Over the centuries, an understanding has developed about colour coordination and the human brain. The eyes and the brain work together to process the underlying ‘feel’ of a certain colour. This is the process that tells you what colour generates a warm, hot or cold feeling in your mind, and it is these feelings that will impact how your guests feel at your wedding – and how you feel. For example, blues and greens can be very calming, while reds and purples can give strength and power to your day and make you feel royal.

Over the coming months our Angels will post articles covering many different colors and the theory behind these colours, as well as posting lots of photos for inspiration for your wedding, so keep checking back regularly.

Our first colour theme is Red and Black…… enjoy!

The color red is associated with lust, passion, love, and beauty as well. The association with love and beauty is possibly related to the use of red roses as a love symbol, making red a perfect colour for a wedding. Be careful though, too much red can be overpowering and detract from other aspects of your wedding such as your dress or your flowers. When teamed well together, red and black can look stunning. Don’t be afraid of black – gone are the days when black was seen as a sombre colour – many weddings are including black for a simple yet stunning look – many more formal weddings include black for groom’s suits, ribbons and shoes.

Consider the following:

Flowers – there are many varieties of flowers available in red. Roses, carnations, lillies and peonies are just a few. While very striking when used alone, red flowers can also be teamed with whites, ivories or creams for a more soft, romantic look. Button holes in red looking stunning against black suits and go a little different for bridesmaid’s flowers and choose a red rose with black tips for something unique.

Fabrics – when used alone, red and black can create a very medieval, romantic look, especially when highlighted with candles and candelabras. Crisp white tablecloths dressed with red and black napkins, and accessorised with red or black ribbons on chair covers with orgaanza and tulle can look striking. Try red carpet down and aisle for a more formal theme, or red roses sprinkled down a grass or sand aisle for something softer and more romantic. Be careful not to overdo it with black fabric or you risk turning into a halloween theme!

Bonbonierre and Cake – some of the most striking cakes I have seen are in red and black. While red or black icing can be tricky and look harsh, but red or black ribbons or flowers on a white cake looks gorgeous. Hunt around on the internet for cute cake toppers to accent your cake and add something personal. And of course who could go past white and dark chocolate decorations on cakes like the photo above – just devine!

Crockery – I went to a wedding once that decorated rustic wooden tables with red and black plates and bowls, instead of the traditional white. It looked devine, and so unique and memorable – give your guests something to talk about and remember!

And for something different – why not include a candy buffet with red and white lollies (licorice, redskins, and strawberries and cream) or red and black balloons at less formal weddings. Try shot glasses with personalised red rock candy for favours, or tealights with red and black pebbles for a romantic, electric feel. The list is endless!

There is no right or wrong colour when choosing a theme for your wedding – it’s all down to personal preference. Hopefully we have given you a few ideas here, and would love to hear yours too if you have any. Red and Black are statement colours and will look devine in photographs – whether you want a striking powerful theme for your wedding, or something more soft and romantic. Just remember not too overdo it – the trick here is to use accents of black and red, rather than coloring everything in sight. Good luck and happy planning!

Stay tuned for our next feature colour – blue….