Color enthusiasts kicked off the year celebrating Pantone’s Colors of the Year 2021, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, imagining how to weave the color of clouds and sunshine into their lives. Only in a year plodding through a pandemic a global would the color forecaster combine these hues to represent the vibe of the world.
“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “
“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”
Looking to add the colors to your upcoming nuptials? We curated 10 ways to add Illuminating and Ultimate Gray into your wedding world:
Wedding planner
Let love in with this beautiful quote, accentuated by a romantic cursive font and floral silhouettes. Make a statement by choosing two colors and proudly announce the beginning of your forever. Tackle TO-DOs before I DOs and say yes to less stress and more style with the Erin Condren Wedding Planner! Undated 12-month & 24-month options allow you to start planning whenvever you like. Handy checklists, charts, scheduling spreads, trackers, new customizable monthly tabs & more make it the ultimate wedding planner. Personalize yours and organize everything you need to plan the wedding of your dreams from A to Z!
Tabletop
“We love the message behind this year’s Pantone of the Year color duo! A wedding is the ultimate expression of optimism, hope, and love, and our Grey Essentials look is a perfect base for your tabletop. Bring in illuminating yellow with décor touches that make the look your own and tie it into the location. Getting married somewhere warm? Think about sunny lemons as part of your floral styling. Countryside barn wedding? Classic sunflowers or daisies are perfect for a warm and homey vibe. Or, mix in colored glassware and serving pieces like these by Estelle and pair with a geometric floral-like billy balls for an unexpected and modern touch,” says Jessica Latham, Co-Founder and CEO of Social Studies.
Make a statement on your wedding day in a shine dress that tells your story. Photo credit: Sasithon Photography
Style
“Employing strong colors such as the Pantone Color of the Year, Illuminating and patterns in a clean/modern fashion, be it the floral scheme or a fun second outfit is a great way we love, to brighten the cityscape and bring in personal touches,” says officials from Bespoke Only.
Flowers
Interflora’s in-house florist Vicky Wilson thinks Illuminating shines with ideas for flowers. “Any bride looking to embrace this colour trend with beautiful flowers will be spoiled for choice. Yellow ranunculi are always a fan favourite amongst winter and new year brides. Their plump petals make them a bit of a halfway house between peonies and roses. Tying the knot later in the year? Yellow delphiniums will add height and drama to table arrangements whilst a flower wall filled with yellow garden roses and orchids will make a fabulous backdrop to your big day photos,” says Wilson.
Stickers
Looking for a fun way to organize your big day? Have a blast with stickers in Pantone’s Colors of the Year from Erin Condren. Stickers can be used for color-coding, labeling, decorating, and celebrating. Stick them on your calendar, in your notebook, on place cards, envelopes, or your daily To-Do list!
Crepe paper posies
Looking to curate a bouquet of forever flowers? Unwilted has a plethora of exquisite botanical paper posy arrangements. The lovely flowers showcasing Pantone’s Color of the Year, Illuminating, make gorgeous centerpieces that your guests can enjoy happily ever after your wedding.
Love notes
Take a few moments to write a sweet note to someone you love…your partner, your bridesmaid, your sister or yourself. While it’s super fast and efficient to send a text, there’s nothing like opening a card that was written just for you, especially one in a color as sunny as Pantone’s Illuminating.
Cocktail
Cheers to you! Looking to add a splash of sunshine to your celebration? The Agua de Sevilla was introduced for a limited time at Jaleo by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in December and illuminates how a sunny libation sparkles.
Ring
Fancy yourself a person who likes to shine everyday? Why not wear a little (or a lot) of sunshine everyday? Cartier’s fancy yellow ring features a GIA-certified natural fancy vivid yellow diamond is flanked by two white diamonds and set in 18K yellow gold.
Earrings
Dangle a ray of sunshine with a pair of cheery earrings which would make a a beautiful gift for your bridal squad.