One of the seven colours of the rainbow, orange is available in a wide variety of shades and tints. From rustic burnt orange to vibrant tangerine, there are a whole host of options from which to choose when opting for an orange wedding theme or orange wedding colour scheme. This article takes a closer look at orange weddings, and provides ideas and suggestions on how to create the ultimate orange-based day.
Compatible Colours & Themes
For those looking to use orange as a base for their wedding colour scheme, there are certain wedding themes and colours that it will work particularly well with. So unless you're contemplating an all-orange wedding theme, then this will be of particular interest to you.
An adaptable colour, orange not only combines effectively with other shades of its own colour, but it can also be complemented by a whole range of other colours to stunning effect. Pastel colours - rose pink, mint, peach, lemon etc - will complement a light orange superbly, whilst darker, deeper oranges can combine well with chocolate browns and bottle greens to stunning effect. For a bolder statement, deep purple, fuchsia and black will really help to highlight the colour orange, whilst azure blue provides a wonderful complementary shade. Bright gold will generally interact well with orange, whilst silver and chrome can work well with some of the darker shades, though they may be overwhelmed by some of the lighter shades.
If you are contemplating a themed wedding of some description and would like the colour orange to feature prominently, then a beach or butterfly wedding theme would work for a more vibrant orange, or for a darker shade, wild west and oriental wedding themes look superb. Additionally, orange is also a wonderful accompaniment to any spring or summer wedding theme, whilst darker oranges will work wonders in autumn where the warmth of their colour will help put a smile on everyone’s face.
Orange Wedding Flowers
Flowers are one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to showcase your orange wedding theme or orange colour scheme and there are a wide range of orange flowers available from which you can choose. Some popular wedding flowers available in orange that you may want to consider are...
Alstroemeria
Asclepias
Carnations
Dahlias
Freesia
Gerberas
Iris
Lilies
Marigold
Orchids
Poppies
Roses
Snapdragons
Tulips
Orange Wedding Decorations & Accessories
Orange wedding decorations should feature prominently throughout your day, from orange balloons (be they free standing, exploding, balloon-arches or other), banners and streamers, to pew bows, pillar candles and chair covers.
Table decoration is also essential, and orange table confetti, orange table cloths/runners, orange disposable cameras, orange napkins and orange napkin rings are just some of the ways to accentuate your orange wedding theme or colour scheme. The table centrepieces are an obvious focal point, so an orange floral arrangement or a simple orange glass bowl filled with water and adorned with orange rose petals and floating orange candles will look superb. For a finishing touch, consider naming your tables after different shades of orange.
Orange Wedding Favours
Favours are a great little wedding keepsake, and what better way to give your guests something to take away that will remind them of your day than an orange wedding favour.
Essentially, any wedding favour placed in an orange organza bag, encased in an orange wrapper or placed in an orange container is good bet, but for maximum impact try to opt for a favour that is itself orange in colour. Personalised miniature marmalade pots are a prime example whilst fortune cookies in orange foil are popping up at weddings these days - orange teddies for the little ones are a great alternative. Orange bubbles, aftershave or perfume in a custom made orange bottle, personalised miniature bottles of cointreau, orange soap, orange candles and orange picture frames are also superb options.
If you plan to head down the sweets and candy line, chocolate dragees wrapped in orange foil are a good traditional option, or for something more unconventional how about candy wedding rock, mango or orange liquorice sticks, orange M&M's or chocolate orange fudge? Not only will they all taste superb, but they'll look the part too.
Orange Wedding Finishing Touches
You'll want to factor red into as much as you possibly can to obtain maximum effect. With this in mind, here are just a few orange wedding suggestions you may wish to implement...
Stationery: Long before the wedding takes place, invitations and save the date cards will be sent out to your wedding guests. With this in mind, try to get across your orange wedding plans early and factor the colour into your designs. Continue the orange trend on, and after, the day with your place-cards, menus, orders of service, thank you cards, table plans etc.
Wedding Dress: A traditional ivory wedding dress adorned with orange accessories (orange crystals, embroidery, ribbons etc.) is a subtle way to emphasise your theme/colour scheme and will look superb. An orange garter is always an option, whilst a pair of ivory wedding shoes with a woven orange pattern adds a classy finish.
Wedding Outfits: Orange bridesmaids dresses are a fairly obvious call, but you should also consider orange neckpieces and waistcoats / cummerbunds for the Groom and his groomsmen. Look to finish any wedding outfit off with a series of orange wedding accessories - orange cufflinks, orange bridesmaid jewellery, orange bolero's etc.
Transport: Arrive in style in a orange wedding vehicle! OK, we're not going to lie, you will have real difficulty tracking down a traditional vehicle in orange, but when it comes to american wedding cars, tuc tucs or other quirky wedding vehicles you may in for a bit more luck. Failing that, any white wedding car adorned in orange bows, ribbon and orange floral decorations will really look the part.
Cake: As one of the focal points of the day, an orange wedding cake is essential. Whether it's a cake iced fully in orange or a white based cake adorned with orange decorative items (orange flowers, kumquats etc.), an orange wedding cake topper is also a must. For a nice finishing touch, you may want to consider orange flavoured icing and lashings of marmalade as a filling!
Food: Carrot and coriander soup, pumpkin stew, mango sorbet.
Welcome Drinks: Fresh orange juice for the kids, malibu/vodka and orange or their parents!
Jewellery: As a long and lasting reminder of your orange wedding theme, consider incorporating an amber gemstone into your wedding rings and, if it's not too late, also your engagement rings.
First Dance For the ultimate orange wedding theme, why not take your first dance together to Orange Coloured Sky' by Nat King Cole!
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