The Ultimate Guide to Burgundy Wedding Colors: Trends for 2025–2026

Choosing your wedding palette is one of the most significant steps in defining the emotional landscape of your big day. As a relationship counselor, I often see how colors reflect a couple's dynamic, and few choices are as evocative as burgundy wedding colors. Historically reserved for the crisp air of autumn or the snowy backdrop of winter, burgundy is undergoing a massive transformation. For the 2025 and 2026 wedding seasons, this deep, wine-inspired hue is emerging as a "seasonless" staple that signifies maturity, ambition, and a deeply grounded emotional connection.

Forecast Position

Top 5 for 2026

Planner Preference

32%

Floral Request Surge

383%

Universal Flattery

All Skin Tones

Why Burgundy is Dominating the 2025–2026 Forecast

Industry leaders like The Knot and THEWED have already flagged "Deep Burgundy" as a critical pillar for upcoming wedding aesthetics. It isn't just about the visual appeal; it is about the "universal sophistication" that the shade provides. In a recent Houzz Event Color Survey, nearly one-third of professional planners selected burgundy over traditional pastels because of its ability to elevate a space instantly.

Psychologically, burgundy is the color of "controlled passion." While bright red can feel impulsive or high-alert, burgundy anchors that energy with the stability of brown. For many of the couples I work with, this color represents the evolution of their relationship: a love that is still fiery and passionate but has matured into something sturdy and reliable.

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Tip: If you are worried about the color feeling too heavy for a summer wedding, consider the "Pop of Red" theory. Use a neutral ivory base and introduce burgundy through high-impact details like velvet napkins or hand-calligraphed menus.

Emerging Burgundy Trends for 2025 and 2026

The next two years are moving away from the "Boho-Burgundy" of the late 2010s and toward a more editorial, high-fashion aesthetic. Here are the three major trends we are seeing for the upcoming seasons.

The "Private Members Club" Aesthetic

A major trend for 2026 is creating a "moody lounge" vibe. Instead of the standard bright ballroom, couples are opting for venues or decor that mimic an exclusive London social club. Think dark cherry wood tables, brass accents, and burgundy velvet upholstery. This look is about luxury, intimacy, and creating a space that feels lived-in yet prestigious.

"Crimson Nocturne" Floral Design

According to the Poppy Floral Report, consultation requests for cascading arrangements in deep red tones have seen a 383% year-over-year increase. The "Crimson Nocturne" trend focuses on a "jammy," slightly gothic romance. It utilizes flowers like Burgundy Amaranthus—the "it" flower for 2026—to create movement and drama.

Verdant Voltage: The Bold New Pairing

While many couples still lean toward Sage Green Wedding Colors, the 2026 fashion-forward choice is "Verdant Voltage." This involves pairing deep burgundy with a bright, electric chartreuse. This high-contrast duo is sophisticated and unexpected, perfect for couples looking to make a statement.

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Note: To prevent burgundy from looking "flat" in your photos, always mix textures. Combine matte fabrics with glossy elements like ceramic plates or glass chargers.

Designing Your Burgundy Color Palette

Selecting your secondary colors is where you define the "mood" of the wedding. Burgundy is incredibly versatile and acts as a chameleon depending on what it is paired with.

Palette Style	Primary	Secondary Accents	Vibe
Classic	Burgundy	Gold, Navy, Ivory	Timeless & Regal
Modern	Burgundy	Terracotta, Sage	Earthy & Organic
Electric	Burgundy	Chartreuse, Teal	Avant-Garde & Bold
Soft	Burgundy	Dusty Rose, Cream	Romantic & Gentle

Real-World Example: The Garden Gala

Imagine a spring wedding in a botanical garden. Instead of the usual light pinks, the couple uses a "Bordeaux" burgundy as their anchor. The bridesmaids wear light Dusty Rose Wedding Colors, but carry bouquets with deep burgundy Scabiosa and Ranunculus. This creates a striking visual depth that prevents the photos from looking "washed out."

Real-World Example: The Industrial Warehouse

In a modern warehouse setting, a couple utilizes "Verdant Voltage." They use burgundy velvet table runners paired with neon-green (chartreuse) floral installations. The contrast against the gray concrete walls creates a "gallery-style" atmosphere that feels fresh and urban.

Real-World Example: The Winter Estate

For a January wedding, the couple leans into the "Crimson Nocturne" trend. They use "monochromatic layering," mixing shades like Garnet, Crimson, and Cabernets. By using different shades of the same family, the room feels rich and painterly rather than one-dimensional.

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Warning: Burgundy absorbs light. In low-light reception halls, burgundy can look black. Always use warm amber uplighting or spotlights on your centerpieces to ensure the rich tones are visible to guests and cameras.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a color as forgiving as burgundy, there are pitfalls that can dampen the visual impact of your wedding.

1. Ignoring the Venue's "Permanent" Colors

Many traditional ballrooms and historic hotels feature burgundy or navy patterned carpets. If your venue already has a strong burgundy presence, do not try to introduce a clashing bold color like bright orange. Instead, use the venue's existing hue as your "anchor" and build your palette around it to create a cohesive environment.

2. Monochrome Without Contrast

A frequent mistake is ordering burgundy bridesmaid dresses and burgundy bouquets in the exact same shade. Without contrast, the flowers disappear against the dresses in photos. If your bridal party is in dark wine tones, opt for bouquets with plenty of ivory, sage, or lighter pink accents to provide a backdrop for the burgundy blooms.

3. Subjective Color Naming

"Burgundy" means different things to different people. To a florist, it might be a purple-leaning plum; to a printer, it might be a brownish maroon.

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Success: To ensure consistency across your stationery, florals, and linens, use Pantone swatches. Specifically, Pantone 19-1725 TPX Cabernets is a industry standard for a true, rich burgundy.

Styling the Wedding Party

One of the greatest benefits of burgundy wedding colors is their universal flattery. Stylists categorize burgundy as one of the few shades that looks stunning on every skin tone, from very fair to deep ebony.

For the Bridesmaids

Burgundy bridesmaid dresses are a classic for a reason. They provide a stunning "pop" against a white or ivory bridal gown. For 2025, we are seeing a shift toward "mix-and-match" textures—some bridesmaids in velvet, others in satin or chiffon—all within the burgundy family to create visual interest.

For the Groom

Can a groom wear a burgundy suit without it looking like a costume? Absolutely. The key is the fabric. Opt for a "matte" burgundy wool or a deep "wine" tweed rather than a high-shine satin. It serves as a modern, sophisticated alternative to the traditional navy or black tuxedo and works exceptionally well for "Private Members Club" themed weddings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is burgundy only for fall and winter weddings?

Historically, burgundy was considered a seasonal hue, but for the 2025–2026 seasons, it is seen as "seasonless." In spring and summer, it is simply paired with lighter colors like "Buttercream" or "Fresh Chartreuse" to brighten the mood while maintaining sophistication.

What colors go best with burgundy?

For a classic look, pair it with gold, navy, and ivory. For a modern, earthy vibe, use terracotta or sage green. If you want a bold, trend-setting look, pair it with cobalt blue or citrine yellow.

Are burgundy flowers available year-round?

Yes. While certain flowers like Dahlias are seasonal (peaking in late summer and fall), other options like burgundy Roses, Carnations, Scabiosa, and the trendy Amaranthus are generally available through wholesale markets year-round.

Will burgundy look too dark in my wedding photos?

Not if handled correctly. While dark colors provide a beautiful contrast against a bridal gown, you should communicate your palette to your photographer. They may need to adjust their exposure style or use specific lighting techniques to ensure the "moody" palette doesn't result in "muddy" photos.

Conclusion

Burgundy is more than just a color; it is a statement of intent. It speaks to a love that is deep, enduring, and sophisticated. Whether you are leaning into the "Private Members Club" aesthetic of 2026 or keeping it classic with gold and ivory, burgundy wedding colors provide a versatile foundation for a truly memorable celebration.

As you begin planning your budget and guest lists, remember that your color palette will influence every decision from the flowers to the floor plan. If you're ready to start crunching the numbers for your dream burgundy wedding, check out our Wedding Budget Calculator.

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Success: By layering textures, choosing the right pairings, and respecting your venue's natural tones, you can create a burgundy wedding that feels both timeless and ahead of the trend.

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