Colour Trend Spot: Ecru & how to use it

Ecru has taken over the fashion world, but did you know it is also being applied to weddings?

If you’re not familiar with ecru as a colour, ecru is traditionally the natural, unbleached colour of linen. It is also applied to cotton and silk now too. Though you may see it initially as a “boring beige”, Ecru can really be seen as multiple neutral shades and tints rooted in nature. It provides us with more depth in a palette than a pure white, and it’s better for the environment to omit the bleaching process of these fibres.

So how can you use it in your wedding without feeling blah? The key is in the details, and more specifically, textures.

Here are some of my pin-able colour palettes with ecru for every wedding season!

Spring/ Summer

Let’s begin with spring and summer because I know you’re all thinking there’s no way ecru would be appropriate for a spring wedding but I urge you to look into your online shopping cart or your updated spring wardrobe. Chances are you may be bringing out that lovely linen, and light pair of jeans or a cute white workwear jacket. Pair it with some pastels of the season and you’ll have the perfect look. The same goes for your spring wedding. Add the ecru tones for a level of sophistication and maturity, but don’t forget a pop of pastel to liven things up!

When working with textures for this season, I like to imagine frilly peonies or ranunculus and astilbe. These all come in wonderful creamy colours and add an airy element to the design. If you want to add some greenery, consider elephant ear, it has a fuzzy texture and a cool grey-green colour that will pair well with the ecru and pastels. Certainly, pull out your linens for the table as well to truly lean into the ecru theme.

Fall/ Winter

THIS is the season for ecru. Expand your palette from purely fall leaf red/orange tones or winter blues and think about the cosy knitwear and those beautiful warm drinks. Ecru for winter allows for a modern, minimal aesthetic that still provides warmth.

These off-season months are the perfect time to include dried flowers, like amaranthus which of course often bare ecru colours naturally. Balance the rough texture of dried flowers together with cream roses, which will always be available year-round. A little tip is to flip out your outer rose petals, for a less traditional and more dynamic and interesting shape. Orchids can also be a great shape to add to your arrangements.

When considering textiles and tableware, aim for heavy stonewashed linens, paired with beautiful handmade ceramics with matte natural coloured glazes.