Tips & Guide

What Is Lilac Color? Bridesmaid Dress Color Dictionary

Jul 19, 2024 / Post by Emma Johnson in

Planning a wedding is no joke. You've probably looked at enough color palettes to last a lifetime and can tell the difference between lavender and lilac in an instant.

Your wedding is an artistic feat, pulling together different elements to create a cohesive and beautiful aesthetic that everyone 'oohs and ahs' over. Your bridesmaid dresses are a crucial component of your wedding, which is why we have put together a color dictionary. You need to know your options in order to pick the best one for you.

Lilac is a go-to wedding color and we're here for it! Let's explore what makes this dreamy color a staple for romantic weddings.

What Is Lilac Color?

If you're a Bridgerton girlie, then you are no stranger to the charming shade of lilac. The soft pastel hue is a delicate shade of purple, with hints of pink and blue. It sits between violet and pink on the color spectrum.

This enchanting color is named after the beautiful lilac flower, which is known for its fragrant blooms and gentle beauty. Pale lilac can look almost white, while deep lilac is almost purple.

What Does the Color Lilac Signify?

Lilac is more than just a pretty color and its symbolism might be just what you need to add a touch of romance to your wedding. Lilac can mean renewal and confidence, making it a perfect choice for celebratory occasions like weddings. Lilac is also a soothing color, bringing a calming presence to what can be an emotional day.

The color lilac has many other meanings, including

Sensitivity
Charm
Compassion
Freedom
Calm
Innocence

Lilac also represents first love or the beginning stages of a courtship. Bridgerton used lilac masterfully, and you can see Daphne, Edwina, and Kate wearing lilac gowns at pivotal points in their courtship journeys.

The Origin and History of Lilac

The word lilac comes from the Latin word "Lilium," meaning "lily." The color is associated with the bluish-purple clusters of flowers on the lilac plant. The lilac plant, native to Europe and Asia, was first cultivated in the 16th century and quickly became a favorite among gardeners for its delightful fragrance and lovely hue.

The use of 'lilac' to describe fabric seemed to first make an appearance in England in 1775. The color itself gained popularity in fashion and design during the Victorian era, where it was often associated with the themes of love and devotion. Lilac was also one of the colors that women were allowed to wear in the final stages of mourning as a symbol of remembrance but also new beginnings.

Originally, purple fabric was expensive and reserved for royalty and wealthy families. But as it gained popularity in the 19th century, more women wore lilac gloves and boots to compliment their purple gowns.

The color may also have had something to do with the beautiful lilac feathers of the lilac-breasted roller, a bird that was first described in 1766 by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus.

Image Source: Wikipedia

If you've fallen in love with lilac, you're not alone. It is a popular wedding color and was even Pantone's 2022 color of the year.

What Is Lilac Color Used For?

Lilac is soft and whimsical, making it ideal for adding romance to a space or outfit. It can be found in everything from clothing and accessories to decor items.

In fashion, it's a popular choice for spring and summer collections, offering a fresh and feminine touch to any outfit. In interior design, lilac can create a serene and inviting atmosphere, perfect for bedrooms and living spaces. Gone are the days when lilac was reserved for little girls' bedrooms, however. Now, you can find touches of lilac in art, upholstery, and vintage glassware.

Lilac is also a favorite in floral arrangements and wedding decor, adding a touch of ethereal romance and charm.

Is Lilac A Good Color for Weddings?

Lilac is often a wedding staple, especially if you want a soft, romantic, and timeless aesthetic.

Lilac is a gentle color that complements a wide range of wedding themes, from rustic and bohemian to elegant and classic. Think of it as a foil that allows bolder flowers or decor items to shine.

Lilac bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, and decor elements create a cohesive and dreamy atmosphere for whimsical weddings. Who wouldn't want that on their wedding day? Plus, lilac's association with love, renewal, and tranquility adds something extra to the overall meaning of your special day.

Why Should You Choose Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses?

They Offer Romantic Elegance

Weddings should be about love and romance, and nothing says that more than lilac dresses. You don't want to look back on your wedding photos and cringe at the color of your bridesmaids' dresses. Lilac offers timeless elegance and won't distract from your dress on the big day.

Lilac Dresses Are Versatile

Your bridesmaids are lovely and unique, and they should have dresses that accentuate that. Lilac is a flattering shade that will work with your bridesmaids' skin tones. There are also different shades of lilac, so you can create an ombre effect that looks beautiful in photos.

Lilac is ideal on soft fabrics for Spring and Summer weddings. But darker lilac tones look fabulous in heavier fabrics for Autumn and Winter weddings.

Lilac Is the Perfect Backdrop

Your bridesmaids' dresses should blend seamlessly with your theme, not overpower it. Lilac dresses offer the perfect foil to work with gorgeous bouquets and soft lighting. The key to an elegant, timeless wedding is how cohesively the details work together. Your bridesmaids' dresses are one of those details.

Lilac won't steal the limelight but rather allow you (and your decor) to shine.

Looking for the perfect lilac bridesmaid dress for your ladies?

Do you have your heart set on lilac bridesmaid dresses that will add drama, romance, and all the Bridgerton vibes to your wedding day? If so, we've got you covered.

At ChicSew, we understand how much your wedding day means to you. If you want lilac bridesmaid dresses but need more to go on, we offer free color swatches and 5 fabrics to choose from.

We have a lilac bridesmaid dress collection that will make choosing the perfect dress options a dream. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but we take the anxiety out of finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses.

How to Style Your Lilac Bridesmaid Dress?

When it comes to styling lilac bridesmaids' dresses, your options are endless (something every bride wants to hear!)

Jewelry and Makeup

For a classic and sophisticated look, pair the dresses with silver or pearl accessories and soft, neutral makeup. To add a bit of sparkle, opt for metallic gold or rose gold jewelry and accents. For a more bohemian vibe, consider flower crowns or delicate floral hairpieces, along with natural, dewy makeup.

Shoes and Hair

Footwear can range from elegant heels to comfortable flats, depending on the formality of the event and the bridesmaids' preferences.

Just like choosing shoes based on the theme, your bridesmaid's hair should contribute to the overall vibe. Loose curls add to the romance and whimsy of a lilac dress, and an updo accentuates the elegance of a lilac dress, particularly in darker hues.

Flowers

Don't forget the flowers! You can dress up a bouquet with ribbons in contrasting colors that add a pop to lilac dresses.

What Colors Go Best with Lilac?

Lilac falls between pink and purple, which is perfect for all kinds of wedding styles.

For a classic and elegant look, combine lilac with soft neutrals like ivory, beige, and gray. To add a touch of vibrancy, consider pairing it with complementary shades such as mint green, peach, or blush pink.

Being a soft color, lilac works well with contrasting colors like orange, rose gold, and olive green. You can also pair it with similar shades like pink, blue, and purple for an elegant, timeless look.

Lilac can also soften bold color choices. For example, pairing lilac and yellow is ideal for a retro vibe that is quirky without being overpowering. Lilac softens strong hues like crimson and emerald green, creating an eclectic yet elegant aesthetic.

What Is A Lilac Alternative?

If you love the idea of lilac but are looking for something a bit different, consider other pastel hues that offer a similar soft and romantic feel.

Lavender, with its slightly deeper tone, is a beautiful alternative that still captures the essence of lilac.

Blush pink and wisteria are another lovely options, bringing a warm and gentle touch to the bridal party.

If you're feeling really bold, why not try a floral or patterned bridesmaid dress that incorporates hints of lilac? Your wedding, your rules, even if it means breaking some.

Final Thoughts

Lilac is for lovers, which makes it ideal for your wedding. Soft, ethereal, whimsical…those are just some of the words that spring to mind when you see lilac in a wedding space.

The lilac flower symbolizes love and romance and the intoxicating fragrance will have you dreaming of sweet kisses and longing looks. If that isn't enough of a reason to choose lilac for your wedding, I don't know what is.