The colour wheel is a large circle, split into equal sections. The most basic type of wheel has six sections: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Violet. A popular variation on this design has 12 sections, as it will include the shades in between the main colours, for example, Red-Orange and Blue-Green. The colours are displayed in the same order around the wheel as they would appear on a rainbow, either clockwise or anticlockwise. The resulting image can reveal a lot about colours and their relationship to one another. Understanding these relationships can help a couple to make suitable choices when it comes to choosing a wedding colour scheme
Monochromatic Colour Schemes
A monochromatic colour scheme will focus on one single section of the colour wheel. This scheme uses different tints, tones and shades of a single colour. For example. If a bride were to choose a monochromatic scheme in violet, the palette would be limited to different shades of violet, from the very deep, rich purple shade, right through to the pale pastel lilac range of colours. A good visual representation of this idea can be seen on colour cards that show different colours in a paint range. The colours start very pale at the top of the card, leading to deeper hues at the bottom. This shows that there is still quite a lot of scope, even when using a single colour. A monochromatic scheme tends to be very soothing on the eyes.
Complimentary Colours
Complimentary colours sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. This creates a very bold and dramatic effect, which offers a very strong contrast of shades. A perfect example of how this works really well is by picturing a beautiful springtime floral arrangement of purple and yellow blooms, such as tulips, or a mixture of iris and freesias. The colours look particularly striking and would be ideal for a contemporary wedding. However, if more muted tones are used, a complimentary colour palette can also be used with great effect in a more traditional style wedding, as shades of pale green foliage and peach-coloured roses go together very well in a bouquet or table decoration.
Adjacent Colours
Colours that sit next to one another on the colour wheel also go very well together. The effect created by the adjacent colours is very similar to the soothing visual appeal of monocromatic colours, but this colour scheme has a little more depth and richness. In terms of fashion, adjacent colour schemes used to be frowned upon, and there was an old saying that "blue and green should never be seen", but in the modern world, anything goes, and experimentation with colour can produce some stunning results. Blues and violets also pair up particularly effectively.
Triadic Scheme
Another way of using colours together is to try a triadic scheme. This incorporates three colours spaced equally around the wheel, such as red, blue and yellow. This is quite a bold choice and would be certainly more suited to a modern wedding, but this colour theme can look surprisingly good. One of the best examples of this is the mixing of teal, violet and orange shades. It is best to use more subdued shades in this colour scheme as very bold colours will clash and look quite gaudy.
Practical Application of Colour Theory
There are also a few useful facts that it is helpful to know when thinking about colours. Orange and red are considered warm colours, and blue and green are cool. A colour cannot be isolated from its surroundings, so violet and yellow can be considered warm or cool depending on the colours they are placed with. Lighting and nearby colours can also affect the appearance of other colours in the scheme. It is also useful to know that colours like orange, yellow and red appear closer to the viewer, whereas violet and blue recede, and green is neutral. In any colour sceme, the brightest colours should be used the least, and the paler or duller colours should be used the most.
Application of colour theory should permeate every aspect of the wedding. These principles can be used to create beautiful, rich floral bouquets, stylish bridesmaid dresses and accessories, tastefully decorated cakes and favours, lovely table settings and reception decor, as well as bridal makeup and jewellery. By using the colour wheel to create a perfect palette, and reflecting the scheme throughout the wedding, a couple can create the colour theme that is just right for their special day.
Source: NAFAS Information sheet 1991.
Louise Jones - I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby, but started writing reviews online in February 2010 for Dooyoo, and later Ciao. In the beginning ...
