Merlot & French Blue Wedding Colors (Fall Palette with Hex Codes)
Pair a deep merlot main color with soft French blue as the accent. Ground them with ivory, a slate-navy deep color and antique gold. Merlot carries bridesmaid dresses and flowers, French blue shows up in smaller doses (ties, stationery, a few blooms), and ivory keeps linens and paper light. The Knot calls deep red with French blue a standout 2027 pairing.
| Swatch | Color | Hex | Role | Where to use it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merlot | #6B1E2E | Main | Bridesmaid dresses, lead flower color, invitation ink or envelope | |
| French Blue | #8DA9C4 | Accent | Ties or pocket squares, ribbon, second flower color, stationery details | |
| Warm Ivory | #F4EDE1 | Neutral | Linens, paper, candles, cake | |
| Slate Navy | #2F3B4C | Deep | Suits, signage lettering, table numbers | |
| Antique Gold | #B8975A | Metal | Flatware, candle holders, foil, rings |
Hex values are Linden's draft palette, not an industry standard. Screens vary, so check fabric and paper samples in daylight.
Who wears what
| Person | Suggested color | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bride | Ivory or warm white | Ivory sits more softly next to merlot than stark white. |
| Partner/groom | Slate navy suit, French-blue tie | Navy anchors the palette. Blue ties the suit back to the accent. |
| Bridesmaids | Merlot (one shade) or merlot-to-wine mix | Choose one undertone. Mixing warm and cool reds can read as a clash in photos. |
| Groomsmen | Slate navy or charcoal, merlot or French-blue ties | Repeats the main and accent colors. |
| Parents | French blue, slate or soft gold tones | Coordinates without matching the bridal party. |
| Guests (dress-code card) | Jewel tones and soft blues welcome. Please skip deep red. | Keeps merlot for the wedding party. |
In-season flowers
For merlot: dahlias, garden roses, ranunculus-style roses in burgundy shades, amaranthus. For the French-blue accent: delphinium, scabiosa or thistle, depending on your florist's supply. Availability varies by region, so confirm with your florist.
Venue and lighting
Merlot deepens a lot in candlelight and indoor tungsten light, so keep ivory or gold near faces and tables to lift it. French blue can go grey in shade or overcast light, so pick a slightly warmer blue swatch if your photos will be outdoors in late afternoon.
Colors to avoid with this palette
Bright cherry or tomato reds (they fight merlot's cool undertone), and icy silver accents if you've chosen gold (choose one metal).
FAQ
- Is merlot and French blue only for fall?
- It's strongest from September to January. For spring, lighten the main color to a dusty rose and keep the French blue.
- What suit colors go with merlot bridesmaid dresses?
- Navy, slate and charcoal are the safest. Add a French-blue or merlot tie to tie the party together.
- What hex codes should I send my stationer?
- Send all five codes above with their roles, plus a physical paper sample request.
linden /palettes/fall-merlot-and-french-blue
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Source note: The Knot, Trending Wedding Colors Experts Recommend for 2027.