Somewhere Over the Rainbow... Butterflies Fly?

In doing some blog research, I have discovered countless other blogs like this one, suggesting wedding-related color schemes.  Of course I'm going to continue posting similar ideas, but my question now is, what if you CAN'T decide on just one color??


It seems like there is an infinite number of color duos to choose from, and color plays such a huge part in your wedding's ambiance.  Like music, wedding colors can elude elegance and sophistication, modern flair, rustic charm, or liveliness (see the yellow post).  If a couple can't decide on a color group, why not choose all the colors?  


I've been reading Martha Stewart Weddings for a few years now, and have never forgotten the beautiful butterfly cake on the cover of the Winter 2009 issue:

In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to butterfly cakes, like this one:

With these pictures, I'm not suggesting a butterfly-themed wedding (we'll save that for later), rather, a wedding so colorful that there are no main theme colors.  

Picture an outdoor waterfront ceremony decorated with colored balloons:

And a cocktail hour underneath a rainbow of parasols (or balloons, or butterfly garlands, etc.):

For the reception, ask your photographer about setting up a photo booth and drape the background with a bright fabric.  IKEA sells this one for $6.99/yard!

Well, now that we've set the scene... what to wear?

Let's talk about the bridesmaids and groomsmen first.  One option is to have all the bridesmaids wear similar dresses but in all different colors, and the groomsmen wear colored ties to match.  Perhaps a less vivid option is to have the bridesmaids wear their favorite LBD's (little black dresses) with some colorful accents.  

I love these glittered slingbacks from Kate Spade:

And perhaps this would be too matchy to wear with pink shoes, but this Dolce and Gabbana bag also caught my eye:

If you'd rather not spend a grand on a bag, check out this clutch from Topshop:

If each bridesmaid picks her own accent color, these Anthropologie earrings would perfectly coordinate with our earlier butterfly ideas:

Now for the million dollar question!  What will the bride herself wear?  Answer: Whatever she wants!  A bride can stand out in a crisp white gown among her colorful wedding, or she can choose a colorful gown for herself!  Gwen Stefani was one bride who fearlessly sparked the non-white trend when she wore a white and pink gown:

Today, almost any formal colored dress can be worn as a wedding gown, however non-traditional this may seem.  Designer Chrissy Wai Ching has created a line of wedding dresses that are everything but classic white.

Brides: if you are hesitating about breaking traditional all-white dress rules, DON'T!  You can wear whatever you want!  

Of course, if you're planning a very colorful wedding, it would make sense to accompany it with some very colorful and upbeat music.  

A couple suggestions:

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
"Viva la Vida"  ~Coldplay
"Any Way You Want It"  ~Journey
"Bohemian Rhapsody"  ~Queen
"It's A Beautiful Life"  ~Ace of Base
"I Gotta Feeling"  ~Black Eyed Peas


Think about what music pumps you up!
because,
Happy Music = Happy Guests!