Color doesn’t just brighten up a room, it also has a huge impact on human behavior. All humans rely on sensory input; and color, when used skillfully, has been proven to prompt certain responses. Everywhere from marketing to interior design the use of color has been used to great effect, but use of color can also ensure the success of an event. Many people often overlook this important step when they are planning an event. The main focus remains on the venue, the food, the timing and more. But the colors used in the event can and do play a huge role in making or breaking the event.
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Picking Colors
If you are using colors for an event, pay attention to the nature of the event as well as the type of people invited. The age of participants might influence the usage of color as well. For a black tie event, black, purple, gold and deep red are good colors, signifying sophistication, mystery and elegance. Similarly, the seasons can also make certain colors more appealing. Fall and winter makes warm colors more favorable while spring and summer make bright, cool colors more pleasing.
Color and Emotions
The biggest thing that color does is incite an emotional response through visually stimulating the senses. Based on these responses and perception, the following are some of the most commonly used colors:
White: Light and calming; creates a sense of space, gives an impression of purity.
Black: Sophisticated, mysterious, powerful, elegant and bold.
Blue: Calming, soothing, trust and loyalty
Red: Exciting, passionate, and intense
Orange: Energetic, excitement, intense, and playful
Yellow: Warm, cheery, can be fatiguing to the eye if used too much
Green: Tranquil, calming
Purple: Royalty, wisdom, wealth
Usage of Colors
On the color wheel, there are the basic, primary, and secondary colors with tertiary colors that fall in between them. Colors can be used alone or in conjunction with color schemes that are mono-chromatic, complementary or contrasting, triadic, analogous or even rainbow. You can use it in the following manner:
Décor: The décor can be the best way to mix and match and use color skillfully. Many venues tend to have a neutral setting which makes it easy for one to apply a color scheme to them.
Lights: Color can also be used in lighting as well as seen in concerts and parties. Used in lighting, it can cast a definite change in the mood.
Cultural Significance
Cultures can also dictate the proper usage of color. For example, in Eastern cultures, the color white is often used in mourning, while in Western colors, it is considered a traditional color of purity and used widely for weddings. However, for Eastern weddings, red is commonly used and associated with good luck. The color black is also used according to cultural norms, signifying re-birth and life in certain cultures and used for mourning in others. For this reason, always ensure that the colors you are using will not be considered disrespectful or unsuitable for an event based on their cultural impact.