Dive into the world of muted colour palettes

Credit: Leah Marie Photography

Rebecca Brennan-Brown, founder of GetWed, a team of wedding experts based in London, helping couples achieve dreamy, fun, and unpretentious weddings, dives into the world of muted colour palettes and shares her top tips and advice for channeling this aesthetic...

In a world of Instagram algorithms and Pinterest boards that feed you new inspiration every five minutes, it can be tricky to choose a colour palette for your wedding, let alone stick to one. Do you go for classic, whimsical whites and greens? Or perhaps something bolder and more fun? Or maybe you've always envisioned a summery pastel palette. The options are endless.

But there's a new kid on the block - the muted pastel palette. A modern take on one of the most traditional combinations, muted pastels are simply classic pastels mixed with a touch of grey to change the tone. They're the baby shower's cooler older sister who lives in East London.

Muted pastels are a combination of green, blue, yellow, pink and sometimes lilac or peach. When creating a colour palette, we always try to use five colours in different amounts. For example, green and pink might be your primary colours, layered with smaller accents of yellow, pink and lilac.

This colour palette's key feature is its versatility; you can adjust the intensity to your liking. Opt for a bolder base colour, like lilac, for a more vibrant look. Or stick to a more neutral base, such as green or pink, for a more delicate and ethereal aesthetic.

One of the gorgeous things about muted tones is that they all go flawlessly together, so there's no risk of clashing if they're all kept within the same tone. An excellent way to use a muted colour palette is in bridesmaid's dresses. Instead of having everyone in the same matching dress, try having each bridesmaid wear a different colour, or two or three if that feels too messy. If you're leaning into the modern look, try having each of your maids holding a bouquet of the same flower; for example, one has daisies, one has tulips, and so on in a colour that matches their dress. It's an ultra-cool upgrade on the old-fashioned bridesmaid fit.

When it comes to your tables, the world is your oyster. You have ample space and opportunity to get creative with your colours. Start with the tablecloths - either go neutral and build the colour on top, or start with a bold base and tone it down. There are countless elements to play with, from menus and place cards to napkins and glassware. Use these to bring a pop of colour and tie everything together. Add another layer of interest with a ribbon, tassel, or an interesting trinket. This will allow you to bring in more of your chosen colours while making everything feel intentional and considered.

The muted colour palette stems far beyond the colours themselves - they create a soft, relaxed vibe for guests to enjoy. Imagine you've just got married and are standing in a beautiful garden on a warm spring day enjoying an Aperol with your family and friends. Your favourite songs play in the background, and your wild, delicate florals bounce in the soft breeze. You lead everyone through for dinner, and beyond the cheers of celebrations, there's a beautiful soft dining table with a neutral charge plate and pink stationery waiting for you.

Have I sold you the vision yet?