Selecting a contrasting color like blue for your sunny nuptials may set you apart from the events around your date and can help give you an on-trend edge.
One upside to getting caught up in the wedding theme and color scheme of your big day is learning which hues coordinate, which clash, and which contrast well with one another. Knowing in which season you’re going to be wed might give you some guidance in choosing the tones that traditionally “go” with a certain time of the year, but what about the less obvious choices?
When you think of a summer wedding, you often think of bright and radiant colors: yellows, pinks, and whites. However, selecting a contrasting color for your sunny nuptials may set you apart from the events around your date. For example, blue décor can help give you an alluring edge.
Though one may already associate this dreamy tone (think dusty blue, powder blue, baby blue, and more) with beach weddings – to match the ocean – summer vows are far more than just seaside affairs. Add azure detailing into your ceremony or reception to soften the harshness of the sun and give the day an ethereal glow. Stuck on what to incorporate? Scroll through the pictures below featuring examples from real weddings to get ideas. Click on the link below each snapshot to get further inspiration!
Photo by Hunter Ryan Photo; From Real Wedding: A Modern, Elegant "Tropical Florida" Wedding + Disco After-Party
Photo by Jose Villa; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: A Dreamy Destination Wedding at a French Château in Cannes
Photo by Shannon Skloss Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; From Real Wedding: "Romantic Garden Party" Wedding with Hints of Blue in Texas
Photo by Shannon Skloss Photography; From Real Wedding: A Fun, Colorful Outdoor Destination Wedding in the Bahamas
Photo by Melani Lust Photography; From Real Wedding: Country Club Wedding with a Soft Color Palette in Connecticut
Photo by Adriana Rivera Photography; From Real Wedding: An Elegant Coastal Wedding on Kiawah Island in South Carolina
Photo by John Cain Photography; From Real Wedding: A Luxury Southern Wedding with Light Blue Décor in Dallas
Photo by Full Spectrum Photography; From Real Wedding: Bride Wears Custom Gown for Alfresco Wedding Inspired by Italy
Photo by Haley Richter Photography; From Real Wedding: A Classic, Intimate Blue & White Backyard Wedding in Pennsylvania
Photo by Eve Yarbrough; From Real Wedding: A Stunning Outdoor Ceremony & Timeless Reception in Georgia
Photo by Erin Wilson Photography; From Real Wedding: A Vineyard Wedding with Blue-and-White Décor in Arkansas
Photo by Allan Zepeda Photography; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative; From Real Wedding: A Blue, White & Grey Hotel Courtyard Wedding in Washington, DC
Photo by Jenny Haas Photography; Floral & Event Design by HeatherLily; Planning & Design by A Charming Fête; From Real Wedding: A Casual, Hamptons-Style Wedding at a Lake House in Ohio
Photo by Haley Richter Photography; From Real Wedding: A Classic, Intimate Blue & White Backyard Wedding in Pennsylvania
Photo by Rene Zadori Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Inside Ali and Andrea of The Royalty Family's Malibu Wedding
Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Sterling Engagements; From Real Wedding: A Romantic Destination Wedding at a Vineyard Estate in Malibu
Photo by Jenny Smith & Co; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Bride Wears Custom Jumpsuit to Destination Wedding in Sea Island, Georgia
Photo by Theo Milo Photography; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative; From Real Wedding: Luxurious, Intimate Backyard Ceremony & Tent Reception in Virginia
Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Bride Wears Yellow Dress to Outdoor Summer Wedding at Groom's Family Home
Photo by Palos Studio; From Real Wedding: Ocean-View Ceremony + Classic Reception with Soft Blue Color Scheme
Photo by Braedon Photography; From Real Wedding: Orthodox Jewish Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony Inspired by the Sea
Photo by Next Exit Photography; From Real Wedding: Actress Melissa Claire Egan's Rustic-Chic Wedding in Santa Barbara
Photo by Braedon Photography; From Real Wedding: Orthodox Jewish Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony Inspired by the Sea
Photo by Rodney Bailey; From Real Wedding: Blue, White & Gold Modern Rooftop Wedding with View of Capitol Hill
Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Event: Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford's Southern-Style Rehearsal Dinner
Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.; From Real Event: Casual Clambake Rehearsal Dinner on the Beach in the Hamptons
Photo by Meg Perotti; From Real Wedding: Colorful Outdoor Wedding at Northern California Ranch & Winery
Photo by Steve Steinhardt; Planning & Design by Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.; From Real Event: Parisian-Inspired Bridal Shower in Southern California
Photo by Blue Rose Photography; From Event: Rustic Understated Coastal Styled Shoot with Muted Blue Palette
For more tips, learn how to achieve a perfect "something blue" color palette at your wedding, see a variety of wedding party photos with bridesmaids in blue, and celebrate your Fourth of July nuptials with red, white, and blue inspiration!
Find more blue wedding ideas by following Inside Weddings on Pinterest, and by searching thousands of images from real weddings by color or category in our photo galleries!