If you’re looking to understand how to style your wedding colors like a pro, use the 60/30/10 rule to create a cohesive, elevated wedding aesthetic — starting with color.
Choosing a wedding color palette is one of the most exciting parts of planning — but also one of the most overwhelming. If you want to know how to style your wedding colors like a pro, ask yourself this: how do you make multiple shades work together? How much of each should you use? And how do you keep it from looking like a Pinterest collage gone rogue?
The answer: the 60/30/10 rule. This tried-and-true design principle helps couples style their wedding color palette in a way that feels layered, intentional, and not overdone. It’s the same method interior designers and stylists use — and it works beautifully for weddings, too.
Let’s break it down.
🎯 What Is the 60/30/10 Rule for Styling Your Wedding Color Palette?
When styling your wedding color palette, think in proportions, not just swatches. The 60/30/10 rule divides your colors like this:
60% Base Color – the dominant shade that sets the tone
30% Secondary Color – adds contrast, mood, or softness
10% Accent Color – your pop of drama or personality
This creates visual balance across everything from your florals to your fashion to your stationery.
🌾 How to Use a Base Color When Styling Your Wedding Color Palette (60%)
Your base color is the foundation of your palette — it’s what your guests will see most. This shade should reflect the overall vibe you want: romantic, earthy, modern, coastal, etc. Keeping this in mind helps you style your wedding colors like a pro.
Where to style it:
Bridesmaid dresses
Table linens
Ceremony backdrop
Large-scale florals
Invitation wash or envelope
🌿 Styling Your Wedding Color Palette with a Secondary Color (30%)
Your secondary color brings depth and contrast. It supports the base without competing — this is where tone and balance really come into play for styling like a pro, making your wedding look expertly curated.
Where to style it:
Floral details
Candles
Napkins or signage
Groomswear accents
Cake styling
🌺 Adding an Accent Color to Your Wedding Color Palette (10%)
This is your smallest but boldest element — a little goes a long way. Use this color to draw the eye and add visual punch when styling like a pro, showing your guests you understand how to style your wedding colors.
Where to style it:
Menu cards
Ribbon or ties
Ceremony programs
Floral pops
Statement makeup or accessories
🌷 How to Style a Multicolor Wedding Color Palette Like a Pro
Yes — you can use this rule even with lots of color. The secret is to group shades into color families and apply the ratio to tones, not just specific swatches. Thus, understanding how to style your wedding colors like a pro becomes achievable even with a myriad of colors.
Example Multicolor Palette:
60% = blush, peach, warm nudes
30% = mauve, toffee, sage
10% = marigold or plum
This keeps it from feeling chaotic — and gives your florist, stylist, and planner something to anchor to.
🤍 Wedding Color Palette Styling for All-White or Neutral Weddings
Even neutral or monochrome weddings need balance. Instead of color, use texture, tone, and finish to apply the 60/30/10 concept, which allows you to style your wedding colors like a pro, even when opting for an all-white theme.
Try:
60% = soft ivory + cream (linens, florals)
30% = crisp white (modern details or structural elements)
10% = contrast (black ink, gold flatware, lucite chairs)
💡 Why This Rule Works
When you give every color a job, nothing feels random. It’s about harmony, not matchy-matchy perfection. Learning how to style your wedding colors like a pro ensures the 60/30/10 rule creates space for each part of your wedding color palette to shine — so your flowers and overall design feel balanced, layered, and effortless.
📩 Need Help Styling Your Wedding Palette?
Color is where I begin with every floral design — because it’s the soul of your wedding story.
If you’re not sure how to bring your colors to life, I’d love to help. Contact me here, or DM me on Instagram to get started.
Check out our other blog post here for more wedding ideas for other ideas
