Welcoming the Color of the Year, “Cloud Dancer,” to 2026 Weddings

Avery Malone
Feb 9
3 min read

How the 2026 Pantone Color, “Cloud Dancer,” a serene soft white, can be incorporated into wedding decor and outfit inspiration, setting the scene for your special day.

Emilie Mae Photography, Kendra Martin Photography, Christi Clark Photography, Jessica Hunt Photography, Cameron Budove Photography

Meet Cloud Dancer

Every year, Pantone’s Color of the Year sets the tone for design trends worldwide. 2026 introduces PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a soft white that feels fresh and inviting. The neutral hue is inspired by a sense of peace, dependability, and simplicity in a chaotic world. Instead of bright white, Cloud Dancer is gentle and airy. It creates a foundation that authentically complements other colors and textures.

The Experts We Trust

Founded in 1963 by Lawrence Herbert, PANTONE has helped over 10 million creatives worldwide understand and express color. Pantone’s team of color and design experts from various design, cultural, and geographical backgrounds study color psychology and trends. Accordingly, PANTONE offers a matching system, consulting services, and trend reports, such as their Color of the Year. The Pantone Color of the Year began in 1999. The program’s goal is to teach people how to effectively incorporate color into their brand, product, or personal life, and to understand the power of color through cultural and emotional perception.

Styling Cloud Dancer for “I Do”

Cloud Dancer fits effortlessly into any wedding style. Picture your dream wedding. Whether it features a coastal or French country theme, truly any style will be elevated. Similarly, the light hue can harmonize with all color combinations as it helps blend shades together or showcase them. Its flexibility allows couples to make their special day feel uniquely personal. It accentuates the beauty surrounding it, creating moments that feel thoughtful rather than overstated.

We love seeing Cloud Dancer woven into wedding days through drapery, linens, furniture, candles, and layered tablescapes. The list goes on! It photographs beautifully in sunlight and pairs especially well with organic elements such as stone, wood, greenery, and florals.

For brides and their bridesmaids, this color graciously displays the texture of a dress. Imagine silk, chiffon, lace, or subtle beading. For grooms and groomsmen, Cloud Dancer is a perfect color for crisp shirts, accessories, or light-toned suiting for spring and summer celebrations!

Our Favorite Pairings

Notably, one of PANTONE’s 2026 color palettes, “Powdered Pastels,” displays understated colors we are inspired by. Pairing Cloud Dancer with soothing pastel tones adds a whimsical touch. Blush or peachy pinks, powder blues, lavender, sage, and butter yellow are fun options for couples looking for a refined, romantic atmosphere without feeling overly traditional. Using muted tints is a great way to subtly include pops of color and achieve a dreamy aesthetic. For instance, here is a glimpse into Caitlann and Josh's wedding at Legare Waring House and Gardens!

A Look Back at 2025

In contrast, 2025’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, was a warm, rich, and cozy shade of brown. While Mocha Mousse felt very grounded, Cloud Dancer takes a lighter approach, highlighting fresh beginnings. Together, these two colors show how wedding design continues to evolve. Using color with intention turns a design into a memorable feeling.

In summary, Cloud Dancer will be a flawless addition to 2026 weddings! It will allow people to breathe in an increasingly busy world. Wedding guests can relax and appreciate a beautiful celebration. Whether used as the primary or supporting shade, Cloud Dancer is a great choice.