2021 Pantone Colors of the Year & Weddings

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By Annabeth Feltner for Devoted Cincinnati Dayton | Photos by Pottinger Photography

The 2021 Pantone Colors of the Year are Illuminating and Ultimate Gray, two shades that express comfort, dependability, and warmth. We often see the Pantone Colors of the Year heavily influence wedding trends, and this year’s colors are the perfect pairing for the Boho style that is the dominating wedding style across the country.

Illuminating’s cheerful brilliance and deep hue is a yellow that is both forgiving and approachable in many ways. It can be used as an accent color for spring, summer, and fall weddings. It lends itself naturally to brides planning on very floral-heavy design schemes. Gerbera daisies, lilies, and craspedia variabilis (or billy balls as they are more commonly called) are vibrant yellow flowers that encapsulate the jubilant vibe that Illuminating exudes.

While Illuminating is a bold pop of color sure to make your wedding palette stand out in the best of ways, Ultimate Gray offers a more soothing, grounding presence. A perfect choice for as the primary color for a wedding palette. This ultra-flattering shade is ideal for bridesmaid dresses and formalwear. It is universally complimentary, and your bridal party will be grateful that you chose such an elegant and versatile color. As the ever-popular adage goes, your bridal party might actually wear their gowns and suits again!

If the Illuminating and Ultimate Gray pairing is not quite the palette of your dreams, you can always use these colors as a starting point. Perhaps you would be more comfortable with a subtler pastel shade of yellow and a deeper charcoal gray, or an even brighter, bolder yellow and softer gray. The Pantone website is a great resource and even has pre-made palettes showcasing variations on the Colors of the Year, making it easy to take their Colors of the Year and find the combination that suits you and your wedding best.

VENDOR TEAM: Wedding Planner: Your Dream Day; Venue: The Summit Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio; Photographer: Brenda Pottinger, Pottinger Photography; Decor: Chrissy Lane Designs; Flowers, The Flowerman; Men’s Attire, Folchis Formalwear; Wedding Dress, Blush Bridal, in the Reading Bridal District; Linens & Rentals, All Occasions.