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How to Use Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year in Your Wedding

Here's what you need to know about Viva Magenta and how to incorporate it into your special day.

Graphic for Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta
Destination Brides |

It’s official — Viva Magenta is the hottest color of 2023. Thursday night, Pantone made the announcement that crowned the vibrant hue as its “Color of the Year.” Officially known as Pantone 18-1750, Viva Magenta is “brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”

The vibrance and excitement drawn from this color make it the perfect shade for 2023 weddings, many of which had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an excellent fit for any bride who’s expressive, dramatic, and a bit rebellious.

So how can you incorporate Viva Magenta into your wedding theme? Keep reading for our best tips on how to channel the shade’s power into a celebration you and your guests will remember for years to come.

Wedding invitation in a red envelope with two gold wedding bands on top

Add a pop of color to your invitations

First impressions, first. Your wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding before guests even walk into the venue.  To fan the flames of excitement, add a pop of Viva Magenta to the paper suite. From the envelope liner to custom stamps to printed address labels, you can have fun playing with the color and creating a memorable look that will stand out in guests’ mailboxes.

Ruby engagement ring with white diamond halo

Adorn yourself with rubies

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something — red? Rubies are one of nature’s most precious stones and represent love and prosperity, making them the perfect addition to your wedding look. Even if you have your engagement ring already, you can still use rubies as an accent stone in your wedding band, or other pieces such as earrings or a necklace. If you have heirloom pieces, this is a fantastic opportunity to honor family members or ancestors by incorporating them into your wedding.

Close-up of woman applying red lipstick

Sport a bold red lip

Coco Chanel once said, “if you are sad, add more lipstick and attack.” This quote perfectly sums up the uplifting capabilities found in a red lip. The complexities of Viva Magenta give a unique twist to a classic style. With its subtle blue undertones and soft finish, we love Gucci’s Velvet Matte Lipstick in Cassie Magenta for a bridal look that evokes the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

Red suede heels with an ankle band, chunky heel and pointed toe

Make a statement with your shoes

For your special day, you need a pair of shoes that are worthy of the occasion. Nothing says statement-making like a vibrant pair of heels. Viva Magenta is perfect for drawing attention and making a statement with your wedding look. A suede or velvet finish will create a soft yet bold appearance. For outdoor weddings, opt for a wide heel to stay comfortable and avoid getting caught in grass or sand.

Two bouquets of flowers in Pantone's Viva Magenta, one with stargazer lilies and the other with tulips

Add excitement to your florals

Flowers are one of the simplest ways to integrate wedding colors into your ceremony and reception. Roses are a classic and timeless choice, but you can elevate your look with other bold flowers like tulips and stargazer lilies. You can still keep the classic feel by surrounding them with trailing ivy and a few red roses.

Closeup of the bottom of a bridesmaid's dress in Pantone's Viva Magenta with matching patent leather heels

Incorporate Viva Magenta into your bridesmaids’ looks

Viva Magenta offers a variety of opportunities to create an eye-catching and unique look that your bridesmaids will love. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are huge right now, so use this opportunity to explore the color spectrum surrounding Viva Magenta. Try playing with different shades that range from deep purple to light pink, or experiment with complementary hues like yellow, blue, and green. Fabrics like satin, chiffon, and velvet are perfect for achieving a luxe look.

Newlywed couple exits a chapel showered with rose petals while a violinist plays in the background

Top off your grand exit with rose-petal confetti

The moment you and your partner finally tie the knot is one that will stay with you forever — make sure it’s memorable. As you make your grand exit, let your guests shower you with rose-petal confetti in vibrant shades of red and pink. It’s a simple and beautiful way to add a touch of color and bring your wedding look full circle. Plus, it makes for phenomenal photos, like the one here taken at the TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres.

Three wedding guests hold glasses of red sangria

Serve sangria at your reception

A lively wedding calls for a delicious libation to toast your new union. Sangria is the perfect beverage to serve at your reception as you can customize the ingredients to suit the season or your destination. Plus, its vibrant colors of red and pink will tie in with the Viva Magenta theme perfectly. Serve it in carafes (or jugs if you’re feeling extra festive!) for a fun and interactive way to celebrate your special day.

Individual servings of red velvet cake on lace doilies

Finish off the night in red velvet

No wedding is complete without a show-stopping dessert. Try a classic red velvet cake for a truly indulgent finish. Tie the look together with delicate icing and fresh flowers or fruit for a beautiful presentation. If you prefer individual servings, red velvet cupcakes are a great alternative. They are perfect for outdoor weddings and make for gorgeous photographs. And don’t forget to serve it with sparkling flutes of champagne for the ultimate finishing touch.

As we prepare to usher in the new year, Viva Magenta empowers, rejuvinates, and reminds us to show our most authentic selves. Don’t be afraid to let this vibrant color transform your special day into something truly magical.

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