Purple, Gold and White Color Palette
One of our readers recently emailed me for some help on designing her best friend’s color palette. Of course, happy to help…I got to work. The bride wants a purple, gold and white color palette. Which instantly reminded me of Mardi Gras. The best friend who is helping, is trying to figure out a way to create a warm and inviting palette inspired by these colors, without seeming gimmicky or over-styled.
To be perfectly honest, I am struggling with this one. The purple and gold seem really opulent to me. Very ornate. And yet, I just don’t think that is the “look” that they are going for. So here is my starter board…
Plum dress by Maggie London at Nordstrom; favors featured on Rebecca Thuss
I’ve substituted yellow for the gold and infused the palette with pattern and texture. These were the best friend’s ideas and I have to say, I totally agree with her thoughts. This palette seems really chic to me…a nice mix of tradition and style.
But, I am not sure that this is what the bride was envisioning. Yellow instead of gold. I am going to keep working on this board and will post my attempts later today! Wish me luck!
Comment by Daisy on 4 December 2007:
loving it. I know I want dark purple … and I want tradition daisies (white with yellow middle)- cannot wait for you additional thoughts!
Comment by Emily on 4 December 2007:
WOW! I could have sworn it was my best friend that talked to you! You took the words out of my mouth about how I would describe what I want from my wedding and exact color palette that I am trying to work with. I am so excited to see if anything comes of it! I need ideas desperately! Maybe think of adding another rich tone such as a brown or taupe?
Comment by Emily on 4 December 2007:
Also, for my wedding I am throwing in a vintage feel with those colors. Here is my dress, http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/
gallery/wedding_dresses/runway/designer/
moniquelhuillier/detail/131791/?offset=
58&page=7.
That may be the opposite way you were wanting to go with this board, but it would be great for me
Comment by Alissa on 4 December 2007:
I immediately thought of that photo from a few days ago that you posted about ‘oh happy blog’ That eggplant-purple with a little raspberry color. Maybe the yellow becomes a more subtle accent?
Comment by Kelly on 4 December 2007:
I agree with making the yellow a more subtle accent. Having grown up in Louisiana, purple, yellow and white instantly scream “LSU Tigers” to me. Probably not the vibe, the bride is going for.
Comment by Heidi on 4 December 2007:
Abby,
what about an ochre instead of a yellow or gold? You could throw in a pewter perhaps as well? or you could make the purple more of an eggplant. Just a thought
Comment by Salty on 4 December 2007:
We did this using eggplant/plum purple and a more rich antique gold. Iused apricot and spicy orange as accents. We also didn’t go crazy with the color themes. We also had lady apples which were green and red used in the decorations. You can kind of get a feel here: http://www.kenblaze.com/pizmoht/pizmoht13.html
Comment by heather on 4 December 2007:
The deep purple is gorgeous for fashion and would be pretty paired with lilac hydrandras or calla lilies. I’m also picturing a soft, pale, butter yellow cake to compliment the bright yellow.
Comment by Elizabeth on 4 December 2007:
i love the purple and gold from these invitations by Ceci New York:
http://www.cecinewyork.com/collections.php?subsection=wedding&subcollection=style&design=angelina_ryan
Comment by ecochicweddings on 4 December 2007:
Abby,
I love what you’ve got so far. Maybe a little red thrown in for a jewel tone feel? Did you ever see the paper cranes from a bride on my site? Those colors would probably fit the bill…I just love the dress here, so luxurious…
Emily
http://www.ecochicweddings.com
Comment by Charmi on 4 December 2007:
I do really love the idea of the purple and the gold but I do think it needs an accent color. It reminds me actually of a sort of Indian wedding color palate (very rich colors). See http://ethnicessence.com/ for some really cool ideas using the deep purple color.
I think a a plum color with orange and gold accents or plum with green and gold accents would be beautiful and really unique.
Comment by Laura on 4 December 2007:
I think if the bride wants purple and gold, you should stick with the purple, yellow and white palette and bring in gold as a small accent color. Things like a gold applique on votive candle holders, gold jewelry, and centrepieces using white flowers and thin branches spray painted gold would be really lovely. Maybe some gold coloured napkin rings over white napkins at place settings? Gold ink on the menu cards or escort cards? I think it would be easy to bring in gold in small touches and not have it look overdone. I would avoid really large washes of gold though - like gold-colored chivari chairs, gold fabric on walls or gold tablecloths.
Comment by Meghan on 4 December 2007:
My friend just got married and played with purple and gold as her color scheme. I was skeptical at first, but she did a great job. Her floral arrangements were simple, yet gorgeous. She used yellow roses and a lot of lavender. Since the wedding was in early November, she painted pumpkins a metallic gold and used them as decoration. The venue was already gorgeous, so they kept the additional decor minimal and it looked better than I ever imagined. She wore a Gucci dress that sort of had a metallic gold brocade element to it, very unconventional and chic!
Comment by Somer McBride on 4 December 2007:
This is my color palette! Purple, gold, ivory/white, and chocolate brown.
Here’s my board:
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd198/somermcbride/MoodBoard.jpg