Choosing a color palette is an important step in planning your wedding. This will inform your choices for almost everything: invitations, decorations, bride’s dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits, serving ware and more. When you have a color palette in mind, it makes those choices easier. Also, the colors set the tone for the whole wedding; so base your decision on whether it’s indoor/outdoor, the season and the mood you are going for.

Black, White, Gold
Best for: Classic indoor wedding
How to use it: You can’t get any more classic than black and white. The duo is elegant and formal. The addition of gold adds playfulness. You could also go in an Art Deco 1920s direction with this color combo (think the Great Gatsby). A black sash on your white wedding dress would be a distinctive touch. Or, white chair covers tied with a black bow. Gold accessories like table décor, picture frames, or even sparklers will add excitement.

Peach, Sage, Silver
Best for: Girly outdoor wedding
How to use it: Think of a beautiful bouquet of light pink roses with natural greenery tied together with silver ribbon. This color combination is utterly pretty and airy, perfect for springtime weddings. Silver jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids (maybe even silver nail polish) will tie the whole look together. The flower arrangements could be sage-colored vases with peach flowers and silver branches poking out.

Blush, Ivory, Dove Gray
Best for: Pretty winter wedding
How to use it: This pretty color combo is whimsical and cute, like a ballerina. Blush dresses for the bridesmaids would be so pretty, maybe paired with light gray ballerina flats or heels. A combination of light pink and white roses and peonies make a beautiful flower arrangement or flower crowns. Dove gray can be used for letters or signs, and décor touches like ribbons and tablecloths.

Navy, Scarlet, Berry
Best for: Outdoor fall wedding
How to use it: Navy is a classic and regal color, and the addition of berry tones adds a layer of depth. A great fashion statement for the men is a navy suit jacket with a deep red tie (and brown shoes; black wouldn’t work here). Bridesmaids can wear a variety of red dresses. Flower arrangements can include plants found in nature, like winterberries.

Emerald, Ruby, Fuchsia
Best for: Bold fall wedding
How to use it: These colors are not for shrinking violets. Well, violet may be one of the colors. Rustic bouquets with striking red dahlias or fuchsia peonies will look beautiful against a white dress. The bridesmaids’ dresses can be an array of reds and purples—just make sure they all go together well. Emerald can come in on wedding invitations, or lettering for signs and place cards.

Pale Gold, Copper, Rose Gold
Best for: Fun summer wedding
How to use it: These colors are different and fun; they show your playful side. Bridesmaids dresses can be in a variety of pale metallic colors (make sure they are not too strong, or it will be overpowering). Your white wedding dress with a gold or silver belt would tie the look together. Drinks can be served in champagne glasses with a rose gold rim, or serve Moscow Mules in the traditional copper mug, perfect for a hot summer’s day.

Lavender, Pastel Yellow, Cream
Best for: Unique spring wedding
How to use it: Yellow is one of those tricky colors, but just picture a beautiful pastel yellow ribbon on a cream-colored dress. The color combo is just different enough to be classic yet eye-catching. And spring is the perfect time for daffodils. The cake could have butter cream frosting with real lavender decoration, or even cute cupcakes. Bridesmaids can wear light lilac dresses with yellow sashes.