In 2020, “something blue” is taking on a whole new meaning for weddings.

For more than two decades, the Pantone Color Institute has named its color of the year by using trained designers and industry experts to comb through color trends around the world. The color is meant to serve as a symbol of the new year to come, and it’s incredibly influential, driving product development and purchasing decisions in fashion, home furnishing, packaging and graphic design, and, yep, you guessed it: the wedding industry. 

And Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020 isn’t something borrowed or something new…it’s Classic Blue! 

This shade is a long-loved favorite—it’s elegant and simple, representing peace and a sense of calm. It also has a bold demeanor that illustrates confidence, stability, and dependability as we enter a new decade, making Classic Blue the perfect color to symbolize the beginning of a new marriage.

From attire and decor to cakes and signature cocktails, brides and grooms are finding a number of unique ways to incorporate Classic Blue into their wedding day and we’ve gathered a list of our favorites. 

Engagement rings

In 2010, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the now-iconic blue sapphire ring that took the world by storm. One decade later, the color of the year 2020 is bringing the blue-hue jewel back into popularity. Incorporate Classic Blue in your wedding from the get-go with a beautiful sapphire engagement ring. If you want the classic diamond, a blue velvet ring box is the perfect way to incorporate the color.

Invitations and other paper goods

Classic Blue looks beautiful on paper, so feel free to use it on everything from invitations and RSVPs to table cards and cocktail napkins. It’s bold enough to use an accent against a plain canvas, but elegant enough to set it as the entire background. You don’t have to make a huge color splash to work Classic Blue into your day-of paper goods—keep it simple with blue typography or calligraphy. 

Creative tip: gold metallic accents look beautiful against blue backgrounds. 

Shoes

Add a pop of Classic Blue to your wedding day kicks! Brides—a pair of beautiful blue shoes are the perfect touch of color against a timeless white gown. There are blue shoes out there for grooms, but even a pair of nice blue socks are a fun touch of color.

Accessories for the Bride

Brides, you don’t need an entire blue dress or dramatic accents to incorporate this color into your wedding day image. Use accessories to add pops of Classic Blue—think jewelry, hairpieces, and subtle dress accents, like velvet or satin ribbons. Coordinate these accessories with your bridal party for a cohesive look. 

Groom’s attire

Grooms can jump on this color trend, too. There’s just something about a blue suit that’s elegant, classic, and unique. Pair it with a fun (or simple!) bowtie, and accent with a simple boutonnière that matches your floral theme. Of course, those blue socks are always an option!

Wedding Party Attire

Let your wedding party make a statement with Classic Blue, too. Groomsmen can match the groom in blue suits, or just sport the fun statement socks. Have your bridesmaids wear blue dresses, but they don’t have to be identical. If you want a mismatched look, ask them to use the Classic Blue swatch and choose a style that fits them best. Even the littlest members of the wedding party can get in on the color theme. Add pops of blue to their accessories—crowns and ribbons for the flower girls, and bowties and socks for the ring bearers. 

Flowers

Flowers are statement pieces, and blue flowers are specifically eye-catching. You can work Classic Blue into all of your floral arrangements and accents—bridal bouquets, boutonnière, centerpieces, even the petals in your flower girl’s basket. There is an array of chic blue flowers to choose from, like dark blue-hued hydrangeas, delphiniums, Muscari, and brunnera. Accent with simple greenery, dusty pink roses, baby’s breath, and yes, even blueberries.

Food and cocktails

Get creative with your food and cocktails—especially your cake! Classic Blue looks beautiful on a tiered cake with accents of colors like gold, olive green, and dusty rose. Making a signature cocktail? Ask your bartender if there are ways to incorporate the color, even if it’s just with some sort of garnish. Try a blue martini with frozen blueberries!

Classic Blue is the color of the year and its popularity is already flooding the wedding world. But this trend doesn’t mean you can’t find your own unique ways to incorporate it into your big day. Build your inspiration using these ideas, and if you need help creating a color scheme using Classic Blue or tips for matching all the fine details, give us a call. You can reach our event coordinators by email or phone at 877-545-1002.