As the event industry evolves, so do the design trends that shape its most memorable moments. Color, a fundamental element of event design, plays a pillar role in setting the mood, telling a unique story, and leaving a memorable and lasting impression on guests. With 2025 just around the corner, industry experts are already forecasting the color combinations that will dominate everything from weddings to corporate galas. We’ll dive into the upcoming year’s most anticipated color trends, exploring the shades and pairings that will define the future of event aesthetics.
The Psychology of Color
Pablo Picasso once said, "Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” Emotions are represented in colors, and colors, in turn, influence emotions.
Today, color psychology studies how different hues affect mood and, consequently, behavior. While individual differences may occur in how human beings respond to color, there is some consensus in the scientific community that plays out in our daily lives.
Do you tend to feel energized by warm colors such as red, orange, and even yellow? You are not alone in that. If, at the same time, blues and greens and sometimes purples bring out your calm and serenity, your response is typical.
As you explore new color combinations for your event guests next year, dig deeper into the emotional connections they want to make. Look to understand how they want their guests to feel at their event so you can strategically suggest colors and hues that support your overarching event themes and goals.
A Return to 90s Reds and Greens
The year 2025, leading designers say, may just be the year we look back to enjoy 90s reds and greens, bringing on feelings of prosperity from that era and a general joie de vivre. ELLE Décor is already raving about the possibilities. Think reds to evoke the riches of rubies and the velvets of chocolate. Many predict a preference for an air of sophistication that somehow also manages to be welcoming. These throwback colors and combinations are approachable, inspirational, and energized. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be implemented into various event themes and designs.
Earthy Tones for Personal Storytelling
Sherman-Williams foresees an earthy color palette gaining in popularity. NYFW this fall embraced the earthy vibe, too. The rich tones of 2025, featuring umber reds, calming blues, natural greens, and desert browns, will strike out boldly to tell peoples’ personal stories. Sue Wadden, the official director of color marketing for the company, says personal stories are best told in nurturing and timeless colors.
Blues and Ultramarine Settings Inspire Joy
It’s no secret that blue is a calming color that sends ocean vibes and brilliant sky happiness. Watch blues take on the event scene as dominant backdrops to inspire joy. Think soft and subtle hues but also vibrant ultramarine blues. And these blue event canvases are an event planner’s dream in flexibility since they pair well with a wide variety of themes, color palettes, and event design elements.
Peaches, Oranges, and Pinks for the Perfect Wedding
Another event design prediction, more specifically, wedding designs, suggests a warm yet brighter combination of peach, orange, and pink. This color palette feels organic, warm, and soft, inspiring characteristics of the sweet peach itself. It’s a cohesive blend of vibrant orange variations, warm pink hues, and off-white classics, perfect for both intimate weddings and extravagant celebrations.
Rich Jewel Tones Are a Continued Favorite
For many event designers, the muted hues are out, and the vibrant, rich tones of jewel colors are all the rage. Emerald greens, sapphire blues, vibrant citrines, and ruby reds are the cornerstone of event designs. They offer bold contrasts and hue starvation that evoke guest feelings of luxury, warmth, and comfort. Color Guru also points out that these jewel-inspired colors usually bring a hint of black, which can add dramatic effects to a space.
Peek Into the Future of Events at The Event Planner Expo
Staying ahead of event industry trends and the latest event designs means getting in the room with the biggest names and voices in the event planning industry. It means getting your All Access tickets for The Event Planner Expo. If you missed this year’s conference, you can get on the waitlist for 2025 so you don’t miss a single announcement. Securing your spot at this premier NYC event, spanning three days and assembling the most successful in the events industry, will help to take your event planning business to the next level.
