Bring on the Joy - Pantone Color of the Year 2023: Viva Magenta

The Pantone Color of the Year is more than just a shade that will be popular in the coming year. The company often chooses a hue that expresses hope for the future—and this year is no different. For 2023, Pantone has selected Viva Magenta—an unconventional shade for an unconventional time. Originating from the red family, Viva Magenta is "brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration,” explained Pantone Color Institute's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman.

It’s no secret that we’re living in an age where technology is king. With the selection of Viva Magenta, Pantone is looking to get back to nature, reconnect us with original matter, and helps us rebuild our inner strength as we continue to deal with a pandemic, an unstable economy, supply chain issues, and social unrest. While it is a bright and bold color, Viva Magenta provides a balance between warm and cool shades. With that in mind, it can pair perfectly with an array of complementary colors to create a memorable palette for a variety of special events and celebrations!

Place It Center Stage

Since Viva Magenta aims to connect us with nature, it’s not surprising that Pantone recommends pairing the color with neutrals easily found around us, including Gray Sand, Pale Khaki, and Fields of Rye, as well as a bold navy blue for contrast. This will give Viva Magenta center stage at an event. For example, you can stay neutral with your décor—neutral tablecloths, and add splashes of Viva Magenta via your centerpieces, napkins, signature drinks, and even a custom neon sign near the dance floor or bar area.

Pair It With Pastels

Spring and summer couples often lean towards pastel colors for their wedding day color palette. They can add that extra wow factor by pairing Viva Magenta with Pantone’s Pale Dogwood (a light pink), Plein Air (a light blue), or Gray Lilac. Dressing the wedding party in one of these lighter hues and then choosing magenta blooms for the bouquets and boutonnieres will provide a striking contrast in photos and in person.

Combine It With the Classics

Fall and winter couples might want a more sophisticated—yet modern—affair, with black and white as their base. They can then add Viva Magenta as a pop of color throughout the event. Work it into the invitations, floral runners, and the cake’s adornments. The bride might even want to walk down the aisle in magenta-colored shoes. This scheme works beautifully for a black-tie wedding, and you can even incorporate some metallic touches to bring the luxe to another level.

Go All Out With Pink

Barbiecore is expected to be a popular wedding theme in the coming year, so why not pair Viva Magenta with various shades of pink? Couples can start with the lightest shade (like Pantone’s Pale Dogwood) and increase boldness until they get to Viva Magenta. Floral arches in various shades of pink can be set up near the altar, mix and match shades of pink at your place settings, and set up a dessert bar with sweet treats in different pink hues.