A true blue wedding
The Pantone Color of the Year 2020, Classic Blue, is described as “reassuring,” “calming” and “tranquil” – and who couldn’t use a little bit of that when planning a wedding?
For the last 20 years, the experts at Pantone Color Institute have chosen a hue they believe embodies upcoming trends for the next year – both in design and the larger culture. Previous selections include Living Coral (2019), Ultra Violet (2018) and Greenery (2017).
“The Pantone Color of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in color and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time, a color that reflects what individuals feel they need that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.
Classic Blue was chosen for 2020 because “we are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
As the name suggests, Classic Blue (aka PANTONE 19-4052) is a timeless tone, which makes it perfect for a wedding.
“We are excited to see a calming color come through more in events as a grounding theme,” says Kiersten Rooney, lead planner and designer for LB Events + Design in Los Angeles. “We’ve already begun designing weddings specifically with blue in mind.”
Classic Blue is a very versatile color, so it can work for any season, according to Rooney. She recommends avoiding warm tones like orange or red and, instead, letting it pop against neutral hues like creams, golds and greens.
Here are a few ideas for the best places for adding pops of the 2020 Color of the Year to your wedding:
1. Wedding attire
One of the easiest places to let “pop” is in the wedding party’s outfits. The color is universally flattering, so it’s perfect for bridesmaid dresses. The guys, too, can get in on the trend with dark blue or navy suits.
2. Stationery
Set the tone your big day with save-the-dates and invitations featuring Classic Blue. The deep shade pairs well with other trends, like watercolors and metallics, or simply as the backdrop for clean white fonts. For the most significant impact, consider using it for your envelopes, so they stand out in your guests’ mailboxes.
3. Flowers
While blue may be hard to find in the wild, there are still a few blue-toned blooms out there.
“When it comes to flowers, we always try to use flowers that are naturally colored. So, weaving in blue thistle or blue snapdragons in bouquets and flower arrangements,” says Rooney.
Other naturally blue blooms include delphiniums, Muscari, hydrangeas and cornflowers.
4. Reception tables
There are plenty of places to add touches of blue to your tablescape, like colored glassware, blue-trimmed plates or linen napkins. Or, if you’re going for a bolder look, consider swapping out the traditional white tablecloth for dark blue fabric. The deep color is the perfect backdrop for neutral-colored plates and metallic accents.
5. Lighting
One of the more out-of-the-box uses of Classic Blue is through lighting displays. Work with a unique lighting vendor to craft a cool blue backdrop or set the mood on the dance floor with blue-toned uplighting.