Brides across the globe will be seeing green this year, in a good way.
“Greenery” recently was selected as the Pantone Color of the Year 2017 and the bridal industry has taken note. Wedding planners everywhere are busy mixing the earthy, yellow-green hue into decorations, clothing, wedding favors and even food.
“‘Greenery’ symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Green is one of my favorite colors but I thought it might be best as a wedding accent color, not a theme. But what do I know? I grew up with harvest gold refrigerators and venetian pink toilet seats.
So, I tapped experts from coast to coast who offered fantastic ideas, advice and opinions for using “Greenery” in their 2017 wedding colors. Please share these valuable snippets with brides-to-be and wedding designers everywhere!
Embrace nature
- “‘Greenery’ by itself may put some brides off, however, it’s the
perfect color for a ceremony and reception that’s held partially indoors, partially outdoors and incorporates an area’s natural elements. Arrangements that work in striking green mosses and delicate hanging vines are perfect uses of 2017’s Pantone color.
Another great option? Bridesmaid’s dresses. Greenery, even in a slightly lighter or darker shade, works well on all skin tones.” — Alexis Matthews, catering and wedding manager, Pechanga Resort & Casino of Temecula, Calif.
Be gentle
- “Adding ‘Greenery’ elements to your wedding day can create an
invigorating color scheme, but be careful to not overdo it … The best part of a lush greenery table runner is that it suits almost any theme (e.g. beachy, classic, country, farmhouse, etc.). It’s a great way to refresh your table decor and bring the table together. You can either place it with white linen for a romantic look or on top of a wood-grain table to keep with a rustic theme.” — Derrick Valenti, wedding planner, Warwick Allerton Hotel, Chicago
Stunning accents
- “I’m actually a huge fan of the Pantone color ‘Greenery’! If the idea
of a vivid green being the anchor of your wedding palette sends you running for the hills, opt for it as an accent shade against more muted or minimalist pure white anchor shades to add pops of color. Swap out standard calla lilies or white roses for vibrant cymbidiums or floral-like succulents in your bouquets and boutonnieres. Pick a color block-style cake design and dedicate one tier to greenery! Select accessories for your maids and groomsmen in this rich shade — shoes, cummerbunds/vests and jewelry will help to give this shade cohesion.” — Dorian Smith-Garcia, Bridal Expert and Founder of The Anti Bridezilla
A tame foundation
- “One way to tie this color in is to treat it as a neutral. ‘Greenery’ pairs well with a variety of colors from plum to rose to gold and everything in between. Focus on using lots of leafy garlands throughout the space and simply choose your favorite color for other details like bridesmaid’s dresses, flowers, cake, etc. We also like the idea of using greenery as your pop of color. Pair it with a backdrop of charcoal or blue shades for a timeless but modern look. Think tablecloths or runners in these classic colors and greenery for your water goblets, napkins or floral arrangements.” — Ashley Patyk, owner of Magnolia Bridal, Saint Charles, Ill.
Invite “Greenery”
- “Our favorite way to incorporate color is through your paper
goods and stationery. Tease your guests with what is to come at the wedding by adding some greenery accents to your invitations. Try a ribbon or paper band in greenery to hold the invitation suite together! At the wedding, get creative with the color by including it as a subtle pop on an otherwise neutral wedding menu, or create an ombre escort card display using ‘Greenery’ and its “color neighbors. At first I was disappointed in the color choice, but ‘Greenery’ has grown on me in the last few weeks. I love what the color represents and the meaning it holds: new, clean, fresh, revitalization. I think we all want more of that in 2017!” — Julia Pavlovski, owner and lead planner of Wedding Wise, Seattle
DIY green accents
- “My personal opinion of ‘Greenery’ as it pertains to wedding
planning is that, like any color, it won’t be for everyone, and absolutely no one should feel like they need to incorporate Pantone’s color of the year in their 2017 wedding. Having said that, I think it’s a great option and can be a versatile color for couple’s planning weddings of all styles and budgets. ‘Greenery’ is easy to incorporate with floral garlands and wreaths (Italian ruscus and seeded eucalyptus are my personal favorites).
Photo by Danny Gorman Photography courtesy of Contagious Events
Consider recycling green wine bottles as candle holders with tapered candles in the neck. You can cut the bottom of the wine bottle off and place a pillar candle inside. Work with your bar team to create green cocktails! You can achieve a green tint in champagne by adding Midori, a green, melon flavored liquor. Instead of a pillow, consider placing the rings in a glass box lined with moss.” — Joe Rogers, Contagious Events, Boston, MA
Bouquets and cakes
- “‘Greenery’ is the perfect addition to any spring wedding color
palette. It would be a great accent color in a bright, white invitation suite, or a show-stopper color for your wedding cake. I think a bright, all-green bridal bouquet would be stunning — think loose, cascading blooms, ferns and greens — that would be a true work of art for you to carry down the aisle.” — Janice Carnevale, Bellwether Events, Washington, D.C.
Accent your apparel
- “Pair this color of 2017 with neutrals and pastels to create a very romantic and elegant combination. The bride-to-be may choose to incorporate this beautiful color in creative ways with floral crowns for her and her bridesmaids, perhaps a fabulous pair of heels, and let’s not forget accessories! Statement pieces really enhance the bridal look with chic style timelessness.” — Elizabeth Brook, marketing manager, Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Centers
It’s all in the details
- “In my opinion, ‘Greenery’ is a fresh choice! Last year’s
colors, Rose Quartz and Serenity, were calm and subdued, but ‘Greenery’ livens up the most exciting day in a bride’s life! To subtly incorporate greenery into a wedding, use it only on the details. Combine ‘Greenery’ in the form of faux or natural plants with dark wood and white textiles. The bride’s bouquet can incorporate extra ‘Greenery’ through green ranunculus flowers or hypericum berries. Perfect ‘Greenery’ wedding favors include succulents or soy candles. Try natural elements like green apples or pears as table markers.” — Megan Frisbee, event planner and community manager, Gig Salad
- “I don’t find this hue to be particularly attractive. It is a difficult color to wear as it doesn’t flatter most skin types and this specific shade isn’t commonly organically found from a wedding floral perspective. My suggestion would be to use it as a secondary color. If a couple are feeling bold, they could use it as a tie color for the groomsmen, best paired with a navy. Bridesmaids could sear it as a sash around the waist of a navy dress or as a ribbon tied around their bouquet.” — Chelsea Roy, wedding planner and owner, Everything But The Ring
Green for all seasons
- “The Pantone color of the year, ‘Greenery,’ is a great neutral that
will pair well with another trend this year, metallics such as gold and copper. But it also can be paired with expected colors like butter yellow. When most people think about the color green, they think spring/summer, but the versatility of this color can be used all year round.” — Robyn Bruns, owner and event planner, Red Letter Event Planning
Trim the tables
- “Beautiful, lush garlands of a variety of shaded and textured greenery can decorate the center of a long, dining table instead of centerpieces, and it looks great swagged on the bar, bride and groom chairs, etc. Take a multi-sensory approach by tucking votives of “green grass” or “basil” scented candles into garland and around the reception to appeal to guests’ sense of smell.” — Kathleen McCormack, wedding director of Seabrook Island Club
Eco-loving shade
- “Green is a very popular color in my region (San Diego, Calif.),
mostly because we are lucky to have a warm climate year-round. I’m a certified Green Wedding Planner and I work with green in different shades for my eco-conscious couples. I find it a very versatile shade that goes well with pretty much any color.” — Sabrina Cadini, La Dolce Idea
A go-to garnish
- “While ‘Greenery’ is a gorgeous color, it is not necessarily a photographer’s best friend. Even without green everything, we fight against green hues taking over our photos. I would advise brides to keep the greens to accents throughout the wedding day. Centerpieces/table decorations are a great place to include some ‘Greenery’! Flowers that best match the 2017 color are Bells of Ireland, the whimsical little balls of dianthus, or green hydrangeas accented by white and green chrysanthemums.” — Katelyn Wollet of Katelyn Wollet Photography
Tell us what you think
Above are some ideas from Totally Wedding Koozies. We offer many unique wedding favors to make your big day fun and memorable. We have styles and colors to suit any wedding theme!
Share your own ideas for green wedding color themes by clicking “Leave A Comment” below. We’d love to hear from you!
— Shelley Grieshop
