Romantic, Rebellious, and a Little Witchy: Why Whimsigoth Weddings Are Trending

Whimsi—what? That was our question when we first heard about this wedding theme. If you’re also a little baffled, let us clarify. “Whimsigoth” is a combination of “whimsical” and “gothic.” As a wedding aesthetic, Whimsigoth is blending the mystical, dreamy elements of fantasy style with the edgy passion and palettes of dark romance. It’s all the tempting textures and spellbinding storytelling of dark fairy tales played out in gothic castles. It’s Edgar Allen Poe meets “Lord of the Rings.” It’s equal parts frolicking in an enchanted wood and searching down forbidden corridors and in a wondrous witch’s garden for your lost love. Sounds fanciful? That’s the whole idea.

And that’s precisely why Whimsigoth, originally born in the late 90s and early 2000s, is coming back in a big way—because of its strong component of storytelling. For one thing, including gothic elements in your everyday life through fashion and home decor is not nearly as stigmatized as it used to be. It’s becoming more mainstream with nostalgic throwbacks and revivals like the long-awaited sequel to “Beetlejuice” and the upcoming second installment of “Practical Magic”; as well as re-imaginings like the Netflix horrors “Fall of the House of Usher” and “Wednesday.” Not to mention the way dark fantasy, spicy and sweet, has taken over BookTok culture. More than ever, we’re embracing our nerdy fandoms. Even when they get a little grim and twisty.

So how do you bring this warm, witchy, wondrous vibe to your wedding? We’ve got all the dark and dreamy details!

1. Vibe: Let’s start with a vibe check. How much whimsy is in your goth? This whole style is about storytelling. And it’s fully customizable to your story and what you love. In fact, that’s part of why couples are so bewitched by this enchanted style. Because it encompasses so many different styles (from bohemian to vintage, Victorian to rocker, fantasy to a touch macabre) it’s incredibly adaptable to you—your style, your budget, your passions. So, what about the Whimsigoth blend speaks to you? Knowing which parts of this you like is going to determine everything from your venue to the favors. Maybe for you it means a forest setting at night, dark fairy apparel, a touch of witchy wicked. Maybe it means gothic architecture, a blood-red gown, invitations sealed with wax. There’s no wrong answer! And the more you blend styles for your perfect ration of gothic to whimsical, the more personalized and hauntingly unforgettable your celebration will become.
   
   

#2: Venue and Decor: Okay, you’ve nailed down exactly what story you’re telling with your Whimsigoth wedding. Knowing your exact vibe, or at least which combination of styles you’re playing with, will heavily inform your choice of venue. And that venue will really set the tone. If you want to go more gothic romance, consider an old library, a less-than-glamorous old manor house, historic chapels, or even a castle if you can scrounge one up. If you want to go more fantasy-heavy, consider a forest clearing, a secret garden, a greenhouse or a park with lots of wrought iron. It doesn’t have to be a traditional venue. In fact, the more non-traditional you go, the more it will set the exact tone. Crumbling brick, even vintage on the point of ruin can work if you dress it up right. That is a huge plus for this wedding style—it can be extremely budget-friendly and perfect for DIY elements. If you have a venue with any kind of architectural element, all you need is a whole lot of candlelight and you’ve got the perfect, ethereal foundation. Then it’s about adding on the textures! Velvet, lace, crushed satin, antique metals with a heavy patina, very raw organic elements juxtaposed against luxe drapery and cushions for that Victorian flavor. Thrifting is your friend with this decor because the more mix and match, the more authentic it will feel to your storytelling. So thrift a tablescape of mixed metal candlesticks, old books, and tarot card placeholders on velvet runners. Drown the place in heavy blooms of saturated jewel tones, eucalyptus, and dried herbs. Go with rich fabrics in even richer colors, sprinkle in the celestial details like moon phase plate settings, or paper the walls in pages of tragic poetry. You’re setting a scene for a one-of-a-kind love story.

#3: Apparel: You’ve committed to your exact Whimsigoth style, you’ve committed to the perfect venue setting, apparel is not the place to back down. You wouldn’t write a script of a dark and delicious love story, build the perfect set for it, place the ideal and exact decor to further set the scene, then not dress your characters in the right costumes! It might feel strange to be talking about your wedding venue and apparel in such theatrical terms. But again, a wedding is just telling your story in the best way. So how are you dressed in this dark fairy tale? A black bridal gown embroidered with bejeweled florals? Maybe a sweeping gown in stunning, emerald velvet. Choose corseted dresses, opt for a constellation veil, or forgo bridal party corsages for vintage brooches that will be wonderful keepsakes after the celebration. For your groom, try a Victorian-inspired vest or go rich black-on-black-on-black velvet for a dashing and downright take-your-breath-away husband-to-be. Let passionate plum, sapphire, and jade tones play against antique gold and distressed metal tones. Incorporate fantasy elements with geometric lanterns bursting with greenery for bridesmaid bouquets, build your bridal bouquet on the hilt of a delicate sword. Get crazy with the accessories: gauzy, hooded cloaks for the bride and bridesmaids, lace gloves, and layered statement necklaces. Don’t get trapped by thinking only “traditional” wedding clothing and jewelry are acceptable. If it fits with your Whimsigoth style, it belongs in your wedding!

#4: Guest Experience: Another huge plus for this wedding style—it makes for a one-of-a-kind guest experience! And the best part? It doesn’t have to be spendy, it just has to fit with the world you’ve created with your wedding. Sure, a wedding reception in a castle with a live orchestra and waltzing in a ballroom would be magical. But you can create a similar vibe with your choice of music, having space for a masked ball (even if that space is in a wooded clearing under a thrifted chandelier) and—once again—all those candles! If you’ve set the scene right, adding the little details to take the guest experience to the next level won’t be difficult. This would be an idyllic time to embrace edible centerpieces so rich in color and visual artistry that they serve as both decor and catering. Think layered metal serving dishes—another perfect time to get thrifting—overflowing with grapes, blackberries, ruby pomegranate centers. Blackberries can be a wonderful anchor for all your catering. From darkly delicious blackberry cocktails to a cake with ebony icing edged in plump blackberries, they’re romantic as well as wickedly delectable. With the right mismatched crystal goblets, even the humblest wine in a brooding burgundy shade will add to the ambience.

Conclusion: Whatever your specific Whimsigoth style, any marriage between the mystical and the macabre is an aesthetic that allows for maximum self-expression. With its ethereal undertones, a Whimsigoth wedding has deeper, spiritual nuances. Not only that, this aesthetic built on enchantment and mystery provides a wonderful escape from reality. Your wedding day, the telling of your very unique and wondrous love story, should be an escape from reality into the world you and your groom want to create together. So whatever aspects of this moody, romantic style you choose, commit fully to them. Then commit to each other!

Starry-Eyed Wedding: 6 Celestial Wedding Themes

INTRO: Celestial wedding themes are lighting up the aisle like a supernova in stilettos—and we love it to the moon and back! Why are we so captivated by these cosmic celebrations? Because they’re timeless—passion literally writ across time and space— with a modern twist. And even more importantly, they’re irresistibly romantic. What could be more swoon-worthy than a love story mapped out in the stars? Sure, constellation-inspired weddings have orbited the scene before. But with these fresh theme pairings, your celestial ceremony can be just as dreamy and one-of-a-kind as you and your starry-eyed soulmate.

COSMOS AND CONTELLATIONS: Kickin’ it off with a classic! Here we mean the cosmos, as in the universe as a bright beautiful whole. Not cosmos the drinks. Although, that works too! A customized cosmopolitan cocktail (with a delightfully tonge-in-cheek name like “Nebula Nectar”) would be a deliciously out-of-this-world companion to a constellation wedding theme. Whether you mean cosmos like tippin’ one back or cosmos like the vastness of space, you can’t go wrong pairing anything with a constellations vibe. We could literally write an entire blog post on that theme alone. The galaxy cakes, the moon phase cupcakes, the zodiac seating charts, the star chart placemats—it sounds like it should be cheesy. And yet, somehow it manages to look both elegant and endearingly original. Explore a moody, monochromatic color palette inspired by the night sky with deep ebony, fathomless indigo, and midnight blues. Incorporate your astrological designs in anything and everything, from quirky-cute boutonniere pins to delicate, gold constellation clips for the bride’s hair. Don’t forget your custom constellation that combines your astrological signs together into a brand-new configuration. Whaaaat?! Talk about your romance written in the stars!

SAND AND STARLIGHT: Let’s get serious here. Never have we been so captivated by the idea of a nighttime wedding as we are with this theme: Sand and Starlight. Just picture it. You’re walking barefoot up a sandy aisle in a desert as vast and gorgeous as space itself. The aisle is lined with terracotta runners and brass lanterns or simple paper lanterns aglow to light your way. The desert shrubs and cacti are also strewn with candles in gold votives. Your groom waits against a backdrop of wilderness rock, and the entire scene is lit only by flickering candles and the starlight shining down from the black sky. Can you say hauntingly beautiful? We guarantee your guest would never forget you stunning in a gold foil wedding gown or majestic golden bridal halo. Or dining at low tables atop rust and amber pillows set right in the sand; eating off golden starburst plates, the whole meal bathed in starlight. Start to finish, the entire celebration would feel like the most enchanting desert dream with the celebration of your love at its center.

AURORA AND ICE: Far from the desert now, we take you North to the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis. Most commonly called the Northern Lights, this cosmic phenomenon is a galactic dance between solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic field, and the result is a dazzling display of colored lights in the sky that whorl and swoop like a brilliant night rainbow. It’s that rainbow palette you should play with wildly when choosing this theme. What a fresh take on a celestial wedding to have bridesmaids dressed in every vibrant color the borealis boasts, from vivid violet to fuchsia and chartreuse. Get creative with your cocktails by ordering up Russian Blue Moon Cocktails—they look like the Northern lights in a glass! Or switch out the swizzle stick for white rock candy. Why? For an even more original angle, just add ice. Even if you can’t say your vows out on the snowy plains under the glow of the Northern lights themselves, you can capture that setting with icy elements. Imagine the captivating contrast between Start with a base of all white decor—and we mean all white—in glass surfaces and centerpieces dusted with faux snow, dripping icicle lights, and frosty branches. You’ve set the snowy scene. Now add an LED light display that mimics the luminescence of Aurora’s grandeur. The play of that dynamic riot of hues against the white will be a show-stopper. Not to mention a once-in-a-lifetime setting for your “I do.”

LUNAR LAVENDER: True, we’ve been properly obsessed with lavender as a wedding theme for quite a while. But we’ve always assumed it was a spring-and-summer-only theme. While this fragrant floral is both a flower and an herb that seems most obvious in your typical spring bridal bouquet, it has much greater potential. Really, what can lavender not do? Pair it with lunar elements and you have a unique duo that’s both daring and magical. You get all the dreamy, feminine details of lavender-led nuptials like lilac wedding gowns and delicate purple bud and branches crowning a cake. But the addition of lunar features like moon cycle tapestries, moon cycle embroidery on a filmy veil, or even aligning your ceremony with a new moon, take it up a notch into boho bold. And while you’re getting boho, babe, consider the aromatic element! We normally advise caution when including noticeable scents in your celebration, so the smells don’t clash with the flavors of your menu. But if you coordinate cleverly, the woodsy lavender can actually enhance your eats and the rest of the experience. You could even create an atmosphere of subtle aromatherapy. Lavender is known for its calming effects, and who doesn’t want to a relaxed vibe at their boho bash?

CRYSTALS AND MOONLIGHT: While we’re getting hippie-chic, we’ve got to explore the pairing of crystals and moonlight. An aisle lined with oversized crystals. A “cracked open” geode cake with edible gems gleaming inside. Polished geode table numbers. Crystal combs in a bridal updo. Crystals paired with florals and greenery in a groom’s boutonniere. There’s no end to the incredible ideas that go with this theme! We haven’t even started talking about gem stems on bouquets. Wait. Does that mean the handle of the bouquet is a gemstone?? Yes! That’s exactly what it means, and we’re obsessed. Capture that moonlight with a moonstone gem stem on your bouquets. Really, moonstones are the perfect jewel for a wedding. They’re pearly white, iridescent, and ethereal. They’re also a perfect combination of crystals and moonlight. This theme offers a lovely array of favor options including crystal pendants, keychains, or charms. Make the vows much more meaningful by including a crystal blessing or intention ceremony between the couple. It’s giving intimate, it’s giving dreamy, it’s giving organic romance. It’s giving a wedding that you and your guests will never forget.

MOSS AND METEORS: Remember when we were enamored with a nighttime wedding of Sand and Starlight? We might be even more smitten with a nighttime wedding based on the theme of Moss and Meteors. Fantasy-inspired weddings and forest weddings have been around for a minute. But add to a mossy, woodland wedding the features of meteors, and suddenly we’re in a whole new realm. Think soft, earthy moss underfoot, moss lining the center of raw wood banquet tables and dotted with silver candlesticks, edible moss and mushrooms growing out of a gorgeous wedding cake. That’s really the part that makes this coupling so distinctive. Juxtapose the rustic botanicals with a supernova of silvers, and suddenly it’s bold bridal brilliance. The more you bring in those shimmering silvers in the fabrics and accents, the more you and your guest will feel you’ve stumbled into a meteor shower. Dust desserts with edible silver glitter. Dress your bridesmaids in every sparkling shade from pewter to chrome. Fill the trees with twinkle light to suggest fallen stars caught in the branches. It’s rustic, it’s dreamy, and yes—it’s wildly Instagrammable!

CONCLUSION: Whether you’re drawn to the mystical sparkle, the soft romance, or the grounded magic, there’s a celestial wedding theme that speaks to your love story. From moonlit vows to star-strewn centerpieces, these themes prove that your wedding can be as unique, dreamy, and magical as the universe itself. Celestial weddings effortlessly blend romance, nature, and cosmic wonder—so you don’t have to choose between a rooted, earthy vibe and a sparkling, out-of-this-world aesthetic. Each theme is a reminder that love is bigger than any one style: it’s infinite, luminous, and entirely your own.

Piping Hot Drinks, Cool Styling, and Zero Cliches: How to Create an Iconic Winter Wedding

Winter weddings get so much shade. While spring and summer weddings are usually romanticized, weddings in the winter months often get downgraded to last choice. But there is such overlooked magic in winter; the season when nostalgia, whimsy, and wonder are already built in. If you want to tap into the Yuletide atmosphere without veering into a tacky Christmas party vibe, we’ve got you! From chic and cozy bridal styling to romantic and cool color palettes and how to take your spiked cocoa bar to the max, we’re here to help you plan a warm and original winter wedding that leaves you and your guests all toasty inside.

Keeping Warm While Staying Chic:

A major concern with winter weddings is how to dress the bride and bridal party in a way that keeps you warm without sacrificing style. While most of the event will likely take place inside, transitioning locations and taking outdoor photos without turning into a bride-sicle can be a challenge. That’s why we’re loving layered looks that keep you both toasty and on-trend. Faux fur wraps are a gorgeous way to go–whether you pick a wrap in a pop of color or stay strikingly all-white (and the bride in a white faux fur while the rest of the bridal party is all wrapped up in the wedding colors? Adorable!) Velvet capes are another option to embrace the whimsy of the season in a way that’s still upscale and lovely. For the groom and groomsmen? A sharply tailored peacoat will enhance their winter look in a sophisticated way. And give you the opportunity for a photo of the groom sweetly enveloping you in his coat out there in the snow. Cute, cute, cute!

Go For Broke with Cocoa:

Move over fruity, summer cocktails! Winter drink stations are seriously kicking it up a notch and we are obsessed! Probably the fastest way to set the mood for a cozy celebration is by getting a hot drink in everyone’s hands. And what drink options there are! Mulled wine, booze-infused ciders, hot buttered rum, a coffee-cocktail combo, and hot-toddies. Or! To get real wacky, consider an eggnog margarita! But the real show-stopper can be your hot cocoa bar. We’re not talking your mama’s hot cocoa bar with a bowl of marshmallows. We’re talking a hot cocoa bar that will enchant everyone. Create a candy-crazed kid station where they can add everything to their cocoa from peppermint sticks to chocolate truffles perfect for melting and a mountain of whipped cream. And for the adults? Supply all the mix-ins for a delicious spiked cocoa: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, RumChata for that dash of cinnamon and vanilla, and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. Not only will these hot cocoas be wonderfully filling to keep your guests full and content, it will also provide a playful and enchanting element that will imbue the whole event with that homey, sentimental feeling we all get with our hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate. Cue the smiles!

Get Scandinavian with it!

If you want a wedding that’s the height of elegance while still feeling wintry, consider adopting a minimalist, Scandinavian Christmas aesthetic. Countries like Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are known for their minimalist yet cozy style of holiday decor. This comes from seamlessly fusing a base of neutral tones with natural elements in a style that’s simplistically elegant. As a theme for holiday decor, this streamlined style is meant to promote an uncluttered sophistication. As the theme for a winter wedding, it will curate an atmosphere of natural beauty and unhurried enjoyment. Master this look by beginning with a color palette of soft neutrals (white, eggshell, and cashmere creams), then layer very intentional decor pieces taken from nature (evergreen wreaths and table runners on raw wood tables, pine cone place settings and branches of muted berries). The more natural, the better. But keep it minimal for maximum impact. Then watch your guests curl up by the fire and never want to leave.  

Embrace Moody Color Palettes:

A great thing about winter is the ability to go super moody and romantic with your color palette. Shade combinations that might feel heavy in warmer months translate as deep and wonderfully dramatic on the frosty side of the calendar. This doesn’t necessarily mean using dark colors only, but rather pairing a heavy hue with something more traditionally bridal. Consider a fathomless emerald coupled with wistful champagne. Or silver anchored by deepest navy. Are you a blush lover? Don’t ditch it just because it’s December! Just let it sidle up to a nice slate or charcoal. And never underestimate the transformative power of burgundy as a modern alternative to red. It gives you all the seasonal pop of red with a much moodier, intimate feel. You can never go wrong with the richly romantic duo of burgundy and plum—and all the delicious, edible centerpiece options that come with it!

Don’t Be Afraid to Elope!:

Winter is a vastly underrated season for an evergreen elopement. Usually when we hear the word “elope” we picture you and only your nearest and dearest on a cliff somewhere at sunset in the balmy summer breeze. And while that’s great, winter elopements can be downright stunning. Imagine standing with your husband-to-be on a mountainside, surrounded by a lush panorama of winter wonderland, with the snow gently falling on you as you say your vows. Swoon! If you’ve got your heart set on an intimate, elopement-style ceremony set in nature, don’t let the weather stop you! Will it be a cold ceremony? Yes. But if you plan for it, you can make it happen. Layer up with those warm add-on options we talked about. Prepare for your post-ceremony transition by arranging for blankets and hot drinks to be waiting for you back at the hotel. Or better yet! Pile faux furs in a horse-drawn carriage to escort you and your new husband from the mountainside back to the venue where your guests are waiting for your grand entrance with spiked cocoa in hand and a warm fire crackling. Now that’s an elopement so magical, no one will forget it! 

CONCLUSION: Don’t let the winter season dampen your bid day dreams. You can have a gorgeous, timeless wedding in the winter months that will rival anything the spring or summer have to offer. The key is to lean into all the nostalgic vibes and natural beauty that make winter so enchanting. And hot chocolate. Chocolate is always the key!

Utah Destination Weddings!

INTRO:

Okay, okay, we get it. When you hear the words “destination wedding” you may not instantly think of Utah. But the Beehive State is fast becoming a hit location for destination weddings. Why? In a word: scenery. Utah boasts an impressive range of landscapes that make for enchanting backdrops on your big day. From hauntingly atmospheric red rocks to stunning lake and mountain duos and off-grid wonders like the Salt Flats, Utah just might have that dash of natural spectacle you’re looking for!

RED ROCKS & DESERT:

The red rocks are one of Utah’s most iconic geographical features. Prevalent to southern Utah, there are actually eight major locations that boast these environmental wonders, six of them national parks: Arches National Park (with more than 2,000 stunning sandstone arches), Canyonlands National Park (including the epic Needles Overlook), Zion National Park (slot canyons, anyone?), Capitol Reef National Park (more remote, less tourists), Snow Canyon State Park (with its lava flow formations), and the grandaddy of gorgeous—Escalante National Monument with its legendary Grand Staircase. Any of these renowned locales provides a backdrop for the most jaw-dropping wedding photos of all time. A white wedding dress posed against that vibrant red and orange stone? LOVE IT! A couple framed by towering structures as breathtaking and timeless as your love? SWOON! Including a red rock insert in your wedding bands to carry a literal piece of your wedding setting around on your finger? OBSESSED! Plus the dessert setting provides the perfect palette for a sand and stone wedding with rust, terracotta, and adobe clay tones taken from the landscape itself.

Venues include: Sorrel River Ranch, Red Earth Venue, Hoodoo Moab, The Ledges, Entrada at Snow Canyon, The White Shanty, and the ultra luxurious celebrity spot Amangiri.

MOUNTAIN & SNOWY RETREAT:

From the South, let us speed North to an opposite but equally opulent wedding location: the mountains. Utah is known for its mountains, offering a dizzying array of options for a nuptial celebration. From the star-studded Park City slopes to quieter peak retreats, if you love a mountain view, Utah’s got you! If you go with any of the ski resort options, you can pepper your celebration with charming ski touches; guests signing beautiful wooden skis in lieu of a guest book or posing for couple’s photos on the chair of a ski lift—so cute! Once again, we have Zion National Park with its exquisite glamping resorts. There’s the lavish ski town of Park City and all the Alpine charm that goes with it. Or, if you’re looking for smaller crowds, Snowbasin or Powder Mountain in Ogden Valley are great alternatives to Park City. And, of course, Sundance Mountain Resort. This upscale rustic retreat originally dreamed up by Robert Redford, Sundance is now the home to a major film festival and proudly hosts countless celebrities each year. But when it’s not welcoming the rich and famous, Sundance Resort is still a simply stunning place to hold a wedding.

Venues include: Zion Red Rock Oasis, Zion Canyon Lodge, Under Canvas, Stein Eriksen Lodge, High West Distillery, Montage Deer Valley, Snowbasin Lodge, Hidden Lake Lodge, and The Barn at Wolf Creek.

LAKESIDE AND FOREST:

Can’t afford the Caribbean for your destination wedding? How about the “Caribbean of the Rockies?” Bear Lake has been named exactly that. It’s a refraction of light off the limestone particles in the water that gives the lake its radiant turquoise-blue color; similar to the jewel-tone waters you’d find in a Caribbean setting. Whatever the science-y reason for such gorgeous visuals, we’re loving this locale! Pose in a flower-bedecked rowboat with your new hubby for swooningly romantic portraits or snap a pic of your wedding party dangling their feet off the end of a dock. How nostalgic and adorable is that?! If you’ve dreamed of a lake-forest duo for your “I do,” Utah just might have that winning combo. Although you can’t throw a rock in the Beehive state without hitting a forest or mountain (not quite, but close) some of the best options are Flaming Gorge or Red Canyon Lodge (secluded and stunning—another winning combo), and Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains (for the adventurous couple that wants to frolic through a meadow on their big day).

Venues include: Conestoga Ranch, Lakeside Retreats, and anywhere else you can toss up a tent and say, “Glamping!”

OFF-GRID ELOPEMENT:

The term “elope” used to mean that a couple, for whatever reason, needed to run off and marry immediately. We imagine court house weddings with no one in attendance, no real celebration, nothing special about the event. No longer! Today “elopement” has a much richer definition. Elopements are now considered very intentional celebrations that are either private (the couple and witnesses only) or very intimate (a small gathering of the closest friends and family). The exclusivity of the occasion allows an elopement to be focused on the marriage itself, rather than the embellishments surrounding the wedding. The selective guest list also makes it possible for the wedding to take place in a more remote setting, like the Bonneville Salt Flats. The stark and surreal, almost unearthly beauty of the landscape will make you feel you’ve been transported to another world. Though we’ve already discussed it, we can’t talk off-grid elopements without again mentioning Capitol Reef or Escalante with its timeless red rocks. And, of course, there’s Dead Horse Point State Park. Ignoring the scary name, this state park near Moab boasts unsurpassed, cliffside panoramas over the Colorado River that have been compared to similar views of the Grand Canyon. Who doesn’t want that as a wedding backdrop? Utah also features a plethora (if you know, you know) of caves and waterfalls, including the famed Bridal Veil Falls—a favorite for engagement and wedding photos.

Venues include: Cougar Ridge, Escalante Yurts, and Yonder Escalante.

CONCLUSION:

Worried there won’t be enough amenities to make your remote romance a reality? Utah also boasts wonderfully adaptive vendors to provide luxury bathroom accommodations or anything else you require to make a rustic location possible. Whether you dream of posing with your future husband on the dramatic expanse of the Salt Flats or being silhouetted in an embrace against the red rocks, Utah has whatever visually arresting backdrop you could desire to say, “I do.”

Hot Wedding Colors: 2025-2026

INTRO: Real talk, bestie. Picking wedding colors sounds fun, but that initial joy of comparing blush to bashful (if you know, you know) quickly dissipates when you start to realize how much a cornerstone of your celebration the colors actually are. They anchor style and decor, set the tone—literally—and live forever in your pictures. No wonder committing to a color scheme can feel more daunting than saying yes to your forever person ever did! Suddenly you’re suffering from a Pinterest hangover, wondering what color smalt is, and despairing at ever finding a palette pair as perfect as you and your boo. Fret not, gorgeous! We’re here with all the hottest wedding colors of the season, and ways to implement them in your perfect day!

MOCHA MOUSSE: Gotta admit, when we first heard Pantone announce Mocha Mousse as the 2025 color of the year, we thought to ourselves, "Like...brown?" But to think of this creamy, dreamy shade as "just brown" is to underestimate it. It's a soft and sophisticated take on a neutral. It's the color that begs to be honored in a whole range of desserts as delicious as their shade is appetizing (Sure, serving mocha mousse at a Mocha Mousse themed wedding is a little on the nose, but we doubt anyone would complain—their mouths would be too full). As a rich neutral, it's also a lovely partner for everything from pastels to dark, earthy tones. That's really the beauty of Mocha Mouse—how well it plays with others. Just try it against any other color and see.

VERONA SUNSET: While Pantone went with a soft brown, “Brides” and “Minted Weddings” got together and announced what feels like the anti-brown wedding color of the year: Verona Sunset. These two tones may look different at first glance, but they share a common element—the ability to transform any color palette they're put into. But Verona Sunset does more than just add depth or balance. It enlivens, in a striking and totally unexpected way, whatever colors it's paired with. Add Verona Sunset to swatches of blush and sage and suddenly a common color palette is brighter, fun, playfully romantic. Slide it next to reds and oranges and suddenly you have exactly what the name entails: a blazing sunset so bold it will not be forgotten. After all, it’s named for the setting of a romantic classic. Romeo and Juliet may not have had this exquisitely citrus shade at their own wedding. But with it, the stage is set for a romantic evening against a sunset backdrop.

CHAMBRAY: Don’t underestimate this cool blue. It's a staple of the Nautical theme that's sailed back in (sorry, had to) for 2025. Not only is this icy shade classic all by itself, it pairs beautifully with so many other colors; a perfect balance to Verona sunset or blush, an organic match for sage or cool-based earth tones, even a bold and unexpected base to a pop of cherry or a slice of lemon yellow. What’s more, this color is so easy to casual-down or class-up. Want a bit of a backyard BBQ theme for your summer shindig? What’s more beautifully chill than this dreamy denim blue? Curating a luxe, bougie bash in the Swiss Alps? Chambray on ice, please! Any theme, any budget, chambray will look gorgeous and timeless no matter your style. So you can anchor a vintage Regency celebration with floaty chambray draping, or go organic with cloudy chambray cocktails and barefoot bridesmaids in chambray shifts. Either way, chambray will work for you and remain evergreen–but blue, of course.  

CHARTREUSE: Don't think we ever would've picked this color as the cornerstone for a wedding. But the way these 2025 brides are running with chartreuse is the perfect mix of groovy and gorgeous. What might be an otherwise overwhelming color is crazy cool against bridal whites or paired with a grounding shade like navy blue. Chartreuse is actually one hue in a peacock palette—so leaning into this bright green gradient can be a way to liven up an arrangement of jewel tones. Or lean in, all the way in, to a 70s themed love bash by letting chartreuse run wild against burnt orange and mustard. Yeah, baby!

SILVER: Silver's been sashaying onto the scene more and more these last few wedding seasons. While gold is always a classic wedding staple, silver has something special. Its cool undertones allow it to bring greater depth to any color scheme. But it also brightens without warming in a truly sophisticated way. It can even turn a famously casual dessert like donuts into some shockingly classy bites with edible silver leafing. On the other hand, silver is fun and wonderfully nostalgic when it's romping in throwback themes like vintage 1970s and retro 1990s. Can't go full disco nuptials without those silver disco balls that have been just eeeeeverywhere in weddings of late. And silver slip dresses on bridesmaids just bring our little 90s hearts so much joy.

LEMON YELLOW: Fun, fun, fun! That’s what lemon yellow brings to a wedding palette! While a more buttery hue is great for brightening things up while keeping it classy, lemon is irreverently and unapologetically lively. You gotta really love this color to commit to it for your nuptials. But if you happen to love it, then own it! Get citrus-tastic with your decor. Aren’t those actual lemons as calligraphied place cards the cutest things you’ve ever seen?! Splash this shade over everything from the arch to the attire, and watch your wedding become the most epically quirky event of all time!

TERRACOTTA AND BLACK: Terracotta has been a big bridal boss for several seasons now and it’s no wonder. This dusty, rust-resonant hue—once merely a supporting character in an earth-tone palette—has now become the star of the wedding. It gets lusher and more complex the more boldly it’s implemented; whether it’s paired with warm metals like brass and copper or juxtaposed against a heavier base, as it is here with black. Like you and your betrothed, terracotta and black are a perfectly balanced couple. Together they’re elegant and earthy, rustic and rich. They enhance a bohemian staple to organic opulence. Want to kick that luxury up another notch? Consider bridesmaid dresses of terracotta velvet and, if you’re really a ballin’ bride', a bridal gown of sumptuous black. Whaaaaat?

BURGUNDY: We tend to think of burgundy as an exclusively winter wedding color. And no one can argue that it is stunning in the frosty months, especially against the wondrous white of snow. But to restrict this deep, passionate hue to any time of the year is to limit its ability to enhance a color scheme in any season. You doubt? In spring and summer you can pair it with any shade of pink from softest blush to brightest bubble gum, and the rosiness against the burgundy says instant romance. In the fall couple it with russets, golds, and rusts for an elegantly autumnal vibe. And don’t let winter dictate a burgundy-and-white palette only. Begin with burgundy, then go darker with gaudy plum cooled by touches of black or charcoal. Whatever the season of your special day, you can’t go wrong with any shade from crimson to merlot.

CHERRY RED: If you're having a summer wedding then please, we beg of you, consider cherry red for your color theme! Here's why this is perfect for summer. You might see this fearless shade of red and think Christmas and holly berries. And yes, it's absolutely gorgeous with winter white. But this bright shade also plays perfectly into one of 2025's freshest trends: edible decor. Fruits and vegetables are taking over centerpieces in the most beautiful and deliciously unexpected way. Instead of going the classic florals route for your tabletops, consider combining summer fruits in shades of brilliant rouge. Maraschino cherries, strawberries, watermelon, even tomatoes can be stunning if styled right. Not to mention building your menu from this fiery fare. Elevate watermelon slices with tiny flowers. Tempt your guests with bouquets of sculpted strawberries. Dominate the vintage cake game by topping a lambeth-piped creation with the cherry edging that perfectly harkens back to the era in which these beauties were born. However you implement it, bringing cherry red into your big day is a fresh and funky way to say "I do."

EARTH TONES: You hear “Earth tones” and you may scoff, “Just another hippie-dippy wedding.” We’re not denying that Earth tones are the heart and soul of any boho bridal bash, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! In fact, we’re not advocating a departure from hippie-chic, although bohemian can be as upscale as any other theme. Rather, we’re suggesting you embrace the Earth in color, texture, and material in the most fearless way. Replace conventional centerpieces with artfully stacked stones. Forgo traditional tables and seat your guests at giant rocks strewn with gauzy tablecloths and plated with raw wood chargers. Ditch the floral bouquet and opt for a handful of gorgeous, earth-tone feathers and bundled branches. Let nature be your venue, and let the wild itself dictate your palette; diving into a world of dove grays, sage greens, and burnt browns as timeless as the world itself.

BRIGHTS: On the flipside of everything we just said about Earth tones, let’s talk brights! One of the hottest color trends exploding on the scene is BRIGHT COLORS! Which bright color, you ask? How about all of them! More and more brides are shattering the idea that weddings need to be overly serious affairs in both vibe and vibrancy. You want to combine electric blue with neon green and magenta madness, you go right ahead, Queen! Far from clashing, the result is invariably and outrageously playful. And why do the big wedding day if you’re not having fun?! So step into that tangerine dream of a bridal gown or let your groom get crazy with a suit of contrasting florals in every imaginable shade. Some say joy is the secret to lasting love. So get joyful with your colors to stay joyful with your romance.

CONCLUSION: Maybe you’ve seen a color here that just felt right for your wedding, and maybe you didn’t. But if you take anything from this list of wedding color inspiration, we hope you realize there are no limits to the colors you choose; no rules, no need to hold back. When it comes to picking your wedding colors, it’s all up to hue. Sorry, not sorry. ;)