Purple is a color that has held special meaning throughout history. In recent years, shades of purple, especially lavender, have become trendy wedding colors. Brides now frequently incorporate purple into their wedding decor, flowers, and even attire. But what does the color purple signify when it comes to marriage?
The History of Purple
To understand the implications of purple at weddings, it helps to know the history of the color. Purple dye was extremely rare, valuable, and difficult to produce in ancient times. As a result, the color was associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, and power.
In fact, the dye used to produce purple garments was so expensive that only rulers and the very wealthy could afford it. In some societies, like ancient Rome, purple dye was actually worth more than gold. The rarity of the color purple made it synonymous with high social status.
This connection between purple and royalty continued through the medieval era and into the modern age. Kings and queens were often painted or portrayed wearing the color purple.
Purple as a Wedding Color
So how did this imperial color make its way into wedding celebrations?
Purple’s link to extravagance and its rarity made it an appropriate symbolic color choice for weddings of the elite. Royal weddings, like that of Queen Victoria in 1840, incorporated purple flowers, table linens, and decorations as a way to convey the importance of the bridal couple. The color became associated with not just royalty, but romantic unions in high society.
In more recent decades, as the price of purple fabric dyes decreased, the color became accessible to the average consumer. The rise of informal weddings made the once strict traditional wedding “rules” more lax. Brides embraced creative freedom to add personal touches to their wedding style.
The rich hue of purple stands out and provides an easily recognizable pop of color. Shades like lavender also evoke a sense of springtime and soft romance. As a result, purple has soared in popularity as a wedding color scheme. Brides now commonly incorporate purple into wedding invitations, floral arrangements, bridesmaid dresses, decor elements, and even wedding cakes.
Symbolic Meaning of Purple in Marriage
So what does purple “mean” or symbolize when used at a wedding? Here are some of the key symbolic associations with purple at weddings:
Royalty
While brides today likely don’t view themselves as literal royalty, purple still carries that association with luxury, extravagance, and specialness. Choosing purple decor communicates that the bride wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day and that the occasion is fit for a queen.
Elegance
The rich shades of purple convey elegance. Using purple suggests the bride wants an elegant, upscale wedding affair.
Creativity
Purple stands out next to more traditional wedding hues like white and pastels. Selecting a creative color like purple communicates that the bride wants a unique, personalized wedding style.
Balance
In color theory, purple represents a balance between warm and cool colors, as it’s a mix of red and blue. At weddings, purple can bring together different style elements into one cohesive look. The color also represents balance between two personalities as the couple enters marriage.
Spirituality
In some cultures and religions, purple is connected to spirituality. Choosing purple can symbolize sacred love and commitment.
Charm
Lighter purple shades like lilac and lavender have an air of charm and innocence. The softness of the hues brings a whimsical, romantic feeling.
Calmness
Like other pastel colors, soft purples communicate a peaceful, soothing, zen-like mood. The color scheme can set the tone for a relaxed wedding day.
Mystery
Darker shades of purple, like amethyst and eggplant, exude a sense of mystery and intrigue. This can infuse the wedding with a dramatic, luxurious ambiance.
Popular Purple Wedding Flowers
Flowers provide one of the most prominent ways to incorporate purple into a wedding’s decor. Here are some top purple wedding flower choices:
| Flower | Shades | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Light purple | Purity, innocence, grace |
| Lilac | Light to mid purple | First love, youthful innocence |
| Iris | Deep purple | Wisdom, hope, cherished friendship |
| Allium | Purple spheres | Prosperity, unity |
| Clematis | Light to dark purple | Creativity, ingenuity |
| Veronica | Purple spikes | Fidelity |
| Hyacinth | Purple clusters | Sincerity, constancy |
| Hydrangea | Light purple | Gratitude, heartfelt emotions |
| Calla lily | Light to dark purple | Majesty, rebirth |
| Orchid | Light to dark purple | Luxury, beauty, strength |
As you can see, many purple flowers carry meanings connected to love and partnerships like sincerity and fidelity. Their regal associations also make them fit for grand events like weddings.
Use of Purple at Modern Weddings
If purple appeals to you as a wedding color, there are endless ways to incorporate it into your special day. Here are some popular purple wedding ideas:
Wedding Invitations
Set the tone for your purple wedding from the very start by featuring it on your invites. Go for bold purple paper or add purple foil printing. A purple floral design or abstract purple watercolor look both work well.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Get your whole bridal party involved by dressing the bridesmaids in purple. Shades like lilac, lavender, violet, and plum all make elegant gown options. Accessorize with purple shoes or shawls.
Florals
Fill your wedding and reception with purple blooms. Use them for ceremony aisles, altar and reception centerpieces, bridal bouquets, corsages, floral wall decor, and more. Mix purple with neutrals or pinks for a romantic look.
Linens
Tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, and other linens provide simple ways to infuse purple. Alternate purple linens with white ones for an elegant statement. Add purple ribbons around napkins or chairs.
Decor
Use purple accents throughout your wedding decor such as purple uplighting, candles, vases, table runners, and sashes on chairs. Purple can even extend to paper goods like menus, place cards, and signs.
Cake
Incorporate purple into your wedding cake through ombre style tiers, purple blossoms, or a vibrant interior cake layer peeking through white frosting.
Purple and Other Wedding Colors
If a completely purple wedding palette feels like too much, balance it out by pairing purple with complementary colors. Here are some options:
Silver and Purple
Metallic silver has a regal flair that works perfectly with majestic purple. Silver flatware, candle holders, vases, and charger plates pop against purple linens.
Pink and Purple
Blend two romantic colors together with soft pinks and lavender purple. The palette evokes springtime and femininity.
Blue and Purple
Cool tones suit a warm weather wedding. Match a medium purple with light blues for a relaxing vibe.
Green and Purple
Earthy sage green paired with a deep eggplant or wine purple makes a rich, elegant combination.
Yellow and Purple
Cheerful yellow mixes surprisingly well with purple. Use bright yellow flowers against dark purple decor for striking contrast.
White and Purple
For traditional elegance, mainly white florals, linens, and details with pops of purple can’t be beat. The mix keeps purple from feeling too overwhelming.
Purple Wedding Attire Ideas
Don’t reserve purple just for accents – make a bold statement by sporting it yourself! Here are some ideas:
Purple Wedding Dress
White may be traditional, but a purple wedding dress is eye-catching and memorable. Go with a pale lavender or go bold in a deep purple ballgown.
Purple Suit/Tux
Grooms can wear purple too! Match your bride in a sharply tailored purple suit jacket or tux. Keep the look creative but classy by pairing it with black pants and accessories.
Purple Shoes
Add just a pop of purple through metallic or brightly colored purple heels or flats. Purples shoes are a fun way for bridesmaids to coordinate as well.
Purple Jewelry
Amethyst jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, or hair pins offer a subtle way to wear purple as a bride or bridesmaid.
Purple Veil
Traditional veils look gorgeous with delicate purple embroidery or edging. Or go for drama with a full purple veil.
Purple Accessories
Purple clutches, headbands, sashes, gloves, ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, suspenders…the accessory options are endless!
Conclusion
Purple reigns supreme as a trendy, meaningful wedding color. It allows creativity and personal expression while still evoking elegance, romance, and a touch of regal splendor. From flowers to attire to decor, shades of purple can infuse a wedding celebration with beauty and style. The color’s balance, charm, and spiritual overtones also bring lovely symbolism about marriage.
So if you’re looking for a colorful alternative to more traditional wedding hues, consider incorporating shades of purple. Adventurous, artistic, and open-minded couples can all appreciate purple’s blend of luxury, creativity, and meaning. Work the color into your wedding in ways that showcase your unique personality and vision. From lavender to fuchsia, amethyst to eggplant, the versatile hues of purple add an extra dose of originality and elegance to your special day.