Color Palettes Questions - An Accent For Navy and Sage Green
It’s been so long since we tackled color palette dilemmas…and I thought it was about time! Throughout the day, I am going to be posting questions from readers who are having some color issues with the hopes that you guys can give your feedback and advice! At the end of the day, I will update with my own tips!
Let’s get to it!
From Ashley…I have finally decided on the colors of the bridesmaid dresses, navy which is accented with a light sage green sash. Now, I really would like to include an accent color to add a little more flare to this color palette. I was thinking something along the lines of pink…but I am beginning to think that pink may be way too many colors. I am tossing around the idea of ivory or white as the third and final color for our wedding palette. Is this an appealing color palette or should I stick with the simple two color scheme of navy and sage??
Abby’s Answer…Okay, I have to agree with the comments that suggested varying the hues of the navy and sage, rather than bringing in a different color. There is just something so clean and refreshing in a navy and green palette and if you bring in different hues, the palette will seem rich and textured…

Dress by Bluefly, Flowers on Brides.com, Table Setting on Rebecca Thuss, Ribbon by Jamn Glass on Etsy, Invitations by The Lettered Olive

Comment by Megan B on 4 August 2008:
Depending on when your wedding is, I would go for an accent color of yellow. Work it into the bouquets, the place cards, the menus, etc. It doesn’t have to be extremely bright, but just a soft yellow with some lemon yellow variations here and there could really complement your existing color scheme.
Comment by sandy on 4 August 2008:
I am using navy and bright green as my colors. My fiance really likes light blue and wanted that to be incorporated, so we are using light blue accents and I really like the way it looks. I thought it would be too many colors too, but it looks nice. Maybe because they are similar.
All these combinations sound nice to me. If you think you need a third color, maybe you do!
Comment by Krista on 4 August 2008:
Navy and sage? I’d have to see it. But I think Megan has a good idea with yellow. I, of course, feel the need to make everything pink so a nice pink might do the trick, too.
Comment by JLS on 4 August 2008:
If you really like those two colors, just add onto them by using all the shades from light to dark. Like the other comment, using light blue would be lovely, and it wouldn’t look like a third color, since it’s in the same family as the navy. We’re doing this, too - it’s been great because if something doesn’t match exactly, it’s okay because it’s just a little darker or lighter.
Or, you could have the green be a neutral - make sure your bouquets and other floral arrangements have some nice leaves in them to play up the green. Then use a pop of color in little doses throughout the day (I’m thinking hot pink, orange, or copper).
White or ivory is kind of a given, since your dress will probably be one of those two colors. I don’t know if I’d think of that as a third color?
Comment by Sarah @ Brilliant Event Planning on 4 August 2008:
Color palettes absolutely do not have to be only 2 colors! Adding different hues of the same color is another way to spice things up. If you’re doing navy, don’t be afraid to incorporate a lighter blue or a darker sage color. The different saturations (i.e. how much white is in the color) add dimension and make for a put-together look.
Comment by Tshepi on 4 August 2008:
I love the idea of adding yellow. Great board on Snippet & Ink: http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2007/10/board-43.html
Comment by Kelli on 4 August 2008:
Adding more flare with another color is a great idea!
Whenever i run into a color challenge, i play around with this: http://kuler.adobe.com/
Its a great resource to play with! You start with a color that you know you like, and this little tool generates complementary colors in bold hues, muted hues etc. You can also browse color schemes that other people have submitted. I would try to input your navy and play around with vibrant yellows or pinks.
If you absolutely love the combination of greens and blues, you may consider replacing the sage with a chartreuse or a vibrant green with warmer undertones for more pop ; )
Comment by Leasa on 4 August 2008:
I’m using sage green and navy blue for my upcoming wedding, and I’ve also chosen to accent with a deep blush pink and a deep rose pink. I decided to keep all of my colors with blue at their base as opposed to yellow - meaning I’m using a sage green that is more blue at its base and the same goes for the pinks. This has allowed the colors to blend very well. The main color is sage green and I don’t use all of the colors on everything - since that looks a little crazy. It’s more accent colors here and there. For example, the bridesmaids dresses are sage green with a slightly darker green sash, but the bouquets incorporate greens, pinks, and ivory. The men are in navy suits and their bouts are made of dark pink berries. I think you can use pink; you just have to be careful where and how you use it.
Comment by Dabney on 4 August 2008:
I love the way yellow and navy compliment each other and with the green added…..such a fresh look
Comment by Brandi on 4 August 2008:
I love navy and sage green. I think small pops of color would be absolutely great. But then again, I love color and some people don’t. I’m doing indigo and a dark raspberry for my wedding. So maybe the dark raspberry would be a nice pink alternative to the navy. I’m also having very small pops of purple too. It’s up to the feel of your wedding also but if you want it do it or you might regret it later!
Comment by Dahlia on 6 August 2008:
Navy blue and a nice shade of purple is also a great combination. Plus, you can incorporate accents of silver and/or gold. For more ways to use blue, check out this slideshow:
http://www.bellenza.com/wedding-ideas/photo-gallery/how-to-showcase-the-brilliance-of-blue.html
Comment by Ralph on 6 August 2008:
Abby,
Your color palettes alway’s seeem to blow me away! You always offer such great advice to help the ladies. Great work!
Ralph
Comment by Jenn on 8 August 2008:
Navy and sage would really pop next to a pumpkin/orange or an aqua! As long as the third color is used in accents, it will look beautiful! I’m also in support of a pink. But, I have an issue with using pink in a wedding… just a personal preference.
Comment by yemisi on 28 August 2008:
give me 2-3 green colours that goes together