What Is Terracotta? Bridesmaid Dress Color Dictionary

Burnt orange is one of the hottest wedding colors in recent years, such as terracotta, rust, copper and amber. People often confuse them because they are too similar.

In this article, we will focus on what is terracotta? Why has this warm and charming color become a new favorite for weddings, and how can you choose terracotta bridesmaid dresses?

Keep reading and you will get more terracotta wedding ideas!

What Is Terracotta Color?

Terracotta is a lovely shade of orange, red, and brown. It gives a refined and elegant vibe while eliciting feelings of romance and joy. The shades of this color can range from deep burnt orange with a brown undertone to shades of pink with a tan or gray undertone.

No matter the shade of terracotta you use, you’ll get a warm, cozy and rich earth tone that is unique and memorable.

What Does the Color Terracotta Signify?

Terracotta comes from a mix of orange and dark red. The result is an earthy color that exudes warmth. As a result, this color is linked to nourishing the earth and agriculture.

The red vibes in terracotta are also linked with activity, energy, passion, and vitality.

The Origin and History of Terracotta

Terracotta comes from the Italian words for earth (Terra) and baked (Cotto). It’s the name for the baked clay that you’ll find in many ancient sculptures. The history of terracotta can be traced back to ancient China, Greece, West Africa, India and Italy.

The color itself gets its name, because most of this clay has a rich brownish and orange mix. This comes from the iron in the clay that reacts with oxygen to form the beautiful terracotta hue.

How Is the Terracotta Color Used for Weddings?

Terracotta reminds us of warm sunsets and rolling country fields. It works for fall, winter, summer, and spring weddings. Other wedding themes it fits include country, vineyard, vintage, and bohemian weddings.

There are many ways you can use this color for weddings. It would look great as the napkins on your wedding tables and other table décor like candles or glassware. You can also have terracotta-colored place cards.

To give guests a taste of the color ahead of time, a terracotta-themed wedding invitation suite would work nicely. Your wedding cake can also have a tier that is terracotta. Rust-colored wedding flowers would support this vibe too.

The keys to using terracotta for any wedding are the shades you pair it with.

Trends in Terracotta Bridesmaid Dresses

Terracotta bridesmaid dresses give a unique and elegant look for a wedding. Many people mistake this deep tone as perfect for only winter or fall. However, when paired with the midi silhouette, this color works for summer and spring weddings as well.

As a bridesmaid dress, terracotta would look elegant. Trendy fabrics to use include satin, silk, nylon, cotton, rayon, tulle, polyester and other synthetic fibers.

When choosing the design of terracotta bridesmaid dresses, stay simple as the color itself is rich and unique.

How to Choose the Best Terracotta Bridesmaids Dresses?

Wedding Venue

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best terracotta bridesmaid dresses. One of those is your wedding venue.

Terracotta bridesmaid dresses work for outdoor weddings. They also look great in elegant indoor spaces like ballrooms.

Fabric

You also need to decide on the fabric for the bridesmaid’s dress. Trendy fabrics include satin, silk, nylon, cotton, rayon, tulle, polyester and other synthetic fibers.

Style

Plus, style is important, so you might have to choose based on your bridesmaids. To ensure you make the best decision for everyone, ask for their input prior.

Skin Tone

Brides and bridesmaids might also worry if terracotta fits their skin tone. Terracotta works for all skin tones and so will look good on all your bridesmaids.

Cost

Another important factor to consider with terracotta bridesmaid dresses is cost. However, since this color is unique, you’ll find great cost-friendly choices. Choosing this color early enough will also give your bridesmaids enough time to save up if your choice is pricey.

How to Accessorize a Terracotta Bridesmaid Dress?

Have you decided to go with this great color? Then you and your bridesmaids need to learn how to accessorize a terracotta bridesmaid dress. This will help achieve a cohesive look complimenting your wedding.

Check out some important accessorizing tips below.

Hair Accessories

Some great hair accessories to use include jeweled hair pins and flower crowns. The jeweled hair pins will add an elegant vibe to your wedding and are great for ballroom events.

Flower crowns will lend themselves to the rustic charm of this unique color.

Jewelry

White pearl and silver jewelry work great for a terracotta bridesmaid dress. However, you can emphasize the richness of this color by using red jasper or sage green stones. Red jasper will add a vibrant touch to a terracotta bridesmaid dress which is great for winter weddings.

Sage green or mint jewelry is great for fall, spring, and summer weddings.

Bouquet

A terracotta bridesmaid dress bouquet can be a mix of terracotta, cream, warm red, and blush flowers. For a more rustic vibe, add succulents and pampas grass. A modern bouquet can have majorly blush, greenery, and terracotta roses.

Shoes

Dark brown and nude are the best shoe colors for a terracotta bridesmaid dress. To complement the elegant side of this color, heels work best. However, bridesmaids can also wear brown wedges for more comfort and a lovely rustic vibe.

Other shoe colors to try include sage green, black, or light gray.

Purse

Metallic purses will compliment your terracotta bridesmaid dress. Using gold or copper will emphasize the warmth of this color.

However, you can also use a nude or brown purse to match your shoes.

Nails

The nails that work with your terracotta bridesmaid dress are nude, brown, dark red, and blush. French tips would also work well. For a little more zing, you can try gold, rose gold, or copper red.

What Color Goes Well with Terracotta?

A neutral color goes well with terracotta. So you can try tan, cream, gray, and brown, especially for rustic, country, bohemian, or vintage weddings. Dark reds, mint green and blush can also work.

What Colors Are Similar to Terracotta?

All colors in the burnt orange category are similar to terracotta. They include dark orange, rust, amber, and copper.

What Is the Alternative Color to Terracotta?

If you’re looking for alternatives to terracotta, try the similar colors listed above. They can also play complementary roles in a terracotta wedding palette.

Final Thoughts

Terracotta is a warm, romantic, and unique wedding color that would look great in a bridesmaid dress. Leading ladies in a rustic, vintage, country, or bohemian wedding would stun in this shade. You’ll also love terracotta because it is versatile and works for weddings in all seasons.

Will this be the color you choose for your bridesmaid dresses?