Pantone has just released it’s colour of the year for 2020, Classic Blue. My reaction is, well, mixed.

I look forward to the release every year, not to blindly follow in a sea of blue, but to watch as designers, artists and everyday people use it as a jumping-off point for creative colour stories and play on materials and textures.

I love the colour blue, it’s the colour of your favourite jeans and a staple in any wardrobe, but how do we work with this in the world of weddings and floristry, especially as someone who isn’t a huge fan of blue flowers? The answer is in the details big and small of an event. Let me take you through 5 wedding colour palettes using Pantone’s Classic Blue and some tips on how to use the colour in each one.

Clubhouse Casual

When I started thinking of blue weddings I realized that I myself had one, not quite in classic blue, but I’ll use it as a starting example of how to include a strong blue colour. Here’s a hint, you won’t find it in my decor or flowers.

Our venue was a charming little blue clubhouse, located on an Island in Toronto, Canada (my hometown). The guests took a ferry across the water and starred back to a sea of blue-tinted skyscrapers.

It was inevitable that blue would have to be considered when planning our colours however instead of painting the town blue, we went with a warm orange that would pop on the backdrop of the building, a light nude that would soften the dark interior, and finished with some timeless greenery mixed in. My husband wore a blue suit (a little brighter than navy) and caramel coloured shoes. We had touches of wood to bring out the oranges and light fabrics throughout to keep things feeling calm.

So lesson number one? Remember that your venue plays a huge part in how your colours come together for the guest experience, and the photos you’ll cherish.

Here are four more palettes to try:

Spring is in the air

I love this unconventional colour combo. Take the classic blue skies, fresh tree buds and the first tulips of spring to bring them together for a fresh mix. Work with greenery that has a bright yellow-green, and fun spring flowers in peaches and lilac. For the blue? Have some striking blue suits and consider added some vintage white enamel wear with blue edges for your serving dishes to achieve some seriously adorable dessert table goals. Seal your invites with a blue wax seal and let these details bring in the colour of the year.

Tropical Vibes

Go deep with rich tropical colours perfect for a destination or poolside wedding. Use a combination of fresh and dried tropical greens for a more modern aesthetic, and don’t be afraid of colour when it comes to the hits of magenta. Don’t have a dreamy poolside lagoon to set the stage? Consider blue table cloths to add that extra richness to this setting.

French Garden

Oh, how I love a pretty pastel palette. Keep your flowers and textiles light and airy with pure whites, cream garden roses and delicate touches of periwinkle blue. This will create a soft surrounding for some vintage blue and white painted ceramics to complete your sweet and dainty garden party. A timeless look to come back to time and time again.

Rich forest magic

Freshen up the green and burgundy forest wedding look with a hit of the classic blue in the form of a trailing indigo-dyed silk ribbon. Add a friendly purple to give some breathing space in your bouquet between the rich dark colours.