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5 Ways to Add Color (and Personality) to Your Wedding Day

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If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding day that feels vibrant, joyful, and uniquely you, don’t be afraid to lean into color! Whether you’re going for a bold, rainbow-inspired celebration or just want to add a few pops of personality, there are so many ways to incorporate color into your wedding day. As a photographer who thrives on capturing bright, happy moments, here are five of my favorite ways to infuse color into your wedding day:

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1. Take photos in a colorful location

This could be a backdrop that you have made for your cocktail hour or reception (or that your photographer brings), a mural or painted wall that happens to be near your wedding location, a place that you make time to visit on your wedding day, or the actual location that you pick for your wedding or reception (like a garden in blooming season). I love to give my clients ideas of fun locations for photos if they’re interested!

See some examples of colorful backdrops, murals, and bright locations below!

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A couple in wedding attire does a silly walk in front of a yellow and blue painted wall.
A wedding ceremony takes place in the garden at hastings house in half moon bay, California.
A bride stands in front of a lavender colored backdrop wearing a light purple tulle wedding dress and holding a spring inspired wedding bouquet
A bride and groom pose in front of a patch of lavender at the Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek, CA.
A couple twirls during golden hour in a field of California poppies.
A couple kisses in front of a yellow and orange backdrop in San Francisco, CA. She's holding a colorful flower bouquet made out of legos and they're both wearing colorful shoes.
A bride wears a handmade peach tulle wedding dress with puffy sleeves. She's standing in front of an archway that reveals a coral backdrop.
A couple stands together near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with giant rainbow lollipops in front of their faces. They're smiling and holding on to each other.
Bodega Bay, California elopement among red colored ice plants. The bride looks at the camera while the groom looks at her.
A couple faces each other and the bride holds a colorful flower bouquet. They're standing among pink hydrangea bushes.
A couple in wedding attire sit on a surfboard shaped bench at the santa cruz beach boardwalk. The bride is wearing pink heart shaped sunglasses and has a large bow on the back of her dress

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2. Wear something colorful and/or unexpected

Who says you have to stick to all white? Certainly not me! Add a playful twist with colorful wedding attire like bright shoes, bold jewelry, a patterned tie, or even a non-traditional wedding outfit that’s full of color. Whether it’s just a little pop or a full statement look, it’s such a fun way to let your personality shine!

See some examples of colorful wedding attire and accessories below.

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A couple wearing wedding attire stand among the gardens at heather farm in walnut creek. The groom is kissing the bride on the cheek.
Close up photo of a bride and groom's colorful shoes in front of a light blue and yellow wall.
a bride and groom stand side by side in front of an industrial backdrop. The groom is wearing an orange velvet jacket, and the bride is holding a purple and orange bouquet.
a light blue wedding ring sits atop a pink rose petal
close up of a colorful spring floral bouquet with periwinkle ribbon, held in front of a light lavender tulle wedding gown.
detail photo of purple wedding shoes surrounded by purple and orange flowers and tiny disco balls
Two pairs of colorful sunglasses (light blue with pearls and dark blue) sit on a pink backdrop with colorful flowers scattered around them
a couple wearing red and gold traditional indian wedding dress kiss in front of a white backdrop
a pearlescent blue pear shaped wedding band sits on top of a hot pink flower

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3. Let your wedding party and/or guests be the ones to bring the color!

I’m loving weddings where guests are told to dress a certain way, such as super colorful, or within a certain palette. Not only does it make for really beautiful group photos, but it sets such a joyful tone for the whole celebration. Same goes for your wedding party! Ditch the matching look and let each person choose an outfit in a shade that fits your vibe.

See some colorful wedding party and guest ideas below!

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a wedding party stands and sits in front of the hilton santa barbara beachfront resort. Everyone is wedding colorful attire.
close up of a guest holding a colorful cocktail. Their shirt is a bright green color.
a group of people in a wedding party lean in toward the bride. They're all wearing turquoise outfits.
a couple (guests at a wedding) takes a photo in front of a purple backdrop. They're wearing 1970s themed clothing and holding up peace signs.
portrait of a guest at a wedding reception. They're wearing a pink fuzzy coat.
close up of a yellow cocktail held in front of a shimmery blue/purple shirt.
fun photo of a wedding party in front of the bridge yard in Oakland. They're all wearing shades of mustard/khaki or purple. The groom is wearing an orange velvet suit jacket.

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4. Incorporate colorful flowers and details

Flowers bring so much mood to your wedding day! Work with your florist to create a colorful look that you love, or even a monochrome look with a little unexpected pop of color! Combine that with tablescape details that coordinate or compliment and suddenly your reception space is color perfection!

See below for some examples of colorful flowers and details added to wedding days.

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tablescape at a purple and orange themed wedding with velvet napkins and a colorful flower arrangement
close up of a couple holding a purple wedding bouquet
overhead shot of a plate at a wedding reception. It's sitting on a blue tablecloth and has colorful fruit around it
a blue and purple cocktail sit in front of a purple flower arrangement
close up on a bright summer wedding bouquet with tones of peach, light pink, and light yellow
Close up of colorful flowers in peach tones adorning a custom perfume cart
a seating chart for a wedding made out of giant colorful shapes in tones of blue, yellow, and coral
close up of brightly colored wedding bouquets in tones of red, yellow, and pink (with tiny disco balls)
close up of a groom holding a rainbow colored wedding bouquet
a sweetheart table at a wedding reception covered in a purple velvet tablecloth and surrounded by an arch of colorful flowers with disco balls hanging from it
a bride at san francisco city hall holds a giant bouquet with hot pink and purple flowers, as well as a disco ball purse.
an outstretched hand holds a minimalist wedding bouquet with mostly purple flowers and one orange flower
flatlay of a colorful disco ball purse on a blue backdrop
small wedding cake with blue and white design covered with colorful flowers
horizontal image of a white wedding cake surrounded by a field of flowers all around it on a table


5. Have your photographer bring colorful backdrops and styling accessories

I love to find and bring styling backdrops that match the aesthetic of your wedding! I usually aim to bring at least one colorful backdrop and one more neutral one so that you get lots of options for your album. I also bring accessories that match the feeling and enhance the color palette.

See some examples of wedding details I’ve styled with colorful backdrops or flowers below.

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overhead shot of a wedding ring in a pink box surrounded by pink and blue flowers
flatlay of a wedding invitation on a pink backdrop with flowers around it
flatlay of a wedding invitation with a purple theme and watercolor painting inside the envelope
a bride holds out a lush summer wedding bouquet with shades of pink, peach, and white over a coral hand painted backdrop
flatlay of a colorful modern wedding invitation styled with the wedding rings, purple sunglasses, tiny disco balls, and purple and orange flowers
a peach wedding ring sits on top of a pink ring box
overhead of a white and navy wedding invitation styled with brightly colored flowers, perfume, and jewelry
overhead of a brightly colored wedding invitation styled with white orchids on a white backdrop
photo of a disney themed magic kingdom poster styled with pink sunglasses, tiny disco balls, and flowers
flatlay of two wedding vow books on a coral backdrop surrounded by colorful flowers and fake butterflies

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If you’re planning a colorful wedding (or even just thinking about adding a few pops here and there), I’d love to hear your ideas or help you brainstorm ways to bring your vision to life through photography! Reach out here!

Want more tips like this? Check out my free email series with 5 tips to set your wedding day up for beautiful photos or get on my VIP list for more fun ideas, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at colorful weddings I’ve photographed! 💛

I also recommend perusing these blog posts for colorful wedding inspo:

Quirky San Francisco Wedding with Lego Flowers + Hotdog Unity Ceremony

Citrus Disco Themed Wedding in Half Moon Bay

Creative Garden Wedding in Walnut Creek with DIY Elements

Pink Disco California Elopement at San Francisco City Hall

Purple & Orange 1970s themed disco wedding in Oakland

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i'm sarah (she/her) , your new quirky, color-loving friend!

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My goal with every client is to cultivate a fun, creative, and approachable vibe. All types of people, all types of bodies, and all types of love are welcome here.

Color and creativity fuel my soul, and whimsical details make my heart happy! I believe in finding joy in the everyday, that real emotions are better than perfectly posed, and that building real connections with my clients is what allows me to create honest photos and capture genuine moments.

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