Photo: Bella Chicago / Studio This Is

So you’re newly engaged (and showing off that ring); now comes the fun part — finding some inspiration and starting the process of wedding planning!

Some couples hire a wedding planner. Some couples choose to DIY the entire event themselves. Either way, there’s one crucial first step in planning a wedding:

Choosing a color palette and a theme.

Blush pink, pale blue, pretty shades of green and grey …

With so many beautiful wedding color combos to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down a wedding color palette for your big day.

But we’re here to help.

One of our favorite wedding colors is a classic. It works in every season, complements every theme, and never goes out of style.

Drumroll, please …

It’s burgundy!

Not sure if it’s the right choice for you?  Here are five reasons why you should have a burgundy wedding color scheme! 

1. Burgundy Works in Any Season

Photo: Bella Kansas City / Mallorie McBride

Let’s be super clear about this:

Burgundy is not just a fall wedding color.

Sure, it may be perfect for a fall or winter color palette, but you can wear burgundy any time of year!

We love burgundy paired with navy. It’s classic, it’s timeless, and you can turn it into a red, white, and blue theme that can play nautical or romantic. A burgundy and navy wedding is ideal for the couple who wants a classic wedding with a unique twist.

We also love burgundy mixed with greys, golds, and silvers. Plus, burgundy bridesmaid dresses are easy to coordinate with grey, blue, black, or brown groomsmen suits. It’s a super versatile option that can go in a variety of different directions.

And don’t discount a green wedding! Burgundy pops with almost any shade of green. It’s perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

One of the biggest reasons to love a burgundy color scheme is that burgundy bridesmaid dresses are flattering on every skin tone. From the fairest to the darkest skin tones, burgundy is one of the few colors that looks great on everybody!

2. Burgundy Fabrics Always Look Rich

 Photo: Bella Los Angeles  / Laura Bailey

Dark greens look rich and glamorous in velvet. Dusty blues and blush pinks tend to look best in soft fabrics, like lace and chiffon.

But burgundy …. well, burgundy is one of those colors that looks super-rich in any and every fabric!

Maybe you’re considering velvet for a winter wedding. Maybe you’re thinking of dressing your bridesmaids in organza for a fall affair. Maybe you’re going with sequin gowns for all-out glitz or bobbinet for a fairytale woodland wedding.

No matter what season you’re getting married in or what style you’re going for, burgundy translates beautifully in every single fabric.

And while the burgundy hue works in every season, not all fabrics work year-round. Be sure to choose your dress fabrics for the season. Opt for flowing chiffons for spring and summer weddings, lace for fall affairs, and velvets for winter celebrations.

Having a winter wedding? Check out our Wedding Glove Recommendations!

3. Burgundy and Blush Make for the Perfect Contrast

Photo: Diana Frohmueller

No matter how hard we try, we cannot get enough blush pink. No matter how many blush bridesmaid dresses and blush wedding decor we see, it always looks soft, romantic, and elegant. But the best in blush wedding ideas is to mix it with burgundy. 

Burgundy and blush go together perfectly! The combination offers great contrast, especially when it comes to wedding flowers.

Just think how beautiful your bridesmaids will look carrying burgundy bouquets. Imagine how stunning your wedding tablescapes will look with burgundy floral arrangements as centerpieces. It’s a lovely option for the couple considering doing an all-blush wedding but wanting to add a richer, deeper color to the mix.

Combine burgundy and blush print on your wedding invitations. Create bridesmaids’ bouquets that mix deep red and pale pink roses. Set two-tone table settings with dark tablecloths and blush pink napkins or blush bows on the back of each chair at your reception.

Top it off with an ombre wedding cake piled high with fresh flowers or greenery!

You can also mix and match burgundy and blush bridesmaid and flower girl dresses to create a gorgeous two-tone wedding party. Match your groomsmen’s ties, pocket squares, and boutonnieres to either color or to both. In a burgundy/blush combo, your bridal party will look absolutely stunning in wedding photos for decades to come!

4. Burgundy Wedding Invitations Look Elegant and Romantic

Photo: Lissa Ryan

Dark burgundy flowers scream romance, so adding some to your wedding invitations is a perfect way to set the tone for your big day. 

You can keep your wedding invitations simple with white paper, black print, and burgundy accents. Or, you can add burgundy ribbons for an even more elegant and romantic look.

If you want to add some metallic elements to your wedding invites, burgundy print works well with gold, silver, and rose gold hues.

Related: How to Address a Wedding Invitation

5. Burgundy Accents Bring the Drama

Photo: Bella Nashville / B. Flint

Unlike pastels, which evoke a light and carefree feeling, burgundy does the opposite:

It brings the drama! 

Burgundy is dark, romantic, and a bit moody, making it an easy color to incorporate into any wedding theme and style. Whether you’re planning a rustic wedding or an elegant modern wedding, burgundy is the perfect addition to any theme.

And that’s because it can be mixed and matched with all sorts of colors to create different moods and effects.

Want to add some dramatic contrast to your white wedding dress? Carrying a wedding bouquet with burgundy flowers is the perfect way to do so.

Burgundy is one of those colors that allows for lots of creativity. It looks just as great with shades of green and grey as it does with deep purples, oranges, and golds.

The options are endless!