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Wedding trends are constantly shifting, from invitation themes and engagement rings to party favors and dresses. Some classic colors, though, never seem to go out of style. The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Study, which features feedback from more than 25,000 couples who got married in 2019, found that three timeless hues reigned supreme this past year: dark blue, gold, and ivory or champagne. 

Sure, these shades aren’t as exciting as, say, sage green, boysenberry, or Gen-Z yellow, but they don’t have to feel basic. Domino’s style editor, Elaina Sullivan, shares her tips on how to spice them up.

Dark Blue 

Nautical isn’t the only direction you can take with navy. For a modern twist, Sullivan suggests finding a floral or nature-inspired pattern that has some dark blue in it, then creating your palette from there. “If you have an amazing tablecloth or are using your grandmother’s china that has touches of blue in it, start with that as your base, then add navy chargers or emerald taper candles,” she says. Primary colors are also a pretty way to go: Mix in subtle hints of red via bridesmaid dresses or go with yellow flowers.  

Gold

Ellen Marie Bennett (founder of beloved workwear and apron brand Hedley & Bennett) went for the gold at her Mexico wedding by donning an ombré yellow dress, her saturated riff on metallics. Sullivan says that the key is to go full-on maximalist with other big-day details, like the fuchsia cockscomb bouquet Bennett carried down the aisle. (Peep the groom’s shoes, too!)

Ivory/Champagne

There are two ways to dress up an all-white palette, says Sullivan: Either bring in lots of natural textures (like Caroline Z. Hurley did with wood and dried fruit) or make your tables sparkle with iridescent glass plates and matching champagne flutes. Neutrals never looked so eye-catching.

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