Since its inception, “Let Them Eat Cake” has reported on the Pantone Color Institute Color of the Year. Designers, decorators, lifestyle brands and more look to Pantone to help navigate drifts in the color world for fashion, interior design trends and even the wedding industry. In other words, Pantone is the Queen when it comes to color.
The color of the year for 2020 was Pantone’s “Classic Blue.” This hue was supposed to represent elegance, simplicity, calm and confidence. We don’t know about you, but we’re not sure “Classic Blue” really represented this dumpster of a year it has been. Maybe they should’ve gone with a fire red or black. [Insert eyes emoji]
However, we think the Pantone Institute might have made up for “Classic Blue” with its picks for 2021. The 2021 Colors of the Year are “Illuminating” and “Ultimate Gray.”
Not only are these colors playing it safe for the colors of the year, but they are also a classic wedding color pairing. “Ultimate Gray” is self-explanatory, and “Illuminating” is a sunny yellow hue. Pantone explains that though the two colors are distinctive they highlight how different components can combine to support each other.
“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE 17-5104 ‘Ultimate Gray’ and PANTONE 13-0647 ‘Illuminating’ is one of strength and positivity,” read a press release announcement. “It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”
Pantone added that the combination is meant to be aspirational and give us hope. We think in 2021 everyone could use a little something sunny and friendly to get them through the year.
Letrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said about the pairing, “The union of an enduring ‘Ultimate Gray’ with the vibrant yellow ‘Illuminating’ expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”
As we mentioned earlier, the color pairing is a well-known combination for weddings. The grey neutral tone gives the vibrant yellow a beautiful platform to shine and works well for bridesmaid’s dresses and bouquets or even a simple pair for reception décor in a spring or summer wedding celebration.
To find out more about the color of the year and to learn more about the Pantone Color Institute, visit the institute’s website here.
