While color 2016 trends may be a science, what works best for the client is the rule.Ask thousands of wedding planners and industry professionals what colors will trend in the coming year, and soon, you’ll be swimming in a sea of choices. Inevitably, however, a few trends will bob to the surface.This is exactly what happened with Wedding Planner Magazine’s 2016 Color Inspiration reader survey. Among the extraordinarily wide-ranging choices, those swimming to the top included varying shades of purple, blue, pink, green, and metallic tones. Although these were the go-to colors for many, opinions varied widely on the shades: “I am addicted to gunmetal, titanium, and grass green, Hermes orange, and eggplant. These are very sophisticated but, ‘Oh, so fabulous!’”- Nikki Berg, Bermuda Bride“We’ll still see the soft blush, gold, and ivories, but have had requests for a variety of blues. Since we’re an ocean community, we will probably always have aqua to navy as an inspiration.”Michele Whitaker, Delectables Fine Catering, Palm Harbor, Fla.“Soft hues of vibrant colors! Violet instead of purple, sage instead of jade green, and champagne as opposed to gold.”Carolyn O’Brien, Creative Celebrations Wedding and Event Planning, Lake Oswego, Ore.Explore International color trendsFor those who follow color trends, there are a number from which to choose. The Color Marketing Group selects key colors by world region annually. Their colors for 2016 and 2017 are both out. They are: North America: Uni-Blue, a navy celebrating all genders and generations (2016). Thrive, a yellow-influenced green that is about forward movement, longevity, and balance (2017).Europe: Brave, a passionate red signifying energy and drive (2016). Life Spurt, a green with yellow undertones that is fresh, natural, and energized (2017).Asia/Pacific: Naturban, a yellow hue with green tones that blend natural and urban living (2016). Edo Eau, a water-inspired blue-green that is refreshing, cleansing, and natural (2017).Latin America: Maiz, a softened yellow, reflecting roots, culture, and growth (2016). Brilho Interior, a pink copper metallic suggesting community, contemplation, and renewal (2017).Pantone chooses its annual color of the year in December. This year’s choice was actually two: Rose Quartz and Serenity. Pantone believes consumers are tired of the stress of everyday life, whether it’s the ups and downs of the stock market, international skirmishes, or personal anxiety. Rose Quartz and Serenity, they believe, offer an antidote—demonstrating balance and tranquility, order and peace. Says Berg, “The Pantones for 2016 have been released, and my brides are hot on this trend. Bermuda naturally features Rose Quartz and Serenity—in our ocean, our houses, the softness as the sun rises, so we have been ahead of trend for a millennium.”Did you know that even the auto industry chooses an annual color of the year? Researched and selected by PPG Industries, this year’s color is Paradise Found. “A soothing green with a very little undertone of blue,” says the literature. It “represents the ease and rejuvenation one feels in nature. It is organic and alive while being a subtle and soft backdrop.” While this is the main color selected, there are a series of color palettes that are themed and centered on specific types of consumers—from those more adventurous to those wellness-centered to energetic and dynamic and safe and secure, from calm and private to rugged and irregular.What’s important to realize in all of this is that, while some say color is a science, the reality is that different “scientists” will choose different colors for different reasons. The best advice? Choose what works for you and your clients. “We do not believe in color trends for weddings and events. In our country, we do not give importance to such things as ‘The Color of the Year.’ Each couple has its own choices; we do not inspire the colors,” says Barbara Diez, MWP™, Barbara Diez Events, Buenos Aires, Argentina.Find Inspiration Everywhere you lookThat’s not to say that one can’t find inspiration in the hues chosen by color experts annually. It just shouldn’t be the only source. Our readers agree. While Pantone remains a popular source for “colorspiration,” it was third in our reader ranking as the source for 40%. What was number one? Nature at 47%. Wedding professionals are most inspired by a walk in the woods, hitting the beach, or studying animals in their habitat. The fashion industry was a close second, with 46% seeking inspiration in a Kate Spade purse, Louis Vuitton shoes, or an Elie Saab haute couture dress. Other sources? Paint samples, popular culture, other designers, blogs, interior design, publications, world travel, and the client’s vision, of course.take a walk on the wild sideIf you feel stuck in the same palette, step outside of your comfort zone. Keep a notepad for jotting down ideas as you get inspired no matter where you are or what you’re reading. “Consider mixing and matching more than two colors,” suggests Diana da Ros, Diana da Ros Events, Monza, Italy. “Try to avoid the use of black and white as second colors and use other colors, not only pure ones but also shaded colors with different nuances.”Readers had other ideas as well. Use wallpaper or wrapping paper as accents or pops of color. Include more patterns and textures. Use different shades of color for bridesmaid gowns. Choose the same theme but different flowers for bridesmaid bouquets. Dip-paint the handles of purchased flatware. Use an unexpected envelope liner or have the bride buy shoes with colored bottoms. Select a favor box that is one color on the outside and another inside. The ideas are endless. When we asked readers for their out-of-the-box color ideas, we got an incredible range that included mustards, orange with gray, crimson and golds, iced coffee, black, fluorescents, and pop art colors to name a few. Here were some others:“I’d like to see more opposites like blues and yellows or orange and green. I would rather be daring than take the normal route.”Veronica Foster, AWP™, Behind The Scenes Inc, Gibsonville, N.C.“[I prefer] the forest hues (hunter, browns, and grays) with a pop of unexpected color, like a poppy red or fuchsia, also, a cornflower blue with a pale yellow (think vintage French wallpaper).Michele Whitaker, Delectables Fine Catering, Palm Harbor, Fla.“Slate blues and grays allow you to bring tones found in nature into your wedding. They pair well with chic, modern wedding design for an organic design aesthetic.”Britt Geisler, Sugar Branch Events, Newport Beach, Calif.“I’d love to see anything with actual color start to gain popularity. There are so many neutral or washed-out tones that are popular because they fit with the rustic theme.”Becky Bert, ABC UCF Student Chapter, OrlandoApply creativity to your next eventOnce the volume of resources and ideas for color inspires you, it’s time to consider application. Reader ideas ranged from the tired to the traditional to the unusual. Here are a few of our favorites:“Have your guests join in the color scheme! Invite them to be a part of the festivities by donning a shade of the wedding’s color. The Kardashians do it by all wearing white, why not make your guests play a part by wearing your color? . . . [Also,] play up the wedding’s color in unconventional places. Replace white cake, bridal shoes, the garter, even sparklers with the wedding’s signature color!”Carolyn O’Brien, Creative Celebrations Wedding and Event Planning, Lake Oswego, Ore.“As a caterer, we can decorate our buffet stations or serving trays to reflect a color theme, but we can also do it with food selections.”Michele Whitaker, Delectables Fine Catering, Palm Harbor, Fla.Use color on “tent roofs, dance floors.”Barbara Diez, MWP™, Barbara Diez Events, Buenos Aires, Argentina “A color light wash brings color to the walls along with design and creates a back drop to any room. Lounge furniture is also coming in a variety of colors, as is the dance floor. In fact, LED dance floors are now available to create desired color and design.”Rhonda Baker, Precisely as Planned, Dallas/Fort Worth, TexasIdeas include: “Bright-colored flowers (yellow, orange, pink) and dark-colored lighting (blue or purple) [are great] for indoor parties. I based those colors off the sunset turning into night. [I also like] various shades of colors for bridesmaids/groomsmen/spokespersons (for example, light shades of blue to dark shades of blue for an ombré affect); patterned shoes, such as floral or Bohemian-inspired prints; colored jewelry/hair accessories for brides with a ‘pop’ of color to match their maids; colored venue decorations, like green and yellow hanging lanterns for a green-and-yellow wedding theme (instead of the traditional white hanging lanterns); colored balloons; vibrant-colored cakes.”Jenna Potts, Edwards-Macy Bridal & Formals, Lakeland, Fla. “Use color or colors of the wedding to create special dishes and customized menus. Dress the staff with the colors of the wedding/event. Prepare an interactive drawing/guest book station with brushes, acrylics, water colors, pencils with the colors of the weddings—so every guest could leave a ‘color message’ for the couple.”Diana da Ros, Diana da Ros Events, Monza, Italy“[I like] different textures, such as in ribbon; elegant linens, perhaps just on the cake table, or runners down the tables; a favor displayed on the table that is of a certain color, adds that pop of color without going overboard. And let’s not forget to look up by hanging the colors from the ceiling.”JoAnn Moore, CWC, MWP™, CGWP, Mountains and Meadows, Vail, Colo.“Specialty table linens are an effortless way to bring not only color but also patterns and textures into your wedding. Changing up your table linen can transform the entire look of the room, and using a color allows the table settings to pop!”Britt Geisler, Sugar Branch Events, Newport Beach, Calif.“Lighting can change the whole mood of a room and take you from cocktail hour to dinner service to dance party—quickly and effectively!”Suzanne L Peat, PWP™, Weddings by Kenneth Robert Entertainment, Toronto“Getting creative with your champagne and adding edible flowers for a touch of color [is a great idea as are] creative colorful signature drinks for a toast—like a lavender shade signature cocktail with sugar around rim and a colorful magenta orchid to finish the look as your champagne toast.”Bobbie Outerino, Fortuna Event Management & Promotions, Miami“The list is endless when it comes to incorporating color into a wedding theme. One unique way to add a theme color mightbe to take elements that are not normally found in that color and paint/dye objects to the color, and add to your tablescapes. . . . Taking objects and adding them in a theme color brings acohesive touch.” Nancie Huneault, Pearl Events Wedding & Design, Calgary, Alberta, Canada __Beth Erickson, Wedding Planner Magazine Editor, La Crosse, Wis.