Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

Every year, the color experts at Pantone predict which shade will define the next 365 days, popping up everywhere from fashion to home furnishings to cosmetics. Turquoise, it turns out, is so 2010. Pantone has just announced that 2011 will be all about the reddish-pink hue called honeysuckle.

This festive and uplifting color is sure to liven up wedding apparel and décor across the country, whether it’s bridesmaids’ dresses, invitations or, appropriately, flowers. The hue is named after the sweetly scented blossoms of the honeysuckle vine, a favorite source of nectar for hungry hummingbirds. Stirring up thoughts of spring and summer, honeysuckle derives its vitality from the color red, the most visceral hue in the color spectrum, Pantone says. Its “courageous” and “bold” character makes it all too fitting for 2011, emboldening us to “face everyday troubles with verve and vigor,” after turquoise, reminiscent of tropical beaches, evoked thoughts of escape amid the rough waters of 2010.

Flattering on men and women, honeysuckle is striking enough to work well for both day and evening ceremonies. The color pairs well with standard hues like black, grey and navy, but Pantone also suggests bronze greens or pinkish browns as sophisticated complements.

If you’re a color fanatic who can spot the difference between cherry red and fuchsia a mile away, consider purchasing wedding fashions and accessories in Pantone’s precise shade of honeysuckle online. Dessy, a wedding and special occasion apparel retailer, offers bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, menswear and accessories in more than 200 Pantone colors. Check out this custom pocket square or this convertible, full-length chiffon gown in honeysuckle. Get the kids in on the color coordination with a satin tie for your ring bearer and a sweet matching flower girl dress.