In 1594, copper was first used as a color name. It gets its name from the metal ‘copper’, which was used extensively in ancient times. Copper is a warm, reddish-brown tone with a metallic luster found in the color wheel's red-orange section. The hex code for the color copper is B87333.

When it comes to color psychology, copper represents warmth, resilience, and comfort. It is associated with a balanced emotional state and symbolizes many positive elements that we will discuss in a bit.

Copper was the first metal humans used for various purposes. The word comes from the Latin word ‘cuprum’, which means' Cyprus’—the island where the metal was mined. The use of copper as a color was first recorded in 1594 in art and design. Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians found this rustic color great for jewelry, artifacts, and architecture.

The metallic color gained fame due to its earthy symbolism. Artists widely added copper to their art pieces during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. In the industrial era, copper has been a top choice for its distinct hue in construction and design aesthetics.

Copper has become a popular color in modern weddings due to its rich history and symbolism. It carries a deeper meaning which evokes warmth and amplifies the ambience of a wedding.

Warmth and Romance

Due to its warm-tone, copper exudes a warm, romantic and cozy vibe. The reddish-brown undertones symbolize intimacy, passion and connection, making it an ideal color for couples seeking emotionally rich atmosphere on their special day!

Strength and Resilience

Ancient civilizations have been using copper metal for various tasks for its strength and resistance to corrosion. In metallurgy, it is valued for its enduring and protective characteristics. The color also holds the same value in wedding color palettes, symbolizing long-lasting and resilient marriages.

Prosperity

Ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Europe used copper coins. Due to its historical significance in currency, copper is associated with success, wealth and good fortune. In a wedding ceremony, it can represent a prosperous future for the couple.

Earthy and Natural Vibe

Copper’s natural, metallic tone reflects balance, comfort and grounded energy. Whether there’s a rustic, bohemian or autumn-themed wedding event, this color is an all-rounder for all the nature lovers!

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Historically, in Roman culture, bridesmaids dressed in the same color as the bride to confuse the evil spirits and protect the bride. However, the color diversification of bridesmaids’ dresses became a common practice in the late 20th and early 21st century.

Bridesmaids started adopting earthy tones and burnt orange palettes in the 1970s. Slowly, the color copper gained popularity as a wedding hue in the subsequent decades. Copper color is actually one of the top wedding dress color choices in some Asian countries!

In the modern era, copper has become a favorite color, especially for autumn-themed weddings. Copper bridesmaid dresses are widely available in various styles, from satin gowns to chiffon dresses, making them a versatile choice for different wedding themes.

Copper is emerging as a popular trend this wedding season. It stands out as a royal color, especially when paired with rich, jewel tones like emerald green, purple, and blue. Combinations of copper with navy blue are the go-to option for people who want to achieve a sophisticated and modern look. 

Apart from bridesmaids’ dress code, this color can be seamlessly integrated in your wedding decor to achieve a more cohesive vibe. For instance, copper pieces like vases, centerpieces, and candleholders can be paired up with pampas grass, dried palm leaves, and flowers in neutral tones.

Copper is a vibrant metallic color that complements many hues. Here’s how you can achieve different vibes as per your taste on your wedding by pairing copper with various colors:

• For a Vintage and Retro Vibe: Copper, along with sage green and olive shades, helps achieve an antique and nature-inspired vibe. Moreover, you can pair up copper and mauve to add a romantic element to the overall palette.
• For a Royal and Luxurious Feel: Pairing up copper with deep, jewel tones can create a royal vibe on your special day. Colors like emerald green, amethyst purple, wine red, and burgundy intensify copper’s grandeur, perfect for a lavish setting.
• For a Modern and Sleek Touch: Modern aesthetics lean toward minimalistic yet bold contrasts to complement copper’s metallic luster. Black, royal blue, off-white and matte teal are the go-to colors when it comes to a contemporary wedding vibe.
• For a Warm and Cozy Vibe: Copper naturally exudes an earthy tone. Certain colors can help enhance its inviting and cozy feel. Terracotta, rust, burnt orange and tan are colors similar to copper. Hence, pairing these up can help achieve a monochromatic, warm atmosphere.

If copper’s not your exact shade, don’t worry! A couple of colors are similar to copper and can fit your wedding color palette better. Some of those include:

• Bronze: Reddish-brown undertone like copper, but has a grayer tone.
• Rose gold: Slightly pinkish than copper.
• Terracotta: Clay-colored, giving off more earthy vibes.
• Cinnamon: More reddish undertone.

Copper bridesmaid dresses look amazing on warm and medium skin tones such as olive, tan, and golden. The same can be said about deep complexions like brown and ebony; copper makes these skin tones glow. For fair skin with cool undertones, copper can sometimes wash out the complexion, but choosing a rosier copper shade helps.

Fashion tip: Pair with gold or rose gold jewelry, and go for warm makeup—bronze eyeshadow, peachy blush, and soft nude or berry lips.

Whether you're aiming for vintage charm, royal grandeur, or a modern edge, copper is your ultimate color. It perfectly blends in with your wedding vision board. Ready to dress your bridal party in a hue that shines effortlessly? Explore stunning copper dresses at Chicsew and find the perfect match for your wedding vision!