Purple is an increasingly popular wedding color that conveys royalty, spirituality, and creativity. While white and ivory remain the most traditional wedding colors, purple offers a unique and meaningful alternative for modern brides. Keep reading to learn more about the symbolism and uses of the color purple in wedding themes.
The Meaning of Purple
The color purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. In fact, in ancient times, purple dye was so rare and expensive that only rulers and wealthy elites could afford purple clothing. As a result, purple garments became a status symbol among nobility.
This royal meaning carries into wedding themes today. Brides who want a regal, majestic wedding often incorporate purple accents and details. Using purple decor symbolizes that the bride is treated like royalty on her wedding day.
Beyond royalty, the color purple also represents:
- Wisdom and spirituality
- Mystery and magic
- Creativity and imagination
- Independence and nonconformity
- Romance and passion
In many cultures and religions, purple represents spiritual awareness and connection with the divine. It is thought to inspire contemplation and self-improvement. Meanwhile, purple’s magical associations come from its rarity in nature. Before synthetic dyes, purple was the color of imagination and fantasy.
Purple is also linked to creative, quirky self-expression. Choosing purple for your wedding embraces your originality as a couple. You don’t have to follow traditions if you don’t want to!
Using Purple in Your Wedding Theme
When integrated thoughtfully, purple can lend beautiful warmth, depth, and meaning to your wedding theme. Here are some popular ways to incorporate purple details:
Purple Wedding Flowers
Flowers are a simple way to bring in a pop of purple. Some purple flower options include:
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Iris
- Hydrangea
- Dahlia
- Clematis
- Allium
- Veronica
Work with your florist to add purple blooms to your bridal bouquet, ceremony arrangements, centerpieces, and ceremony backdrop. You can do an all-purple design or mix in other colors like white, green, or pink.
Purple Wedding Decor
Use accents of purple to style your event spaces:
- Chair covers or sashes
- Table linens like runners or overlays
- Napkins
- Table centerpieces
- Lighting like string lights or uplighting
- Backdrops or drapes
- Wedding arch or chuppah decor
- Aisle markers
- Place cards
- Menus
- Signage
Go for a bold purple statement or mix in purple details more subtly. Add purple decor items that align with your overall wedding style, whether modern, romantic, rustic, or traditional.
Purple Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridesmaids dresses are available in any color, including shades of purple. Choose plum, lilac, lavender, eggplant, or mauve dresses to complement your purple wedding theme.
Pick just one purple shade or mix in a few complementary options. You can also accessorize with purple shoes and jewelry for the full effect!
Purple Wedding Cake
Incorporate purple into your cake design with:
- Purple frosting or fondant
- Purple decorations like sugar flowers
- Ombré fading from white to purple
- Purple filling like ube or taro
You can do an all-purple cake or just a little accent. Depending on your overall wedding colors, you may want to add other hues to the cake as well.
Purple Wedding Stationery
Bring purple into your wedding stationery suite with:
- Purple envelopes
- Purple paper for invitations, programs, or signage
- Purple ink for printing
- Purple print motifs or backgrounds
Purple stationery establishes your theme from the very first wedding detail your guests receive. It sets the tone for your whole event.
Choosing Purple Shades
Purple has depth and dimension across its color spectrum. The shade you choose impacts the overall feel and mood. Consider these common purple wedding shades:
Lilac
A pale, light purple with hints of pink. Lilac evokes spring and femininity.
Lavender
Also a light purple, leaning more toward blue. Lavender feels magical, peaceful, and calming.
Thistle
A dusty purple with gray undertones. Thistle has an earthy, vintage vibe.
Eggplant
A deep purple nearing black. Eggplant is luxe and sophisticated.
Plum
A rich purple with red undertones. Plum conveys royalty and passion.
Mauve
A soft muted purple with brownish gray. Mauve is subtle, warm, and romantic.
Choose the purple tone with the emotions and style you want. You can use multiple shades for depth and dimension.
Purple Wedding Inspiration
Need more purple wedding ideas? Here are some gorgeous examples to spark your creativity:
Royal Purple and Gold
Rich purple pairs beautifully with shimmering gold accents. The combination conveys majesty and luxury for a dramatic look. Use deep purple linens and gold charger plates for a regal reception tablescape.
Vintage Lilac and Blush
Pretty vintage lilac and blush pink make a dreamy color palette. Include sprigs of lilac in your bridal bouquet and blush bridesmaid dresses. Accent with gold, cream, and green for a timeless springtime feel.
Mystical Eggplant and Sage
Jewel-toned eggplant and fresh sage green create an exotic mood. Use eggplant uplighting to transform your reception space. Sage table runners and eucalyptus garlands provide an earthy contrast.
Romantic Lavender and Silver
Go for an enchanted night sky look with soft lavender and shimmering silver accents. Drape lavender fabric over cafe lights to set a magical reception scene. Add silver cakes stands, cutlery, and sequin linens.
Organic Purple and Blush
For a natural feel, blend purple and blush florals like roses, dahlias, asters, and veronica. Create free-form, organic centerpieces spilling with greenery and blooms. Keep the look organic with wood elements, like farm tables, and flowing linens.
Is a Purple Wedding Theme Right for You?
While still uncommon, purple weddings are gaining popularity for brides seeking something symbolic and special. Here are a few signs a purple color scheme may be right for you:
- You want a color that’s meaningful, not just pretty
- You’d prefer something unique over traditional white
- You love how purple looks with your fiancé’s suit color
- Your venue features purple tones you want to highlight
- Purple is your favorite color and matches your personality
But a purple palette doesn’t work for everyone. Avoid it if:
- You prefer very natural, neutral aesthetics
- You think purple looks dated
- Your venue doesn’t allow colored uplighting
- Your fiancé hates the color purple!
Talk with your partner and planner if you’re unsure. But when done well, a purple wedding makes a statement. It feels deeply personal and perfectly you.
Conclusion
Purple brings beauty, creativity, and meaning to modern wedding themes. It allows you to infuse personality and purpose into your special day. From flowers to dresses, decor to cake, touches of purple add originality and visual interest.
Most importantly, purple conveys individuality. Your wedding is about you as a couple. The details should reflect your style, passions, and spirit. Purple offers a chance to ditch conventions and do something bold and beautiful. If it resonates with you both, don’t be afraid to incorporate this rich and regal hue.