A few weeks ago, Pantone announced its 2026 Color of the Year: A shade of white that got mixed reviews. To get an honest take on the future’s Cloud Dancer weddings, we asked pros their opinion on the hue. Here’s what they had to say.
How do you feel about Cloud Dancer weddings?
I have to admit that when I found out the Color of the Year for 2026 was a shade of white, I was a bit—underwhelmed. After all, isn’t white a part of every wedding? After years of greige and last year’s Mocha Mousse, I was expecting something more.
A bright shade of orange? Bring it on. A bold teal? So ready! A deep, rich green? Perfect! The last thing I expected was an accent color.
To get a grasp of this color—and how other wedding professionals feel about it—I asked vendors for their take. Will Cloud Dancer weddings take over as couples forsake color for billowy white? Or will the tone remain in the background? Here is what five wedding vendors had to say about Pantone’s choice.
How Pros Feel About Cloud Dancer Weddings in 2026
1. The color white is a wedding staple.
It’s not a secret that white is synonymous with weddings. After all, the bride is typically decked out in white, and the background of invitations, cakes, and florals is often a shade of white.
However, according to Danielle Rothweiler, the owner of Rothweiler Event Design, it’s also been on trend for a while. “White, any shade of white, has been a prominent trend in weddings since 2016,” she says. Cloud Dancer isn’t new or groundbreaking, so will it really be a trend for weddings?
“I continually wonder if Pantone even considers the wedding world when selecting colors because they never pick anything that is remotely on trend,” adds Rothweiler. While white may be en vogue for walls or clothing, the wedding world expects a little more.
2. Cloud Dancer is a nod to the quiet luxury trend.
The concept of quiet luxury (understated wealth) has been on trend for a few years. And, now it’s making a statement in the world of weddings. “With the rise of quiet luxury in the past few years, it’s no surprise that the color of the year is a natural tone that is achievable and calming,” says Irene Katzias, the owner of Irene + Co Events. “There is something to be said about wanting a break from the color and noise.”
While some are frustrated by the color choice, others are welcoming it as a breath of fresh air. A turning of the page of sorts. “With all the ‘trend’ and burnout culture at an all-time high, the intentional choice to press reset for a blank canvas to write your own story is welcomed here,” adds Katzias.
However, Rothweiler says that excusing the choice by likening it to a blank slate is a cop out. A non-choice of sorts. It’s not that folks don’t welcome a respite or a break for the eye. But as a Color of the Year, a shade of white can seem lackluster.
3. Dreamy white reinforces what couples are already doing.
Preena Patel, the owner of Preena Presents, feels that a milky white is an interesting choice. “Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, feels less like a bold industry statement and more like a shrug,” she says.
According to Patel, the 2026 selection is nothing new, as brides have been using soft neutrals, ivory, and layers of white for years. “If anything, it highlights how far ahead couples already are in shaping trends,” adds Patel. “Cloud Dancer won’t revolutionize weddings, but it will validate what couples already gravitate toward.”
She also notes that white isn’t the star of the show, but it’s the canvas. “While it’s a beautiful starting point, the magic is in how couples are pairing it,” she reveals. And that blank canvas allows explosions of color to ensue.
4. Believe it or not, white can be risky.
White as a risk? Katzias thinks so. She says, “From my leather jacket to the florals I pick for the table, the theme this year is clear: We all want permission to take risk.”
She goes on to give an analogy about wearing white pants on the subway. You could end up with a stain, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s “totally risky but worth the reward of an impeccable look to impress your next client at a meeting.” It’s an interesting take.
5. Cloud Dancer is a foundation for vibrant color choices.
So, will we see more Cloud Dancer weddings, or are engaged couples moving on from white? “Right now, we are seeing all shades of white give way to more color,” reveals Rothweiler. And the change is welcomed by many wedding vendors.
“While I personally like Cloud Dancer, I don’t particularly see it changing the way that couples style their weddings,” says wedding photographer Jye Beckett. “But white aside, I’ve been seeing a significant shift away from white and into bursts of colors over the past 18 months.” He’s seen a full range of tones at recent weddings, including yellow, orange, and soft blue hues.
How Wedding Vendors Are Planning Cloud Dancer Weddings
Whether you’re planning an all-white wedding or just adding touches of Cloud Dancer, you can flawlessly integrate the hue. For expert suggestions, we asked Muriel Saldalamacchia, a wedding planner with The International Wedding Planner, for her advice to help your big day shine.
1. Layering will help bring Cloud Dancer weddings to life.
Of course, white is classic, but Pantone’s choice allows couples to reimagine it. And that can be accomplished beautifully with texture. “By layering different shades and textures—especially with flowing draperies and natural fabrics—we create an all-white look that feels modern, soft, and anything but sterile,” says Saldalamacchia. Cloud Dancer permits ethereal palettes with nuance, warmth, and personality.
2. White may demand more from logistics.
“An all-white palette is stunning, but it keeps everyone on their toes,” reveals Saldalamacchia. Just like the white pants analogy from Katzias, you have to keep everything pristine. According to Saldalamacchia, even the small details matter. Pieces like florals, linens, and draperies need to be freshly maintained—even throughout the event itself. “Maintenance is a team effort, with everyone ready for quick touch-ups to keep the look flawless all day,” she adds.
3. Materials matter with a stark color palette.
White can seem stiff, but Saldalamacchia feels it deserves a softer vibe, which is precisely what Cloud Dancer weddings have in store during 2026. Draperies provide movement while softening up a space. “Pair them with velvet, silk, and even hand-pleated organza for layers of tactile interest,” she recommends. Flowers also have a high impact. Saldalamacchia adds, “For florals, I love white peonies, orchids, ranunculus, and touches of bleached foliage for structure.”
Alternative Trends to Cloud Dancer Weddings
Willing to buck the trends? You should be! After all, it’s your big day. Plus, our wedding experts are seeing something other than white come into play. Patel has noticed several trends emerging recently. Here’s what she had to say.
1. Color has intentionality.
Instead of monochrome white palettes, couples are layering Cloud Dancer with rich hues like olive, dusty rose, muted terracotta, and deep navy. These tones ground the softness of white and bring emotion into the space.
2. Florals have depth.
White blooms alone can sometimes fall flat in photos. The real trend is combining white with textured greenery and soft pops of color like mauve ranunculus or blush garden roses. Couples want arrangements that feel romantic, organic, and dimensional.
3. Tablescapes add warmth.
White linens are shifting toward creamy stone, warm taupe, and barely-there blush. Paired with gold flatware, textured chargers, and candle-heavy styling, the look becomes elevated and immersive rather than minimal.
4. Attire is soft.
Brides are beginning to explore gowns with subtle color washes. Champagne and soft blush tulle are rising fast, especially for second looks. Grooms are experimenting too, leaning into espresso, steel blue, and charcoal suits that complement the softness of Cloud Dancer rather than blend into it.
5. Accents are bold.
Even if the foundational color is white, the standout elements are not. Color is showing up in escort displays, bar setups, napkins, stationery, and cakes. Couples want a focal moment that feels fresh, personal, and photogenic.
6. Couples crave depth.
White may be the color of the year, but the true trend is contrast, texture, and warmth. Couples want their weddings to feel timeless yet personal. Cloud Dancer plays a supporting role, but it’s the richer tones and layered design choices that are defining 2026 weddings.
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