Choosing a color scheme can be a simple way to unify the elements of your wedding; flowers, cake, bridesmaids’ dresses, and reception decor. That being said, don’t make yourself nuts trying to exactly match all these disparate elements; the process will be maddening and the results numbing. Pick a color range and enjoy a romp from end to end; yellow calla lily bouquets, light yellow dresses, goldenrod bowties and a cake topped with sunflowers. Your day will have a beautiful design without looking rigid.

The newest color combinations? Chocolate brown with robins’ egg blue; deep burgundy with silver; tangerine with chartreuse; ivory and white.