The new year means a new color palette for 2018. From bold color combinations to transparent accents—here are the upcoming color trends for table settings, backdrops, invitations and more and ideas for how to use them.

Soft colors, including blush and peach, have been popular for quite some time now. Starting this year, we are going to see those color palettes deepen. Richer and more dramatic hues are going to appear in floral arrangements and table linens. We may even start seeing colored dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. In particular, shades of purple will make their way to the front line. As most know, Pantone claimed “Ultra Violet” as their “Color of the Year.” With that title comes an inevitable influx of purple inspiration for couples—including wine, lilac, lavender, and mauve. For example, a gorgeous arrangement of pastel blooms with pops of deep violet steals the show. Another way couples can incorporate this splash of color is colored candles on tablescapes or peppered throughout the event space. This is an easy way to add something unexpected to the décor instead of the standard white and ivory candles!

With “Greenery” being last year’s Pantone “Color of the Year,” we saw a huge rise in greenery being incorporated into floral arrangements. Weddings in 2018 are going to take it one step further. We will still see a lot of greenery in the florals, but this year we are going to see green as the main color in many weddings. This color trend ties into couples steering away from the rustic look to a more “woodsy” look. With that, couples will move away from burlap, mason jars, and twine, and we will see more wooden details on invitations, table numbers, seating cards, chargers, signage, chairs and tables. And forget greenery and flower walls; in 2018 it'll be all about greenery and flowers cascading from the ceiling in the most dramatic and unexpected ways.

Formal weddings are most certainly making a comeback in 2018. As an alternative to formal black and white, couples are opting for dark blue as the neutral shade in their wedding’s color palette. We are thrilled that midnight blue is now the color of choice for formal weddings (a perfect excuse to use our new midnight blue couches).

That’s not to say we aren't going to see any black this coming year. If the Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Reem Acra spring 2018 bridal collections are any indication, edgy black accents will definitely make an appearance. This trend is pulled straight from the fashion pages, where black accents are giving wedding gowns a glamorous edge. Look for black ribbons to grace bouquets, invitations, and table runners. Or, couples can go all-in and request black chairs and black chargers, which look stunning paired with gold cutlery and glassware. Perhaps consider black tablecloths and napkins. For a final touch, couples can opt for chic black ink on mirrored glass for their display signage. Incorporating black into a classic white wedding gives a modern and effective twist that will add drama to the day without fail.

Gold, rose gold, and brass have been extremely popular and in high demand for the past few years, and that likely won’t change. That being said, couples are bringing silver and chrome into the mix. Regardless of the metallic hue, metallics add a fancy, yet chic touch to any tablescape.

There is no doubt that this year’s wedding trends will drift towards modern. Therefore, it is no surprise at all that lucite and other see-through mediums are about to have a major wedding moment. Couples are opting for the modern, architectural, and clean design translucence offers. This year will see a surge in see-through settings and décor—everything from the venues themselves (think: clear tents) or venues surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows to Perspex hanging seating plans, tablescapes featuring an abundance of glass details, like the table with printed goods on semi-transparent paper. Or, how cool would invitations made from etched plexiglass be?

And step aside, marquee letters—the new trend is neon signs! This wedding season, neon signs are going to steal the show. They add a kitschy touch to wedding décor, and couples can get their own custom signs made, which will make for a great keepsake after the big day. Have one made with your last name, your favorite phrase, an inside joke, or a cheeky shape to add a little light and a lot of fun to your ceremony or reception decor.

As we bid the rustic rose golds and blushes of 2017 goodbye, we are excited to say hello to 2018’s “moody chic” and other trends that will soon to be the reality for our cherished red carpet clients.

- Red Carpet Events and Design, Reno, Nev.