A primary colour, red is available in a wide variety of shades and tints. From deep burgundy and maroon to warm terra cotta and vibrant scarlett, there are a whole host of options from which to choose when opting for a red wedding theme or red wedding colour scheme. This article takes a closer look at red weddings, and provides ideas and suggestions on how to create the ultimate red-based day.
Compatible Colours & Themes
For those looking to use red 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-red wedding theme, then this will be of particular interest to you.
An adaptable colour, red 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. Dark greens working perfectly with deep sumptuous reds, whilst oranges and yellows will also work in harmony with more of a pillar-box red. With regards a metallic option, darker reds will suit both gold, silver, bronze and chrome accompaniements, whilst lighter reds are best left to just gold and bronze. Pink often sits well with a red colour scheme, but be careful when colour-matching to avoid unwanted clashes. Likewise, both white and black complement red perfectly, but as both are quite bold options, you need to be sure if this colour combination is for you.
If you are contemplating a themed wedding of some description and would like the colour red to feature prominently, then a heart wedding theme, or one centred around love and passion is ideal. Additionally, red is also a wonderful accompaniment to any oriental or Christmas wedding theme. Deep red colours are ideal, and very popular, for winter weddings where they will add a degree of warmth to the day.
Red Wedding Flowers
Flowers are one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to showcase your red wedding theme or red colour scheme and there are a wide range of red flowers available from which you can choose. Some popular wedding flowers available in red that you may want to consider are...
Asters
Campanulas
Carnations
Dahlias
Freesia
Gerberas
Gladioli
Hyacinths
Hydrangeas
Lilies
Peonies
Phlox
Roses
Sweet Peas
Tulips
Red Wedding Decorations & Accessories
Red wedding decorations should feature prominently throughout your day, from red 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 red table confetti, red table cloths/runners, red disposable cameras, red napkins and red napkin rings are just some of the ways to accentuate your red wedding theme or colour scheme. The table centrepieces are an obvious focal point, so a red floral arrangement or a simple red glass bowl filled with water and adorned with red rose petals and floating red candles will look superb. For a finishing touch, consider naming your tables after different shades of red.
Red 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 a red wedding favour.
Essentially, any wedding favour placed in a red organza bag, encased in a red wrapper or placed in a red container is good bet, but for maximum impact try to opt for a favour that is itself red in colour. Personalised miniature strawberry jam pots are a prime example and red wedding dice are also popping up at weddings these days - red teddies for the little ones are a great alternative. Red bubbles, aftershave or perfume in a custom made red bottle, personalised miniature bottles of red wine, red soap, red candles and red picture frames are also superb options. For a winter wedding, how about a personalised red bauble?
If you plan to head down the sweets and candy line, chocolate dragees wrapped in red foil are a good traditional option, or for something more unconventional how about candy wedding rock, cola cubes, red M&M's or raspberry fudge? Not only will they all taste superb, but they'll look the part too.
Red 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 red 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 red wedding plans early and factor the colour into your designs. Continue the red 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 red accessories (red crystals, embroidery, ribbons etc.) is a subtle way to emphasise your theme/colour scheme and will look superb. A red garter is always an option, whilst a pair of ivory wedding shoes with a woven red pattern adds a classy finish.
Wedding Outfits: Red bridesmaids dresses are a fairly obvious call, but you should also consider red neckpieces and waistcoats / cummerbunds for the Groom and his groomsmen. Look to finish any wedding outfit off with a series of red wedding accessories - red cufflinks, red bridesmaid jewellery, red bolero's etc.
Transport: Arrive in style in a red wedding vehicle. Vintage and classic red wedding cars (particularly common in a shade of burgundy) can be tracked down and look fantastic. For something a little more daring, how about a fire engine, or a double decker bus for your guests?
Cake: As one of the focal points of the day, a red wedding cake is essential. Whether it's a cake iced fully in red or a white based cake adorned with red decorative items, a red wedding cake topper is also a must. For a nice finishing touch, you may want to consider strawberry icing and lashings of raspberry jam as a filling!
Food: Stuffed red peppers, tomato soup and strawberries and cream are all viable food choices. For something more exotic, a thai red curry could be an option.
Welcome Drinks: Consider serving summer fruit punch, a Bloody Mary or red wine on arrival.
Jewellery: As a long and lasting reminder of your pink wedding theme, incorporate rubies into your wedding rings and, if it's not too late, also your engagement rings.
Music & Entertainment: Toffee apple stands can be hired for weddings, and make a wonderful red-based form of entertainment. Alternativley, a chocolate fountain packed full of strawberries, raspberries and other red coloured food items will look equally as effective. Finally, for the ultimate red wedding theme, why not take your first dance together to 'Perfect Love' by Simply Red!
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