Ideas & Inspiration for a Bold Red Wedding Theme

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids West Hartford / Carl Elixir

No color is more symbolic of love, passion, and romance than red.

And with dozens of shades to choose from, creating a red wedding color palette for the big day is a cinch!

Whether you like vibrant and energetic hues or dark and dramatic tones, there is a red to suit every mood, aesthetic, wedding style, and season.

From striking decor to eye-catching color palettes to beautiful bridesmaid dresses, here are our favorite red wedding ideas to help you create a gorgeous red wedding theme.

Shades of Red That Make Great Wedding Themes

 

Reds can be warm or cool, energetic or subdued, vibrant or calming. Some are pinkish. Some have orange or yellow undertones. Others have more blue or purple compositions. Each one is different, and each one is gorgeous! Here are seven distinct shades of red that might be perfect for your big day.

Burgundy

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta / Eric & Jamie Gay

One of the reasons we love a burgundy wedding theme is that burgundy is flattering on every skin tone (aka, your bridesmaids will look amazing)! With brown undertones that give it its deep, dark hue, burgundy is one of the most popular red wedding colors because it works for every season and every style.

Claret

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids OKC / Aaron Snow

Claret is dark yet vivid, sort of like a deep berry color. Blue and purple undertones make this shade a sophisticated, dramatic choice for a wedding party.

Cabernet

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids OKC / Calli B

Cabernet is a deep, dark wine color, literally named for the wine of the same name. With purple undertones, cabernet is easy to mix and match with a variety of colors and looks absolutely stunning for a fall or winter wedding.

Crimson

 

If you want a strong, attention commanding red for fall or winter, consider crimson. Crimson is a vibrant yet deep shade with cool undertones and a rose tinge that gives it a slightly purple look.

Lipstick Red

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids West Hartford / Carl Elixir

Lipstick red is a bright, classic red that really pops. Vibrant and bold, it’s the shade of red in the rainbow, the primary color that most people think of when they hear “red.”

Rose

 

A lighter red with more pink undertones, rose is a lovely shade for early spring and fall weddings. It’s a gorgeous alternative if you’re leaning towards burgundy but want something a bit lighter.

Deep Red

 

Deep red is darker than lipstick red, but brighter and more vibrant than darker tones like burgundy or crimson. If you’re concerned that lipstick red might be too bright, deep red is a chic alternative.

Related: What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding as a Guest

Best Color Combinations for a Red Wedding Theme

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta / Tony Minifield

Once you decide which red will be your focal color, it’s time to start building a color palette with complementary and contrasting colors to balance and accent it perfectly. Here are some classic and modern color combinations that we love:

Related: 19 Bridesmaid Dress Colors for Any Occasion

Red and Black

 

Red and black is a classic color palette that, with brighter or lighter shades of red, offers stark contrast. If it feels too stark for your aesthetic, bridesmaids in red dresses look just as beautiful beside groomsmen in grey suits.

Red and Green

 

Red and green complement each other so well that there are many ways to create this combo. Team burgundy with sage green for a fall wedding. Combine cabernet with forest green for a winter wedding. And if you’re having a traditional Christmas wedding, pairing jewel tones like ruby red and emerald green will evoke a holiday vibe.

Red and Pink

 

When picking wedding colors, consider shades that are in the same color family, like red and pink. Cabernet and rose are stunning with blush pinks and pale, muted pink pastels. Deep burgundy tones mixed with brighter pinks offer vibrant contrast.

Red and Blue

 

For a high contrast look, mix and match bridesmaid dresses in shades of red and blue. You can create stunning color palettes with burgundy and navy blue, or crimson with royal blue, or deep red with dusty blues.

Red and Purple

 

A gorgeous color combination for fall or winter is a deep tone, like cabernet, paired with contrasting shades of plum or eggplant. For a more autumnal vibe, add a touch of contrast with copper or terracotta accents.

Related: When to Order Bridesmaid Dresses (Full Timeline)

Our Favorite Bridesmaid Dresses for a Red Wedding

 

Color is one of the most important things to consider when picking bridesmaid dresses, and if you’re planning a red wedding theme, there are tons of lovely options to choose from! Here are some of our favorite red bridesmaid dresses to help inspire your color choice.

After Six 6967 Dress in Burgundy

 

The After Six 6967 dress in burgundy is effortlessly chic in a trumpet silhouette with a one shoulder neckline. Crepe fabric makes it perfect for wearing in any season, while a bow detail adds an ultra-feminine touch.

Alfred Sung D884 Dress in Cabernet

 

Ideal for a formal fall or winter wedding, the Alfred Sung D884 dress in cabernet is luxurious and bold. This satin twill ball gown features bow shoulder straps, a soft scoop back, and a flattering V-neckline.

Related: The Bridesmaid’s Guide to Dress Alterations

LulaKate Julie Bodice with Gathered Skirt in Crimson

 

Off the shoulder bows add texture and a touch of romance to the LulaKate Julie Bodice with Gathered Skirt in crimson. In shantung fabric for a formal, upscale look, this gown features a strapless bodice and a full A-line skirt to flatter every bridesmaid’s body type.

Amsale Jaylin Dress in Lipstick Red

 

Create a vibrant and energetic wedding party with the Amsale Jaylin dress in lipstick red. Beautifully tailored in faille fabric, this design features a sculpted trumpet skirt, a strapless bodice, and a chic foldover detail at the neckline.

Jenny Yoo Renee Dress in English Rose

 

The Jenny Yoo Renee dress in English rose has a soft and romantic appeal in luxe chiffon. Perfect for spring, summer, or fall, this design features a fitted bodice with spaghetti straps, a straight neckline, and a flowing circle skirt.

Related: How to Get the Most Accurate Bridesmaid Dress Measurements

Dessy 2906 Dress in Valentine

 

Lightweight and airy in lux chiffon, the Dessy 2906 dress in Valentine offers sophisticated style in a flattering A-line silhouette. A cut out detail, a shirred inset at the waist, and a halter neckline add both modern and timeless appeal.

Christina Wu Celebrations 22046 Dress in Claret

 

A flowing tie at the waist adds texture and charm to the Christina Wu Celebrations 22046 dress in claret. This rich gown features a flowing A-line silhouette with a V-neck bodice, spaghetti straps, and functional pockets in the skirt.

How to Decorate for a Red Wedding

 

Scarlet table linens. Maroon welcome signs. Bright red ribbons tied on chairs.

Whether you choose to drench your venue in color or add hints of red here and there, there are endless ways to incorporate red wedding decor into the big day.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect wedding party attire, it’s time to get creative with these decor ideas.

Red Flowers

 

Think classic red roses in centerpieces and bridal bouquets. Imagine floral arrangements with greenery, dahlias, or peonies at your ceremony. Picture an array of anemones surrounding your wedding arch. Tulips, poppies, hibiscus — there are hundreds of red flowers to choose from to suit your unique wedding style.

Red Tablescapes

 

You can create luxurious, elegant tablescapes or casual, rustic table settings with red glassware, red dinnerware, or both. Layer on red linens like tablecloths, table runners, and napkins to add more depth and decadence. For an even more regal look, add gold-trimmed wine glasses, gold chargers, or gold utensils to each place setting.

Red Candles

 

Set a romantic, dramatic ambiance for wedding guests by placing red candles throughout your ceremony and reception space. Mix candles of different sizes of different heights to add depth to dining tables, bar tops, cocktail tables, or accent tables. Consider dark-wood candleholders for a rustic vibe or gold candleholders for a more opulent look.

Red Foods and Beverages

 

With all of the fruits, veggies, and wines that exist, red can be the focus of your food and beverage menu as well. For cocktail hour, add a decadent charcuterie spread with red meats, red grapes, and red berries. At food stations, serve pasta dishes with red sauces. For dinner, serve proteins with red wine reductions. At the bar, serve Negronis, mocktails with cranberry juice, or red wine.

At the end of the meal, delight your guests with mini red velvet cakes and bite-sized desserts topped with cherries, and have your baker decorate your wedding cake with red icing or accents.

Red Signage

 

You can carry the red theme throughout every moment of your wedding day by including red signage all around your venue. Welcome signs in your ceremony space, menus on dining tables, seating charts, place cards, escort cards, table numbers — all are opportunities to showcase your favorite shade of red.

 

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No matter which shade you choose for your big day, styling a red wedding theme is easy to do. From flowers to bridesmaid dresses to the food you serve your guests, you can create a gorgeous red wedding at any time of year.

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