Towards the end of every year, anyone with even a passing interest in style trends eagerly awaits the release of PANTONE’s Colour of the Year.
The selection sets the tone for the coming year, influencing everything from design and architecture to fashion. When it comes to weddings, it also has an effect, with cake designers, stationers and décor experts taking note of the trend.
Last year it was the turn of Ultra Violet and we saw touches of the hue in weddings throughout 2018.
However in 2019, the colour experts have chosen 16-1546 Living Coral (catchy name, right?), a warm, vibrant shade that sits somewhere between orange and pink: think sunsets, flamingos and tropical fish swimming through pretty reefs.
If you want to implement the shade in your Big Day, we’ve collected some of the best ideas around below for inspiration.
Flowers
Bountiful peony bouquet
Bring an edge to traditional peonies in your bouquet by asking your florist to source a few coral ones to add into the mix. This will add depth to your bouquet as well as highlighting texture. The result? A super pretty bridal bouquet you won’t want to toss after the vows!
Image by Fig Tree Pictures
Flowers in your hair
Brighten up your mehndi or sangeet beauty look by tucking a small arrangement of coral-hued blooms into your hair – the bright shade looks particularly striking against dark locks. Weave them onto the side of your head or around the base of a messy updo. Boho and beautiful!
Image from source
The scatter approach
Centrepieces don’t have to be complicated. You can complement a rustic or beach style wedding by arranging separate blooms along the centre of your tables, in the style of a traditional table runner. Pick unusual petals in corals, pinks and blush and add lanterns or candles for easy style.
Images by KT Merry
Cakes
Art Deco style
Mix coral with metallics and nudes for a pretty retro vibe on your cake, like this one is from NYC cake designer Lael. Not only does it look stunning, but it’s vegan and gluten-free to boot!
Image from Jen Huang for Lael
Coral and floral
Having a springtime wedding? This three-tiered cake is both seasonal and on-trend thanks to the spray of fresh flowers and ombre coral effect climbing up the tiers.
Image by Letter A Photography, source
Brushstrokes of genius
For a more contemporary spin on your Big Day confection, why not try an altogether artier style? We love this watercolour effect splashed over three tiers and signed off with the couple’s initials. Simple but oh so effective.
Image from Green Wedding Shoes
Mermaid vibes
There’s no way we could present a coral-themed feature without delving into the sea. If you want to take the trend literally, why not commission an underwater-themed cake for your big day, complete with starfish, pearl details and an interpretation of coral reefs?
Cake by The Pastry Studio
Stationery
Set the tone
Give your guests a clue on your wedding theme by incorporating the colour in your wedding invitations. Add lasercut details and a secondary complementary colour for extra intricate details.
Image from Elizabeth Anne Designs
Take your seats
Help your friends and family find their seats in the prettiest way possible. If you’re feeling floral for your Big Day, add this to the background of your seating chart in a beautiful design. You could even DIY this look with a roll of wallpaper in coral hues. Just add a frame and printed table cards.
Image by Lemonade Pictures
Table talk
Keep your table numbers simple with a wash of coral and gold calligraphy. Want to go more luxe? Have your stationer design personal name places in this style and watch your guests’ jaws drop.
Image by Katelyn James Photography from source
Décor
Sunset tones
Go big with coral on your Big Day with bright drapes in PANTONE’s colour of the year. When grouped with complimentary colours, the effect speaks for itself. Warm and inviting, this is the perfect look for a pre-wedding event as well as the traditional ceremony.
Image from source
Update the traditional
Swap traditional marigolds for carnations to get more colour options – including lively coral. Tethering them together with string allows you to create an easy design element that can be used to section areas at your outdoor mehndi party or positioned as a flower wall at the entrance of your venue for photo ops as your guests arrive.
Florals by Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design, images by Mademoiselle Fiona. From source
Haars for the Big Day
Try a softer approach for your wedding haars by using different shades of coral and pink, along with red blooms. This couple, who held their wedding in California’s Napa Valley, used the colour palette all across their wedding décor, from the mandap to the floor, perfectly illustrating the impact coral can have when done right.
Images by Meg Smith
Softly, softly décor
If timeless and elegant are at the top of your décor wishlist, mixing coral with peach and white can bring together the desired vibe. This alfresco reception is heavy on white with touches of coral and peach, which all work together to create a super chic and stylish look. We love this concept for a smaller do, like a bridal shower or afternoon tea hen party.
Image by Nicole Lennox
Up, up and away!
Florals aren’t the only design option when it comes to decorating your venue. More and more couples are commissioning balloon installations to bring a gorgeous new twist to their wedding day look. What’s great about coral is that it’s so versatile with other colours: add green foliage and gold ribbon to create a tropical vibe, or try pale grey or duck egg blue for an unforgettable effect.
Image from source