fashion

PANTONE 2021 Colors of the Year

January 6, 2021
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of

Each year Pantone comes out with a “color of the year” which often reflects the collective wishes of society for the coming year. Of course, 2020 was a year we’d all like to leave in the dust and look forward to a brighter future – especially if you plan to be married in 2021. That’s why we are in love with the choice of colors this year and what they represent, as described below on the PANTONE website:


Photo courtesy of PANTONE via Instagram

“PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation.”

If you are excited about these colors and would love some ideas for ways to include them in your destination wedding, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few of our suggestions:

  1. Stationery: Invitations are the perfect way to set the tone for your actual wedding day. Nowadays, there are about a million ways to create your stationery, but we suggest working with a professional stationer who can take your vision to the next level using the colors of the year. 

  2. Florals: Yellow flowers are indicative of good news, well wishes, and happiness – exactly what any wedding needs. On top of that, they are easy to find and come in many different styles. Mix one or two types of yellow flowers with two different types of white flowers for stunning arrangements to be used throughout the celebration. Tie together your table centerpieces by placing the arrangements in simple gray vases and you have both Pantone 2021 colors represented.

  3. Bridal Look: Now, you can go full force and dawn a completely yellow or gray dress for your wedding day look (see our gown inspiration for ideas.) But, for those of you who’d like to stick with the traditional white gown, adding a yellow accessory could complement your bouquet and decor beautifully. Think things like a dainty flower crown, a bright gold leaf comb or even fun, yellow shoes.

  4. Bridal Party: A fun and easy way to display the 2021 colors is in your bridal party’s attire. Azazie offers bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, groomsmen accessories, face masks and more in both Daffodil (yellow) and Dolphin Grey. Bridal party coordination has seriously never sounded this easy!
  5. Groom’s Look: Style the groom in a gray suit with a yellow tie. Include a boutonniere made of the same type of yellow flower in your floral arrangements. Finish the look off by having them and their groomsmen wear socks with pops of yellow– this could make for a fun getting-ready photo opp.

  6. Welcome Gifts or Wedding Favors: If you plan to welcome your guests to the destination with a gift, why not carry on the theme? Start with a grey gift bag or tote and fill it with local artisan-made yellow goodies that guests can use throughout the weekend. For example, if your wedding is in a tropical location, consider adding a yellow beach towel or blanket. Favors for the end of the wedding night could be gourmet yellow gummies in a clear box or bag with a grey ribbon or send them home with a yellow and grey luggage tag.

For more inspiration, check out this Pinterest board we’ve curated just for you!

Weddings at Sandals
Black couple getting married in Jamaica
Jamaica Destination Weddings
Couple in Cancun doing a gazebo destination wedding
White couple getting married in Punta Cana, DR
destination wedding couple throwing rose petals in costa mujeres

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