The Pantone Color of the Year 2026 has officially been announced, and in a rare move, it's a hue already incredibly well-known among couples and event pros alike.
By: Meghan Ely
So the question is — how does one weave Cloud Dancer into a wedding aesthetic in a way that's unexpected? To help you get inspired, we're sharing the top ways to bring the Pantone Color of the Year to life throughout your wedding day.
Consider the Power of Texture and Layers
Photo: Tony George Photo via Snapdragon Bloom Bar
"I believe the best way to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year will be through texture – think tone-on-tone, and layers upon layers. Subtle differences in texture, layering, and color variances will add depth and dimension to a design without the need for color. It won’t be about bold splashes of color, but rather the nuanced finishes and textures in décor, stationery, linens, and even flatware. From afar, it may appear uniform — but as you get closer, all the subtle details will come to life, creating a lovely tactile, immersive experience." —Heidi Moore, idieh design
"Mix finishes and materials. Think soft draping with crystal, ceramic with stone, or glossy candlelight against matte linens. White feels richer when contrasted with thoughtful materials and lighting." —Amber Lynn, Snapdragon Bloom Bar
"Using Cloud Dancer can be easily incorporated into the wedding details such as the stationery. White cardstock, envelopes, ribbon, etc. are available in abundance. However, white is not the most visually interesting color to work with, so couples will need to lean into using different textures and finishes for their stationery and carefully select accent colors." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
Photo: Elyse Hall Photography via Idieh Design
Craftsmanship Matters
"Focus on the quality of your materials. With this Pantone, there is no room for error, as every imperfection will be seen. We will see the rise of designers and wedding pros who make intentional choices that are still unexpected and luxurious.
Also, pay specific attention to the density of your textiles. You don’t want anything to appear translucent in any draping design or table setting unintentionally. Volume and material selection will be key to a successful use of this Pantone." —Irene Katzias, Irene + Co Events
Photo: Jenny DeMarco
Fashion and Wedding Party Styling
"While it is traditional for the bride’s dress to be white, consider dressing the bridesmaids in white as well. White is often associated with luxury, and dressing the wedding party in white would elevate the overall look of your entire event. White reflects light and creates a bright and airy feel for your photos. Allowing the bridesmaids to be dressed in a simple white dress would enhance the overall look of the bride’s dress with its detail and veil." —Casey Cannon, EBJ & Company
"One way I'm incorporating Cloud Dancer (and you can, too!) in 2026 is with a twist on traditional wedding decorum. This summer, wedding guest dress code is White Linens and Mediterranean Summer Elegance. In other words, all white! The wedding party will be in a beige color, and the couple will be in a surprise pop of color or colors. I personally love this idea because it makes the partners stand out even more from the crowd. Since there are a million ways to style a white linen outfit, uniformity won't hold back individuality, and that's the beauty of this idea!" —Kati Kons, Portrait of a Bride on Fire
Photo: Abigail Malone
Photo: Siobhan Stanton Photography
Monochromatic Design
"White is already so commonly incorporated into wedding or wedding-adjoining events, especially as a supporting 'color.' To elevate the use of the color, I predict that designers will produce all-monochromatic moments. This could mean everything from the drapery, to the chairs, to the linens, to the florals all sharing the same ‘white’ color. Designers may lean into one solitary, visual color, but bring spaces to life via texture and levels (think 'white' velvet draping on the walls, with 'white' chairs, tucked under 'white' linen tablecloths, decorated with all 'white' roses)." —Brittany Branson, By Brittany Branson
"You can also embrace tonal depth by pairing Cloud Dancer with warm ivories, soft ecru, or natural stone hues. Keeping everything within the white family creates a serene, couture inspired atmosphere." —Amber Lynn, Snapdragon Bloom Bar
Photo: Meghan Lynch
Cloud Dancer Beyond Décor
"White does not need to stop at décor. Use this color in fashion and hospitality moments so it feels like a thread guests keep noticing. Connect the dots, so to speak." —Jaclyn Watson, Jaclyn Watson Events
"Cloud Dancer is the perfect color that inspires weddings to have a clean and contemporary look. The serenity of this color palette allows for crafting wedding atmospheres that feel elegant, without overpowering the experience. For my clients, it means endless possibilities to be true to themselves, allowing them to choose the details that really matter and personalize experiences that represent them as a couple." —Carol Guedes, Flying Little Birds
Photo: Rebecca Love
As a classic wedding hue, Cloud Dancer offers no shortage of ways to bring it into your celebration, proving that a tried-and-true favorite can still feel fresh.
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a longtime wedding industry speaker, traveling globally.
