draws the eye right where you want without being too much.
It looks stunning when bridesmaids wear varied blue shades in flowing fabrics, creating a beautiful backdrop that makes yellow details like wildflower bouquets really pop. White plates with gold flatware tie everything together nicely.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
3. Sage Green and Champagne: Grounded Elegance
Fresh yet timeless, natural yet elegant – this palette is perfect for couples who want to connect with nature while keeping things classy. Sage green brings a calm, natural feeling, while champagne adds those touches of luxury that lift the whole look.
What’s great about this palette is how well it works almost anywhere. Sage green dresses with details like soft ruffles or flowing fabrics look beautiful against summer backdrops, especially with bouquets of white and soft pink flowers that feel natural and cohesive.
I’ve seen wooden chairs decorated with eucalyptus and soft pink roses transform spaces into something that feels both carefully designed and naturally beautiful. These earthy tones create an intimate feeling even in big venues, while gold flatware and pretty glasses elevate the look beyond just rustic to something truly special.
If you love texture, this palette gives you so many options – mix in elements like wood, linen, and lots of greenery to add depth while keeping everything understated and elegant.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
4. Lilac and Peach: Dreamy Romance
This sweet mix brings both calm and joy, creating a dreamy warmth perfect for summer celebrations. Lilac adds a gentle, feminine touch without being too sweet, while peach brings warm tones that feel fresh and welcoming.
What makes this combo really shine is the fabrics – soft, flowing materials catch the summer breeze beautifully. White bouquets stand out against pastel dresses, and garden-style flower arrangements make outdoor settings even prettier.
Don’t forget about lighting! Plan your couple photos during “golden hour” just before sunset, when the light makes these soft colors absolutely glow. Then as evening comes, pale pink candles create a cozy, intimate feeling as day turns to night.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
5. Pink and Peach: Warm Elegance
This pretty combo mixes romantic softness with just enough energy for a fresh take on pink that never feels boring. Consider dressing your bridesmaids in shades from soft blush to deeper pinks with different textures – pleats, ruffles, and varied necklines add interest while still looking cohesive.
I’ve seen again and again how big, lush flower arrangements become the stars of the show, making even simple venues feel uniquely yours. Table centerpieces with roses in different pink and peach shades surrounded by greenery make your tables look amazing.
For a balanced look, choose pretty table settings with nice glassware and light pink fabrics, then add gold touches here and there for warmth. Tall candles in matching colors create a magical mood as evening comes. The secret to making this palette work is mixing different pinks – from the lightest blush to deeper coral – balanced with neutral colors and plenty of greenery.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
6. Red, Green, and Terracotta: Bold Rustic Charm
This unexpected mix balances bright energy with natural warmth for a look that’s both lively and down-to-earth. Red adds passion and catches the eye, terracotta brings earthy warmth, and green adds freshness and connects everything to nature.
The key to making these bold colors work well together is good balance – use terracotta and green as your main colors, with red as an accent that draws attention exactly where you want it. Green and white patterned tablecloths create a modern base, while terracotta pots filled with bright flowers like dahlias create beautiful focal points.
I love how adding lots of greenery connects these bolder colors while keeping everything fresh. Wooden tables with bright arrangements create a natural look that feels intentional but not overdone. As evening falls, candlelight makes these earthy colors glow, creating a warm, cozy feeling your guests will love.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
7. Orange, Yellow, and Soft Yellow: Summer Sunshine
This happy combo captures summer’s brightness with a fresh, vibrant feel that celebrates the season’s warmth and light. The trick is layering – bright orange brings energy and warmth, yellow adds sunny happiness, and soft yellow adds gentle depth that keeps things interesting.
For a treat that delights all the senses, try adding real citrus fruits to your arrangements. Lemons and oranges look beautiful and add a light, fresh scent guests love. To keep these bright colors from becoming too much, vary the heights of your arrangements and leave some empty spaces to give the eye places to rest.
Adding gold touches through cutlery, candleholders, or plate edges elevates this palette from playful to elegant. Another plus – these bright colors photograph beautifully all day long, capturing summer’s natural warmth in every picture.
From Pinterest. Click the image to check the source.
Creating Your Perfect Palette
As you look at these options, keep a few helpful things in mind:
- Check out your venue’s existing features – things like its architecture, surroundings, and any colors already there. Working with these elements rather than against them will make everything feel more harmonious.
- Look at your chosen colors in the kind of light you’ll have at your wedding – bright sunshine makes colors pop more during the day, while evening needs colors that still look good in softer light.
- When possible, choose flowers that are in season for your wedding. They’ll look their best and cost less too.
- Play with different textures through various materials and natural elements – this adds depth and interest to your color palette.
Most importantly, pick colors that feel like you as a couple rather than just following trends. Your color palette helps tell the story of the beginning of your married life – it should feel truly yours.
Which Summer Wedding Colors Have Your Heart?
Remember that the colors you choose aren’t just pretty details – they create the feeling around every special moment of your day. From your first kiss as a married couple to seeing your grandparents dance together, these colors set the mood and become part of the memories you’ll treasure forever. Choose what feels right for you as a couple, and everything else will fall into place.
Which of these color combos speaks to you? Or are you creating something completely your own? I’d love to hear what colors you’re thinking about for your summer wedding!
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