When most people imagine a wedding, their minds immediately think of a white gown, a blushing rose, and a sprig of eucalyptus for “spices.” Cute, certainly, but… a bit predictable. And if there’s one thing I know about LGBTQIA+ couples, predictability isn’t the atmosphere.
I’m Holly Gray, lead planner, designer and CEO. Something other than the grey event (Similarly, with Wednesday’s preferred vendors LGBTQ+ Wedding Certification Similarly in Los Angeles, and for the past 15 years, I have helped couples literally throw away the rulebook and design weddings that feel like they are not as attentive as they do. This is my hot take: colour is more than just decoration. Color is personality, it is identity, it is joy. If your love story is lively, why do your wedding day look beige?
Monica and Shell Hotels around the hotel
photograph: D’Amore Wedo
Color is a strange joy and contagious
LGBTQIA+ LOVE was always about breaking molds, pushing boundaries and creating new traditions. So why settle for a palette that was basically invented to sell flash bridesmaid dresses? Bold colors not only look fun, they also emit pride, joy and credibility.
Imagine a neon pink seating chart smiling at your guests, floral prints tones with gems that stop traffic, or bright citrus linens bustling with energy. These are not clean choices, but microphone drop moments, they say: This is us, and yes, we are celebrating in full technicolor for everyone to see!
Joel and Bono
photograph: Danforth Neil Photos
Discover the colors you actually love
Here’s a little secret. You don’t need to choose your wedding colour from a random Pinterest board. In fact, the best colours often come directly from your own life. Don’t know what color you and your partner like the most? No worries, take a look:
- Do you wear the most colours in your wardrobe?
- What shades dominate your home decoration?
- What colours do you attract naturally in your daily life?
- Are they cool, warm tones?
You may be surprised to discover that you are secretly a teal fan or mustard lover. Just observe what you already love and incorporate those shades into your wedding palette. Your personal favorite is definitely the perfect starting point for the day that is you.
Beth and Candy Ebel in Long Beach
photograph: Danforth Neil Photos
Let’s talk about the rainbow. But only if you want to
Yes, the Rainbow flag has been an iconic symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride for decades, and for some couples, decking out a wedding at Rainbow, everything feels like the ultimate celebration of queer love.
But not every strange couple feels like a rainbow, it’s absolutely fantastic, the colors don’t have to rival the rainbow. It will be a gemstone tone, moody shades, pastel, monochrome, or a wild palette that you feel is true. Think of colour as creativity, uniqueness, and self-expression. Your wedding doesn’t have to scream rainbows to scream you and your partner.
Tori and Brianna from West Hollywood Rainbow Crossing
photograph: Justin McCollum Photos
Easy and fun history lessons
How did your wedding get stuck in this beige, blush, green rut? Thank you Queen Victoria in 1840 for wearing white and accidentally kicking off the “tradition” that still bothers us. Fast forward 185, the couple still feels pressure on cookie cutter palettes that don’t reflect who they are.
Color is always strong, and psychologists will tell you. The passion of red sparks, yellow radiates joy, blue calms the soul, and the joyful fact of purple has long been bound by both royalty and strange history. When deliberately choosing a wedding color, you don’t just choose something that looks good on Instagram. You tell your love story in Technicolor.
Kimia and Haley Rancho Las Romas
credit: Peterson designs and photos
An easy way to bring in colour without the unicorn appearing to explode
Ben and Rob Ebel in Los Angeles
photograph: D’Amore Wedo
Before you panic, colour does not mean chaos. It has a thoughtful design, and even the bold palette is refined and cohesive. Here are some of my favorite ways other than the grey events where couples play in colour:
- Floral pattern: Tropical bright, moody dahlias, wild arrangements, and flowers are basically paintbrushes of Mother Nature.
- Linen and table top: Napkins, glassware and chargers set the atmosphere before the entree hits.
- Wardrobe: Marigold suits, sapphire gowns, leopard print shoes, always.
- Lights on: Wash the room in lavender or pink shades and watch the jaw fall off. Additionally, these two colors will make you, your partner and your guests look like the best and best rested photos of you. true story!
- Paper products: The invitation and menu is a small but powerful stage for personality.
Ben and Rob Ebel in Los Angeles
photograph: D’Amore Wedo
In conclusion, beige is a choice, bold is a lifestyle
Your wedding is not about Pinterest or tradition. It’s about how you want to feel it. If beige and blush don’t make your heart sing, skip them. Your color story doesn’t have to fit in someone else’s box.
Whether you go to a full rainbow, deep jewel tone, tropical bright, or an unexpected palette, be bold and intentional.
Because love deserves to be seen in perfect technicolor.
Adam and Joe Skirball Cultural Center
credit: Visuals by Arpit
Source: Equally Wed – LGBTQ+ Wedding Magazine and Wedding Vendor Directory – equallywed.com
