2010 Color of the Year: Turquoise

If you’re anything like I was when I started planning my wedding, you probably don’t know much about Pantone, the proclaimed world-authority on color.  In fact, I didn’t discover Pantone until after I’d already gotten married. If I’d only known!

As Jen and Deb mentioned in their post, every year Pantone announces the “colors of the year.” The 2010 color palette is fabulous and worth a look. But chief among those hues is Turquoise (PANTONE 15-5519), which Pantone has officially declared the 2010 color of the year.

Turquoise is an especially amazing color because it’s rich enough to feel sophisticated (think black-tie affair) but its playfulness makes it easy to dress down. It’s just as comfortable in a ballroom as it is in a barn.

So with that in mind, here are two inspiration boards I created using the same central image.

This first set of images is all about elegance – a la Audrey Hepburn. Think clean lines, crisp whites, and luxurious textiles, all with a touch of Tiffany blue.

For a cozier take on turquoise, try softening it with warm neutrals. Tuscany and eucalyptus are among Pantone’s other 2010 colors and make lovely counterpoints to the shade.

And the icing on the cake? Pantone has recently partnered with The Dessy Group to create bridesmaid’s dresses in Pantone shades. Turquoise, violet, aurora – whatever you decide for your colors, Dessy has a dress in your perfect Pantone shade.

Photo Credits

Stationary: Truly Smitten Invitations

Formal Turquoise Board

Tuxedo:  Jose Villa Photography

Cathedral: Daria Bishop Photographers

Table: Brea McDonald Photography; Maine Season Events

Gown: Photo by Justin Marantz

Rustic Turquoise Board

Flowers: Ooh! Events; Photo by Tracy Turpen

Chair with Sash: Jose Villa Photography

Shoes: Jen Huang Photography

Cuff: Venue by Erin Hearts Court

Sarah K. lives in the San Francisco Bay Area  and works in large-scale event planning and festival production.