Ever wondered where that big Pantone swatch book that designers tote around came from? Throughout history man has studied color and how it relates to our environment. Jude Stewart at Imprint explores the history of The Wonderful Color Wheel.

"How many ways can you reshuffle the rainbow? Three, as a matter of fact, if modern color theory is to be believed: Pantone numbers for print designers and brand managers; hex, RGB, and CMYK values for web designers; and CIELAB and CIECAM02 color models for the scientific community. But while the science of color models is largely settled, all that rigorous theory still doesn’t quite squeeze out the sense of fallible humanity underpinning the history of the color wheel..."

Read more: Imprint-The Online Community for Graphic Designers | The Wondrous Color Wheel

Here are some great ideas for colorful summer weddings...

What are the top trends for 2010 weddings? Find out from TheKnot.com:

Trend 1: Retro-Chic Weddings

Trend 2: Dinner-Focused Receptions

Trend 3: Innovative Ceremony Setups

Trend 4: Shorter, Tea-Length Dresses

Trend 5: Classic White Wedding Cakes

Trend 6: Textural Flower Arrangements

Trend 7: Turn Table DJs/Specialty Music

Trend 8: Supped-Up Photo Booths

Trend 9: Themed Engagement Photo Shoots

Trend 10: Wedding Videos (They're Back!)

According to AboutWeddings.com times are changing. There is a huge focus on nature and the environment. From eco-friendly and green weddings to earthy design elements, things are going natural. Pull your inspiration from the surroundings. Look at your locale to establish your color scheme and even the materials used for your paper goods. Items like leaves, twigs and grasses can be incorporated into everything from your program to the centerpieces. For more read the full article. The beautiful example from Twig and Fig clearly shows this trend...

Graphic Design USA in conjunction with PANTONE announced the hottest new colors. "Color is among the most powerful ways to communicate messages about products, services, causes and ideas. And color forecasts are where theory and practice come together, where the rubber meets the road. Color choice is influenced by social, political and economic events—as you will see the recession, the environment and globalism are among this year’s lightning rods — but the process is so complex and evolutionary that no simple explanation fits." Graphic Design USA.

These colors should be abundant for fall 2009 and spring 2010 weddings so keep your eyes peeled. For more information download the full report from Graphic Design USA.

So often, brides are disapointed when they get their photos back from their wedding photographer only to realize that there's no photo of their wedding invitation. Today's weddings are works of art. Brides and grooms spend months and even years planning the special day, so they want to make sure that it has been completely documented. Make sure you let your photographer know you would like a photo of it to match the other wedding photography.

Give the copy to your wedding coordinator at your final planning session and let her/him manage getting it to the photographer.

Happy Planning!