Couples often feel obligated to use certain color schemes when planning a destination wedding. Tropical colors, nautical themes, and every possible shade of blue have almost become clichéd as destination wedding color schemes. We’re here to let you know that your wedding is yours — make it your own! Here are some tips to help you brainstorm.

Say Goodbye to the “Two’s-the-Limit” Rule

You know the fashion commandment about not wearing white after Labor Day that we’ve discarded in recent years? Another outdated rule deserves the same fate: limiting yourself to just two primary wedding colors. Destination wedding planning is anything but conventional, so why follow tired old conventions?!

Of course, you don’t want a wedding that looks like a tie-dye T-shirt you’d see on a Grateful Dead fan – don’t go crazy. But don’t feel limited to two or even three or four distinct wedding colors. The secret to pulling off multiple colors is to incorporate several neutral shades. Doing so will prevent sensory overload. Alternatively, try using multiple shades of the same color for a tonal color scheme.

Balance Bold Colors

While we challenge you to be bold in choosing your colors, make sure you choose just one dominant color and select softer, more neutral shades to balance it out. Your guests’ eyes will need some rest and tranquility to temper the boldness of your main color. For instance, if you want bright pink to take center stage, go with a powder blue or deep navy instead of electric blue.

Don’t Conform to or Overlook Your Setting

Destination weddings are usually in spectacular settings, so you don’t want to miss the chance to incorporate parts of the scenery in your color scheme. But that doesn’t mean you have to fall into lockstep behind every other bride who’s picked tropical pastel beach wedding colors. Get creative—what are the national colors of the country you’re getting married in, for example?

Also let the season guide your decision as well as the type of wedding you want, such as casual, elegant, etc. For instance, we love a vibrant marigold, gold, and white mix for a late summer beach wedding. For a more formal wedding, try a classy mix of beige, silver, and ivory.

The best thing about a destination wedding is that it’s different. These tips will help you buck destination-wedding conformity and find the perfect palette for your ceremony.