A New Innovation: Pantone Color of the Year 2022 - Very Peri

Very peri collage
December 09, 2021

The announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year is always an exciting time, but the company truly outdid itself this year by creating a brand-new hue for 2022: Very Peri, a periwinkle blue with a violet-red undertone. It’s the first time in the 22 years that Pantone has been revealing its color of the year that it developed a new color instead of choosing one of its existing shades—a decision that was a direct result of the “highly unusual time” we’re all living in, which includes living through a pandemic, concerns about the environment, and a shift in social values. The combination of blue, which is associated with faithfulness and constancy, and a touch of red, which conveys energy and excitement, was chosen in order to create a color that suggests innovation and a fresh start.

"It was really important for us to come up with a new color because we have a very new vision of the world now," explained Pantone Color Institute's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. "It is literally the happiest and the warmest of all the blue hues, adding that “because of that red undertone, it introduces an empowering feeling of newness, and newness is what we're looking for."

Very Peri can also easily be paired with an array of complementary colors to create a unique wedding color palette that’s sure to wow guests. Whether you’re aiming to go bold or would rather stay more in the classic range, Pantone has created some color combos for inspiration. You can use the Aisle Planner Design Studio to have some fun with these shades!



Balancing Act

Combining Very Peri with warm or cool colors such as lilac (Pantone’s Lotus), deep purple (Hawthorn Rose), lavender (Burnished Lilac or Elderberry), and even muted reds (Muted Clay) and greens (Granite Green) can inject a “feeling of liveliness and visual vibration.” These hues would look amazing in floral designs, table settings, and even mix and match bridesmaids' dresses.

Tan, pinks, very peri
Photos courtesy of Light as Gold & Cody and Allison Photography


Wellspring

Perfect for couples that want to showcase their love of nature, these combos pair Very Peri with varying shades of green (Greebriar, Foliage, Treetop or Celery). You can also mix in some brown (Chai Tea) or add in a subtle pop of color with a pale blue (Eggshell) or deeper purple (Dewberry). These are great ideas for newlyweds who want to create an outdoor effect in an indoor space.

shades of purple and very peri
Photos courtesy of Kristin Nichole Photography


Star of the Show

These colors work best for couples that want a more elegant and classic feel at their event. Neutrals ranging from the light (Cloud Dancer, White Sand, and Plaza Taupe) to the dark (Volcanic Glass and Deep Taupe) serve as a base that allows Very Peri to take center stage. Want something overly dramatic? Pair black (Pantone’s Anthracite) with Very Peri for a showstopping effect.

Mute shades and very peri
Photos courtesy of Jenny Tong Photography


Amusements

These color palettes are for the couple that wants to stand out. It’s all about taking an already vibrant color—Very Peri, of course—and pairing it with something equally as bold, such as bright pinks (Pink Flambe or Fuchsia Pink) or orange (Tawny Orange). Add in some calmer colors like brown (Iced Coffee or Cornsilk) so the palette isn’t too over-the-top.

Bright colors and very peri
Photos courtesy of Leslie Rodriguez Photography
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About the Author

Aisle Planner Editorial Team
Aisle Planner Editorial Team
The Aisle Planner Editorial Team is a collective of creative writers, editors, and former event pros who obsess over weddings and special events—and the businesses behind them! Drawn to refined details, design, and creativity, our team provides intelligent and straightforward articles with insights, practical tips, and expert guidance in putting Aisle Planner's "Power of One" behind your business.