The announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year is always an exciting time, but the company truly outdid itself this year by creating a brand-new hue for 2022: Very Peri, a periwinkle blue with a violet-red undertone. It’s the first time in the 22 years that Pantone has been revealing its color of the year that it developed a new color instead of choosing one of its existing shades—a decision that was a direct result of the “highly unusual time” we’re all living in, which includes living through a pandemic, concerns about the environment, and a shift in social values. The combination of blue, which is associated with faithfulness and constancy, and a touch of red, which conveys energy and excitement, was chosen in order to create a color that suggests innovation and a fresh start.
"It was really important for us to come up with a new color because we have a very new vision of the world now," explained Pantone Color Institute's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. "It is literally the happiest and the warmest of all the blue hues, adding that “because of that red undertone, it introduces an empowering feeling of newness, and newness is what we're looking for."
Very Peri can also easily be paired with an array of complementary colors to create a unique wedding color palette that’s sure to wow guests. Whether you’re aiming to go bold or would rather stay more in the classic range, Pantone has created some color combos for inspiration. You can use the Aisle Planner Design Studio to have some fun with these shades!
Balancing Act
Combining Very Peri with warm or cool colors such as lilac (Pantone’s Lotus), deep purple (Hawthorn Rose), lavender (Burnished Lilac or Elderberry), and even muted reds (Muted Clay) and greens (Granite Green) can inject a “feeling of liveliness and visual vibration.” These hues would look amazing in floral designs, table settings, and even mix and match bridesmaids' dresses.
Wellspring
Perfect for couples that want to showcase their love of nature, these combos pair Very Peri with varying shades of green (Greebriar, Foliage, Treetop or Celery). You can also mix in some brown (Chai Tea) or add in a subtle pop of color with a pale blue (Eggshell) or deeper purple (Dewberry). These are great ideas for newlyweds who want to create an outdoor effect in an indoor space.
Star of the Show
These colors work best for couples that want a more elegant and classic feel at their event. Neutrals ranging from the light (Cloud Dancer, White Sand, and Plaza Taupe) to the dark (Volcanic Glass and Deep Taupe) serve as a base that allows Very Peri to take center stage. Want something overly dramatic? Pair black (Pantone’s Anthracite) with Very Peri for a showstopping effect.
Amusements
These color palettes are for the couple that wants to stand out. It’s all about taking an already vibrant color—Very Peri, of course—and pairing it with something equally as bold, such as bright pinks (Pink Flambe or Fuchsia Pink) or orange (Tawny Orange). Add in some calmer colors like brown (Iced Coffee or Cornsilk) so the palette isn’t too over-the-top.
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