Your wedding colour scheme sets the tone for your big day. For spring and summer celebrations, the combination of emerald, olive, lilac or lavender offers a perfect balance of vibrant jewel tones and soft pastels.
This palette is fresh, elegant, and photogenic, bringing sophistication to floral arrangements, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen accessories, and décor. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the elements of your wedding colour scheme, showing you how to balance tones and create a cohesive look from start to finish.
🎨 Tip: Start with one anchor colour (like emerald or lilac) and build your palette around it for harmony across your bridal party and venue décor.
Why Emerald, Olive, Lilac & Lavender Work
- Emerald: Vibrant, fresh, and energizing; ideal for bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen ties.
- Olive: Softens the palette with an earthy, natural tone. Perfect for greenery, décor, and subtle tie accents.
- Lilac: Jewel-toned flowers and dresses lend a warmth to the colour scheme
- Lavender: Light, romantic pastels that keep the look soft and airy.
Balancing Bold and Soft Tones
- Anchor & Accent: Use emerald or olive as your main colour and lilac/lavender as accent tones in bridesmaid dresses, florals, or table décor.
- Soft Neutrals: Introduce neutral tones like ivory, cream, or light champagne to balance the palette.
- Floral Harmony: Mix jewel-toned blooms such as the rich purples with soft pastel or ivory flowers to keep your arrangements visually balanced.
Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses and Groomsmen Accessories
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Consider emerald or lilac for full dresses, with contrasting sashes or floral accents in the other tones.
- Groomsmen Ties & Pocket Squares: Olive ties pair beautifully with lilac accents, while emerald ties create a jewel-toned statement.
- Mix & Match: Combining solid dresses with soft floral patterns in the same palette adds depth without clashing.
Incorporating Colour Throughout Your Wedding
- Stationery: Decide on your palette early so you can use this in invitations, table numbers, and signage.
- Décor: Table linens, napkins, and candles can pick up accent colours to unify the venue. If you can't find ones to match then stick with Ivory as a neutral backdrop.
- Bouquets: Mix pastel blooms with lush greenery to tie the bridal party into the overall colour scheme.
Next Steps: Matching Ties and Accessories
Once you’ve chosen your palette, the next step is matching groomsmen ties and accessories. Emerald, olive, lilac, and lavender provide a range of beautiful options for silk, satin, and textured ties so have a look at our full range here>
